18 days Kenya: lots and lots of safari & beach

The drive from Nairobi to Ol’ Pejeta Conservancy takes 5 hours, departing around 7:30 AM, with a memorable crossing of the equator along the way and views of Mount Kenya in the distance. You typically arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive where you may spot your first rhino.

The Ol' Pejeta Conservancy is a protected area set up for endangered species. For rhino lovers, this is a pure heaven on earth with a population of more than 100 black rhinos, almost 40 southern white rhinos AND the last two remaining northern white rhinos worldwide. These white rhinos can even be visited up close! Besides rhinos, the conservancy hosts endangered species like the African wild dog, the oryx, Jackson's hartebeest and Grévy’s zebra, and houses a sanctuary for abused or orphaned chimpanzees.

The road north from Ol' Pejeta's green Laikipia highlands takes 4 hours, crossing the equator and descending into increasingly arid, sun-baked terrain that signals the beginning of Kenya's northern frontier. Samburu's rugged, semi-desert landscape (home to rare species found nowhere else in Kenya) feels like a different country entirely by the time you arrive at Samburu National Reserve.

Buffalo Springs National Reserve, just south of Samburu in northern Kenya and features varied landscapes from volcanic plains to riverine forests. The reserve is home to elephants, lions, Grevy’s zebras, giraffes, and over 390 bird species, with the Ewaso Nyiro River providing the best wildlife viewing, especially from June to October. Visitors can also spot hippos and crocodiles near the water. With three natural springs at its heart, this reserve flows with the spirit of classic safari exploration!

The Solio Ranch Conservancy is a privately owned and very special wildlife sanctuary. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, the former ranch is dedicated to saving and protecting rhinos in Kenya. Enjoy thrilling game drives, guided walks and serene picnics amidst the picturesque scenery and not only marvel at the grey giants, but also animals like buffalos, zebras, giraffes, elands, oryx, impala, waterbucks, Thomson’s gazelles and warthogs.

Lake Nakuru National Park is an amazing wildlife haven, smack in the middle of the Great Rift Valley. The Nakuru Lake in the middle of the park is its main attraction, with hundreds of birds flocking to its shores. The park used to be known for its many flamingos, but rising water levels caused these birds to migrate elsewhere. Luckily, they are slowly returning, and in any case, Lake Nakuru is a great place to visit with its black and white rhinos, giraffes, buffalos, lions, the occasional leopard and over 400 species of birds.

As the Zebra Plains camp lies close to the Masai Mara National Reserve, their walking safaris are next level. While walking with two Maasai (one armed for protection) and an experienced guide, this is your chance to get closer than ever to giraffes, zebras, impala and all the other animals in this area. What’s more, the Maasai will teach you how to identify and differentiate wildlife footprints and plants, leaving you feeling like a true nature warrior in your own right!

Leaving Lake Nakuru's flamingo-fringed shores, this 5-hour drive southwest is one of Kenya's great safari road trips - descending through the Rift Valley floor and climbing out across rolling tea country before the grasslands of the Mara open up ahead. By the time wildebeest and topi (fast-running antelopes with striking black markings) appear along the roadside, anticipation has already reached its peak!

Lake Naivasha is a stunning freshwater lake in Kenya's Rift Valley, sitting 1,884 meters above sea level and covering 139 square kilometres. It's home to hippos, diverse fish species, and over 400 bird species, including the iconic African fish eagle, pelicans, and herons, making it a paradise for wildlife and birdwatching enthusiasts. Visitors can take boat rides to glide past hippos and explore the lake's rich ecosystem up close. Don't miss Crescent Island, a scenic peninsula reachable by boat. There, you can walk alongside giraffes, warthogs, and buffalo.

Have you ever wanted to pass floating hippos by boat? Seek no longer: during a boat safari on Lake Naivasha this is exactly what will happen. You will pass between huge groups of hippos while seeing eagles and cormorants flying above you, and admiring giraffes on the shore. The safari on board a small motorized boat takes about 60 minutes and ends on the beautiful Crescent Island, where you will continue with a stunning walking safari between zebras, giraffes and wildebeests.

After driving towards Amboseli National Park today, you end your day in style with a classic safari sundowner. Upon arrival in the lodge and after freshening up, a guide accompanies you to a special sundowner spot. The short walk over the savannah leads to a table and chairs, glasses and drinks, snacks and, of course, a view to die for. With some luck, you see the Amboseli animals passing while the sun slowly sets in the most beautiful glow over the long savannah grasses...

Leaving the cool, papyrus-lined shores of Lake Naivasha, this 7-hour drive to Amboseli National Park crosses the Great Rift Valley before joining Nairobi’s busy highways, where the scenery shifts from open landscapes to lively city scenes. Once you reach Amboseli’s wide plains, it’s best to keep things relaxed with a sundowner or a gentle walk rather than a full game drive. If you prefer to break up the journey, a stop in Nairobi works well, with options like Nairobi National Park or a short look around the city before continuing.

Tsavo West National Park is a park that shows a diverse and remarkable nature with, for example, the Mzima Springs, the Shetani Lava Flows and the Chaimu crater. With its 9,065 square kilometres, this is one of Kenya's largest national parks, and four of the Big Five can be seen roaming freely here. Besides, you fairly easily spot regulars like giraffes, zebras, antelopes, gerenuks and many different species of birds, all between the green hills, acacia forests, savannah, natural springs and huge lava rocks from nearby volcanos.

With over 13,000 square kilometres, Tsavo East National Park is huge, impressive, and, since it was founded in 1948, old. Cruise the outstretched savannah of the Yatta Plateau with its large groups of red elephants, and observe some of the last remaining supertuskers and maneless lions. Listen to the famous story of the man-eating lions, while keeping your eyes peeled for an amazing amount of other animals; four of the Big Five (minus rhinos) together with dik-diks, zebras, giraffes, yellow baboons, cheetahs, African wild dogs, elands, gazelles, gerenuks, hyenas, jackals, and over 500 species of birds!

Embark on an unforgettable train ride through the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya's national parks. While heading to Mombasa, expect some great sightings of animals and nature; you might even see the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance! So sit back, grab some snacks and enjoy this nature documentary on rails. Once there, you either stay in a resort on Diani Beach or go to the exclusive tropical island of Chale!

Chale Island is one of Kenya's precious jewels, a true paradise with amazingly white beaches and a crystal blue ocean, just off the country's south coast. This small, tropical island is also known as a sacred kaya, one of the places of ancient worship you find along Kenya's coast, which makes it extra special. What's more, it has rich and diverse oceanic underwater life and offers a plethora of water activities. Lovers of water sports, diving and beach will feel right at home here, especially when staying in The Sands Hotel - the island's only (!) and beautiful beach resort.