7-Day Bush and Beach Safari in Kenya

Your bush and beach adventure begins with an early departure from Nairobi in your private pop-up roof 4x4 safari vehicle. Travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley towards the Masai Mara, enjoying the changing landscapes and a suitable stop along the way. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp around lunchtime, check in and enjoy a meal before preparing for your first wildlife experience.

Head out for an afternoon game drive across the Mara’s open grasslands. Look for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and, with luck, lions or cheetahs. Your guide will help you interpret animal behaviour and identify promising wildlife-viewing areas. Return to camp in the evening for dinner and relaxation in the wilderness.

Meals: Lunch and dinner.

Transport: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve, approximately 250–300 km and 5–7 hours, depending on the route, reserve gate and accommodation location.

Begin with an early morning game drive, when wildlife may be active and the soft light creates excellent photography conditions. Explore different areas of the reserve in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes and other wildlife. Your guide will help you understand the Mara ecosystem and look for promising sightings while maintaining a respectful distance from animals.

Continue with further game viewing after breakfast, with a picnic lunch arranged to maximise your time in the reserve. Depending on the season, you may encounter large herds of wildebeest and zebras associated with the Great Migration, although their movements and river crossings cannot be guaranteed. Return to your camp in the late afternoon for dinner and a restful evening before continuing to Lake Nakuru.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Transport: Game drives within the Masai Mara National Reserve; distances and driving times depend on wildlife sightings and the selected route.

Enjoy breakfast before departing the Masai Mara for Lake Nakuru National Park. Travel through Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, passing rural communities and scenic landscapes on your way towards Nakuru. On arrival, enter the park for a game drive, with opportunities to explore its lake shores, woodland and grassland habitats.

Search for white and black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and a variety of birdlife. Lake Nakuru is an important conservation area, and wildlife sightings vary with habitat conditions and animal movements. After your game drive, continue to your selected accommodation in the Nakuru area for dinner and an overnight stay. This overnight stop keeps the route practical before your transfer to the coast the following day.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Transport: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park, approximately 200–250 km and 4–6 hours, depending on the reserve gate, route and accommodation location, excluding the game drive.

After breakfast, depart the Nakuru area and travel to Nairobi for your onward flight to Diani Beach. Allow sufficient time for the road transfer, airport check-in and any traffic delays. Your flight will generally connect through the Nairobi–Ukunda air route or another confirmed routing, depending on the airline schedule. On arrival at Ukunda Airport, transfer to your beach resort and check in.

Spend the afternoon relaxing after your safari journey. Enjoy the beach, take a swim where conditions are safe or unwind at your resort as the Indian Ocean breeze replaces the sounds of the bush. If your flight arrives early enough, you may have time for a leisurely beach walk before dinner. The evening is free to enjoy your accommodation and prepare for the next two days by the coast.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner; lunch depends on the flight schedule and package arrangements.

Transport: Nakuru to Nairobi by road, approximately 160–180 km and 3–4 hours, followed by an air transfer to Ukunda and a local transfer to Diani Beach. Actual timings depend on traffic and flight availability.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your beach resort before spending the day at Diani Beach. Its white sands, palm-lined coastline and warm Indian Ocean waters provide a relaxing contrast to the safari landscapes. You can swim where conditions are safe, read by the beach, enjoy the resort facilities or take a walk along the shore.

For travelers seeking more activity, optional experiences may include snorkelling, a glass-bottom boat trip, a dhow excursion or a marine visit, subject to weather, tides, availability and conservation rules. You may also choose a spa treatment or a relaxed lunch overlooking the ocean. Return to your resort for dinner and another peaceful evening by the coast.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner; lunch is included if specified in the package.

Transport: Local transfers for optional activities, if required; otherwise, enjoy a relaxed day at the beach resort.

Wake up to a relaxed morning by the Indian Ocean. After breakfast, enjoy more time on the beach or choose an optional activity based on your interests. Depending on sea conditions and availability, you could arrange a snorkelling excursion, a boat trip or another guided marine experience. Travelers who prefer a quieter day can remain at the resort and enjoy its facilities.

Use the afternoon to unwind, explore the local area or enjoy a meal featuring fresh coastal cuisine. You can also set aside time for a final beach walk and photographs before your return to Nairobi the following day. Dinner at the resort provides a relaxed conclusion to the beach portion of your holiday.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner; lunch is included if specified in the package.

Transport: Local transfers for optional activities, if required.

Enjoy breakfast at your resort and make the most of any remaining time by the beach, depending on your flight schedule. Check out and transfer to Ukunda Airport for your flight to Nairobi. The air transfer offers a convenient alternative to a lengthy road journey and allows you to complete your holiday with less time spent travelling.

On arrival in Nairobi, continue to your hotel, residence or another agreed drop-off location. If you have an international flight, ensure the domestic flight arrives with enough time for your onward check-in. For greater peace of mind, consider an additional night in Nairobi if the international departure is early or the domestic flight schedule offers limited flexibility.

Meals: Breakfast; lunch and dinner are not included unless arranged.

Transport: Transfer from Diani Beach to Ukunda Airport, followed by an air transfer to Nairobi. Flight schedules and arrival airport depend on the confirmed booking.