Why Kenya is the Ultimate Honeymoon Safari Destination
Kenya as a honeymoon destination really does tick all the boxes. With beautiful white sandy beaches, national parks brimming with wildlife and grassy plains with breath-taking landscapes, it has everything you need for a romantic honeymoon in Africa. So, what exactly can you see and do on a Kenya honeymoon safari?
Where to Begin your Kenya Honeymoon
A good place to begin your exploration is in capital Nairobi. This hip, bustling city is filled with art and cultural pursuits, plus, some of the world’s best wildlife parks are right on your doorstep. During the first few days of your honeymoon in Kenya visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – a sanctuary for orphaned elephants and learn more about their amazing work with these magnificent creatures.
Just outside the city, with the towering skyscrapers still in your midst, Nairobi National Park awaits. It’s a veritable wonderland of big cats, such as lions, cheetahs, leopards and you can also see giraffes and the endangered black rhino.
Nairobi offers an exciting start to your Kenya honeymoon safari giving insight into the country’s culture before you head out to vast plains, mountains and savannahs of the interior.
The Best Kenya Safari Destinations for Honeymooners
There are over 40 national parks in Kenya, with many hosting some of our planet’s most interesting wildlife and bird species. Here are a few of our ideas for the best Kenya honeymoon safari destinations.
Amboseli National Park
A few hours drive south of Nairobi in the Loitoktok district of the Rift Valley is one of the country’s premier safari destinations in Kenya for honeymooners, Amboseli National Park. Nestled in the foothills of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, the park is home to the largest free-roaming elephant population in Kenya. It offers great adventures and wildlife viewing opportunities for honeymooners with far-reaching views, big skies and open savannahs.
The park is home to over 60 wildlife species, and over 400 species of birdlife. During your stay you’ll see familiar stripes of the zebra and gazelles strolling beneath scattered Baobab trees, giraffes loping across the landscape, herds of elephants wandering the plains and majestic birds soaring up above. You can visit a traditional Masai village and learn about their people’s culture and when the day is through, unwind with a hearty meal and drinks on the private deck of your romantic lodge in Amboseli National Park.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Another option is to drive or fly from Nairobi to south-west Kenya to the legendary Masai Mara. The vast African tree-spotted plains encompass over 1500 square metres and border Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. This unique location is one of the best places to see the “Big Five” in Kenya. Thrilling days can be spent on your honeymoon travelling by jeep beneath endless blue skies to view elephants, rhinos, lions and zebras. One of the most romantic activities you can enjoy as a newlywed couple is to view the Masai Mara by hot air balloon! You’ll gain an aerial perspective of the sprawling wilderness – especially busy during the wildebeest migration during July and August and when they return in late October/early November! Pop a champagne cork to celebrate your union whilst soaring high above the trees and gain incredible photographs for your wedding album!
Mount Kenya and Samburu National Reserve
If this isn’t your first time visiting Kenya, and you’ve already explored the main national parks, a trip to Mount Kenya and Samburu National Park is sure to appeal. Mount Kenya lies north of Nairobi and is part of a biosphere reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. With attractive Afro-alpine landscapes, ancient forests and summits which are also glaciers, it’s a unique environment in which to spend your Kenya honeymoon. Mount Kenya National Park is also home to many endangered species – a place where monkeys dangle from tree branches whilst bongos and bushbucks roam the land. Even when you’re hiking Mount Kenya or indulging in a spot of rock climbing, you can see colourful sunbirds, scarlet winged turacos and also the occasional leopard lounging in a tree close to the summit!
A little further north, Samburu National Park is a quieter option for a honeymoon safari in Kenya. Its flat green terrain along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro river and rocky outcrops are less-crowded than Amboseli National Park and the Masai Mara, plus you can spot rare species like the Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra and the reticulated giraffe here!
Between May and early October large amounts of wildlife can be viewed easily in the park due to lush vegetation and abundance of river water left over from the rainy season. Spend your days on game drives spotting the “Big Three” cats – lion, leopard and cheetah, gerenuks and beisa oryx, learning about the Samburu people and tranquil evenings admiring constellations beneath clear night skies from your luxury lodge or Bedouin tent!
Best Beaches for Honeymooners in Kenya
Most couples spending their honeymoon safari in Kenya opt to conclude their holiday relaxing on a blissful, palm-lined beach on the shores of the turquoise Indian Ocean. The great news is, there are several beach resorts close to the vibrant coastal city of Mombasa which are perfect places to unwind after your Kenya safari.
Nyali Beach
Just moments outside the coastal city of Mombasa, Nyali Beach boasts several luxury beachfront hotels and is rarely overcrowded. For couples who enjoy water sports, it’s also one of Kenya’s best places for surfing.
Chui Beach and Malindi
Honeymooners who want to add a little history and culture to their beach stay in Kenya will enjoy laid-back Malindi. It’s where Vasco da Gama the famous Portuguese explorer landed in Africa and the town itself dates back to the 1st century when it was an Arabic settlement. Palm trees and parasols shade sun loungers on Chui Beach and you can spend lazy days listening to the sound of lapping waves on the shores, before browsing colourful markets or dining on freshly caught seafood.
Diani Beach
By far the most popular and one of the most picturesque beach resorts in Kenya, honeymooners will love Diani Beach. Easily accessible from Mombasa, its white sandy beaches are peppered with swaying palms and atmospheric bars and restaurants offer signature cocktails and a selection of local and international cuisine. As a couple, you can swim, snorkel to coral reefs, learn to surf or enjoy a romantic boat trip as you watch camels strolling care-free along the shore! There are several luxury hotels on Diani Beach too, so you’re sure to find the perfect honeymoon hideaway in Kenya in which to end your magical holiday in Africa.
Check out some of our Honeymoon safari packages;
- Luxurious Kenyan Safari
- Land of the Big Cats Safari
- Stunning Flying Safari
- Fresh Perspectives Safari
- Wildlife and White Sands Honeymoon Safari
- Newlywed Nature and Adveture Safari
- Big 5 and the Beach Honeymoon Safari
- Tanzania’s Plains to Pristine Beaches Safari
If you’re visiting Kenya, comfortable accommodation is also a must. While there are luxurious hotels, there are also plenty of great Airbnbs in Kenya to choose from.
