From the wildlife-rich Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru, Amboseli’s elephant herds and the white-sand beaches of Diani — safari followed by coastal relaxation.
Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
Safari style
Private · Safari & beach
Route
Masai Mara · Lake Nakuru · Amboseli · Diani
Start & end
Nairobi, Kenya
Safari overview
About This Journey
Discover Kenya’s most iconic landscapes on this 9-day journey from the wildlife-rich Masai Mara to the flamingo-fringed shores of Lake Nakuru, the elephant herds of Amboseli, and the white-sand beaches of Diani. This safari combines exceptional game viewing, encounters with Maasai culture, and time to unwind beside the Indian Ocean—an ideal choice for travelers seeking an authentic Kenyan safari followed by coastal relaxation.
This carefully paced safari takes you through Kenya’s varied landscapes—from the open savannah of the Masai Mara to the Rift Valley lakes and the plains beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. With an experienced English-speaking driver-guide and a private safari vehicle, you will enjoy flexible game drives and excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
The Masai Mara is renowned for its abundant wildlife and seasonal wildebeest migration. Lake Nakuru offers outstanding birdlife and chances to see both black and white rhinos, while Amboseli is celebrated for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Along the way, you can choose an optional Maasai village visit to gain a deeper appreciation of Kenya’s living cultures.
After your safari, fly to Kenya’s coast for three restful nights in Diani or Mombasa. Enjoy warm ocean waters, palm-lined beaches, local cuisine, and optional activities such as snorkeling, glass-bottom boat trips, and spa treatments.
Safari Highlights
Explore three of Kenya’s most celebrated destinations: Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Amboseli National Park.
Search for Africa’s legendary wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, cheetahs, giraffes, and wildebeest.
Visit Lake Nakuru, a Great Rift Valley haven for flamingos and more than 400 bird species.
See Amboseli’s famous elephant herds beneath the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Enjoy optional, respectful visits to Maasai communities to learn about local traditions, music, and daily life.
Finish with three nights on Kenya’s coast in Diani or Mombasa, with time for beach relaxation and optional water activities.
Detailed itinerary
Day by Day
Day 1
Day 1
Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
Your driver-guide will collect you early from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or your Nairobi hotel. Travel through the Great Rift Valley, pausing at scenic viewpoints for photographs along the way.
Enjoy lunch featuring traditional Kenyan dishes at a local village before continuing to the Masai Mara. After settling into your camp or lodge, head out for an afternoon game drive. Look for lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and other savannah wildlife as the reserve comes alive toward evening.
Return to your accommodation for dinner and your first night in the Masai Mara.
Accommodation options (or similar)
LuxuryMara Serena Safari Lodge
Mid-rangeMara Sopa Lodge
BudgetAA Lodge Masai Mara
Included todayAccommodation, lunch, dinner, drinking water, and an afternoon game drive
Day 2
Day 2
Full-Day Masai Mara Game Drives
Spend a full day exploring the Masai Mara’s rolling grasslands, riverine forests, and acacia-dotted plains. Your guide will follow the day’s wildlife activity, offering opportunities to observe predators, grazers, and—if seasonal—the Great Migration.
A picnic lunch is served during your game drive, allowing you to remain immersed in the landscape. The Masai Mara offers particularly good chances to see cheetahs and leopards.
In the afternoon, you may choose an optional Maasai village visit (US$20 per person). Meet community members, enjoy traditional songs and dance, and learn more about Maasai culture and heritage.
Accommodation options (or similar)
LuxuryMara Serena Safari Lodge
Mid-rangeMara Sopa Lodge
BudgetAA Lodge Masai Mara
Included todayAccommodation, breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, drinking water, and full-day game drives
Day 3
Day 3
Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
Begin with an early morning game drive, when wildlife is often most active. After breakfast at your lodge or camp, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park through the Great Rift Valley.
Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos, whose pink reflections can transform the shoreline. The park is also home to more than 400 bird species, including white pelicans, plovers, egrets, and marabou storks. With your guide, look for black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, and other resident wildlife.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your chosen accommodation.
Accommodation options (or similar)
LuxuryLake Elementaita Serena Luxury Camp
Mid-rangeNakuru Sopa Lodge
BudgetLanet Matfam Resort Nakuru
Included todayAccommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, and game drives
Day 4
Day 4
Lake Nakuru to Amboseli National Park
Enjoy a final early game drive in Lake Nakuru before breakfast. Then travel south through the Rift Valley toward Amboseli National Park, taking in Kenya’s varied countryside along the route.
Lunch is served en route. Arrive at Amboseli in the late afternoon, check in to your camp or lodge, and relax before dinner.
Accommodation options (or similar)
LuxuryAmboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Mid-rangeAmboseli Sopa Lodge
BudgetAA Lodge Amboseli
Included todayAccommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, and an early morning game drive
Day 5
Day 5
Full-Day Amboseli National Park
Set out early for the best chance of seeing Mount Kilimanjaro before clouds gather around its summit. Spend the day on game drives across Amboseli’s open plains, marshes, and acacia woodlands.
The park is especially known for its elephant herds, and you may also encounter giraffes, wildebeest, baboons, hyenas, lions, and more. Your guide will help you locate wildlife and share insights into the park’s ecosystems.
After breakfast, an optional Maasai village visit is available for US$20 per person. Experience traditional hospitality, music, and dance while learning about Maasai traditions.
Accommodation options (or similar)
LuxuryAmboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Mid-rangeAmboseli Sopa Lodge
BudgetAA Lodge Amboseli
Included todayAccommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, and full-day game drives
Day 6
Day 6
Amboseli to Nairobi, Then Fly to Diani or Mombasa
After breakfast, travel back to Nairobi, passing through some of Kenya’s fertile countryside. Enjoy lunch at the well-known Carnivore restaurant before transferring to Wilson Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Ukunda, serving Diani Beach.
On arrival, a transfer will take you to your chosen beach hotel or resort. Arrive in time for dinner and settle in for your first evening on Kenya’s coast.
Mid-rangeJacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort (half board)
BudgetDiani Dhow Beach Villas (bed and breakfast)
Included todayAccommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, road transfer, and domestic flight from Nairobi to Ukunda
Day 7
Day 7
Relaxation in Diani or Mombasa
Enjoy a free day at the coast. Walk along Diani’s white-sand beaches, swim in the Indian Ocean, or relax by the pool at your resort.
Optional activities can be arranged locally at additional cost, including snorkeling, glass-bottom boat trips, and other excursions. This is a day to slow down and enjoy the contrast between bush and beach.
Included todayAccommodation, meals as per your selected hotel plan, and drinking water
Day 8
Day 8
Leisure Day in Diani
Spend another relaxed day enjoying the beach, pool, and resort facilities. Optional spa treatments—such as massages, facials, body scrubs, and sauna or steam-room access—may be available through your hotel.
If a particular treatment or activity is important to you, let us know before booking so we can recommend suitable accommodation. In the evening, enjoy dinner at your resort and try fresh local seafood if you wish.
Included todayAccommodation, meals as per your selected hotel plan, and drinking water
Day 9
Day 9
Diani or Mombasa to Nairobi
After a final breakfast, transfer to Ukunda Airport for your scheduled flight to Nairobi. On arrival, enjoy lunch at the Carnivore restaurant before being transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight, or to a Nairobi hotel or residence if you are extending your stay.
Included todayBreakfast, lunch, drinking water, airport transfers, and domestic flight from Ukunda to Nairobi. No accommodation is included on this final day
Know before you go
What’s Included
Included
All road transfers as per the itinerary
Accommodation throughout the safari and beach stay
Meals and drinking water as specified
Game drives as outlined in the itinerary
Private safari transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing and photography
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
4G internet connectivity during the safari
Applicable government taxes, levies, and park entry fees
Personalized private service
Return domestic flights between Nairobi and Ukunda/Mombasa
Not Included
International flights and associated taxes
Passport, visa, and visa-processing fees
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
Personal laundry
Alcoholic beverages
Entrance fees for optional activities
Optional experiences
Enhance Your Safari
Available on request at an additional cost.
Hot-air balloon safari
Maasai village visit
Upgrade to a 4x4 safari Land Cruiser
Bush dinner
Bush breakfast
Sundowner experience
Flying Doctors medical, emergency, and rescue cover
Good to Know
Itineraries may be adjusted, or similar lodges used, where availability changes. Prices for domestic flights, airport taxes, and park fees may change without notice; any increases beyond our control will be passed on to guests.
