Best Excursions in Kenya: Safari, Sea and Hell's Kitchen

Kenya is one of the world's most sought-after safari destinations, with a huge variety of landscapes – from dry savannas and green hills to the turquoise Indian Ocean. The parks in the southeast of the country, where we go most often, are far less crowded than Africa's most famous hotspots, so you can enjoy your wildlife encounters in peace.

The ideal destination is Tsavo, Kenya's largest protected area. It's home to herds of "red elephants" coloured by the red soil, lions resting in the shade of acacias, leopards, buffalo and, in Tsavo West, rare rhinos. Add more than 500 bird species and it's clear why Kenya is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. The weather is pleasant for most of the year, and a safari is easy to combine with days on the beach.

Blackie Tours takes care of transport in comfortable off-road vehicles and accommodation in lodges or tented camps in the heart of the wilderness. You don't have to worry about the details and can focus entirely on the experience.

Tsavo West offers a completely different experience. You'll discover the black Shetani lava flows, the crystal-clear Mzima Springs, where hippos and crocodiles swim below the surface, and a sanctuary protecting black rhinos. The landscape is full of contrasts, from surreal lava fields to green oases where animals gather.

Besides the Big Five, the park is home to lesser-known species such as the gerenuk, lesser kudu and oryx. With more than 400 bird species, it's a paradise for birdwatchers. And a historical bonus? The stories of the man-eating lions from the building of the railway at the end of the 19th century give the place a mysterious atmosphere.

A Tsavo West safari is ideal if you want a calmer pace and more varied scenery. Besides game drives, local guides can also take you on a walking safari. The trip works as a day excursion or as a two-day safari with an overnight stay, often combined with Tsavo East.

For lovers of unusual landscapes there's Hell's Kitchen at Marafa, also known as the Marafa Depression or locally as Nyari, which in the Giriama language means "the place that broke by itself". The canyon lies roughly an hour to an hour and a half's drive from Malindi or Watamu and is one of the most impressive geological formations on the Kenyan coast. Over thousands of years, erosion has carved deep gorges, slender pinnacles and steep sandstone cliffs in shades of red, orange, yellow and creamy white. Many visitors compare it to a small Grand Canyon or to the surface of Mars.

The place comes with a legend, too. According to Giriama tradition, a wealthy family lived here who wasted water and milk during a drought while refusing to help their poorer neighbours. The gods grew angry at their greed and the earth opened beneath them. The white walls are said to represent the milk and the red walls the blood.

The trip is a great addition to a safari. Besides the dramatic geology you'll see plants adapted to extreme conditions, colourful birds and occasionally small mammals in the surrounding bush. The canyon is at its most beautiful at sunset, when the colours of the rocks come alive. Your guide will explain the geology, history and cultural significance of the site, and we'll take care of transport and plenty of water.

Which trip should I choose if I only have one day?

For a first encounter with African wildlife, a one-day safari in Tsavo East; for the sea and relaxation, the Blue Safari. If you love unusual landscapes and photography, choose an afternoon trip to the Hell's Kitchen canyon for the sunset.

How many trips can I fit into a week on the coast?

In a week you can comfortably do a two-day Tsavo East safari, a day on the Blue Safari and a half-day trip to Hell's Kitchen, and still have days left for the beach. Leave a free day between trips to rest.

Are the trips suitable for children?

Yes. Even younger children can join the Blue Safari, as we provide the equipment and instructions. For families with small children we recommend the two-day safari with a break at the lodge, and for Hell's Kitchen all you need is comfortable shoes and plenty of water.

When is the best time for trips in Kenya?

For a safari, the dry seasons from June to October and from January to February are best. The sea for the Blue Safari is calmest from December to March, and Hell's Kitchen is most pleasant in the dry season, when the paths are easy to walk. See our guide to the best time to visit Kenya.