Guess what? You don’t need to pay some old-fashioned travel agent to plan your safari and Seychelles honeymoon. I’m here to show you how you can quickly and easily plan a safari and Seychelles honeymoon yourself, saving money without sacrificing a luxury experience!
I’ll go into detail about everything we booked ourselves for the ultimate safari and Seychelles honeymoon, including domestic air transfers, day trips, and transfers. I’ll also provide a detailed cost breakdown, and ways to save on luxury experiences!
Since we’ve already been there and done it all, I can also let you in on a few mistakes to avoid when planning your African safari honeymoon, and top tips for travelling in this part of the world.
Ready? Let’s dive into it!
Safari and Seychelles Honeymoon: Where to Safari?
If you’re planning to visit the Seychelles during your honeymoon safari trip, the best place to go on safari is in East Africa. Essentially you have two options; Kenya or Tanzania. Both are incredible, once-in-a-lifetime places to go on safari, so you are really spoilt for choice here.
We opted for Kenya because getting to Tanzania seemed a little more difficult, involving a flight with a layover. It was also more tricky to get from Tanzania to the Seychelles, whereas there was a direct flight from Nairobi.
In Kenya, the Masai Mara is considered one of the best places in the world for wildlife viewing, which makes it a no-brainer. It’s a vast 1,500 km2 expanse of protected forest, grasslands, and savannah wilderness, filled with rare and beautiful creatures.
Yes, you’ll see plenty of hippos, zebra, giraffe, hyenas, elephants, and antelope, but you’ll also get up close and personal with big cats such as lions and cheetahs, and maybe even a leopard if you’re lucky!
We saw hundreds of different species, but my favourite was probably the wild Serval cat, which is rarely spotted (we got lucky!).
You can also witness the epic wildlife spectacle known as the Great Migration, where some 1.5 million wildebeest (accompanied by 200,000 zebra) make their way en masse across the Mara River, luring predators in their wake.
They travel from the Serengeti in Tanzania into Kenya between July and September, so it’s a fantastic time to visit.
We went in very early July and unfortunately left too soon to see the Great Migration – all the more reason to come back!
As a first-time safari-goer, I can wholeheartedly recommend Kenya for your African safari honeymoon. Even without the migration, it was a mind-blowing experience we will never, ever forget.
African Safari Honeymoon: How to Get There
If you’re a couple of Avios points collectors like my husband and me, you’ll be happy to know that British Airways flies direct to Kenya’s capital, Nairobi from London. We saved up 180,000 Avios points and one companion voucher to use on return business class flights from Heathrow to Nairobi. This meant we only had to pay £400pp in taxes and fees.
If you don’t collect points, or have status with another airline, you’ll be happy to learn that Nairobi is considered the gateway to East Africa. This means hundreds of flights land here daily, with routes from all major destinations worldwide.
We booked our outbound and return flights 2 weeks apart. I think this is the minimum amount of time you need if you want to pack in a 5-day safari in Kenya and a reasonable amount of time in the Seychelles.
Safari and Seychelles Honeymoon: Itinerary
The following itinerary gives you 5 days on safari, and 6 full days in the Seychelles, with enough travel time to comfortably get between each destination.
Day 1: Travel to Nairobi.
Day 2: Travel from Nairobi to the Masai Mara
Days 3-6: Safari
Day 7: Travel from Masai Mara to the Seychelles
Days 8-12: Seychelles
Day 13: Travel from Seychelles to Nairobi.
Day 14: Travel home
Going on safari is an incredible experience, but it can also be incredibly tiring! That’s why it makes the most sense to do your safari first and then travel to the Seychelles for some chill time afterward.
So, once you arrive in Kenya, you need to know how to get to the Masai Mara, which is where the vast majority of Kenyan safaris take place.
**You may also be interested in reading The Ultimate 5-Day Safari in Kenya: Itinerary, Costs & Top Tips.**
How to get from Nairobi to the Masai Mara
There are essentially two ways of getting from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, driving and flying.
Driving is a lot cheaper, but generally not recommended. This is because the drive is very long (six hours), and can be very uncomfortable, with lots of unpaved roads en route.
Flying is definitely the preferable option, especially if you’re on your honeymoon!
Flights to the Masai Mara depart from the domestic airport in Nairobi (Nairobi Wilson), so you’ll need to transfer from the international airport on arrival.
There are only a handful of flights to the Masai Mara each day, and they only fly during daylight hours, so it’s very likely you’ll need to stay overnight in Nairobi, depending on what time your international flight lands.
I recommend choosing a gated hotel near the airport, with its own restaurant (and possibly leisure facilities depending on how much spare time you will have).
We went into Nairobi city during our layover and I would advise against this. There is not much to see, and it doesn’t feel particularly safe – we got approached a lot, and struggled to even find a decent cafe to sit down in for a drink.
Safairlink
There are two options for domestic flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, Safarilink and Air Kenya. we chose Safarilink purely based on the flight times that were available.
We simply got an Uber from our layover hotel to Nairobi Wilson Airport, it was very easy. You could also have your hotel call you a local taxi if you prefer.
The most important thing to mention here is that you can’t take large suitcases on small propeller planes to the Masai Mara.
The bags have to be small (think like a small holdall or carry-on size), and as light as possible. You can take one small bag for the hold and then a rucksack-sized bag to bring with you into the plane. Soft bags are much better than hard-shell suitcases.
If you are a chronic over-packer like me, you can store a larger suitcase at Nairobi International Airport. Drop it off when you first arrive in Nairobi, and pick it up on your way back through to the Seychelles.
It costs $4 a day to store your luggage, and the facility is open 24 hours. Bring a holdall as your carry-on to take on safari, and pack as light as possible!
**Read my full packing guide for a Kenyan Safari here.**
The Safarilink flights cost around £500pp for a return from Nairobi to Masai Mara. It’s expensive for such a short flight, but the trip is really an experience in itself!
We didn’t do a hot air balloon safari, but you get an incredible bird’s eye view on the way in and out of the Savannah, just from the plane. We saw hippos, giraffes, elephants, and countless other animals before we even touched down in the Masai Mara.
There are multiple airstrips in the Masai Mara, so you need to know where you are staying before you can book your flight. Check with your hotel or camp where their nearest airstrip is.
Before you leave for Kenya, let your hotel know your flight time, and they will arrange for someone to come and pick you up from the airstrip. This is usually included in the cost of your stay.
Getting to and from the Seychelles from Nairobi
Once you have finished your safari (more details on that below), you need to get from the Masai Mara to the Seychelles. First, you will fly back to Nairobi Wilson from the Masai Mara.
We managed to book one of the earliest domestic flights back to Nairobi, to line up with our Seychelles flights in the afternoon. On arrival at the domestic airport, we simply got another Uber back to the international airport, where our flight to the Seychelles was taking off.
Depending on your flight times, you may need another layover. Again, I recommend a hotel near the airport, with all the facilities you need on-site!
Kenya Airways
We flew from Nairobi to the Seychelles with Kenya Airways. At the time of writing, they were the only airline offering direct flights on this route.
I have to say we didn’t have a great experience with Kenya Airways, but it wasn’t exactly the airline’s fault! On the way in, there were very high winds, which led to the most terrifying landing of our lives. We got within 2m of the runway before the wind literally blew us back up again. Thankfully, the second attempt at the runway stuck.
On the way home, our flight to Nairobi was cancelled due to bad weather. This meant we missed our BA flights home from Nairobi.
Stormy weather and high winds are very common in the Seychelles, so I recommend booking a day’s layover in Nairobi on the way home, as a buffer! And of course, get travel insurance that covers storms and unforeseen cancellations. That way, your insurance will pay for new flights in the same travel class in the event you do miss your connection.
Because our BA flights and Kenya Airways flights were booked separately, neither airline was able to cover the cost of the new flights home. We were only reimbursed for the Kenya Airways flight which was cancelled.
Kenya Airways also covered the cost of a hotel, evening meal, and airport transfers for the additional night we ended up spending in the Seychelles.
Kenya Honeymoon Safari: Where to Stay
We stayed at Neptune Mara Rianta Camp and I cannot recommend this place highly enough! The staff are wonderful and can’t do enough for you, the food is lovely, and the tents feel so secluded and luxurious.
Ours had a huge verandah, and a waterfall shower overlooking the river, where a pod of hippos offered endless in-camp entertainment.
Other camps you could consider:
Emboo River: We loved the look of this sustainability-focused camp. They have electric vehicles for game drives which are not only better for the environment but quieter too, meaning you can get closer than ever to potential wildlife.
Olarro Plains: On the higher end, if you have a bigger budget. This is more of a lodge than a tented camp but looks like pure unadulterated luxury, and is located in its own private game reserve (the largest in the Masai Mara).
Mara Intrepids Tented Camp: A slightly cheaper option if your budget is tighter, in a fantastic location right in the middle of the reserve. Perfect if you want the romantic tented camp vibe and wildlife viewing is your priority.
Kenya Safari Honeymoon: Things to Do
Obviously, the main reason you come on a Kenya safari honeymoon is the game drives! We went every morning and were lucky enough to have a driver to ourselves, which meant we could cover more ground and seek out specific species.
We saw a whole pride of lions within the first hour of our first game drive, and things only got more spectacular from there.
The camp also has a pool, which we loved for lazing around in the afternoons. We had hot sunny weather (early July), so it was definitely worth having the pool to cool off in after a dusty day on safari.
The camp also had a spa, for massages and so on.
Other excursions you can try include a hot air balloon safari, a cultural visit to a Masai village, guided bush walks, and private romantic dinners/sundowners in the bush.
Safari and Seychelles Honeymoon: Where to Stay in the Seychelles
To ease the burden of travelling, we decided to stay on Mahe island, which is the main island you fly into in the Seychelles.
Because of the amount of travelling and activity involved in a safari and Seychelles honeymoon, this is what I would recommend.
If you are only going to Seychelles on your honeymoon, you might want to consider one of the more remote islands that require a boat and/or plane trip from Mahe.
We stayed at Story Seychelles on Mahe Island, which is a beautiful hotel with the most incredible restaurants. We upgraded to a room with a private pool, but there were lots of other suite options that looked just as good.
The main pool was beautiful (picture above), so we actually hung out there a lot as well.
Other hotels you could consider:
JA Enchanted Island Resort Seychelles: If you’re not afraid of a little extra travelling, this resort looked absolutely spectacular and is located on its own island a short boat ride from Mahe. If you really want those luxury deserted island vibes, this is the place for you.
Mango House Seychelles: This hotel has a more boutiquey vibe, and is located on the other side of Mahe Island, in its own bay. All suites have stunning views of the glimmering Indian Ocean.
Bliss Boutique Hotel Seychelles: A very cute creole-inspired hotel on its own private beach. More of a laid-back style, ideal if your budget is a little tighter!
Safari and Seychelles Honeymoon: Things to Do in the Seychelles
The Seychelles is really all about relaxing on the beach and soaking up the tropical vibes. And I mean soaking, literally, because it rained every single day we were there.
We specifically picked July as it is supposed to be the driest month, but I guess we were unlucky. It rains in a very tropical way, so it’ll be hammering it down one minute and then blazing sunshine the next. This meant we were still able to enjoy some sunbathing and activities.
Beach hopping is a popular way to spend your time in the Seychelles. We took a hike from Story Seychelles (Beau Vallon Beach) to Anse Major which was really spectacular, even though we got absolutely soaked on the way there.
There are lots of boat trips you can take to see other parts of the island and smaller islands.
We went on a fantastic catamaran trip to Curieuse Island, which is a protected national park where giant Aldabra tortoises roam freely. The trip lasted all day and also stopped off at some beautiful bays for snorkelling.
You can also visit La Digue, which is another Seychelles island with the show-stopping beaches you often see on Instagram.
The ferry takes nearly two hours, so it’s a long way for a day trip, but possibly worth it if you’re a keen photographer! The ferry also stops at La Praslin en route.
Safari and Seychelles Honeymoon: Cost Breakdown
The following prices are the total cost for two people. Most are based on the rough current prices for a trip happening next year (2024).
Return business class flights to Nairobi: £800 (Plus 180,000 Avios points and one companion voucher). For regular economy flights, you can expect to pay about £1200 (£600pp) when booking in advance.
Layover hotel in Nairobi: £200
Taxi from hotel to domestic airport: £15
Return flights from Nairobi to Masai Mara: £1000
5 nights at Neptune Mara Rianta: £5250
Game drives: £400
Park fees: £450
Taxi between airports: £15
Return flights from Nairobi to Seychelles: £1200
Taxi from the airport: £50
7 nights at Story Seychelles: £3300
Taxi to airport: £50
Total for all essentials for two people: £12,730
If you were to opt for accommodation on the lower end, I do believe you could make this trip work for £6000. On the other hand, there really is no limit to the amount you can spend if your budget is bigger.
Extras you might want to include:
All of the below prices are based on approximate costs for two people.
Hot Air Balloon Safari: £800
Floating Breakfast in the Seychelles: £100
Romantic Dinner on the Beach: £400
Boat Trip in the Seychelles: £200
Upgrade to Suite with Private Pool in the Seychelles: £4000
Safari and Seychelles Honeymoon: Top Tips and final thoughts
- Pack light for the safari and don’t bring a large suitcase on your flight to the Masai Mara. Large suitcases can be stored at the international airport in Nairobi.
- Bring plenty of cash to the safari to pay your park fees and tip the camp staff. You can use US dollars or Kenyan Shillings, both are accepted.
- Get travel insurance that covers storms and unavoidable weather events. Seychelles is very stormy and flights can be cancelled without warning. Standard cover does not usually include weather-related cancellations, so always check your policy.
- Bring all the toiletries you need with you, especially things like suncream, tampons, and mosquito repellant. We got massively ripped off in both Kenya and the Seychelles paying for these essential items.
So that’s it! That’s everything you need to know about a safari and Seychelles honeymoon, including how to get there, how much it’s all going to cost, and a few mistakes to avoid along the way!
I hope this has helped with your honeymoon planning but please feel free to fire away with any additional questions you have in the comments.
Looking for other luxury experiences, or mini-moon ideas? Check out this dreamy Santorini itinerary.
Alternatively, read about our Italy-inspired Cotswold wedding here, or find the ultimate Paris hen do itinerary here.
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