15 Days Kenya Safari & Diani Beach Holiday
15 Days Kenya Safari & Diani Beach Mombasa Holiday takes you to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Center, Nairobi National Park, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara National Reserve, Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks Mombasa’s Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Diani beach
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Greetings from Kenya
Upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, a warm welcome awaits you from your safari guide, who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. As you travel, receive a concise overview of Kenya’s lively capital, a city that harmoniously fuses contemporary elements with rich African traditions. Upon arriving at your hotel, proceed with check-in and take some time to unwind, savoring the beautiful gardens, pool, or spa following your flight. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant, renowned for its unique grilled meats and vibrant atmosphere. Consider choosing an elegant dining experience at the Tamarind Nairobi, renowned for its exquisite seafood and fine wines. Your guide will offer a comprehensive overview of the upcoming safari, making certain that you are fully equipped for an unforgettable adventure. Stay overnight at Hemingways Nairobi for a luxurious experience, Eka Hotel for a mid-range option, or The Boma Hotel for a budget-friendly choice.
Day 2: Nairobi Adventures – Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Center & Karen Blixen Museum
Start your day by visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), where you can encounter orphaned elephant calves that have been rescued from the wild. Observe them as they frolic in the mud, sip their morning formula, and engage with their caretakers, who serve as their surrogate mothers. This touching experience provides valuable perspectives on the conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding Kenya’s elephants. Next, head to the Giraffe Center, which is home to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. At this location, you have the opportunity to feed these gentle giants from an elevated platform and even receive a playful kiss from a giraffe!
Afterward, visit the Karen Blixen Museum, the former residence of the renowned Danish author of Out of Africa. Explore the exquisitely maintained farmhouse and gardens, discovering the intriguing details of her life in colonial Kenya. Dine at Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, a lovely venue that serves exquisite African and international dishes amidst a beautiful garden atmosphere. Dedicate your afternoon to discovering local artistry at the Kazuri Beads Factory, where skilled women artisans create stunning handmade jewelry and pottery. Head back to your hotel for dinner and enjoy a peaceful evening. Stay overnight at Hemingways Nairobi for a luxurious experience, The Emakoko for a mid-range option, or The Heron Portico if you’re looking for a budget-friendly choice.
Day 3: Journey from Nairobi to Masai Mara – The Adventure of a Lifetime Commences
Following a hearty breakfast, set off on a picturesque drive to Masai Mara National Reserve, renowned as one of Africa’s most breathtaking wildlife havens. The journey lasts approximately 5-6 hours, traversing the stunning Great Rift Valley, where a stop at a viewpoint allows for admiration of the expansive landscapes. Check into your lodge in time for lunch, then enjoy a brief rest.
In the late afternoon, embark on your first game drive, exploring the expansive savannah in pursuit of the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. The Mara’s diverse ecosystem is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, featuring cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and hyenas. As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, observe the golden tones spreading across the plains, offering an ideal moment for photography. Return to the lodge for a delightful dinner beneath the stars. Stay overnight at Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Ashnil Mara Camp, or Enkorok Mara Camp.
Day 4: Comprehensive Game Drive in the Masai Mara
Awaken at dawn for an exhilarating full-day game drive in the Maasai Mara. With a well-prepared picnic lunch, journey into the heart of the reserve, tracing the meandering paths beside the Mara and Talek rivers. Be vigilant for crocodiles and hippos lounging on the riverbanks. When visiting from July to October, experience the Great Migration, where countless wildebeests and zebras traverse the crocodile-infested Mara River—a truly unique spectacle.
Your guide will lead you to the best wildlife viewing locations, enhancing your opportunities to witness a predator in action. Savor your picnic lunch beneath the shelter of an acacia tree, immersed in the melodies of nature. In the afternoon, resume your game drive, embracing the spirit of Maasai Mara’s wild beauty. As evening descends, head back to camp for a traditional Maasai dance performance around a bonfire, immersing yourself in the vibrant Maasai culture. Stay overnight at Mara Serena Safari Lodge for a luxurious experience, Mara Sopa Lodge for a mid-range option, or Rhino Tourist Camp for a budget-friendly choice.
Day 5: Maasai Mara – Hot Air Balloon Adventure & Cultural Experience
Begin your day with the choice of a hot air balloon safari, drifting above the vast plains as the sun ascends over the Mara. The aerial perspective presents stunning views of the wildlife beneath—elephants wandering, lions stalking, and gazelles darting across the sunlit grasses. Upon landing, savor a champagne bush breakfast in the midst of the wilderness.
Afterward, explore a Maasai village to engage with the semi-nomadic Maasai people, celebrated for their vibrant clothing and warrior customs. Discover their herding way of life, traditional dwellings (Manyattas), and the importance of their customs. The afternoon offers an opportunity for a relaxing nature walk accompanied by an armed ranger or a concluding game drive. Conclude the day with a sundowner, raising a glass to cherished memories. Stay overnight at Mara Serena Safari Lodge for a luxurious experience, Zebra Plains Mara Camp for a mid-range option, or Ol Moran Tented Camp for a budget-friendly choice.
Day 6: Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru – Exploring Birdwatching & Rhino Conservation
Following breakfast, set off for Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its shores adorned with flamingos and a robust population of rhinos. Make sure to reach your lodge in time for lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive. Observe white and black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, and the elusive leopard. The park serves as a haven for birdwatchers, boasting more than 450 species of birds, such as pelicans, storks, and eagles. As evening approaches, head back to your lodge for a meal with a view of the glistening lake. Stay overnight at The Cliff (Luxury), Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (Mid-range), or Lake Nakuru Lodge (Budget).
Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride
Start your day with a morning game drive, taking in the breathtaking sunrise above Lake Nakuru’s acacia woodlands. Following breakfast, proceed to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake renowned for its hippos and diverse birdlife. Experience a picturesque boat ride, where you can observe African fish eagles diving for fish, antelopes grazing peacefully, and hippos lounging in the sun. Enjoy lunch at Elsamere Lodge, the historic residence of conservationist Joy Adamson, renowned author of Born Free.
Leave for Nairobi by mid-afternoon, reaching your destination in the evening. Arrive at your hotel and relax. Stay overnight at Villa Rosa Kempinski for a luxurious experience, Four Points by Sheraton for a mid-range option, or Sarova Stanley for a budget-friendly choice.
Day 8: Journey from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park – The Realm of Giants
A hearty breakfast prepares you for an exhilarating journey to Amboseli National Park, where you’ll arrive just in time to enjoy a delightful lunch at your lodge. Amboseli is famous for its vast elephant herds that wander against the stunning backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Embark on an afternoon game drive, where you’ll seize stunning photographs of elephants, cheetahs, buffalo, and zebras set against the backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain. As the sun dips below the horizon, head back to your lodge for a soothing evening by the campfire. Stay overnight at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge for a luxurious experience, Sentrim Amboseli for a mid-range option, or AA Lodge Amboseli for a budget-friendly choice.
Day 9: Full Day in Amboseli – Game Drives and Observation Hill
Awaken to the breathtaking view of Mount Kilimanjaro at dawn, typically most vivid in the early morning light. Experience a full-day safari, discovering the diverse landscapes of Amboseli, from swamps alive with birdlife to the arid, dusty plains where cheetahs hunt their prey.
Explore Observation Hill, a scenic vantage point that provides sweeping views of the park. After a day full of experiences, come back for dinner beneath the stars. Stay overnight at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge (Luxury), Kibo Safari Camp (Mid-range), or Kimana Camp (Budget).
Day 10: Amboseli to Tsavo West – Embracing the Wilderness
Following an early breakfast, leave Amboseli and set off on a picturesque drive to Tsavo West National Park, renowned as one of Kenya’s largest and most varied parks. The journey lasts around 3-4 hours, presenting breathtaking vistas of the undulating plains and volcanic terrains throughout the route. Reach your lodge in time for lunch and a brief rest before embarking on an afternoon game drive.
Tsavo West is renowned for its rugged landscape, volcanic flows, and Mzima Springs, a pristine oasis that supports a vibrant population of hippos and crocodiles. Explore the Shetani Lava Flows, a striking black volcanic rock formation formed centuries ago. Watch for the red elephants of Tsavo, known for their tendency to dust-bathe in the park’s red soil. As the sun sets, make your way back to your lodge for a bush dinner beneath the starlit sky, enveloped by the sounds of the wild. Stay overnight at Finch Hattons Luxury Camp, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, or Ngulia Safari Lodge.
Day 11: Comprehensive Game Drive in Tsavo West
Awaken to the melodies of nature and embark on a full-day game drive, discovering the varied terrains of Tsavo West National Park. Begin your day at Mzima Springs, featuring a submerged glass observatory that offers a view of hippos and fish gliding beneath the water’s surface. The springs serve as an essential water source for a variety of animals, drawing in elephants, zebras, and a multitude of bird species.
Following a delightful picnic lunch in the wilderness, proceed with your drive toward Rhino Valley, where the elusive black rhino wanders freely. Your guide will lead you to Poacher’s Lookout, a viewpoint offering stunning panoramic vistas of the expansive savannah. The day concludes with a sundowner by the riverbanks, observing the golden shades of the setting sun over the Tsavo wilderness. Head back to camp for a satisfying dinner, exchanging tales by the warmth of the fire. Spend the night at Finch Hattons Luxury Camp, Severin Safari Camp, or Ngulia Safari Lodge, depending on your preference for luxury, mid-range, or budget accommodations.
Day 12: Tsavo West to Mombasa
Following breakfast, say goodbye to the wilderness as you set off on a picturesque drive to the Kenyan coast. The journey spans approximately 4-5 hours, traversing the expansive open plains of Tsavo East National Park before arriving in Mombasa.
Upon arrival, embark on a brief city tour, exploring Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese fortress that narrates the tale of Mombasa’s vibrant history. Wander through Old Town, where the narrow streets and Arabic-inspired architecture take you on a journey to the past.
Savor a delightful Swahili seafood lunch at a beachfront restaurant before heading to Diani Beach, a tropical paradise celebrated for its white sandy shores and turquoise waters. Arrive at your beach resort and enjoy a tranquil evening by the ocean, observing the sun gracefully descend beyond the horizon. Stay overnight at The Sands at Nomad (Luxury), Leopard Beach Resort (Mid-range), or Bahari Dhow Beach Villas (Budget).
Day 13: Diani Beach – Aquatic Excursions & Leisure
Awaken to the soothing sound of waves and savor a delightful breakfast by the beach. Today offers a variety of ocean adventures, allowing you to select from numerous activities. Embark on a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure at the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, where lively coral reefs are home to a variety of colorful fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. Consider embarking on a dhow cruise to Wasini Island, where you can savor Swahili seafood cuisine while gliding through the pristine waters.
For those seeking excitement, kite surfing, jet skiing, and deep-sea fishing are offered. For a laid-back day, you can bask in the sun on the soft white sands, enjoy a cool coconut drink, or treat yourself to a spa experience with an ocean view. Conclude the day with a charming beachfront dinner, featuring fresh seafood grilled to perfection. Stay overnight at The Sands at Nomad (Luxury), Pinewood Beach Resort (Mid-range), or Bahari Dhow Beach Villas (Budget).
Day 14: Diani Beach – Observing Dolphins & Enjoying a Sunset Cruise
Begin your day with a dolphin-watching tour in Shimoni, where you might see bottlenose and humpback dolphins frolicking in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. With a bit of luck, you might even have the chance to swim alongside them in a responsible and eco-friendly manner. Afterward, head back to the resort for a relaxed lunch and enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the beach or partake in optional water sports.
As the day comes to a close, embark on a sunset dhow cruise along the coast, enjoying cocktails while immersed in the sounds of live Swahili music. The sky transforms into a stunning display of orange and pink, crafting an enchanting ambiance. This is an ideal conclusion to your Kenyan safari and beach adventure. Stay overnight at The Sands at Nomad for a luxurious experience, Swahili Beach Resort for a comfortable mid-range option, or Diani Backpackers for a budget-friendly choice.
Day 15: Departure – Bidding Farewell to Kenya
Savor your last morning in paradise with a relaxed breakfast by the beach. Based on your flight schedule, enjoy one final swim in the ocean or embark on a camel ride along the beach. Transfer to Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa for your return flight home, taking with you the memories of an unforgettable journey through Kenya’s wild plains and pristine beaches.
This itinerary strikes an ideal harmony between adventure and relaxation, featuring thoughtfully selected activities that guarantee an engaging experience in both Kenya’s wildlife parks and coastal paradise.