Ask The Experts: Guide to Honeymooning in Kenya

Couples looking for adventures, romance, and epic game viewing for their honeymoon will find Kenya a perfect destination. The East African nation boasts spectacular landscapes, stunning beaches, and bucket-list-worthy experiences guaranteed to make your honeymoon unforgettable. Of course, the wildlife would be the highlight of your honeymoon. Kenya is home to a diverse and abundant wildlife species and incredible national parks, offering an unforgettable safari experience.
Here’s a guide to honeymooning in Kenya.

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The Best Time to Visit Kenya

June to October is the best time to visit Kenya for your honeymoon, when there’s almost no rain and the daytime temperature is not extremely hot. Therefore, you’ll have a great time exploring the great outdoors and taking on safari adventures. But given Kenya’s moderate climate and diverse geography, it can be a great place to visit any time of the year. 

The peak season for a safari in Kenya is between January and the end of March, when the climate is mild and mostly dry, leading to a fantastic game-viewing experience. But since it’s the peak season, you can expect thick crowds in some of the country’s top national parks. If you want to enjoy your safari adventure with less distraction, try to visit during the shoulder season, between mid-March and June or between November and December. Aside from avoiding the peak season crowds, you can take advantage of cheaper off-season rates.

Couples heading to Kenya for a beach honeymoon can visit at any time of the year. Kenya’s coastline lies along the Indian Ocean, which is hot and humid all year round.

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Where to Stay in Kenya 

As one of Africa’s top tourist destinations, Kenya has numerous accommodation options, from luxury lodges to boutique hotels and world-class resorts. Kenya’s safari camps and lodges have seasonal rates, and the cost will vary depending on the season.

If you want to splurge, you can stay in luxurious safari lodges and tented camps. Some places offer good value, while others are overpriced, so research well before splurging. If you are heading to the Masai Mara for a safari, you can stay in safari lodges and bush camps within the park. Book the place several months in advance, especially if your honeymoon falls during the peak season. 

You don’t need to spend thousands on accommodation on your honeymoon in Kenya. The country has many excellent mid-priced hotels with modern amenities and cosy rooms, offering a comfortable and relaxing place to stay. 

If you’re heading to the beach, you’ll find plenty of resorts in Diani Beach with direct access to the beach. These resorts have amenities like a pool, restaurant, and bar. Others offer all-inclusive packages, so you may want to take advantage of these.

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What to Do in Kenya  

When planning your honeymoon to Kenya, think about activities you wish to do. Most couples partake in luxury safari experiences in Kenya, offering the perfect way for couples to spend their honeymoon. Masai Mara offers the most epic safari experiences, especially if you come during the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras make their legendary trek to the neighbouring Serengeti in Tanzania.

While many honeymooners devote their entire trip to a safari, you’ll find many other fun things to do on your visit to the country. Couples who love hiking should book a guided trekking expedition to Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-tallest mountain. At 5,199 metres, scaling the mountain is no easy feat, but it’s definitely worth it. 

Hell’s Gate National Park is another fascinating place to visit on your honeymoon in Kenya. It also has many scenic trails, making it a perfect destination for avid hikers. There are also opportunities for rock climbing, best suited for couples seeking more thrilling adventures. 

Exploring Kenya’s historical and archaeological sites is one of the top things to do on your honeymoon. Located along the northern coast, they are among the medieval Swahili coastal settlements that date back to the 15th century, representing a typical Swahili town. 

As Kenya is home to many beautiful beaches, you may want to consider spending some time at the beach on your honeymoon. Aside from relaxing, you may want to try water activities like scuba diving. Kenya’s coral reefs are home to an incredible array of marine life and some shipwrecks, offering a fascinating diving experience.

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What to Pack for Kenya

One of the things couples often ask themselves when planning a honeymoon to Kenya is, what should they pack for the trip? To give you an idea, here’s a list of the essential things to pack for your honeymoon in Kenya.

• Light and loose clothing or those with breathable fabrics
• Smart casual outfits for evening dinner
• Walking boots
• Sandals or flip flops
• Beach towel
• Coat and beanie
• Sun protection
• Toiletries
• Waterproof bag for toiletries
• Personal medical kit
• Water bottle
• Insect repellent
• Windproof jacket
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Headlamp
• Earplugs
• Travel pillow

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Top Tips for Visiting Kenya

Before embarking on your honeymoon adventure to Kenya, there are some things you may need to know for a more enjoyable trip. So, here are some top tips for visiting Kenya.

• Before leaving, see your doctor to ensure you have up-to-date vaccinations and discuss with them possible malaria risks. If your doctor prescribes you malaria medication, follow the instructions for taking the pill.
• If you plan to rent a car, make sure you are familiar with Kenyan roads. Also, be sure you have a valid driver’s licence and that you have prepared all the correct documents you need. And remember, companies may have cross-border policies, so check this in advance.
• Bring your passport when going on tours or safari adventures. That way, if local authorities stop you, you have valid identification to present.
• Visit local communities and interact with friendly locals. It’s the best way to immerse in the local culture. Almost three-quarters of Kenyans are in the agriculture industry, and many of those in rural areas live a nomadic lifestyle. 
• Don’t hesitate to try local street food. Kenya has delicious cuisine that you should try. Some popular ones are roasted meat called nyama choma and matoke, a plantain stew.

Image by Herbert Aust

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