Out of Africa — Kenya Safari & Beach - November 2026
A Books in Places reading holiday inspired by Karen Blixen’s classic memoir, inspired by Out of Africa, with visits to Nairobi, followed by a classic Kenyan safari experience in Tsavo, and time to relax on Diani Beach.
The drama and beauty of Kenya — landscapes that echo the world of Out of Africa.
Overview
This unique Books in Places trip takes us from the sweeping plains of Tsavo National Parks to the tranquil coastline of Diani Beach. It’s a week that blends the wildness of safari with the calm of the Indian Ocean — the perfect setting for reading, reflection and connection.
Our book for the week is Karen Blixen’s evocative memoir Out of Africa, a lyrical and intimate account of her life on a Kenyan coffee farm in the early 20th century. Her deep connection to the land, wildlife and people of Kenya makes reading the book here especially powerful.
The Setting
We begin in the wildlife-rich landscapes of Tsavo National Parks , where elephants, giraffes and zebra roam freely. From our lodge we’ll venture out on early-morning game drives and enjoy quiet reading time with panoramic views of the plains.
Later we travel to Diani Beach — an expanse of white sand and turquoise water. Here the pace slows, offering space to unwind, read under the shade of a palm tree, or enjoy long conversations by the shore.
About the Book
Out of Africa is Karen Blixen’s timeless memoir of love, loss, beauty and belonging. Her descriptions of Kenya are tender, poetic and vivid — from encounters with wildlife to friendships that shaped her years in the highlands. The book captures the emotional, cultural and physical landscape of Kenya in a way that feels both intimate and expansive.
Discussing it here, surrounded by the very landscapes she describes, will add depth and resonance to her words.
Why Kenya for this Book?
Blixen wrote about Kenya with a sense of reverence — the light, the wildlife, the people, and the vast horizons that shaped her life. Being on safari in Kenya allows us to feel close to her world: the rustle of grass, the warmth of the air, the silhouettes of animals at dusk.
Then, by moving to Diani Beach, we find the stillness and reflection that pairs beautifully with Blixen’s more contemplative passages. It’s an ideal blend of immersion and rest — allowing her memoir to unfold in the very land that inspired it.
During the Week
- Early-morning game drives in Tsavo National Parks to see elephants, giraffes and other wildlife.
- Five hosted evenings of book-group dinners and thoughtful discussion.
- Time to read, journal and relax in both safari and beach settings.
- Beach days in Diani: swimming, walking the shoreline and peaceful reading spots.
- Optional excursions including snorkelling, local village visits or additional game drives.
What’s Included
- 8 nights’ accommodation (safari lodge + beach resort)
- All meals included throughout the trip
- Daily game drives in Tsavo National Parks
- Transfers between Tsavo and Diani Beach
- Hosted discussions and warm company
Reserve Your Place
Group sizes are small to keep the experience warm and relaxed. To enquire or book, click the link below. Note: This trip is organised in partnership with Friendship Travel.
