10-Day Safari and Coastal Retreat – Big Five, Maasai Mara, and Diani Beach

After an early breakfast, depart for the Maasai Mara National Reserve, renowned for its exceptional population of wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino. The drive takes you through the Great Rift Valley, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for photography. Arrive at the reserve in time for lunch. In the late afternoon, head out for your first game drive across the Mara plains, observing the abundant wildlife and beautiful landscape as the sun sets.

Spend the entire day on game drives in Maasai Mara. In the early morning, enjoy the best opportunities to spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards as they are most active during this time. Maasai Mara is home to large populations of herbivores, such as elephants, giraffes, and zebras, as well as smaller animals like warthogs and jackals. Between game drives, relax and have lunch in the midst of the African wilderness. In the afternoon, head out again to track wildlife, or take an optional hot air balloon ride for panoramic views of the reserve.

Begin your day with another thrilling game drive in the early morning light. After breakfast, visit a Maasai village for an immersive cultural experience. The Maasai people are known for their distinctive customs and colorful dress. You will have the opportunity to learn about their traditional way of life, including their cattle-keeping practices, family structures, and how they live in harmony with the wildlife around them. The village visit will offer insights into Maasai music, dance, and crafts. Spend the rest of the day on another wildlife game drive or relaxing.

After a final early morning game drive and breakfast, begin your journey back to Nairobi. On the way, you’ll have the chance to enjoy scenic views of the Great Rift Valley again and stop for photos or to buy souvenirs from roadside markets. Arriving in Nairobi, you’ll have the remainder of the day at leisure. You can explore local markets, or take part in optional tours like visiting the Karen Blixen Museum, made famous by the film Out of Africa, or the Giraffe Centre, where you can get up close to endangered Rothschild giraffes.

In the morning, catch a flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Ukunda, Diani Beach, on Kenya’s southeastern coast. Upon arrival, take time to explore the pristine, white sandy beaches and dip your feet in the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The day is yours to relax, swim, or take a beach walk. You might also want to take part in optional water sports like snorkeling, diving, or deep-sea fishing. Enjoy the warm coastal breeze as you unwind and prepare for the next few days of leisure and adventure.

After breakfast, take an optional excursion to Shimba Hills National Reserve, located near the coast. The reserve is known for its coastal forests, scenic views, and the rare sable antelope. Go on a guided game drive and a nature walk to explore the reserve’s biodiversity, which includes elephants, giraffes, and a variety of bird species. The walk to Sheldrick Falls is particularly rewarding, offering stunning views of the waterfall and its surroundings. After the excursion, return to Diani Beach for an afternoon of rest and relaxation by the ocean.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Diani Beach. Spend your time soaking up the sun, or indulge in optional activities. You can try kitesurfing, paddleboarding, or take a glass-bottom boat tour to observe marine life in the coral reefs. If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, consider visiting a nearby village to learn about the local Swahili culture. For nature lovers, a visit to the Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest is a must, where you can learn about the spiritual significance of the forest to the Digo people.

Make the most of your last full day at Diani Beach by engaging in more activities. You can take an optional excursion to Wasini Island for a marine park tour, where you can go snorkeling or diving to discover vibrant coral reefs and spot dolphins in the clear waters. Alternatively, simply relax and enjoy the tranquil beach environment, taking long walks along the shore, or lounging with a good book. Take in the beauty of the Indian Ocean before your trip concludes.

Enjoy a final morning at the beach before catching a flight back to Nairobi. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a last-minute shopping trip or city tour in Nairobi. Afterward, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure, bringing your memorable Kenyan safari and coastal retreat to a close.