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Safari, Savanna & Swahili Coast

From Nairobi to the Maasai Mara and Mombasa

Trip Overview

This week-long Kenyan adventure offers the ultimate East African sampler. You'll begin in the hectic capital, Nairobi, before flying into the world-famous Maasai Mara for three days of memorable wildlife safaris. The journey concludes with a cultural shift to the historic Swahili coast, where you'll explore Mombasa's Old Town and relax on pristine Diani Beach. The pace is moderate, balancing exciting game drives with coastal leisure. Highlights include witnessing the Big Five, experiencing Maasai culture, and soaking up the unique fusion of African, Arab, and Portuguese influences along the Indian Ocean.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$250-400 per day
Best Seasons
July to October (Great Migration in the Mara) and January to March (dry, warm weather)
Ideal For
First-time visitors to Kenya, Wildlife ensoiasts, Couples, Adventure travelers

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival & Urban Wildlife

Nairobi
Arrive in Kenya's capital and experience the unique Nairobi National Park, where wildlife roams against a city skyline.
Morning
Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Clear immigration, collect luggage, and meet your pre-arranged driver. Transfer to your hotel in the Karen or Westlands area. Take time to freshen up and acclimate after your flight.
1-2 hours $30-40 (private transfer)
Pre-book your airport transfer with a reputable company like Airport Connect Kenya or your hotel.
Lunch
The Talisman Restaurant
Global fusion with Kenyan influences Mid-range
Afternoon
Nairobi National Park Game Drive
Start an afternoon game drive in the world's only wildlife capital park. Spot rhinos, lions, giraffes, and zebras with the Nairobi skyline as a backdrop. Visit the Ivory Burning Site Monument within the park.
3-4 hours $50 (park fees + guide)
Book a driver-guide through your hotel or a tour operator like Bonfire Adventures.
Evening
Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant
Enjoy the famous 'Beast of a Feast' at this iconic meat-lover's great destination, featuring game meats like ostrich and crocodile.

Where to Stay Tonight

Karen (Hemingways Nairobi (Boutique Hotel))

Karen is a peaceful, leafy suburb close to key attractions like the Giraffe Centre and has a serene introduction to Kenya.

Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's elephant orphanage (open 11am-12pm) if your flight arrives very early; it's a short drive from Karen.
Day 1 Budget: $180-250
2

Conservation & Culture

Nairobi
Get up close with giraffes and learn about Kenyan culture before catching a flight to the Maasai Mara.
Morning
Giraffe Centre & Karen Blixen Museum
Feed and kiss Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, a conservation success story. Then, tour Karen Blixen's former home, immortalized in 'Out of Africa', to learn about Kenya's colonial history.
3 hours $25 (combined entry fees)
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Lunch
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden
Coffee, sandwiches, and light meals Mid-range
Afternoon
Fly to the Maasai Mara
Transfer to Wilson Airport for a scheduled 45-minute flight to the Maasai Mara. Enjoy impressive aerial views of the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival at the airstrip, your safari camp guide will meet you for a game drive en route to camp.
3-4 hours (including transfers and flight) $200-250 (one-way flight)
Book flights with SafariLink or AirKenya; they often include the airstrip transfer to your camp.
Evening
Sundowner & Campfire Dinner
Enjoy a classic safari sundowner drink overlooking the savanna, followed by a communal dinner under the stars at your camp.

Where to Stay Tonight

Maasai Mara National Reserve (Mara Intrepids Camp (Tented Camp))

Located in the prime Talek region, offering easy access to wildlife and authentic safari comfort.

Pack a small overnight bag for the Mara; leave your main luggage stored at your Nairobi hotel for collection later.
Day 2 Budget: $300-400
3

Full Day in the Mara

Maasai Mara National Reserve
Spend time in a full day of game viewing across the vast, wildlife-rich plains of the Mara.
Morning
Early Morning Game Drive
Depart at dawn when predators are most active. Your guide will track the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) and other wildlife like cheetahs and hyenas across the open grasslands.
3-4 hours Included in safari package
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Lunch
Bush Picnic Lunch
Packed lunch from your camp Included
Afternoon
Afternoon Game Drive & River Crossing (Seasonal)
Continue exploring different sectors of the reserve. From July-October, position yourself at the Mara River to potentially witness the dramatic wildebeest crossing during the Great Migration.
3-4 hours Included in safari package
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Evening
Maasai Cultural Visit
Visit a local Maasai manyatta (homestead) near the reserve to learn about their traditional way of life, dances, and crafts.

Where to Stay Tonight

Maasai Mara National Reserve (Mara Intrepids Camp (Tented Camp))

Staying inside the reserve maximizes your time on game drives and allows for the magical sounds of the bush at night.

Request a spotter's guide from your camp; it helps you identify animals and birds, greatly enriching the safari experience.
Day 3 Budget: $350-450 (all-inclusive safari rate)
4

Balloons over the Savanna

Maasai Mara National Reserve
Experience the Mara from a hot air balloon at sunrise, followed by a final game drive before flying to the coast.
Morning
Hot Air Balloon Safari
A pre-dawn pick-up takes you to the launch site for an memorable hour-long balloon flight over the Mara. Watch the sunrise and see herds moving below. The flight concludes with a full champagne breakfast in the bush.
3-4 hours total $450-500
Book well in advance through companies like Governors' Balloon Safaris. It's a popular activity.
Lunch
Lunch at your Safari Camp
Camp buffet Included
Afternoon
Final Game Drive & Flight to Mombasa
Enjoy one last game drive on your way to the airstrip. Catch an afternoon flight from the Mara to Moi International Airport in Mombasa via Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
5-6 hours (including drive, flight, transfer) $300-350 (Mara-Mombasa flight)
Book the connecting flight with SafariLink; ensure your luggage is checked through from the Mara to Mombasa.
Evening
Seafood Dinner in Nyali
Dine at the well-known Tamarind Mombasa for exceptional Swahili-style seafood and views of Tudor Creek.

Where to Stay Tonight

Nyali, Mombasa (Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa)

Nyali has a good base north of the city with beautiful beaches and is close to the airport for your arrival.

The balloon safari is pricey but considered a lifetime highlight. If on a budget, opt for an extended morning game drive instead.
Day 4 Budget: $500-650
5

Historic Mombasa & Beach Bliss

Mombasa
Explore the UNESCO-nominated Old Town of Mombasa before heading south to the famous Diani Beach.
Morning
Explore Mombasa Old Town & Fort Jesus
Wander the narrow streets of Old Town, admiring the ornate Swahili doors and architecture. Then, tour the massive 16th-century Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its excellent museum detailing coastal history.
3 hours $15 (Fort Jesus entry)
Hire a local guide at the fort entrance for a more informative tour (approx. $10).
Lunch
Bismillah Restaurant
Authentic Swahili dishes like biryani and pilau Budget
Afternoon
Transfer to Diani Beach & Relax
Take a private taxi or pre-booked shuttle south across the Likoni ferry to Diani Beach on the mainland coast. Check into your beachfront resort and spend the afternoon relaxing on the impressive 10-mile stretch of white sand.
2 hours (transfer) $40-50 (private taxi)
Use a reliable taxi company like Diani Cabs; the ferry crossing can be busy.
Evening
Dinner at Forty Thieves Beach Bar
A Diani institution known for its lively atmosphere, great food, and occasional live music right on the sand.

Where to Stay Tonight

Diani Beach (Diani Sea Resort (Beach Resort))

Diani offers some of Africa's best beaches with soft sand, clear water, and a fantastic range of restaurants and water sports.

When crossing the Likoni ferry, keep car windows up and valuables out of sight, as it can be crowded.
Day 5 Budget: $200-300
6

Ocean Adventures

Diani Beach
Choose your adventure: snorkel in a marine park, visit a colobus monkey sanctuary, or simply soak up the sun.
Morning
Snorkeling at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park
Take a boat trip to this protected marine park. Snorkel among colorful coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, and you'll likely encounter friendly bottlenose dolphins on the journey.
4-5 hours $80-100
Book a trip with Pilli Pipa Dhow Safaris or One Stop Diani Tours; they include lunch and equipment.
Lunch
Swahili Beach Restaurant
Seafood and international Mid-range
Afternoon
Colobus Conservation Centre
Visit this sanctuary dedicated to the protection of the endangered Angolan black-and-white colobus monkey. Take a guided walk through the forest to see these charismatic primates up close.
1-2 hours $10 (donation)
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Evening
Dhow Sunset Cruise
Sail on a traditional wooden dhow along the coast, enjoying drinks and snacks as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.

Where to Stay Tonight

Diani Beach (Diani Sea Resort (Beach Resort))

Continuing your stay in Diani allows for maximum beach relaxation after morning activities.

The marine park trip is a full morning. For a more relaxed day, simply hire a beachfront 'banda' (thatched umbrella) and enjoy the sand and sea.
Day 6 Budget: $150-250
7

Farewell, Kenya

Diani Beach to Nairobi/Departure
Enjoy a final morning on the coast before your journey back to Nairobi for your international departure.
Morning
Last Beach Morning & Spa Treatment
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, a final swim in the ocean or pool, and perhaps a relaxing Kenyan massage at your resort's spa.
2-3 hours $50-80 (for spa)
Book your spa treatment the day before to secure a slot.
Lunch
The Salty Squid
Casual beachfront grill Mid-range
Afternoon
Transfer to Airport & Fly to Nairobi
Check out and transfer to Moi International Airport (MBA) for your scheduled flight back to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Connect to your onward international flight.
4-5 hours (including transfer and flights) $150-200 (Diani-Nairobi flight)
Allow at least 3 hours between landing at NBO and your international departure. Book flights with Kenya Airways or Jambojet.
Evening
International Departure
Check in for your flight home, filled with memories of safari sunsets and coastal breezes.

Where to Stay Tonight

N/A - Departure (N/A)

Your flight departs in the evening.

Purchase your last Kenyan souvenirs (like coffee or spices) at the airport after security; prices are fixed and quality is assured.
Day 7 Budget: $200-300

Practical Information

Getting Around

This itinerary uses a mix of private transfers, domestic flights, and safari vehicles. Domestic flights (Nairobi-Mara, Mara-Mombasa, Mombasa-Nairobi) are essential for covering long distances efficiently. In Nairobi and Mombasa, use pre-booked taxis or hotel transfers. In the Mara, all transport is via 4x4 safari vehicles provided by your camp. For the Diani transfer, use a reliable taxi service.

Book Ahead

Book all domestic flights, safari camp accommodations, and the Maasai Mara balloon safari at least 3-4 months in advance, for travel during peak season (July-October). Also secure your international flights and first night's Nairobi hotel.

Packing Essentials

Neutral-colored clothing for safaris (khaki, green, beige), a warm layer for cool Mara mornings, binoculars, high-SPF sunscreen, malaria prophylaxis, a universal power adapter (UK-style plugs), a good camera with zoom lens, and a swimsuit for the coast.

Total Budget

$1800-2800 (per person, excluding international flights)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in budget Nairobi hostels and public campsites outside the Mara Reserve (like Oloololo Gate). Use shared shuttle vans for the Nairobi-Mombasa journey instead of flights. Focus on self-catering and local eateries ('hotelis') in Diani. This can reduce the daily budget to $100-150.

Luxury Upgrade

Upgrade to ultra-luxury camps in the Mara like &Beyond Bateleur Camp. Charter private flights between all destinations. Stay in a private villa on Diani Beach with a chef. Add exclusive experiences like a private guided tour of the Karen Blixen Museum or a bespoke dhow cruise with gourmet catering.

Family-Friendly

Choose family-friendly safari camps with swimming pools and family tents (e.g., Keekorok Lodge). Swap the full-day Mara drive for shorter morning and afternoon drives. Add a visit to the Nairobi Railway Museum for kids. In Diani, prioritize resorts with kids' clubs and shallow, calm swimming areas.

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Things to Do

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Budget Guide

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Getting Around

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Where to Stay

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