Sarah & Blake’s Kenyan Honeymoon

Mara Nyika Camp / Courtesy of Great Plains Conservation

June 22-July 5, 2026 | Approximately $20,000

The itinerary outline is relatively clear on this trip, so your decision will come down to preferred destination options, which I’ve covered below the outline. I’ve also checked availability and included some sample camps that might be good options for your budget. These aren’t guaranteed, as places are already pretty full, but they will give you an idea of the options.

Rates for safari are per person per night, are all inclusive, but do not include park fees and transfers. Beach rates are for two and include breakfast but not other meals.

Itinerary Outline

The original departure date you sent was July 5th, which gives you 1 night in Nairobi, 6 nights on safari, and five nights at the beach. If you want something closer to a week at the beach, I can easily extend it by a couple of nights.

  • June 22: Depart from NYC
  • June 23: Arrive in Nairobi
  • June 24: Transfer to Wilson Airport and fly to first game reserve. Afternoon safari.
  • June 25: Safari
  • June 26: Safari
  • June 27: Flight to new game reserve. Safari.
  • June 28: Safari
  • June 29: Safari
  • June 30: Return to Nairobi. Fly to Beach.
  • July 1: Beach
  • July 2: Beach
  • July 3: Beach
  • July 4: Beach
  • July 5: Depart

Safari Destinations

Maasai Mara

Maasai Mara Ballooning Near Serian Ngare / Courtesy of Serian
Maasai Mara Ballooning Near Serian Ngare / Courtesy of Serian

The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s most iconic wildlife area, so it’s a natural stop on most itineraries. It’s famous for its acacia-dotted plains and large herds of wildlife. It’s also the only place in Kenya for hot-air ballooning. June is a nice time to go because it’s before the rush of the Great Migration. To avoid the day-trip crowds in the main National Reserve, I book camps in private reserves around the park.

Sample Camps:

  • Ngare Serian: This is a private tented camp in the Mara North Conservancy known for its excellent guiding and great wildlife. Every guest gets their own private vehicle here! Approximately $1,750 per person per night.
  • Tangulia Mara: This is relatively affordable and more basic tented camp on a small conservancy near the park entrance. You will probably spend some time in the park and some in the conservancy. It’s one of the few camps that is Maasai owned and is a good place to enjoy the Mara but save money for later. Approximately $800 per person per night.

Samburu

Walking with Samburu at Sarara Treehouses

The Samburu Region lies in Kenya’s arid north. It is a very different landscape from the Mara with scattered mountains, red soil, and fantastic sunsets. It’s also one of the best cultural destinations in Kenya because it is less touristed than the south. There is also a healthy elephant population and good hiking.

Sample Camps:

  • Sarara Treehouses: This is a great Samburu owned camp among the trees in the Matthew’s Mountains. It’s a cool experience with a high level of service. Approximately $1,200 per person per night.

Chyulu Hills

Camp Ya Kanzi / Courtesy of Camp Ya Kanzi
Camp Ya Kanzi / Courtesy of Camp Ya Kanzi

The Chyulu Hills are in Southern Kenya, between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks. The area is known for its impressive elephants and views of Mt. Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania. There are fewer camps here than in the Mara so that you will have a quieter take on the Maasai experience.

Sample Camps:

  • Camp Ya Kanzi: This is one of the few camps in Chuylu, and it has a fantastic conservation story. Approximately $1,500 per person per night.

Beach Destinations

Seychelles

Kempinski Seychelles / Courtesy of Kempinski
Kempinski Seychelles / Courtesy of Kempinski

The Seychelles is the picture-perfect beach destination with blue water, palm trees, and dramatic cliffs. It’s about a 4-hour flight from Nairobi, with departures in the evening and arrivals around 3 am in Mahe. The outer islands are often more private, but there are more hotel choices in Mahe.

Sample Resorts:

Kenyan Coast

Chale Island Resort, Kenya | Courtesy of Chale Island Resort
Chale Island Resort, Kenya | Courtesy of Chale Island Resort

The Kenyan coast flies under the radar compared to places like Zanzibar. Still, for that reason, it’s the perfect place to get away from the crowds and unwind on the Indian Ocean. There are two options, each with different vibes to consider – Diani Beach and Lamu. Diani Beach is a small coastal town famous for kite surfing and a laid-back vibe. It’s not touristy, and you’ll be able to walk to bars and shops if you’re on the mainland. Lamu is a more historic counterpart further north. There is a lot of history here, but the main resort is on a private island a short boat ride away. The water will be bluer in Diani.

Sample Resorts

  • Chale Island, Diani Beach: I’m not sure why this resort isn’t on more people’s radars. It’s a private island off the Kenyan Coast with complete monkeys, clear water, and a cool vibe. It also has a nice sister property on the mainland that is more accessible to town. $500-700/nt
  • Manda Bay, Lamu: This is the only resort for a true beach getaway near Lamu. It’s a short boat transfer from town on a private island and a true end of the road getaway. $600-1,200/nt