The Best of Kenya – Safari Magic and Coastal Paradise

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When you hear about Kenya the first thing that comes to your mind is Wildlife – and rightfully so, Kenya is famous for its vast savannahs, teeming with the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos) and a safari experience that’s second to none. But, did you know that Kenya’s coast is an absolute hidden gem, filled with pristine beaches, dolphin-watching experiences, and thrilling snorkeling adventures in the Indian ocean?

So, whether you are a wildlife lover ready to photograph lions and cheetahs or someone looking to soak in the coastal breeze with a cold drink in hand, Kenya has the best of both worlds. This is a journey through Kenya’s wild savannah and its hidden coastal wonders that you definitely don’t want to miss!

Maasai Mara National Reserve – The Heartbeat of Kenya’s Safari Magic

When it comes to the ultimate safari experience, Maasai Mara is the place to be. This sprawling reserve is known for the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and thousands of zebras make their way from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Maasai Mara.

Although we didn’t get to see the Great Migration, we did witness some unbelievable wildlife sightings and it is true what they say, Maasai Mara never disappoints.

We were all buzzing with excitement on our first game drive, wanting to make the absolute most of every single moment we had in this legendary reserve. Since we were staying at Saruni Basecamp Wilderness, we had access to the private Naboisho conservancy and trust me, these conservancies are the best spots to find more animals and less people. Our guide, Edward, knew the land like the back of his hand and had a sixth sense when it came to finding wildlife.

Wildlife Sightings on Our First Game Drive

Our first spotting was a hyena casually strolling by followed by three massive ostriches strutting around like it owned the place. Not far from it, we spotted zebras and impalas grazing peacefully but still aware of our presence.

After spotting a variety of wildlife, including Thomson’s Gazelles with their distinctive swinging tail, a herd of African buffaloes with the fierce eyes, hippos lazily lounging in the waters, elephants bathing themselves without a care in the world and giraffes munching on the tall trees – we went for the highlight – lions!

Since lions are territorial and Maasai Mara has 7 prides, each pride with their own area – it wasn’t very hard to spot them in their natural element. That element being sleeping lionesses sprawled out in the grass with their cubs snuggled up next to them. Watching those little cubs, with their fuzzy manes and playful nuzzles, gave me a whole new perspective for these famously fierce predators.

Evening Game Drive

After a highly successful game drive, we went to Saruni Basecamp Wilderness to settle in our tent and grab some lunch.

The second game drive was in the evening and this time, we saw another pride of lionesses and their adorable cubs trying to hunt wildebeests – the experience was like none other! To see them in the wild, moving completely in sync with each other, unbothered by the prying eyes of humans because they know they are safe. It is surreal.

We also spotted many birds including a Black-headed Heron, Kenya’s national bird Lilac-breasted Roller, Eagle, and Grey-headed Kingfisher.

As the sun was starting to set, we were sure we had missed our chance to see a Cheetah but luck and Edward were on our side. And there it was – a Cheetah resting without a worry on the grass, we took our time, admiring the fascinating animal and soon it stood, stretched it legs and walked off – my heart skipped a beat, it was that phenomenal.

We had one more game drive the next day, had a bush breakfast, heard Lions roaring at night from our tent and ate some delicious food, drank healthy Dawa and South Africa’s famous Amarula at Saruni Basecamp. From breathtaking wildlife encounters to the peaceful stillness of the savannah, every moment was an adventure of a lifetime. Maasai Mara doesn’t just offer safaris – it offers memories that you’ll forever cherish.

Diani and Wasini – Slice of Coastal Paradise

If you only visit the savannah and skip the coast, you’re missing out on half the magic. Dreaming of soft white sand, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and turquoise waters? Kenya’s lesser-known but equally amazing coastal side will leave you breathless.

Just a short flight or a scenic drive from Nairobi, Diani is a tropical paradise that feels worlds away from the wild savannah. We stayed at the Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort which has direct access to the pristine beach and is a perfect spot to watch the sunrise.

The sand is soft and the water – crystal clear. I spent a morning walking along the shore, just soaking in the serenity and talking to the locals who sell some beautiful souvenirs.

Wasini Island

But the real adventure was a day trip to Wasini Island, which I highly recommend. A short Arab Dhow ride from the mainland, this tiny island is the gateway to the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park – home to some of the best snorkeling and dolphin-watching in Africa. Not once did I imagine I’d be spotting dolphins in Kenya – and what truly blew my mind was that I saw more dolphins in Kenya than I did during my trip to The Maldives.

Barack, our guide from Coral Spirit, was super enthusiastic and offered us drinks and fresh fruits on the Arab Dhow. Before long, we caught a glimpse of a single dolphin darting through the water, but as quickly as it appeared, it vanished into the depths.

Just when we thought our luck had run out, a pod of 4-5 dolphins emerged, gracefully swimming alongside our boat and then we spotted a few more dolphins. The sight was magical!

Snorkeling at Kisite-Mpunguti

After the dolphin adventure, we proceeded to do snorkeling at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park. I was a little nervous at the start but Barack was helpful and kind, guiding me through the depths of the Indian Ocean.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a vibrant marine life, schools of fish in every color, bright corals and the water so clear that I could see every detail of the reef below. It’s an absolute paradise for anyone who loves the ocean – like me.

Shimoni Slave Caves

After a long day of dolphin-watching and snorkeling, we had a late lunch of fresh seafood with veg options and then visited the Shimoni Slave Caves – a haunting reminder of the region’s dark history.

These caves once sheltered enslaved people waiting to be loaded onto boats and shipped to Zanzibar. As we walked through the cool, damp, dim passages, and saw the cemented chains – we felt the weight of their grief and suffering.

Whether you’re a beach bum, an underwater lover, a history buff, or a little bit of all, Kenya’s coast delivers in ways that few places can. So be ready for an unforgettable experience!

Why You Should Experience Both

Kenya offers the ultimate combo. On the one hand, you have the thrill of the wildlife safari, tracking lions and elephants in their natural habitat – an experience not be missed.

On the other, you have the calm and relaxation of the coast, where you can recharge your batteries on a peaceful beach or dive into an underwater adventure. It’s proof that Kenya is as diverse as it is beautiful.

Safari one day, beach the next – that’s the magic of Kenya.

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Author Bio: Pooja Amrtikar is a travel writer and Instagram content creator with a passion for exploring the world and sharing her experiences. Born with a love for adventure, she has made it her goal to traverse diverse landscapes, immerse herself in different cultures and uncover hidden gems along the way. Through her writing, Pooja aims to provide helpful tips and travel ideas for wanderlust souls and motivate them to appreciate the beauty in our world. Instagram: @wanderwithpooja

Go World Travel Magazine is a digital magazine for world travelers. Our editorial content is produced by a dedicated team of travel journalists who know the regions they cover. We cover travel in more than 90 countries.

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