A family wedding in Kenya felt like the perfect excuse to turn one trip into three - city, safari, and beach. And honestly? It might just be one of the best combinations out there.
We kicked things off in Karen, Nairobi’s leafy and affluent suburb, where we spent four nights in a gorgeous rainforest-style property tucked up in the treetops. Think monkeys in the distance, tropical gardens, and waking up to birdsong instead of alarm clocks.
Next came the safari adventure: two nights and three unforgettable days exploring Amboseli National Park. Every single game drive felt completely different - elephants wandering past the jeep, lions lounging in the grass, giraffes silhouetted against Mount Kilimanjaro… the kind of moments that don’t quite look real, even when you’re standing there.
And then came the reward after the early safari starts: five blissful nights on Diani Beach in Mombasa. White sands, turquoise water, incredible food, and the sort of luxury that makes you instantly forget what day it is.
Karen, Nairobi
Karen is a brilliant base for exploring Nairobi and surprisingly affordable to get around - Uber rides were usually only £2–£4 for journeys up to 20–30 minutes.
There’s loads nearby too: Nairobi National Park, giraffe sanctuaries, shopping malls, cafés, and local markets. It feels calmer and greener than the busy city centre, making it ideal for easing into the trip.
Safari in Amboseli
As a first-time safari-goer, I quickly realised how overwhelming the options can be. Different parks, seasons, lodge types, migration timings… it’s a lot.
We chose Amboseli and it absolutely delivered. While it’s known for having four of the “Big Five” (rhinos are the missing piece), the scenery alone makes it unforgettable. Huge open plains, giant elephant herds, and those postcard-perfect views of Kilimanjaro.
Staying at Ol Tukai Lodge inside the reserve was a game-changer because it meant less driving to enter the park and more time actually spotting wildlife.
One thing I’d recommend without hesitation: book a private safari vehicle if your budget allows. Being able to set your own pace, stop longer for photos, and chat properly with your guide makes the experience feel so much more personal.
And don’t stress if you don’t own a mega camera lens - our phones captured incredible photos. Binoculars, however, are non-negotiable!
Also, a little safari reality check: you spend very little time at the lodge itself. My advice? Prioritise location over ultra-luxury extras you probably won’t use.
Diani Beach
Diani Beach fully lived up to the hype. Endless white sand, warm Indian Ocean waters, palm trees everywhere… it’s paradise without trying too hard.
We stayed at Waterlovers Beach Resort, a boutique property where the service and attention to detail were honestly exceptional. We went full board after reading glowing food reviews beforehand, and we’d 100% do the same again.
One of our favourite unexpected rituals was daily “plogging” — walking the beach while picking up litter to help keep the coastline beautiful. It felt good to give something back while enjoying such an incredible place.
I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so surviving Nairobi traffic and witnessing Kenyan roundabout “rules” was an experience in itself.
The standout memory? Watching a family of giraffes slowly cross the road at sunset with Mount Kilimanjaro glowing in the background. One of those genuine “wow, this is real life” moments.
We also decided to splurge on a penthouse upgrade in Diani for the final part of the trip - and it was absolutely worth it. Those last five days felt more like two weeks.
And finally, getting to experience a Kenyan wedding first-hand was something really special. The energy, colour, music, and celebrations were unforgettable.
The dry season from July to October is generally considered the best time to visit Kenya, especially for safaris.
That said, travelling in the shoulder or off-peak season can be fantastic value and far less crowded. We visited from late March into April - technically during the “long rains” - and somehow didn’t see a single drop of rain. Either excellent timing or beginner’s luck!
We flew direct from Heathrow with Kenya Airways. The route was convenient, although the cabin felt a little warm and cramped at times, so I’d probably try British Airways next time.
Kenya is a huge country, so I’d definitely recommend combining multiple destinations if you can. A mix of city, safari, and coast gives you such a varied experience - and getting the internal flights and logistics right really makes a difference.
