10-Day Kenya Safari & Beach Holiday – Maasai Mara & Diani Beach Safari

Overnight: The Nairobi 4 Star Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)

Airport Transfer: Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) to a budget-friendly 4-star hotel.

Relax & Acclimatize: No activities (rest after flight).

Optional (Self-Paid): Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant 

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Morning: A Scenic Journey into the Wild
07:00 - We'll collect you from your Nairobi hotel/residence in our comfortable safari vehicle, ensuring:
✔ Cushioned seats with extra legroom
✔ Bottled water and snacks for the road
✔ Briefing about your upcoming adventure

08:30 - Arrive at Wilson Airport for your 1-hour scenic flight to the Mara:
✔ Window seats pre-selected for the best views
✔ Spot Mount Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak (weather permitting)
✔ Marvel at the Great Rift Valley's dramatic landscapes from above

Midday: First Taste of Safari Life
10:30 - Touch down at the Mara airstrip where your private guide welcomes you with:
✔ A traditional Maasai greeting
✔ Cold refreshing towels
✔ Your own open-top 4x4 safari Jeep (with shade canopy)

The short transfer to camp becomes your first game drive:
✔ Spot grazing zebras and gazelles near the airstrip
✔ Learn to identify acacia trees and grassland birds
✔ Capture photos of your first wildlife encounters

Afternoon: Settling into Safari Rhythm
12:00 - Arrive at your luxury tented camp where you'll:
✔ Enjoy a welcome drink as you check in
✔ Have time to freshen up in your comfortable tent
✔ Join other guests for lunch on the dining deck

During lunch, your guide will:
✔ Explain the Mara's unique ecosystem
✔ Discuss possible sighting locations
✔ Customize your itinerary based on interests

Late Afternoon: First Full Game Drive
15:30 - Set out to explore the reserve in golden afternoon light:
✔ Search for the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino)
✔ Discover over 95 mammal species in their natural habitat
✔ Stop for sundowner drinks at a scenic viewpoint

Evening: Safari Stories Under the Stars
19:30 - Return to camp for:
✔ A hearty dinner featuring local and international cuisine
✔ Campfire stories with Maasai warriors
✔ Stargazing from your private veranda

Special February Advantages:

• Lush green landscapes after the short rains
• Excellent predator sightings with shorter grass
• Newborn animals beginning to appear
• Fewer vehicles for a more private experience

Remember: Your safari moves at your pace. Want more drives? More relaxation? Just tell your guide!

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

A Day on Safari – Low Season Magic (January-February)

We rise early to greet the golden light spilling across the Maasai Mara’s endless plains. The cool morning air carries the sounds of birdsong and distant animal calls as we set out on our game drive.

Though the Great Migration herds have moved south into Tanzania, low season brings its own rewards:
✔ Fewer vehicles, giving you a more intimate safari experience.
✔ Lush green landscapes after the short rains, perfect for photography.
✔ Excellent predator sightings—lions, leopards, and cheetahs remain year-round, often easier to spot without tall grass.
✔ Birdwatching paradise, with migratory birds adding to the resident species.

After a thrilling morning drive, we pause for a bush breakfast or return to camp for a leisurely meal. The afternoon is yours to relax—perhaps a siesta or time to enjoy camp amenities—before we head out again for the sunset game drive, when predators become more active in the cooler hours.

Evenings are spent under a sky dusted with stars, sharing stories of the day’s sightings over a delicious dinner.

While the river crossings may be quieter now, the Mara’s wildlife drama never stops—and you’ll have front-row seats.

Overnight

After a busy day exploring the great reserve, you’ll appreciate some downtime with a robust dinner at your lodging.

 Farewell to the Mara – Journey to Coastal Paradise

The golden light of dawn spills across the savannah as we depart on your final sunrise game drive in the Maasai Mara. This is when the bush comes alive – lions may be returning from their nocturnal hunts, elephants make their way to watering holes, and the morning air carries the distinctive calls of African fish eagles.

✔ Savor every last moment of wilderness magic with your camera ready for final sightings
✔ Watch for predators taking advantage of the cool morning hours
✔ Listen for the Mara's dawn chorus – from honking hippos to singing birds

After the drive, we return to camp for a relaxed breakfast where you can reminisce about your safari highlights while watching wildlife visit nearby waterholes. The morning offers one last opportunity to:

✔ Spot elephants at the camp's water feature
✔ Photograph birds visiting the acacia trees
✔ Exchange contact details with your guide and camp staff

By mid-morning, we begin the scenic transfer to the airstrip, keeping eyes peeled for final wildlife encounters along the way. The flight to Nairobi then Diani offers breathtaking aerial views as Kenya's landscapes transform from sweeping savannahs to lush highlands, then finally to the turquoise Indian Ocean coastline.

Upon landing in Ukunda, the warm coastal breeze carries the scent of salt and frangipani as we transfer you to Diani Beach Resort. Here, your safari adventure gracefully transitions into beachfront relaxation, where the rhythm of the waves replaces the call of the wild, and your binoculars give way to sunset cocktails by the sea.

Meal Plan: All-Inclusive

As your plane descends into the coastal warmth of Diani, the vibrant blues of the Indian Ocean welcome you to a new chapter of your Kenyan adventure. After transferring to the luxurious Diani Booked Beach Resort, you'll immediately feel the rhythm shift from safari excitement to beachfront serenity.

Your ocean-view room awaits, where the sound of waves provides a natural soundtrack to your relaxation. The afternoon unfolds at your perfect pace:

✔ Feel powdery white sand between your toes during your first barefoot walk along Diani's famous shoreline
✔ Float in the infinity pool where the water's edge blends seamlessly with ocean views
✔ Sip signature cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks

For those seeking something special:
Indulge in a private beach dinner ($75 pp) where staff will arrange a romantic candlelit setup just steps from the water's edge, complete with personalized service and fresh seafood delicacies.

As the stars emerge overhead, let the gentle lapping of waves lull you into complete relaxation, knowing six more days of coastal bliss lie ahead. The resort's all-inclusive offerings mean you need only decide between another drink at the bar or an early retreat to your comfortable bed, with nothing to plan but tomorrow's adventures.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Swahili Seafood Lunch, Dinner

The ocean calls today as we start a full-day marine safari to the spectacular Wasini Island. After an early breakfast, we'll transfer you to the jetty where your traditional dhow boat awaits, its billowing white sails ready to carry you into the aquatic wonderland of the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park.

✔ Dolphin Ballet - Watch wild bottlenose and humpback dolphins play in their natural habitat, often swimming alongside our boat in a magical display of curiosity
✔ Underwater Wonderworld - Don your snorkel gear to explore coral gardens teeming with parrotfish, angelfish, and maybe even gentle sea turtles
✔ Swahili Feast - Savor a lavish seafood spread on Wasini Island featuring coconut crab, grilled lobster, and traditional biryani prepared by local chefs

For those wanting a different perspective:
Upgrade to the glass-bottom boat tour ($45 pp) - perfect for non-swimmers or anyone wanting to admire the reef without getting wet, with expert commentary about the marine ecosystem.

As we sail back to Diani in the golden afternoon light, keep your camera ready - it's common to spot dolphins riding the bow wave one last time. You'll return to the resort with salt in your hair, sunshine in your soul, and memories of the Indian Ocean's vibrant underwater world.

Meal Plan: All-Inclusive

After yesterday's aquatic adventure, today offers the perfect balance of relaxation and cultural immersion at your own pace. Wake without an alarm to the sound of waves gently breaking on shore - today is yours to design.

Morning Possibilities:
✔ Paddle into Paradise - Glide across crystal waters in a kayak or test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard (complimentary equipment from the resort)
✔ Beachside Pampering - The spa awaits with ocean-view treatment rooms offering everything from Swahili massages ($60) to coconut oil hair treatments
✔ Simply Unwind - Claim your perfect spot beneath a palm-thatched beach umbrella with that book you've been meaning to finish

Afternoon Adventures:

✔ Primate Encounter - Visit Colobus Conservation ($15) to observe these endangered black-and-white monkeys and learn about protection efforts
✔ Art Safari - Tour Diani's vibrant art galleries ($20) showcasing stunning Tinga Tinga paintings and handmade Makonde carvings

Evening Magic:
As daylight softens, consider the premium sunset dhow cruise ($70) - sip champagne while traditional sailors guide the wooden vessel along the coast, serving fresh canapés as the sky erupts in color.

The resort's all-inclusive amenities mean you can float seamlessly between activities and relaxation, with staff ready to arrange whatever experience your heart desires.

Local Tip: Thursday afternoons often feature beachside Maasai beadwork vendors - perfect for authentic souvenirs.

Meal Plan: All-Inclusive (unless on safari)

The day presents two delightful paths - continue your beachside relaxation or answer the call of the wild one more time. At breakfast, you'll decide which experience calls to you.

Option 1: Sanctuary of Serenity
✔ Sunrise Yoga - Flow through poses on a beachfront platform as the morning sun warms your skin (complimentary)
✔ Healing Hands - Enjoy a poolside massage with aromatic oils as palm fronds whisper above you ($75)
✔ Afternoon Delight - Sip fresh coconut water straight from the shell while your biggest decision is pool or ocean

Option 2: Shimba Hills Safari ($200 pp)
Our 4x4 vehicles arrive at dawn for the 90-minute journey to this coastal rainforest reserve where:
✔ Rare Sable Antelope - Track these majestic, curved-horn creatures endemic to the area
✔ Sheldrick Falls - Trek through emerald forest to a 25-meter waterfall (gentle 45-minute walk)
✔ Cliffside Picnic - Feast on safari box lunches overlooking the vast wilderness stretching to the ocean

Special Note: The safari option includes park fees, expert guide, and round-trip transport. Wear sturdy shoes for the waterfall walk and bring binoculars - this is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 100 species recorded.

Both paths converge back at the resort by evening, where you can compare experiences over cocktails - whether sharing safari stories or demonstrating your new yoga moves on the beach at sunset.

Tomorrow's Preview: Your final full day offers one last chance for ocean adventures or cultural discoveries before departure.

Meal Plan: All-Inclusive

Today we've curated special experiences that blend comfort, wonder, and cultural richness - perfect for a sophisticated traveler.

Morning Choices Designed for You:

✔ Reef Introduction - Try our gentle snorkeling experience with a private guide ($85) featuring:

• Calm lagoon entry with ladder access
• Floating noodle support if desired
• Magnifying viewer for coral details

✔ Ocean Safari - The glass-bottom boat ($35) offers:

• Comfortable cushioned seating
• Shaded canopy protection
• Expert narration about marine life

✔ Coastal Culture - Join our Swahili cooking class ($45) to learn:

• Coconut rice preparation
• Secret spice blends
• How to wrap samosas like local grandmothers

Afternoon Pleasures:

• Poolside Reading Nook with the best books from our swap library
• Shell Collecting Walk at low tide with our naturalist

Evening Celebration:
Our Cultural Sundowner features:

• Front-row rocking chairs for the taarab music performance
• Hands-on henna art demonstrations
• A special "lighter bites" buffet section with:
  • Grilled prawns with ginger
  • Zucchini bajias (vegetable fritters)
  • Fresh mango sorbet

Meal Plan: Breakfast

We've designed your departure day to be as smooth and stress-free as possible, with every comfort considered for your journey home.

Morning Leisurely Start:

• Sleep in and enjoy breakfast in your robe if you wish
• Our staff will handle all luggage (no heavy lifting required)
• Special "goodbye coconut" drink at check-out

Carefree Transfers:
✔ Private Ukunda Airport Transfer

• Air-conditioned vehicle with extra legroom
• Assistance with check-in procedures
• Escort to the departure lounge

✔ Scenic Flight to Nairobi (1.5 hrs)

• Priority boarding arranged
• Requested aisle seat for comfort
• Light snack service onboard

✔ Seamless Nairobi Connection

• Personal meet-and-greet at Wilson Airport
• Escorted transfer to JKIA in our premium vehicle
• Help with international check-in

Optional Nairobi Experience ($150):
For those with evening flights who feel refreshed:

• Leisurely City Highlights Tour
  • Visit the Karen Blixen Museum gardens (minimal walking)
  • Quiet time at the Giraffe Centre's elevated platform
• Carnivore Restaurant Lunch
  • Sampling platter with the famous dawa cocktail
  • Restroom-accessible seating
  • Early departure option if needed

Special Touches We've Included:

• Packed lunch for your flights
• Emergency contact numbers stitched in your itinerary folder
• Complimentary airport lounge access in Nairobi

As we say "kwaheri" (goodbye), we hope you'll carry home not just beautiful souvenirs, but cherished memories of Kenya's warm hospitality.