Duration
9 NIGHTSBest For
Travelers combining classic game drives with restorative coast downtime.Group Size
2-6 guestsAccommodation
Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Diani Sea ResortSafari Overview
Safari and Indian Ocean in one seamless route
This nine-night journey combines Kenya's finest game-viewing parks with a restorative Indian Ocean beach finale, creating the classic bush-and-coast East Africa experience.
The first half focuses on the Maasai Mara's predator-rich plains and Lake Nakuru's rhinos and flamingos, with full-day game drives and comfortable lodge stays.
The final nights shift to Diani Beach on Kenya's south coast, where reef snorkeling, dhow sailing, and white-sand relaxation complete the journey.
Transfers: Private 4x4 safari vehicle plus scheduled flight to the coast
Safari Snapshot
Pair classic game drives with a serene beach finish for the ultimate bush-and-coast East Africa journey.
Safari Style
Beach + Bush
Designed for quality sightings and unrushed pacing across key landscapes.
Trip Rhythm
7-9 Nights
Balanced travel days, golden-hour game drives, and restorative lodge downtime.
Destinations
Kenya
Route sequencing built around wildlife windows and smooth overland transitions.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A clear route plan with flexible pacing and private-guide support.
Day 1 · Nairobi to Maasai Mara
Nairobi to Maasai Mara
Transfer to Wilson Airport for a scheduled flight to the Maasai Mara. Game-drive transfer to Mara Serena Safari Lodge, set on a hill with panoramic views of the Mara plains. Afternoon game drive to begin your wildlife adventure.
- Scheduled flight to Mara
- Panoramic lodge setting
Day 2-4 · Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara Game Drives
Three full days of game drives across the Mara's rolling plains. Track lion prides, cheetah coalitions, and elephant herds. During migration season (Jul-Oct), witness dramatic river crossings. Optional hot-air balloon safari and Maasai village visit.
- Big Five game drives
- Migration river crossings
- Optional balloon safari
Day 5 · Maasai Mara to Nakuru
Fly to Nakuru via Nairobi
Morning flight back to Nairobi, then drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. Afternoon game drive to spot white and black rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, and flamingos along the lake shore.
- Flight to Nairobi
- Rhino tracking in Nakuru
Day 6 · Nakuru to Nairobi
Lake Nakuru to Nairobi
Morning game drive in Lake Nakuru before driving back to Nairobi for an overnight stay, preparing for tomorrow's coastal flight.
- Final Nakuru game drive
- Nairobi overnight
Day 7 · Nairobi to Diani
Fly to Diani Beach
Morning flight from Nairobi to Ukunda Airstrip on Kenya's south coast. Transfer to Diani Sea Resort on the white-sand Indian Ocean shoreline. Afternoon at leisure with welcome sundowner.
- Bush-to-beach flight
- Indian Ocean arrival
Day 8-9 · Diani Beach
Diani Beach Days
Two full days of coastal relaxation. Optional activities include reef snorkeling, dhow sailing, kite surfing, a visit to the Colobus Trust, or a Shimba Hills National Reserve day trip. Or simply unwind by the resort pool.
- Reef snorkeling
- Optional Shimba Hills day trip
Day 10 · Diani to Nairobi
Diani to Nairobi and Departure
Morning at leisure before a flight back to Nairobi for your international departure. Alternatively, extend your beach stay or connect to Zanzibar.
- Final beach morning
- International departure connection
Route Map & Safari Points
Track the journey stop-by-stop. Mapbox static route rendering is enabled when your public token is set.
- 1
Day 1
Nairobi
Arrival and transfer to Wilson Airport for Mara flight.
- 2
Day 1-4
Maasai Mara
Four nights of predator-rich game drives and migration action.
- 3
Day 5-6
Lake Nakuru
Rhino tracking and flamingo viewing in the Rift Valley.
- 4
Day 7-10
Diani Beach
Indian Ocean beach relaxation, reef snorkeling, and dhow sailing.
What's Included
- Scheduled flights: Nairobi-Mara-Nairobi and Nairobi-Diani-Nairobi
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entry fees for Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru
- Full-board accommodation during safari nights, half-board at the coast
- Daily game drives and all specified activities
- Airport transfers and on-ground support throughout
Exclusions
- International flights, visas, and travel insurance
- Optional activities (hot-air balloon, snorkeling, Shimba Hills, kite surfing)
- Tips, gratuities, and personal purchases
- Drinks and any services not described under inclusions
Best Travel Window
Seasonality
Jul - OctDec - Mar
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more clarity before you book? Start here.
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes. We tailor pacing, lodge standards, and activities to your travel style, dates, and priorities.
Do I need special fitness for this safari?
Most game-drive itineraries are moderate. Gorilla/chimp treks require stronger mobility and we can advise accordingly.
How far in advance should I book?
For prime season travel, we recommend securing your trip 4-8 months in advance to guarantee preferred camps.
Planning Guides for This Route
Editorial notes and practical planning content relevant to this safari itinerary.
Diani Beach: Kenya's Premier Coastal Destination
Diani Beach is Kenya's coastal jewel: palm-lined white sands, warm turquoise Indian Ocean water, world-class resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It's the ideal bush-to-beach finish after a Mara or Amboseli safari.
Read GuideLamu Island: An Uncrowded Swahili Paradise
Lamu Island offers a laid-back beach vibe, fantastic food, a vibrant art scene, and fascinating Swahili culture. Transport is almost entirely by donkey and traditional dhow — a genuine 'step back in time' and an ideal post-safari beach add-on.
Read GuidePlan Your Kenya Safari
Share your dates, pace and preferred accommodation style. We will tailor this trip to fit your exact vision.
Hear what our clients have to say
Genuine stories from travelers who experienced East Africa with Simba Paka Safaris.
Our Affiliations
