Kenya Honeymoon Safari: How to Plan a Romantic Trip for Two?

No, I haven’t got married. But after publishing all the information about my safari in Kenya with an English-speaking guide, I received quite a few questions from couples interested in a Kenya honeymoon safari. So, drawing on my own trip to Kenya and on many safaris across Africa, I decided to write this article.

Throughout the post you will find a short summary of the best itinerary for a honeymoon in Kenya, a selection of recommended accommodation, and I will explain the best way to book a honeymoon safari in Kenya with the best value for money.

Kenya honeymoon safari: why choose this destination?

A safari is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Very different from any other kind of trip. Seeing lions, elephants, giraffes and leopards on the African savannah for the first time is indescribable. That is why I think a honeymoon is the ideal occasion to experience the magic of Africa.

Of course, a trip to Kenya is not for everyone. You have to enjoy adventure, improvisation and long hours in a 4×4, on rather bumpy tracks. But all the effort is worth it when you find yourself in front of some of the most impressive natural spectacles in the world. What’s more, if you choose your accommodation well, every night you can enjoy an idyllic setting for dinner and sleep.

These are the reasons why I think a honeymoon in Kenya is an excellent decision:

• A safari is a very different kind of trip from any other, with an element of uncertainty and excitement that is addictive. A honeymoon is a very special moment, and perfect for an experience like this.
• On a honeymoon safari in Kenya you can easily combine the adventure of safaris and exploring the national parks by 4×4 with the comfort of having a local guide who makes sure the whole trip goes perfectly, and you can sleep in quality lodges in dream locations.
• The connection with nature that you feel when you are out in the wild, surrounded by wild animals, is hard to explain. But I can assure you it is the best remedy for switching off from stress, rush and worries.
• On a honeymoon safari in Kenya, you can easily combine a route through the interior of the country with a beach destination to finish the trip, either at Diani Beach in Kenya or on the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania.

Equally, and in the interest of being completely transparent, going on a honeymoon safari in Kenya also has some drawbacks:

• The cost of a safari in Kenya is high. The national park fees alone make it an expensive trip, and on top of that you have to pay for the 4×4, the guide and the accommodation, which, being in remote places, also costs a lot. On a honeymoon it is also common to choose mid-range or high-end lodges, which means the budget has to be a little higher. That said, there is always some way to reduce the cost of the route, such as choosing simpler accommodation or opting for a group safari. Even so, for a honeymoon I always recommend a private safari. So, for the safari part, it is normal to spend between USD 300 and 500 per person per day.
• The distances between national parks on a Kenya itinerary are quite long. Drives of around four or five hours are common. Moreover, the game drives are also done from the vehicle. This is therefore a type of trip where you spend long hours in the vehicle and so do little physical activity. That said, 4×4 vehicles are spacious, and especially on private safaris there is room to move around a little.
• Kenya is one of the most popular safari destinations, especially the Masai Mara, and this can mean a certain amount of crowding in the high-season months (especially July, August and September). These build-ups of vehicles happen mostly at sightings of the animals that are hardest to see, above all lions, leopards and cheetahs. Even so, with a good guide who is able to find the animals independently, you can avoid these situations quite a lot.

Is it better to have a honeymoon in Kenya or Tanzania?

Given how close Kenya and Tanzania are, and that they have very similar ecosystems and wildlife, it is perfectly natural to wonder whether it is better to go on a Kenya vs Tanzania safari, whether for a honeymoon or an ordinary holiday.

I always say that both destinations are fantastic, and that the decision depends a little on the month you want to travel and on the traveller’s priorities. In a nutshell:

• If the priority is seeing big cats, in my opinion the Masai Mara (Kenya) is unbeatable.
• If you are looking for a wilder place with fewer crowds of vehicles, the Serengeti (Tanzania) is better.
• For more varied national parks, with different landscapes and a variety of wildlife, Kenya is the better destination. The atmosphere in the Masai Mara, Samburu and Amboseli is very different.
• The price of a honeymoon in Kenya or Tanzania is fairly similar, but if you are looking for mid-range or high-end accommodation, Tanzania tends to be a little more expensive, because, particularly in the Serengeti, the lodges are very isolated and this pushes up their costs.

Honeymoon in Kenya or Botswana: which is better?

When planning a honeymoon safari, another question may be choosing between Kenya and Botswana. Here the differences between the two countries are more obvious, and the landscapes are quite different.

Briefly, these are the strong points of each destination:

• Botswana has opted for exclusive tourism away from the crowds, so safari prices are higher. It is hard to find a private honeymoon for less than USD 500 per person per day, and in high season the minimum price would be around USD 700 per person per day.
• The density of wildlife is higher in Kenya, and in this country it is also easier to see the iconic Big 5 during a honeymoon, where safaris usually last between five and eight days.
• Botswana is a truly wild destination, especially the Okavango Delta, so it offers a more remote experience of nature in its purest state.
• In Botswana you can combine the safari with a visit to the impressive Victoria Falls.
• In Kenya there is more variety of national parks and accommodation, so it is easier to customise the safari to each traveller’s tastes and budget. Also, after a honeymoon safari in Kenya it is much easier to finish with a few beach days on the Indian Ocean.

Honeymoon in Kenya or Uganda

Finally, many travellers considering a honeymoon in Kenya may also wonder whether Uganda is a better option. Both destinations are very interesting, and both lend themselves to a honeymoon that is very different from any trip you have taken before.

For travellers torn between these two destinations, this is what I recommend:

• For those looking for a varied route, a 10 days Uganda safari is the ideal option. In this destination you combine 4×4 safaris, boat safaris, walking safaris and treks to see mountain gorillas or chimpanzees. The landscapes also change enormously between the different national parks.
• For those who prioritise 4×4 safaris, and whose main goal is to see the Big 5 and Africa’s big cats, then a honeymoon in Kenya would be my preferred choice. There are few places like the Masai Mara for watching and photographing African wildlife.
• You should also bear in mind that there are no wild rhinos in Uganda, although you can see them in semi-freedom at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Kenya honeymoon safari: the best itinerary and accommodation

If you are sure you want a honeymoon in Kenya, before booking anything it is always best to find out about the destination and be clear about the itinerary you would like to do and your budget for the trip.

One thing I noticed while researching this article on a honeymoon in Kenya is that the prices of many international agencies are scandalously high. That is why I always recommend being well informed about the destination and booking a safari with a local agency (I go into this in more detail in the next section of the post).

These are the most outstanding places to see in Kenya on a honeymoon:

1. Masai Mara National Reserve

A safari on the endless plains of the Masai Mara safari is usually the high point of a honeymoon in Kenya. There are few destinations in Africa where you can see such a density of wildlife, especially lions, cheetahs and leopards. In addition, on the Masai Mara savannah you can also see the famous Great Migration, although only from June until early October.

To make the most of this experience it is best to spend two nights in the Masai Mara. If your budget allows, it is always best to sleep inside the park, although if your budget is tighter there is also good accommodation very close to the entrances of the national reserve.

Best accommodation in the Masai Mara for a honeymoon

• Sentrim Mara Lodge. A comfortable, mid-range option, ideal for those who want a good location near the park without giving up an authentic savannah experience.
• Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara Camp. A luxury camp in one of the best private reserves of the Mara, perfect for an intimate honeymoon with exceptional service, abundant wildlife and no crowds.
• Elewana Sand River Masai Mara. An elegant and very exclusive lodge, designed for enjoying maximum comfort in a truly privileged setting.
• Ashnil Mara Camp. A tented camp with very good value for money, located inside the Masai Mara in an excellent area for sightings, and perfect for those who want comfort without excessive luxury.

2. Lake Nakuru National Park

Another very common stop on a route through Kenya is Lake Nakuru National Park. Some ten years ago, this national park was above all famous for its huge numbers of flamingos. There are not as many flamingos now, although some groups remain, but a safari in Lake Nakuru is still highly recommended. I mainly recommend visiting this national park if you want to see rhinos, both white and black.

In Lake Nakuru National Park, apart from enjoying the views of the lake and the rhinos, it is also a good place to see buffalo and Rothschild’s giraffes. With a bit of luck you can also see lions and, with even more luck, leopards.

Where to stay in Lake Nakuru National Park

• Lake Nakuru Lodge. A classic lodge inside the park, with very good views of the lake and a perfect location for seeing rhinos first thing in the morning. It is also close to the acacia forest, the best area of the national park for seeing lions and leopards.
• The Cliff Camp. A spectacular boutique camp with modern tents and private terraces that offer some of the best panoramic views of Lake Nakuru. It is the most exclusive accommodation in Lake Nakuru National Park.
• Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge. A comfortable lodge that blends in well with its surroundings, ideal for a peaceful stay after a day on safari in this very special park.

3. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is not as wild a destination as the Masai Mara National Reserve or Samburu National Reserve, but it has one of the most iconic and picturesque scenes in the country. You have surely seen a photograph of an elephant with Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, in the background. You only get this view from this national park.

So, if on a Kenya honeymoon you dream of seeing big elephants and photographing them against a beautiful landscape, you cannot miss this national park.

In addition, in Amboseli National Park you can also see buffalo, zebras, impalas and, occasionally, lions.

Where to stay in Amboseli on a honeymoon

• Amboseli Sopa Lodge. A comfortable, mid-range and well-located lodge, ideal for enjoying the views of Kilimanjaro and relaxing after a day watching elephants.
• Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli. A luxury camp with a privileged location and exceptional service, perfect for a honeymoon in Kenya with the best views in the park.
• Ol Tukai Lodge. A very pleasant lodge inside the park, famous for its open landscapes and the constant presence of elephants around the lodge.

4. Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is somewhat far from the previous national parks, but if you have enough time, it is highly recommended to include this reserve in an itinerary. Samburu is dominated by a semi-arid ecosystem and the only source of water is the Ewaso River. This river normally has no water on the surface, but the elephants dig until they find groundwater, which also lets the other animals drink.

The particular nature of Samburu’s ecosystem means that in this national reserve you can see some animals that cannot be found anywhere else in Kenya. This is why people talk about the Special 5 here, which are the following animals: the oryx, the gerenuk, the Somali ostrich, the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra.

In addition, Samburu is one of the best places in Kenya to see the elusive leopard, although sightings are never guaranteed. Occasionally you can also spot lions and cheetahs.

Honeymoon in Samburu: the best accommodation

• Ashnil Samburu Camp. A luxury tented camp located inside the Samburu reserve, very close to the river that runs through it. It is a very good area for seeing leopards.
• Samburu Sopa Lodge. A comfortable lodge that blends in well with Samburu’s semi-arid landscape, with all the comforts for resting and well placed to make the most of the game drives from the very first moment.

5. Ol Pejeta Conservancy

If you visit Samburu National Reserve, I think the best thing is to make a stop at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, spend a night there and devote an afternoon and a morning to getting to know this reserve, home to one of the most important and outstanding conservation projects in the country.

At Ol Pejeta live the last two individuals of the northern white rhino subspecies. They live in semi-freedom, separated from the other rhinos and guarded by rangers 24 hours a day to prevent poaching. In addition, in this reserve you can go on safari and see white and black rhinos, lions, giraffes, elephants… it is a very interesting destination and one that, moreover, is not usually very crowded.

Where to stay in Ol Pejeta

• Sweetwaters Serena Camp. This is the accommodation of choice inside the Ol Pejeta reserve. It is a tented camp with an ideal location, where many animals come to a waterhole in front of the camp.

6. Lake Naivasha

If during a honeymoon in Kenya you want a break from 4×4 safaris, making a stop at Lake Naivasha is an excellent decision. The lodges beside this lake have an idyllic location, and you can often see zebras or waterbuck walking among the guests’ bungalows.

It is also well worth taking a boat trip on the lake, of one or two hours, to appreciate the great variety of waterbirds that live on this lake, and also to see some of the hippos that live here up close.

Finally, another highly recommended activity here is a visit to Crescent Island. This private island on the lake, home to giraffes, zebras and many more animals, allows walking safaris… letting you enjoy African wildlife in a very different way.

Where to stay at Lake Naivasha on a honeymoon

• Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort. A quiet, romantic lodge surrounded by gardens where zebras and giraffes often stroll among the bungalows.
• Enashipai Resort & Spa. An elegant, modern lodge with an excellent spa, ideal for relaxing on a honeymoon.

7. Aberdare National Park

Another interesting destination for watching wildlife in a different and more relaxed way is Aberdare National Park. This conservation area has much denser, lusher vegetation, so there are few tracks that go into the national park.

For this reason, 4×4 safaris are not usually done in Aberdare National Park. Instead, you arrive at midday at the lodges inside the park, which usually have a large clearing in front with a waterhole. The water attracts animals, so from the lodges, which usually have large picture windows, you can watch the animals arrive. Elephants, wildebeest, zebras and giraffes are rarely absent. At night, you sometimes also see hyenas, leopards or rhinos, and guests are usually alerted when one of these animals appears.

For travellers who want a more relaxed pace, especially on a honeymoon in Kenya, a stop in this national park is a very interesting option.

Best accommodation in Aberdare National Park

• The Ark Lodge. A unique lodge built in front of a waterhole, perfect for watching wildlife from its wide picture windows and enjoying a quiet, different experience in the heart of nature.

8. Diani Beach

Last of all, Kenya also has the beach area of Diani Beach, which can be the perfect end to a honeymoon. Its white sand beaches, turquoise waters and palm trees make this a perfect destination for relaxing after the safaris. You can also enjoy activities such as snorkelling, diving, sunset boat trips or simply relax at a beachfront resort, enjoying the tropical climate and the peace and quiet as a couple.

Kenya honeymoon: where to stay in Diani Beach

• Baobab Beach Resort & Spa. A spacious, comfortable resort by the sea, ideal for resting after the safari and enjoying Diani’s white sand beaches.
• Neptune Village Beach Resort & Spa. A very pleasant lodging with tropical gardens and direct access to the beach, perfect for switching off and relaxing as a couple.
• Soroi Blue Diani. A modern, small and elegant hotel with an intimate atmosphere and spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, ideal for closing your Kenya honeymoon with a few days of pure relaxation.

Memorable experiences for a Kenya honeymoon

If you are organising a honeymoon in Kenya, you may have a good budget for this trip and want to treat yourselves or enjoy a unique experience. In that case, I recommend two things:

• A sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the Masai Mara. Flying over the Masai Mara savannah in a balloon is a magical and unforgettable experience. You can appreciate the vastness of its plains, and get a unique perspective from which to see most of the mammals that live in this ecosystem. During balloon flights it is common to see giraffes, buffalo, wildebeest and elephants.
• Finishing the safari with a light-aircraft flight to Nairobi or Diani Beach. If on your Kenya honeymoon safari you want to spend fewer hours driving, a good idea is to make the final leg by light aircraft. You can return to the country’s capital or, if you want to spend a few days on the beach at Diani Beach, a good option is to fly there directly. This experience is not as beautiful as the balloon flight, but it does save time and add comfort.

How to book a honeymoon safari in Kenya

When organising a honeymoon, many people want to avoid headaches and prefer to simplify the planning of the trip, so they end up booking it with a European or international agency, paying a lot more.

But I believe that the best thing is to book the whole trip directly with a local agency. These agencies also offer all-inclusive safaris (4×4 vehicle, driver and guide, accommodation, meals, drinks…), but at a much lower price, because there are no intermediaries. It is also much easier to customise the itinerary and accommodation.

The only differences when booking a Kenya honeymoon with a local agency are the following:

• You will have to buy your international flights to Kenya yourself. This is very simple, as you can now buy tickets on the airlines’ websites.
• You will have to pay for the safari in dollars, by making an international transfer to the local agency’s bank account in Kenya. This can be a little daunting, but if you book the trip with a trustworthy local agency, you will have no problem.

In my view these are all advantages. If this option interests you, the steps to book a Kenya honeymoon with a local agency are the following:

• Choose the local agency and contact it. For this step, which for me is the most critical and important, you can simply use the contact form I created on this website. With this form I will put you in contact with fully trustworthy local agencies in Kenya, which I know personally. I will also be available if you have any questions or need advice.
• Once you have contacted the local agency (if you like, I recommend telling them it is a honeymoon safari), they will send you a first proposal with the itinerary and the price. Review it calmly, and suggest to the agency’s travel consultant any changes you would like to make.
• Once you know the dates and length of the trip, I recommend buying the flights first. You can easily do this on the airline’s website. That way you will know exactly when you are travelling.
• Once the final itinerary is settled and you know the arrival and departure dates, it is time to book the safari. To reserve the trip, local agencies usually require a deposit of 20 or 30% of the total amount. The balance has to be paid one month before the trip, or in some cases it can also be paid in cash on arrival.
• Finally, the moment of the trip arrives and it is time to enjoy an unforgettable honeymoon in Kenya.

What budget do you need for a honeymoon safari in Kenya?

The cost of a honeymoon in Kenya, if you book with a local agency, is the same as the price of a normal safari in Kenya. In other words, by default the price will not be higher just because it is a honeymoon.

That said, if you ask for mid-range accommodation, which is very common on this kind of trip, you do need to bear in mind that the price will be somewhat higher.

In general, for a private safari as a couple, with mid-range accommodation, it is usual to pay between USD 400 and 600 per person per day. Even so, by choosing somewhat simpler accommodation with excellent value for money, you can also do a private safari as a couple for around USD 300 per person per day.

Best time for a Kenya honeymoon safari

Although it is possible to go on a honeymoon safari in any month of the year, it is usually preferable to avoid the main rainy season, which falls in March, April and May.

Safaris can be done even when it rains, but the experience is not as good. For one thing, the rain reduces visibility. The vegetation also grows and makes some animals harder to spot. Finally, when there is a lot of mud, some tracks become impassable, so you cannot reach some areas that are really good for seeing lions, leopards or cheetahs, the great stars of Kenya.

So, in general it is best to go on safari from June to February. Within that period, the months need to be distinguished a little:

• January and February. This is low season, so there are fewer people and prices are lower (in the Masai Mara the entrance fees cost half, USD 100 per day). The only drawback is that it may rain on some afternoons. Also, the Great Migration cannot be seen, as it is in the Serengeti.
• June. The weather is very good, and it is the start of high season.
• July, August, September. This is the peak of high season, because it coincides with the holiday period in Europe and North America. In addition, the Great Migration arrives in the Masai Mara. During these months the entrance fee for the Masai Mara is USD 200 per day.
• October, November and December. During these months the number of visitors falls, but it is still high. The conditions are also very good at this time, although there may be the occasional shower. Entrance fees for the Masai Mara are also USD 200 per day.

For me, weighing up the climate, prices and visitor numbers together, the best time is January and February.

Recommended itinerary for a Kenya honeymoon safari

For a honeymoon in Kenya I recommend a route of around 10 days, combining about 6 or 7 days of safari in Kenya with about 4 or 3 days on the beach. For the beach part, you can go to Diani Beach, or Zanzibar is also a great alternative, since there is a direct flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar.

An itinerary I would recommend is the following:

• Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi and transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park, afternoon safari.
• Day 2: Morning safari in Lake Nakuru National Park and transfer to Lake Naivasha, for a boat safari and a visit to Crescent Island in the afternoon.
• Day 3: Transfer to the Masai Mara and afternoon safari.
• Day 4: Safari in the Masai Mara
• Day 5: Safari in the Masai Mara
• Day 6: Last morning safari in the Masai Mara and transfer to Amboseli National Park
• Day 7: Safari in Amboseli
• Day 8: Transfer to Diani Beach
• Days 9 and 10: Relaxing days in Diani Beach

That said, I know every couple has its own interests and there are many variations possible on the itinerary. That is why I recommend my post with different route proposals for a Kenya itinerary of 10 days, with much more information.

Practical information for travelling to Kenya

In my post on independent travel in Kenya there is much more practical information on preparing to visit this destination. But if you are going on a Kenya honeymoon, this is the basics you need to know:

• Emergency numbers: The emergency numbers in Kenya are 112 and 999.
• Vaccinations: The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory. Other vaccines are recommended, such as hepatitis, tetanus and typhoid. It is best to go to a travel medicine clinic a few months beforehand to receive all the health information.
• Malaria: On a trip to Kenya you must also keep in mind that malaria exists in the country. You need to take measures to avoid mosquito bites, and in many cases malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
• Visa: Since 2024 it is no longer necessary to apply for a visa to travel to Kenya, but you do need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). You must apply for it through this website.
• You can find a lot more information about the destination in all my posts on Kenya.