Safari jeep with elephants and giraffes at sunset, Mount Kilimanjaro in the background

Plan your stay

Discover
Kenya.

Safaris, beaches, culture, food and adventure across the places we call home — Mombasa, Watamu, Nairobi and the plains beyond. A few ideas to help you fall in love with your next stay before you've even booked it.

Big Five · wide open plains

Safari

Kenya is where the modern safari began, and it’s still one of the best places on earth to experience it. From the Maasai Mara’s Great Migration to elephant herds beneath Kilimanjaro, a day or two on safari is easy to combine with your coastal stay.

Find your perfect safari ↗︎

Where to go

  • Maasai MaraWorld-famous for the Great Migration and year-round Big Five sightings.
  • Amboseli National ParkIconic views of elephant herds against Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • Tsavo East & WestKenya’s largest parks, home to red-dust elephants and vast wilderness.
  • Samburu National ReserveA rugged northern reserve with rare species found nowhere else in Kenya.

Things to do

  • Game drivesDawn and dusk drives for the best chance of spotting the Big Five.
  • Hot air balloon safarisSunrise over the savannah, followed by a champagne breakfast.
  • Guided walking safarisSee the bush up close with an experienced local guide.
  • Maasai village visitsLearn about local culture and traditions from the communities who call the plains home.

Why go

  • The Great MigrationMillions of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River, July to October.
  • The Big FiveLion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, all in the wild.
  • Sundowners on the plainsWatch the sunset over the savannah, drink in hand.
  • Easy to combineMost parks are a short flight from the coast — perfect alongside a beach stay.

Coastal city · old town & ocean

Mombasa

Kenya's coastal capital mixes centuries of Swahili history with golden beaches on its doorstep. Wander Old Town's narrow streets and Fort Jesus by day, then unwind at a beach bar in Nyali or Bamburi by evening.

Book your stay in Mombasa ↗︎

Beaches

  • Nyali BeachGolden sands close to the city with a relaxed, local atmosphere.
  • Bamburi BeachCalm, reef-protected waters, popular for watersports.
  • Shanzu BeachQuieter and more secluded, between Nyali and Bamburi.
  • Diani BeachThe famous white-sand south coast stretch, a short trip away.

Things to do

  • Fort JesusA UNESCO World Heritage fort dating to 1593, in the heart of Old Town.
  • Old TownWander the narrow streets, carved doors and Swahili architecture.
  • Kisite-Mpunguti Marine ParkSnorkelling and diving among coral reefs.
  • Glass-bottom boat tours & dhow tripsSee marine life without getting wet, or sail out at sunset.
  • Haller ParkA reclaimed quarry turned wildlife sanctuary with giraffes and hippos.

Bars & restaurants

  • Tamarind MombasaOceanfront seafood, known for grilled prawns.
  • Forodhani RestaurantOld Town waterfront spot for mutton biryani with a view.
  • Yul's RestaurantWood-fired pizza and grilled seafood right on the beach.
  • Maasai Beach Bar & RestaurantSeafront nyama choma and lobster.
  • Pronto RestaurantLaid-back Nyali spot for grilled meats and seafood.

Marine park · barefoot luxury

Watamu

A laid-back village on one of the coast's most beautiful stretches of coastline, with a protected marine park right offshore, ancient ruins in the forest behind, and some of Kenya's best beachfront dining.

Book your stay in Watamu ↗︎

Beaches

  • Turtle BayCalm, shallow water where turtles are regularly spotted close to shore.
  • Seven Islands BeachDramatic rock formations rising out of the sea.
  • Watamu Marine ParkA protected reef right offshore, superb for snorkelling.
  • Mida CreekA mangrove-lined creek for kayaking, paddleboarding and dhow trips.

Things to do

  • Snorkelling & divingCoral gardens and wreck dives, including the Mida Wreck and Barracuda Reef.
  • Dolphin excursions & deep sea fishingBoat trips out from the village.
  • Gede RuinsThe atmospheric remains of a 13th-century Swahili town in the forest.
  • Arabuko Sokoke ForestKenya's largest coastal forest, with elephants and rare birdlife.
  • Hell's Kitchen (Marafa Depression)A striking sandstone gorge inland, best at sunset.

Bars & restaurants

  • Papa Remo BeachItalian and Mediterranean seafood on the sand, five minutes from Tembo Village.
  • Sunset LabWood-fired pizza and cocktails with beach club energy.
  • Ocean SportsA long-standing beachfront favourite for sushi and fresh fish.
  • The MusafirA floating dhow restaurant on Mida Creek, dinner under the stars.
  • LichtHausBohemian creekside sunset spot with craft cocktails.

City getaway · wildlife on your doorstep

Nairobi

The only capital in the world with a national park inside its city limits. Combine wildlife encounters, museums and markets by day with Westlands' restaurants and cocktail bars by night.

Wildlife & nature

  • Nairobi National ParkSafari game drives minutes from the city centre.
  • Giraffe CentreHand-feed endangered Rothschild's giraffes.
  • Sheldrick Wildlife TrustVisit the orphaned elephants raised by this renowned sanctuary.
  • Karura ForestAn urban forest reserve with walking and cycling trails.

Culture & shopping

  • Karen Blixen MuseumThe farmhouse where the author of Out of Africa once lived.
  • Maasai MarketTraditional crafts, fabrics and souvenirs.
  • Village MarketOver 250 shops in the diplomatic area.
  • Nairobi Railway MuseumHistoric trains and East African railway heritage.
  • Ngong HillsHiking with sweeping views over the Great Rift Valley.

Dining & nightlife

  • WestlandsNairobi's liveliest district for restaurants, cocktail bars and live music.
  • Woodvale GroveA concentrated strip of bars and clubs for a big night out.
  • Hotel rooftop barsRelaxed sundowners with skyline views across the city.

Ready to book?

Find your stay
in Kenya.

Browse our managed properties across Watamu, Mombasa and beyond, or get in touch and we'll help you find the right one.

Browse properties ↗︎ hazelskystays@gmail.com +254 790 502448 +254 758 501778