In 2024, I had the opportunity to be among the first adventurers to embark on a new Kenya safari and beach holiday with Tui.
The allure of an African safari has always captivated me, and the reality of this Kenyan experience surpassed every expectation.
From vibrant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes to delightful Indian-inspired cuisine and postcard-perfect beaches, it was simply astonishing.
If Kenya is on your travel radar, I’m eager to share some unforgettable highlights from my journey, alongside details on how easy and affordable it is to book a Kenya safari with Tui.
Disclosure: My trip to Kenya was sponsored by Tui, but all opinions shared here are genuinely my own.
Safaris in Kenya
Tui collaborates with Pollmans, one of Kenya’s most esteemed tour operators, to curate exceptional safari experiences for their guests.
Under the knowledgeable guidance of Roger, we navigated through Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Taita Hills, and Amboseli National Park, going on two exhilarating game drives each day. Each park unveiled its own unique landscapes and attractions.
We felt the awe of seeing majestic Mount Kilimanjaro overshadow the plains of Amboseli. The ochre-hued elephants of Tsavo East left us mesmerized, making it possible to enjoy varied safari experiences within just a few days in Kenya.
Tsavo East
Tsavo East holds the title of Kenya’s largest and oldest national park, hosting the African Big Five: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and rhinos.
What’s distinctive about Tsavo East is that its elephants acquire a unique reddish hue, owing to the high levels of iron oxide found in the soil, which they delightfully coat themselves in.
The moment we entered Tsavo East, we were greeted by an astonishing scene of over 40 red elephants making their way toward a nearby watering hole.
This breathtaking sight was spellbinding; not only due to the elephants’ unique color but also the sheer number that appeared before us. To our surprise, we even spotted an agitated hippo, seemingly displeased at having to share the watering hole.
A thrilling encounter awaited us when our guide skillfully tracked down two lionesses accompanied by six curious cubs. My heart raced as we approached the sighting and I was left speechless when they casually strolled past our jeep.
Though I was too captivated to capture clear footage, I did manage a shot of their adorable little tails as they walked away. Witnessing young lions in their natural habitat was a remarkable experience, made even more thrilling by the soft meows audible as they passed.
Tsavo West
Tsavo West transported us into a setting reminiscent of Jurassic Park.
The off-road adventure began as we maneuvered through rivers and unexplored paths, encountering no other vehicles along the way.
This park contrasts sharply with Tsavo East, featuring numerous tall trees that serve as a prime food source for the Masai giraffes.
The Masai giraffe, noted for its unique jagged spots, resides predominantly in the southern region of Kenya near the Tanzania border, and proudly holds the title of the tallest land animal.
I quickly developed a fondness for giraffe-spotting, trying to distinguish between a giraffe’s elongated neck and tree trunks!
After an initially slow start, we were fortunate to encounter several giraffes in Tsavo West, many displaying spot patterns previously unknown to me.
During our time in the park, we took a break for lunch at Kilaguni Serena Lodge, enjoying one of the most memorable dining experiences of the entire trip.
The lodge, located on an elevated promontory, presented sweeping views of the savannah. As we dined, it felt like we’d stepped into a Disney movie—giraffes, elephants, zebras, and impalas came to the watering hole, creating a delightful scene.
Taita Hills
Taita Hills is a private wildlife sanctuary bordering Tsavo West, where I enjoyed one of the most unforgettable stays at Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
This unique lodge features 96 round rooms on stilts that offer stunning, unobstructed wildlife views from below.
While the rooms are cozy and surprisingly spacious, my focus was awestruck by the windows framing a standoff between two elephants eager to drink from the waterhole.
The lodge also boasts an underground lookout near the waterhole, providing a safe way to observe the wildlife up close. The view from here is particularly striking during the dry season when large groups of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and antelopes gather.
In the evenings, we enjoyed a memorable sundowner experience at Kudu Point, a scenic lookout in the sanctuary. Live music and refreshing drinks around a cozy fire pit made it my favorite evening adventure.
Amboseli National Park
Our final game drives took us to Amboseli National Park, a place I had been eager to explore. Renowned for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain globally, Amboseli dazzled at every turn.
This park felt like a photographer’s paradise. The wide-open plains made it easy to spot herds of elephants, and when the clouds cleared, the snowy peaks of Kilimanjaro created an unforgettable backdrop.
We also encountered many hippos, surprisingly adorable yet known for being Africa’s most dangerous land mammal, along with flocks of flamingos congregating near the water.
We stayed at Amboseli Serena Lodge, where the decor and staff deeply reflected local culture. Many staff members hail from the Maasai community and wear traditional attire rather than uniforms—an experience unique to this lodge.
Amboseli Serena Lodge treated us to a bush dinner, featuring an abundance of delicious barbecue options and a performance by Maasai dancers to conclude the evening.
Watching a demonstration of Adamu, the acclaimed traditional jumping dance, was fascinating. This captivating ritual showcases the Maasai warriors’ strength as they leap high to attract potential mates. Some men in our group even attempted the dance, and it was clear they had a bit more practice to do!
Beach Holidays in Kenya
Combining your safari adventure with relaxation on the beach is simple. We experienced two different beachfront hotels, each offering unique charms.
Southern Palms Beach Resort, Diani Beach
Our initial beach hideaway was Southern Palms on Diani Beach, where I discovered beaches that surpassed my wildest dreams.
Located about 1.5 hours south of Mombasa Airport, Diani Beach hugs the Indian Ocean coast, showcasing pristine white sands and warm shallow waters rivaling even the Maldives.
My room at Southern Palms opened directly onto the beach, allowing me to soak in stunning sunrises over the ocean along with passing traditional dhow boats and camels.
The hotel blends Swahili-inspired architecture with arches, curves, and swaying palms, creating a truly unique atmosphere.
We enjoyed an all-inclusive stay, and while I’m typically not a fan of buffets, the offerings here exceeded expectations. Kenyan cuisine infused with Indian and Arabic influences tantalized my taste buds, with numerous familiar dishes like curries, daal, and freshly baked roti.
Every dining experience throughout the trip was impressively delightful. I have been known to go hungry at buffets due to my selective palate, but every dining option featured freshly prepared dishes, complemented by live cooking stations.
While we didn’t embark on a boat excursion during our visit, I highly recommend it. Diani’s southern coast boasts richly diverse marine life, and during a dhow cruise, you may spot turtles, mantas, barracuda, and, if you’re lucky, even whale sharks.
Serena Beach Resort, Mombasa
Our second beachfront experience came at the Serena Beach Resort & Spa. Although this is a sizable resort, its design gives it a charming boutique feel.
The traditional architecture of the main building complemented by bright pink bougainvillea was stunning.
The rooms boasted rustic African decor along with spacious terraces, but I was cautioned to keep my door closed to prevent monkey visitors!
Although our stay was brief, we appreciated the beach bar and evening entertainment. The hotel exuded a vibrant atmosphere, conveniently located near Mombasa, making it an excellent option if you’d like to avoid a lengthy drive to Diani.
Booking Your Adventure
Tui makes it simple for individuals like me, who may not know where to begin planning a safari holiday. Their Taster Safari and Beach Holiday package covers flights, transfers, accommodation, and meal options—both half or full board—as well as game drives.
To give you an idea of pricing, a 14-night Kenya Taster Safari and Beach package, which includes a five-night safari and a nine-night beach retreat with British Airways flights, starts from £3,243 per person. This offers incredible value compared to similar safari holidays in other African locations.
You can easily book this offer online, or for personalized assistance, stop by your nearest Tui store and consult with their Travel Experts.
Tui also features beach holidays at 16 resorts along the Mombasa coast, which you can explore through their website.
This was an unforgettable experience, and I can’t thank Tui enough for turning my safari dreams into a reality. For more insights about my journey, feel free to visit my Instagram and check my ‘Tui Kenya’ highlights.
