Beach and Bush Safari– The Ultimate East African Combination

What is Beach and Bush?

With all the excitement around safari adventures, tracking big cats, and witnessing the Great Migration, many travelers overlook what might just be East Africa’s most underrated gem: the coast. The Kenyan coastline offers turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, coral reefs teeming with life, and a deeply relaxed rhythm of life. For those of us who grew up upcountry, the coast is where we went to truly unwind. It was the place to recharge during half terms or long weekends, and one of my favourite places to visit.

That’s why combining safari and coastal relaxation is often called the Beach and Bush Safari experience. It is the perfect blend of adventure and serenity. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make the most of a Beach and Bush trip. I’ll explain where to go, how to travel between destinations, what activities to try, and share my personal recommendations from years of exploring both sides of Kenya.

Where to Go – Bush and Beach Edition

For you to get your bearings, I’ve also included a little map of the South East of Kenya with all the places marked that i’ll speak about in the sections to come.

The Kenyan Coast and nearby national parks. Perfect destinations for Beach and Bush adventures

Beach Destinations

For the beach part of the Beach and Bush Safari, here is a selection of some of the top coastal destinations I would recommend visiting. The recommendations I have for each would stretch on for pages, so I’ll keep it brief. I hope to do a unique deep dive on each on in more detail in future blog posts, so stay tuned!

Diani Beach – One of Kenya’s most popular beaches, with soft white sand, calm lagoons, and a lively mix of resorts and boutique stays. It has a lively nightlife seen for those who are interested, whilst still being incredibly peaceful and laid back. Being an hour south of Mombasa, it is easy to reach from Moi International Airport. It also has a more local airstrip called Ukunda which has regular domestic flights from Nairobi.
Watamu – This is my most visited destination and easily my favourite. A quiet paradise with beautiful coral gardens, amazing restaurants and accommodation, and a 7 km pristine beach. Only 30 minutes from Malindi Airport means you can be off the plane and relaxing on the beach in no time!
Kilifi – A great destination for travellers looking for a more local and laid-back feel. Very popular with backpackers and bohemians, but still plenty to do such as sailing, kayaking, and water sports. It is also home to Kenya’s largest Music Festival, Beneath the Baobabs.

Lamu – A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lamu Town is full of history, dhows, donkeys, and some of the most tranquil beaches in East Africa. More difficult to reach than others, it is a hidden gem on the Kenyan coast. Many visitors stay in the neighbouring Shela island, which has some of the most pristine coastal sand dunes imaginable.
Mombasa – The gateway to the coast. It is bustling, historic, and full of flavour both culturally and in cuisine. Worth a visit if passing through, but not really somewhere I would recommend for the Beach and Bush experience.
Malindi – Steeped in Swahili and Italian influences, it offers culture and coastal charm in equal measure. There is incredible shopping to be done in Malindi and much of my home is furnished with artwork, colourful glass light shades, rugs and all sorts of Arabic influenced furniture.

Bush Destinations

For many people the Safari is the highlight of the Beach and Bush Safari. Luckily, there are lots of options to choose from when selecting the park to visit. It is not just the scenery that changes depending on where you visit. The types of animals you’ll see may vary depending on which park you pick. My guide on What you’ll see on Safari can help you decide where to visit. Here are some of the popular ones, but even these are a subset of options available.

Tsavo East – This park is now more accessible than ever from the north Kenya coast thanks to a shiny new tarmac road from Malindi to Sala gate. The idyllic Galana river flows through and provided some amazing spots for camping or sundowners. I’ve had some incredible encounters of lion and leopard just coming down to drink right opposite our campsite.
Tsavo West – Massive, wild, and less crowded than other parks. Surprisingly different to Tsavo East as well, with incredible volcanic scenery and swampy lakes. There is a sizable population of black rhino which are less common in Tsavo East.
Amboseli – Famous for elephants and stunning views of Kilimanjaro. A beautiful counterpart to the beach.
Shimba Hills – A small, forested park near Diani with elephants, colobus monkeys, and views over the Indian Ocean. Perfect for a day trip from Mombasa or Diani.
Chyulu Hills – A relatively unknown park, it is famous for being is green, dramatic, and volcanic. A hidden gem that lies between Tsavo and Amboseli, offering all the wildlife that the other parks offer in a more lush environment.

Pick Your Adventure – Travel Combinations

The Beach and Bush experience can be tailored for all sorts of budgets and travel preferences. The most popular combinations are:

Drive Everywhere

This is a great option if your international inbound flight lands at Mombasa international airport as most places on the coast are accessible from the airport in under 3 hours. The option also exists to drive to the coast from Nairobi, stopping on the way at the different national parks you cross. This is certainly an adventure and lets you see much of the country from relative comfort of a 4×4 land cruiser.

Pros:
This option gives you full flexibility to stop and explore on your terms. It is often more budget-friendly if you’re travelling in a group and allows you to experience more of the culture and landscape.

Cons:
Long drives can be tiring. Some routes, especially to Tsavo or Chyulu, can be rough.

Fly to the Coast, Drive to Safari

This is the one I would most recommend, and what I most commonly do when taking friends on a Beach and Bush Safari. Flights to the coast from Nairobi are typically under $100 each way, and the time saved gives extra time for relaxation on the beach. You can also hire cars relatively cheaply at the coast, so perfect for anyone comfortable on the Kenyan roads. Most Safari operators can then collect you from your hotel to take you on the safari leg of the trip.

Pros:
This combination allows you to relax at the coast first, then ease into the adventure of the bush. It strikes a good balance between cost and comfort and provides good road access to Tsavo and Shimba Hills.

Cons:
Some roads can be bumpy, and travel times can be long. There is also less flexibility if you are not self-driving.

Fly Everywhere

If you have the budget to spare, flying between all destinations is certainly a luxury option. This also allows you to visit parks further from the coast that I did not include in the list earlier, such as the Masai Mara and Samburu.

Pros:
Flying saves time and lets you maximise your stay at each destination. It is ideal for shorter holidays and offers stunning views from the air.

Cons:
Flying is certainly more expensive. Domestic flights often have strict luggage limits. You also miss out on seeing the changing landscapes from the road.

Bonus option: The Train

This is an attractive balance between the ease of flying and the adventure of driving. Kenya’s SGR (Standard Gauge Railway) runs daily between Nairobi and Mombasa and is surprisingly efficient. It’s a brilliant way to see the countryside roll by, especially if you’ve never travelled overland in East Africa before. You can even hop off at Mtito Andei or Voi to explore Tsavo East or West en route.I recommend booking in advance, and if possible, fork out the extra for a first-class ticket. It really makes the whole journey a lot more comfortable, whilst still at an affordable rate for most travellers.

Pros:
Affordable, scenic, reliable, and comfortable. Great for a slower-paced trip.

Cons:
Fixed schedules, early morning departures, and a bit of planning needed for stops.

How Much Time Do You Need?

This depends on how much you want to see and do, as well as the travel options you choose. You can squeeze a Beach and Bush Safari into seven to ten days. However, if you have the time, two weeks is ideal.

Spend one week on safari to explore multiple parks and enjoy early mornings and scenic sundowners. Then spend another week at the coast to relax, reflect, and soak in the ocean air.

Even if you only have six days, splitting your time between three nights on safari and three nights on the coast can still offer a memorable experience.

Top Things to Do on the Coast

There is more to the coast than swimming and sunbathing. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your Beach and Bush trip.

Cultural and Historical Experiences

Lamu Old Town: Lose yourself in the maze-like alleys of Lamu Old Town, where carved doors, coral stone houses, and donkeys set the pace of daily life. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a tranquil glimpse into centuries-old Swahili culture and architecture.
Mombasa Old Town and Fort Jesus : Explore Mombasa Old Town’s mix of Arab, Portuguese, and Swahili influences, reflected in its narrow streets and historic buildings. Nearby, Fort Jesus stands as a dramatic symbol of colonial power and coastal trade history.
Gede Ruins (Watamu): Wander through the hauntingly beautiful Gede Ruins, the remains of a 12th-century Swahili town swallowed by forest. Shaded by giant baobabs and frequented by monkeys, it’s a peaceful yet mysterious place to explore.

Water sports and Marine Activities

Dhow Sailing Trips: Take a traditional wooden boat for a sunset cruise or island-hopping adventure.
Snorkelling and Diving: Head to Watamu Marine Park or Kisite-Mpunguti near Wasini Island for colourful coral and marine life.
Dolphin Watching: Book a tour from Wasini Island and watch dolphins in their natural habitat. You may even have the chance to swim or snorkel alongside them.
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing: Diani and Watamu are great spots. Look out for schools like H2O Extreme and Tribe Watersports.
Deep-Sea Fishing: Try your luck in Malindi or Watamu with marlin, sailfish, and other game fish.

My Personal Tips and Must-Dos

If it’s your first time in Kenya, a Beach and Bush Safari is the perfect way to see a good amount of what Kenya has to offer. As a first timer, I would recommend starting with the bush and ending on the beach. Begin with the adventure of the wild, then wind down in paradise. Tsavo or Amboseli are excellent safari choices that connect well with the coast. I would suggest opting for the driving route. A safari tour operator can drive you to all the parks in a comfortable 4×4 and then drop you at whichever resort or town you plan to stay at for the coast.

Quick Tips:

Diani is perfect for a classic beach experience with lots of activity options, while Lamu is ideal if you want pure peace and culture.
Plan your trip around the weather. Check out this blog to find out when the best time to visit is.
Keep your packing light. Soft-sided bags are best, especially if you are taking domestic flights. Try to mix adventure with downtime. Whether it’s snorkelling or exploring a historic town, these little experiences can make a big difference.
And always chat with locals and immersive yourself in the Swahili culture. Whether you’re in the bush or on the beach, the people you meet are often the most memorable part of the journey.

A Beach and Bush trip offers the best of both worlds. Adrenaline and calm. Wildlife and waves. Whether it’s your first time in East Africa or your tenth, this combination is unforgettable. I encourage everyone to get out and try it. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions, I’m always happy to chat. 😊