10-Day Kenya Safari & Beach Holiday – Masai Mara Wildlife to Diani Shores
Kenya offers the perfect combination of safari and beach, two extraordinary experiences in one unforgettable journey. This 10-Day Kenya Safari & Beach Holiday takes you through the legendary Masai Mara, where lions hunt across golden savannahs and the Great Migration unfolds in one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Then, trade your safari hat for a sunhat as you fly to Diani Beach, where powder-white sands and turquoise Indian Ocean waters await. From the thrill of spotting a leopard in the wild to the serenity of sunset over the ocean, this is the ultimate East Africa.
This 10-Day Kenya Safari & Beach Holiday is designed for travelers seeking the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. You’ll enjoy game drives in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, expert guides, and comfortable lodges in the Masai Mara. Then, fly to the coast for beachfront relaxation at a premier resort with all meals included. All park fees, activities, and domestic flights are handled seamlessly. With private transfers and expert guides, you’ll enjoy a stress-free, unforgettable experience.
Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya
- Day 2: Nairobi – Masai Mara National Reserve | Afternoon Game Drive
- Day 3: Full Day in Masai Mara – Big Five Safari
- Day 4: Masai Mara – Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari
- Day 5: Masai Mara – Morning Game Drive – Fly to Diani Beach
- Day 6: Diani Beach – Relaxation & Water Sports
- Day 7: Diani Beach – Optional Wasini Island Dolphin Tour
- Day 8: Diani Beach – Free Day for Spa, Culture, or Kite Surfing
- Day 9: Diani Beach – Final Day of Relaxation
- Day 10: Diani Beach – Nairobi – Departure
Itinerary
Destination: Kenya (Masai Mara National Reserve, Diani Beach)
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Group Size: Private Safari (2-14 people)
Hotel Category: Mid-range to luxury lodges and beachfront resorts
Activities: Game drives, beach relaxation, water sports, cultural experiences
Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Your driver-guide transfers you to your hotel in Nairobi. Depending on your arrival time, visit the Giraffe Centre, the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, or the Nairobi National Museum. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing on the exciting days ahead. Overnight at your Nairobi hotel. Meals: Dinner.
After breakfast, depart for the scenic 5-6 hour drive through the Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Stop at the Rift Valley viewpoint for breathtaking photos of the escarpment. Continue through Narok Town, the heart of Maasai country, before arriving at your camp in the Masai Mara. After lunch, head out for your first afternoon game drive across the Mara's rolling plains. Watch for giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and the first glimpses of predators as the golden light illuminates the savannah. Return to camp for a delicious dinner under the African sky. Overnight at your Masai Mara camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Rise early for a sunrise game drive when wildlife is most active. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and buffalo roam the plains, and the dramatic lighting offers incredible photography opportunities. After a full breakfast, set out for a full-day safari with a packed picnic lunch, allowing you to travel deeper into the reserve. Visit the Mara River, where hippos lounge and crocodiles bask, and if you're visiting between July and October, witness the Great Migration's thrilling river crossings. In the afternoon, search for predators and prey across the reserve's varied terrain, including the famous Musiara Swamp and Olkiombo area. Return to the camp as the sun sets, sharing stories of the day's incredible sightings over a hearty dinner. Overnight at your Masai Mara camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Today offers an optional early morning hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara plains (available at extra cost). Drift silently above the savannah as the sun rises, witnessing wildlife from a breathtaking perspective. The flight concludes with a Champagne bush breakfast set amid the wilderness, an experience that defines African luxury. For those who prefer to stay grounded, enjoy a morning game drive in a different sector of the reserve. Return to camp for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy another game drive or visit a Maasai village to learn about traditional customs, dances, and daily life (extra cost). Overnight at your Masai Mara camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
After a final morning game drive, return to camp for breakfast. Check out and transfer to the airstrip for your flight to the coast. Fly from the Masai Mara to Ukunda Airstrip, the gateway to Diani Beach. Upon arrival, your driver-guide transfers you to your beachfront resort. Check in, take a deep breath of the salty sea air, and feel the stress melt away. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with ocean views. Overnight at your Diani Beach resort. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Spend a full day at leisure on Diani's pristine white sands. Swim in the turquoise Indian Ocean, lounge under a palm tree, or try optional water sports such as snorkeling, jet skiing, kite surfing, or paddleboarding. Alternatively, take a guided snorkeling trip to the nearby coral reef to discover vibrant marine life including parrotfish, angelfish, and sea turtles. In the evening, take a sunset walk along the beach before enjoying dinner of freshly grilled seafood at a local restaurant. Overnight at your Diani Beach resort. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Today offers an optional full-day excursion to Wasini Island (extra cost). Your driver will collect you after breakfast and transfer you to the fishing village of Shimoni. From there, board a traditional dhow and cruise through the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, one of Kenya's best-protected marine areas. The waters are home to playful pods of dolphins, and sightings are almost guaranteed. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters among colorful coral gardens teeming with tropical fish. After your marine adventure, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on Wasini Island, prepared in the traditional Swahili style. Return to Diani in the late afternoon. Overnight at your Diani Beach resort. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
This day is entirely yours to customize. For ultimate relaxation, indulge in a traditional Swahili spa treatment, a rejuvenating massage using local coconut and spice oils. If you're feeling adventurous, try kite surfing or windsurfing, as Diani is renowned for its excellent wind conditions. Culture lovers can visit the nearby Kongo Mosque or the Diani Beach Art Gallery. In the afternoon, wander through the local markets and shop for authentic Swahili souvenirs, hand-carved wooden crafts, colorful kikois, and beautiful Maasai beadwork. For a unique experience, take a dhow sunset cruise along the coast. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a top beachfront restaurant. Overnight at your Diani Beach resort. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Enjoy a final full day of relaxation on the beach. Take one last swim in the turquoise waters, stroll along the white sands, or simply read a book under a palm tree. Optional activities include a visit to the Shimba Hills National Reserve, a swim with dolphins, or a kayaking trip through the mangroves. In the evening, enjoy a final sunset cocktail on the beach. Overnight at your Diani Beach resort. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast with your toes in the sand. Take one last walk along the beach and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Check out from your resort and transfer to Ukunda Airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival at Wilson Airport, you'll be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight. As you leave, you'll carry with you the unforgettable memories of Kenya's wildlife wonders and Diani's coastal magic. Meal Plan: Breakfast.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Private airport transfers
- 4 nights' accommodation in the Masai Mara
- 5 nights' accommodation in Diani Beach
- All meals as per itinerary
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entrance fees
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Domestic flights: Masai Mara – Diani – Nairobi
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- All transfers
Cost Excludes
- International flights to/from Kenya
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities (hot air balloon safari, Wasini Island tour)
- Tips and gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time is during the dry seasons, June to October and December to March. June to October offers the Great Migration in the Masai Mara with dramatic river crossings. Diani Beach is beautiful year-round, but the best beach weather is during the dry seasons. The wet seasons (April-May and November) offer lower prices but may affect safari road conditions.
The Masai Mara is home to the Big Five, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, plus cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and over 500 bird species. In season, you'll witness the Great Migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras. Diani Beach offers marine life encounters including dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish during optional snorkeling trips.
The best time for this combination is during the dry seasons, June to October (Great Migration) and December to March (excellent wildlife viewing and beach weather). The wet seasons (April-May and November) offer lower prices and quieter beaches but may affect road conditions.
Pack neutral-colored, lightweight clothing for game drives, a warm jacket for early mornings on safari, comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat, and sunglasses. For the beach, pack swimwear, light summer clothing, and comfortable sandals. Essential items for both include high SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera with a zoom lens. Don't forget your passport and any personal medication.
Yes, this combined safari and beach holiday is excellent for families. Children aged 5 and above are welcome on game drives. Diani Beach offers safe swimming and family-friendly activities. Please discuss any specific requirements with us when booking.
