10 Day Ultimate Kenyan Honeymoon Itinerary
There are few things more romantic then sitting under the umbrella of an acacia tree, with a gin and tonic in hand as the sun sets over the African savanna and lions roaring in the distance. What more would you want from a honeymoon then the most romantic setting with incredible scenery and unforgettable experiences you’ll tell your friends and family for years to come.
This is the ultimate luxury Kenyan honeymoon. A chance to take it slow, see some of the most beautiful spots in the country but also enjoy the camps, get to know the staff, enjoy being pampered and finish off by a stay on a white sand beach with no cars and a feeling of time passing slower then it ever has while you sit back and take in the culture and smells of Lamu island enjoying these special moments you have together.
As with all the itineraries this can be tailored and quoted personally by myself by getting in touch. I would love to help make your dream honeymoon come to life.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi - Night Stay at Giraffe Manor
If you’ve ever had a bucket list for breakfast experiences then a night stay at Giraffe Manor has got to be at the top.
As you have your morning tea, you may have some visitors sticking their heads through the window hoping for a share of your breakfast. The beautiful and majestic endangered Rothchild giraffe is bred and looked after in the woodland at giraffe manor and the herd are regular visitors to the Manor which in itself is an iconic building from the 1930’s. Set on 12 acres of private land.
One of Nairobi’s top experiences and a must-do for the giraffe lovers.
Day 2 & 3: Ol Donyo Lodge in the Chyulu Hills
A private wilderness looking out over the plains of Amboseli, Ol Donny Lodge is the perfect place to take a breath and relax amongst the African wilderness.
One of only 3 Relais & Chateaux properties in Kenya, the dining and fine wine selection are top notch and all 6 suites plus the 2 bedroom family suite look out over private plunge pools to Mt Kilimanjaro, each with their own ‘star beds’ so you can fall asleep under the stars listening to the sounds of hyena and lions calling. What could be more romantic!
There’s plenty of ways to view the fabulous array of wildlife who traverse the 275,000 acres of private land boarding the Chyulu National Park. Enjoy a traditional game drive, night safari, guided walk or even a horseback or mountain bike safaris.
For those who want to take it a little slower paced then the lodge offers wifi, spa treatments and plenty of peace along with its true Kenyan hospitality so you can feel relaxed and right at home as soon as you set your bags down.
Day 3, 4 & 5: Cottars 1920’s Camp exploring the Masai Mara
With over 100 years of experience behind them, Cottar’s 1920’s Camp is a well tried, tested and loved standout camp in the world renowned Masai Mara. Styled as a traditional 1920’s camps with the amenities of the modern world.
Built on 7608 acres of land in their own private conservancy boardering the Masai Mara National Park, you have the best of both worlds with a vast array of African species without the crowds of the park. Cottars is not just a wildlife watching destination however, there are so many experiences and educational opportunities on offer, you are spoilt for choice and will come away with a rich knowledge of the area, the people and conservation by the time it is to pack your bags.
Optional activities include:
Book a professional photographic experience
Indulge in a bush bath surrounded by nature
Visit a Maasai village
Visit a local school
Game walk or run
Maasai warrior school
E-bike safari
Elephant collaring
Wild Dog talk
Mara predator project experience
Day 6, 7, 8 & 9: Peponi Hotel on the paradise island of Lamu
One of my favourite places in the world, where time stands still and one of the most romantic spots in Kenya is the stunning archipelago of Lamu. The owner run, boutique Peponi hotel has been a fixture on the island since 1967 and their famous ‘Old Pal’ cocktails are a favourite with the expact locals and tourists alike.
Relax by the pool looking out over the water and Manda island across the creek, enjoy the delicious seafood cuisine on offer and enjoy sundowners by the bar and terrace where you never know who might walk in. The hotel and island have has been a favourite getaway for many a famous face including royalty, novelists, actors and politicians where they can relax in peace and calmness.
There are many activities on offer around the island, including a popular week long yoga festival held once a year. Enjoy a fishing trip, sundowners on the traditional wooden dhow boats, watersports, snorkelling and trips into the UNESCO historical town of Lamu. There is plenty to do in Lamu, having said that it’s also the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by.
Day 10: Back to Nairobi, baby elephants and time to say goodbye
It’s time to say goodbye to Lamu but your last day is one of the most special. As most of the international flights don’t leave Nairobi till the evening, one of my favourite recommendations for clients last days is to visit the Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage, who have been raising, rearing and releasing orphaned elephants into the wild since 1977.
Founded by the incredible Dame Daphne Sheldrick who was the first recorded person to successfully raise a still milk dependent baby elephant having spent many years trying to work out a formula which would be able to sustain them. This project is well worth supporting and a great experience to enjoy. My tip… foster an elephant for $50 through the website and you can enjoy the more private 5pm sessions where you watch the young elephants get brought back in from their even walks, put in their stables and gotten ready for bed, you’ll also get the chance to ask their keepers plenty of questions. If you don’t want to foster there is an 11am session open to the public but there can be a couple of hundred people there rather then just 15 or so for the evening session so its well worth the small donation.
Then it really is time to say goodbye, taking home with you memories that will last forever.
A keeper feeding a young orphaned elephant at the morning viewing at Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage