10 Days Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli Safari and Diani Beach Holiday – Kenya’s Best of Both Worlds
This 10-day Kenya safari and beach holiday combines four iconic destinations. Start with Big Five game drives in the Maasai Mara. Visit Lake Nakuru National Park, home to rhinos and flamingos. See giant elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop in Amboseli. Then relax for three full days on the white sands of Diani Beach on the Indian Ocean coast. Travel by comfortable 4×4 Land Cruiser and modern SGR train. Perfect for travelers who want both adventure and relaxation in one trip.
Safari Highlights
- Experience thrilling game drives in the world-famous Maasai Mara, home to the Big Five and the Great Migration (seasonal)
- Spot endangered white and black rhinos as well as flamingos in Lake Nakuru National Park
- Witness massive elephant herds with the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park
- Enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives for the best wildlife viewing opportunities
- Travel comfortably in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for optimal photography
- Ride the modern SGR train from the savannah to the coast, a unique and scenic journey
- Relax for three full days on the white sandy beaches of Diani Beach along the Indian Ocean
- Swim, sunbathe, or enjoy optional activities like snorkeling, dolphin tours, and sunset dhow cruises
- Benefit from professional driver-guides, park entry fees, and meals included throughout the safari
- Combine Kenya's best wildlife destinations with a perfect beach escape – all in one 10-day itinerary
Itinerary
Drive time: 5–6 hours
Highlight: First game drive in the Mara
Leave Nairobi after breakfast. Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for photos. Arrive at your lodge/camp in Maasai Mara by lunchtime. Rest, then enjoy an afternoon game drive – your first taste of the savannah. Spot lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes. Dinner and overnight in the Mara.
Tourist tip: Wear neutral-colored clothing. Avoid bright colors.
Game drives: Morning + afternoon
Highlight: Big Five hunting grounds
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive when animals are most active. Return to camp for breakfast. Afternoon game drive explores a different part of the reserve. Look for leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and the famous Mara River (home to crocodiles and hippos).
Optional extra (own cost): Visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about local culture and see jumping dances.
Tourist tip: The Great Migration crosses the Mara from July to October. Book early for those months.
Drive time: 5–6 hours
Highlight: Rhinos and flamingos
After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive for lunch. In the afternoon, take a game drive around the lake. The park is famous for:
- White and black rhinos (one of the best places in Kenya to see them)
- Rothschild giraffes (endangered and unique to this area)
- Flamingos (seasonal, depending on water levels)
- Lions and leopards (often seen sleeping in acacia trees)
Dinner and overnight near Lake Nakuru.
Tourist tip: Bring binoculars. Birdwatchers will see over 400 species here.
Drive time: 6–7 hours (via Nairobi)
Highlight: Elephants with Kilimanjaro views
Breakfast, then drive south to Amboseli. You'll pass through Nairobi (lunch stop, own cost). Arrive at your Amboseli lodge/camp by late afternoon. Rest briefly, then head out for a sunset game drive. Amboseli is famous for:
- Huge herds of elephants (some with tusks so long they touch the ground)
- Unbeatable views of Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa's highest peak)
- Open plains perfect for spotting lions, buffaloes, cheetahs, and zebras
Dinner and overnight in Amboseli.
Tourist tip: The best Kilimanjaro views are early morning and late afternoon. Wake up early on Day 5.
Game drives: Sunrise + afternoon
Highlight: Photography with Kilimanjaro
Wake before dawn for the best light on Kilimanjaro. Drive to Observation Hill for a panoramic view of the entire park. Return to camp for breakfast. Afternoon game drive explores the swamps, where elephants love to bathe. Spot hippos, buffaloes, and countless birds (including crowned cranes and pelicans).
All meals and overnight in Amboseli.
Tourist tip: Bring a zoom lens (200mm+). The elephants come surprisingly close, but Kilimanjaro is far away.
Drive + train: 4 hours to Emali station + 5-hour train ride
Highlight: First glimpse of the Indian Ocean
After breakfast, drive to Emali train station (about 1 hour from Amboseli). Board the modern SGR train to Mombasa (economy or first class available). The train is comfortable, air-conditioned, and offers snacks/drinks for purchase.
Arrive in Mombasa, where our driver transfers you to your Diani Beach resort (about 45 minutes from the station). Check in, drop your bags, and walk straight onto the white sand. Dinner and overnight at the beach resort.
Tourist tip: The train is a highlight itself. Book window seats on the right side for ocean views near Mombasa.
Three days of pure relaxation
Highlight: You choose your pace
Spend these three days doing as much or as little as you want.
Relaxation only:
- Swim in the warm Indian Ocean
- Sunbathe on white coral sand
- Read a book under a palm tree
- Enjoy cocktails at the resort
Optional activities (extra cost, book locally):
| Activity | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Snorkeling | Shallow reefs with colorful fish |
| Scuba diving | Professional dives for beginners & certified |
| Dolphin tour | Morning boat trip to see wild dolphins |
| Sunset dhow cruise | Traditional wooden sailboat, drinks included |
| Wasini Island | Full day trip with lunch and snorkeling |
| Kisite Marine Park | Protected coral reef, excellent snorkeling |
| Shopping | Diani's markets for souvenirs, art, and fabrics |
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included (drinks included as per package).
Tourist tip: Diani is a malaria zone. Use repellent and sleep under the mosquito net provided.
Train + flight out
After breakfast, check out of your resort. Transfer to Mombasa train station for the SGR train back to Nairobi (arrives late afternoon). From Nairobi, connect to your international flight home.
If your flight leaves Nairobi on Day 10: Book an evening flight after 9:00 PM.
If you prefer to fly from Mombasa: Mombasa has an international airport (MBA). Ask us about direct flight options from Mombasa.
Tourist tip: Book a Nairobi hotel for Day 10 if your flight is the next morning. Ask us for recommendations.
Cost Includes
- Transport 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Accommodation All safari lodges/camps + beach resort (with meals as specified)
- Meals Full board on safari + half board or full board at Diani
- Drinks at Diani Selection of alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, snacks
- Game drives All safari game viewing drives
- Park fees Entry fees for Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli
- Guide Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Train tickets SGR return tickets (Emali – Mombasa – Nairobi)
- Transfers SGR transfers in Mombasa (to/from hotel)
- Water Enough drinking water for the entire safari
Cost Excludes
- Tips For guide, drivers, hotel staff (recommended: $10-20 per person/day)
- Personal items Souvenirs, extra snacks, phone calls, laundry
- Optional activities Maasai village visit, snorkeling, dolphin tour, dhow cruise, Wasini Island, Kisite Marine Park
- Travel insurance Mandatory – covers medical, cancellation, luggage
- International flights To/from Kenya (NBO)
- Visa Kenya e-visa ($30-50, apply online before travel)
- Lunches/dinners in Nairobi On transit days
FAQs
Yes, this 10-day itinerary is well-paced and specifically designed for the classic “safari + beach” combination . You spend the first 6 days on safari (2 days in Maasai Mara, 1 day in Lake Nakuru, 2 days in Amboseli), then transfer to Diani Beach for 3 full days of relaxation. Using the modern SGR train from Emali to Mombasa breaks up the journey comfortably . Most reputable operators recommend 10–14 days for this type of combo, so you have the perfect amount of time
Very likely. The Maasai Mara is home to lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes. Lake Nakuru is a rhino sanctuary with excellent chances of spotting both white and black rhinos—completing the Big Five . For the best experience, book during the dry season (June–October) when animals gather around water sources
Season Safari Experience Beach Experience June–October Excellent (dry, Migration in Mara) Good (warm, some wind) December–February Very good (dry) Excellent (calm, hot, perfect swimming) April–May Fair (wet roads) Poor (rainy, rough sea)
Best overall: July–October (for the Great Migration) or December–February (for perfect beach weather)
Yes, Kenya’s tourist areas—national parks, reserves, and the coastal strip—are generally very safe and well-patrolled . The Kenya Tourism Police Unit actively patrols popular destinations like the Maasai Mara and Diani Beach . As with any destination, follow basic precautions: avoid walking alone on the beach at night, use registered transport, keep valuables secure, and always follow your guide’s instructions during game drives
Visa: From January 2024, Kenya requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Most travelers must apply and pay online before travel via the official government portal. Apply several weeks in advance and keep a printed copy .
Vaccinations:
- Yellow Fever – required if arriving from an endemic country (carry your certificate)
- Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus – recommended
- Malaria – present in coastal areas like Diani Beach; consult your doctor about prophylaxis, use DEET repellent, and sleep under mosquito nets
Item Estimated Cost Safari guide/driver tip $10–20 per person/day Lodge/camp staff tip $5–10 per day (total) Maasai village visit $20–30 per person Hot air balloon safari (optional) $450–500 per adult Snorkeling/dolphin tour (Diani) $50–150 per activity
Total tipping budget: Approximately $150–250 for the full 10-day trip. Bring a mix of USD (crisp, new bills) and Kenyan Shillings
