Combining a safari in Lake Nakuru National Park with a relaxing beach holiday on the Kenyan Coast is one of the best ways to experience the magic of East Africa. This ‘’Beach and Bush’’ combination is a favourite for the travelers because it allows you to see incredible wildlife like rhinos and then lions in the morning and then feel the war sand of the Indian Ocean between your toes just a few hours later. Because Kenya has such a well developed tourism network, moving from the fresh air of the Rift Valley to the tropical breeze of the coast is much easier than you might think.
The perfect contrast: From wildlife to waves.
The main reason people combine a Lake Nakuru safari with a beach stay is the beautiful contrast between the two environments. Lake Nakuru is located in the Great Rift Valley characterised by the yellow backed acacia forests; rocky cliffs and a massive shimmering lake filled with birdlife. Yours days here will be active and then exciting; you will wake up early for the sun rise game drives, scan the tress for the elusive leopards, and then watch herds of buffalo grazing near the water. It is an intense high energy experience, where your eyes are constantly searching for the movement in the ush. After two or three days of this thrilling adventure, your body and mind are usually ready for a different kind of pace the slow, rhythmic ‘’pole pole’’ (slowly, slowly) lifestyle of the Kenyan coast.
Transitioning to a place like Diani Beach, Watamu or Malindi feels like entering a different world. Instead of the earthy smells of the savannah, you are greeted by the salty air of the ocean. Instead of a 4×4 safari vehicle, you might find yourself on a traditional wooden dhow boat sailing over the coral reefs. Combining these two halves ensures that your holiday feels complete. You get the ‘’bucket list’’ achievement of seeing the Big Four (lions, leopards, rhinos and buffaloes) and then rare Rothschild’s Giraffe, followed by the deep rejuvenation that only a tropical beach can provide. It is the ultimate ‘’best of worlds’’ itinerary.
Easy connections: How to get to the coast.
One of the biggest questions first time travelers have is, ‘’How do I actually get from a lake in the middle of the country to the beach?’’ Fortunately, Kenya is very well connected. The most popular way to make this transition is by flying. Most travelers will finish their safari in Lake Nakuru, take a short drive back to Nairobi (about three hours) and then catch a domestic flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) or Wilson Airport, in just over an hour, you can land in Mombasa, Ukunda (for Diani Beach) or Malindi. These flights are frequent, affordable and then save you from a long day of driving, allowing you to have breakfast with the rhinos in Nakuru and dinner by the ocean in Diani.
For those who want a more scenic and then adventurous journey, there is also the option of the Madaraka Express train. You would drive from Nakuru to Nairobi and then board the modern Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train that travels through the heart of Tsavo National Park on its way to Mombasa. This is a fantastic way to see even more of the country’s landscape at a fraction of the cost of a flight. If you are on a budget or have plenty of time, there are also direct buses that run from Nakuru to the coast, though these take about 12 to 14 hours. No matter your budget or schedule, the infrastructure is in place to make the ‘’Bush to Beach’’ transition seamless and stress free.
Choosing your ideal beach destination.
Once you have decided to combine your Lake Nakuru safari with the coast, the next fun step is choosing which beach fits your style. Diani beach, south of Mombasa, is often the top choice for many. It is famous for its long stretches of powdery white sand and then high-end resorts. It is perfect if you want a mix of relaxation and then luxury, with plenty of the restaurants and then water sports like kite surfing nearby. If you are looking for something a bit quieter and then more focused on nature, Watamu is a hidden attraction. It is a home to a protected Marine National Park here you can go snorkelling or diving in the crystal-clear water to see the turtles and then the colourful fish, making it a great ‘’extension’’ of the wildlife theme from your safari.
For the travelers who likes history and then culture, Malindi or Lamu Island are the excellent choices. Malindi offers a mixture of Italian influence and then Swahili culture, while Lamu is a UNESCO World Heritage site where there are no cars, only donkeys and then narrow stone alleys. Visting these places after Lake Nakuru ads a rich cultural experience to your African trip. You go from learning about the rhino conservation in the Rift Valley to learning about many years old maritime history on the coast. This variety is what makes a combined Kenya holiday so special; every few days, you are presented with a completely new set of experiences, flavours and sights.
In conclusion, combining a Lake Nakuru safari with a beach holiday is highly recommended for the tourists who want the full Kenyan experience. By starting with the exciting wildlife experience of the Rift Valley and then ending with the beauty of the Indian Ocean, you will crate a balanced safari itinerary that offers both adventure and then relaxation. With easy flight and then train connections available, there is no reason to choose one over the other you can truly have it all on one magnificent African trip. Contact us today for bookings.