8 Days Luxury Kenya Wildlife Safari & Diani Beach Holiday

πŸ“ Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli & Diani Beach, Kenya
8 Days Β· 7 Nights
From USD 3,095.73 / person (adult)
8 Days Β· 7 Nights
Cost includes: Game drives, balloon safari, SGR train, all park fees, full board on safari, multilingual guides
Overview
Trip Route
1 1. Nairobi Nairobi 2 2. Great Rift Valley Viewpoint Great Rift Valley Viewpoint 3 3. Maasai Mara National Reserve Maasai Mara National Reserve 4 4. Maasai Cultural Village Maasai Cultural Village 5 5. Lake Naivasha Lake Naivasha 6 6. Amboseli National Park Amboseli National Park 7 7. Emali SGR Station Emali SGR Station 8 8. Diani Beach Diani Beach 9 9. Mombasa SGR Station Mombasa SGR Station
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Trip Route
8 Days Β· 7 Nights Β· 9 Stops
Day 1
Nairobi
Departure point and safari briefing
Day 1
Great Rift Valley Viewpoint
Scenic en-route stop over the escarpment
Days 1-3
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Big Five game drives and balloon safari
Day 3
Maasai Cultural Village
En-route cultural experience
Day 3
Lake Naivasha
Boat ride, hippos and Crescent Island walking safari
Days 4-6
Amboseli National Park
Elephant herds and Kilimanjaro views
Day 6
Emali SGR Station
Departure point for SGR train to Mombasa
Days 6-8
Diani Beach
Beach relaxation on the Indian Ocean
Day 8
Mombasa SGR Station
Departure point for SGR train back to Nairobi
Trip Info

This eight-day journey brings together the very best of Kenya's legendary wildlife circuit and its most celebrated beach destination, all in one seamless luxury experience. You will track the Big Five across the sweeping grasslands of the Maasai Mara, drift above the plains at sunrise aboard a hot air balloon, walk among giraffes on Crescent Island, and stand in awe of Mount Kilimanjaro's snow-capped summit from Amboseli's open savannah. The adventure concludes on the white coral sands of Diani Beach, where the turquoise Indian Ocean offers the perfect reward after days of thrilling game viewing. Africompass handles every detail, from your Nairobi briefing to your final transfer, with expert multilingual guides fluent in English, Spanish, Chinese, German and French accompanying you throughout.

πŸ’³ A partial payment of 50% secures your booking, with the remaining balance settled at your convenience after the tour is completed.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01 Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara β–Ύ

Your Africompass adventure will begin with a warm meet-and-greet in Nairobi, followed by a thorough briefing before you set off for the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve. En route you will stop at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint, where sweeping photographic vistas of the escarpment await. You will arrive at Mara Sopa Lodge in time for lunch, then head out on an afternoon and evening game drive, a perfect first encounter with the iconic wildlife and vast open plains of the Mara.

  • Nairobi meet-and-greet and safari briefing
  • Scenic drive to the Maasai Mara with en-route Great Rift Valley Viewpoint stop
  • Photographic opportunity over the Rift Valley escarpment
  • Afternoon and evening game drive in the Maasai Mara
  • Check-in and dinner at Mara Sopa Lodge
Accommodation Options
Mara Sopa Lodge
Option 01
Mara Sopa Lodge
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Lunch and Dinner included
Day 02 Day 2: Maasai Mara, Hot Air Balloon Safari and Full-Day Game Drive β–Ύ

You will rise before dawn for a truly unforgettable hot air balloon flight over the Maasai Mara, watching the sun emerge above the endless plains as herds of animals move below. After landing you will savour a celebratory champagne bush breakfast in true safari tradition. The rest of the day will be devoted to a full-day game drive exploring different corners of the reserve, with picnic lunch boxes enjoyed in the field as you search for lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes and giraffes.

  • Pre-dawn transfer to the balloon launch site
  • Hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara at sunrise
  • Champagne bush breakfast on landing
  • Full-day game drive across multiple zones of the reserve
  • Picnic lunch boxes in the field
  • Search for lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes and giraffes
Accommodation Options
Mara Sopa Lodge
Option 01
Mara Sopa Lodge
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 03 Day 3: Maasai Mara to Maasai Cultural Village to Lake Naivasha β–Ύ

After breakfast and check-out you will travel toward Lake Naivasha, stopping en route at an authentic Maasai Cultural Village where you will be welcomed with traditional dance performances, storytelling and a fascinating insight into Maasai customs, daily life and warrior culture. On arrival at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge you will enjoy a hot lunch before an afternoon boat ride on the lake, drifting past hippos and a remarkable diversity of birdlife. You will then land on Crescent Island for a guided walking safari among free-roaming giraffes, zebras, waterbucks and gazelles.

  • Breakfast and check-out from Mara Sopa Lodge
  • Scenic drive toward Lake Naivasha
  • Visit to an authentic Maasai Cultural Village (dance, storytelling, traditional customs)
  • Check-in and hot lunch at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
  • Guided boat ride on Lake Naivasha with hippo and bird viewing
  • Guided walking safari on Crescent Island among giraffes, zebras and waterbucks
Accommodation Options
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Option 01
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Lake Naivasha, Kenya
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 04 Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park β–Ύ

Following breakfast you will depart for Amboseli National Park, celebrated worldwide for its vast elephant herds and the awe-inspiring backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, rising above the southern horizon. You will arrive at Amboseli Sopa Lodge in time for lunch, and in the afternoon you will head out on a game drive across the park's open landscapes, where elephants, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes and a wealth of bird species can be encountered against a spectacular scenic backdrop ideal for photography.

  • Breakfast and check-out from Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
  • Scenic drive to Amboseli National Park
  • Check-in and lunch at Amboseli Sopa Lodge
  • Afternoon game drive in Amboseli with views of Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Wildlife photography of elephants, lions, cheetahs, hyenas and buffaloes
Accommodation Options
Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Option 01
Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 05 Day 5: Full Day in Amboseli National Park β–Ύ

A full day of game driving awaits you in Amboseli, where the park's varied habitats including swamps, grasslands, acacia forests and dry lake beds support an extraordinary richness of wildlife. You will enjoy picnic lunch boxes at a scenic viewpoint with Kilimanjaro as your backdrop, then continue exploring in the afternoon before returning to the lodge as the light fades over the savannah.

  • Full-day game drive through Amboseli's diverse habitats (swamps, grasslands, acacia woodland, dry lake beds)
  • Picnic lunch boxes at a scenic viewpoint with Kilimanjaro views
  • Afternoon game drive and wildlife photography
  • Sunset views over Amboseli's open plains
Accommodation Options
Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Option 01
Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 06 Day 6: Amboseli to Emali SGR Station to Mombasa to Diani Beach β–Ύ

After an early breakfast you will transfer to Emali SGR Station to board the 09:30 AM train to Mombasa, arriving at approximately 2:00 PM for a comfortable and scenic journey through southern Kenya. Your driver will meet you on arrival and transfer you on the short drive south to the world-renowned Diani Beach, where you will check in to Baobab Beach Resort & Spa and enjoy a late lunch before spending the remainder of the afternoon relaxing within the resort grounds or taking a gentle first stroll along the beach.

  • Early breakfast and check-out from Amboseli Sopa Lodge
  • Transfer to Emali SGR Station
  • SGR train journey: Emali departs 09:30 AM, arrives Mombasa approximately 2:00 PM
  • Road transfer from Mombasa to Diani Beach (approximately 1 hour)
  • Check-in and late lunch at Baobab Beach Resort and Spa
  • Leisure time at the resort grounds or beachfront
Accommodation Options
Baobab Beach Resort and Spa
Option 01
Baobab Beach Resort and Spa
Diani Beach, Kenya
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 07 Day 7: Full Day at Leisure on Diani Beach β–Ύ

This day will be entirely at your disposal on the pristine white sands of Diani Beach, one of the most celebrated stretches of coastline in East Africa. You will have the opportunity to unwind by the turquoise Indian Ocean, and a range of optional activities are available at an additional cost for those who wish to explore further.

  • Full day at leisure on Diani Beach's white coral sands
  • Swimming in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean
  • Optional (at extra cost): dolphin tour and snorkelling at Wasini Island
  • Optional (at extra cost): jet skiing, kite surfing or deep-sea diving
  • Optional (at extra cost): spa and wellness treatments at the resort
  • Optional (at extra cost): beach excursions and local shopping
Accommodation Options
Baobab Beach Resort and Spa
Option 01
Baobab Beach Resort and Spa
Diani Beach, Kenya
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 08 Day 8: Diani Beach to Mombasa SGR to Nairobi β–Ύ

On your final morning you will enjoy breakfast at the resort and check out, with a choice of two train options back to Nairobi depending on how you wish to spend your last hours by the coast. Option 1 involves an early transfer to Mombasa SGR Station to board the 08:00 AM train, arriving in Nairobi at approximately 1:00 PM. Option 2 allows for a more relaxed morning at the resort followed by an afternoon transfer to board the 2:00 PM train, arriving Nairobi at approximately 10:00 PM. On arrival in Nairobi you will be transferred to your preferred drop-off point or directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

  • Breakfast and check-out from Baobab Beach Resort and Spa
  • Option 1: Early transfer to Mombasa SGR Station, 08:00 AM train to Nairobi (arrives approximately 1:00 PM)
  • Option 2: Relaxed morning at the resort, afternoon transfer to Mombasa SGR Station, 2:00 PM train to Nairobi (arrives approximately 10:00 PM)
  • Transfer on arrival in Nairobi to preferred drop-off point or JKIA airport
Rates & Cost Breakdown

All rates are per person and vary by travel season. Choose your season below to view the applicable pricing.

Adult USD 3,095.73
ℹ️ From price per adult. Contact Africompass for group rates and seasonal pricing.
What's Included & Excluded

What's Included

  • Meet-and-greet and safari briefing in Nairobi
  • All road transfers in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara (Day 2)
  • Champagne bush breakfast after balloon landing
  • Maasai Cultural Village visit (Day 3)
  • Guided boat ride on Lake Naivasha with Crescent Island walking safari
  • SGR train tickets: Emali to Mombasa (Day 6) and Mombasa to Nairobi (Day 8)
  • All national park and reserve entry fees
  • Full-board accommodation on safari days (Meals: Lunch and Dinner on Day 1; Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Days 2-7; Breakfast on Day 8)
  • Picnic lunch boxes in the field (Days 2 and 5)
  • Expert multilingual safari guide (English, Spanish, Chinese, German, French)
  • Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
  • Final transfer to Nairobi drop-off point or JKIA airport

Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Kenya e-visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities at Diani Beach (dolphin tours, snorkelling at Wasini Island, jet skiing, kite surfing, deep-sea diving, spa treatments, shopping excursions)
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
  • Personal items, laundry and telephone calls
  • Any meals or drinks not specified in the itinerary
  • Any items of a personal nature
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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go on safari?

It depends on what you want to see. For the Great Migration river crossings in the Maasai Mara, visit between July and October, when the herds cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing. For calving season and dense predator activity, January to March is excellent, particularly around the southern Serengeti. Kenya's two dry seasons (June to October and January to February) generally offer the clearest skies and easiest game viewing across Amboseli, Tsavo, and Samburu, since animals gather around limited water sources. The 'green season' (November and April to May) brings lush scenery, migratory birdlife, and lower rates, though some rural roads can be muddy. Tell us your travel dates and priorities, and we will recommend the destinations that fit best.

Do I need a visa and vaccinations?

Most nationalities need a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), applied for online before you fly; Tanzania and Zanzibar require their own separate visa, available online or on arrival depending on your nationality. Entry requirements change from time to time, so confirm the current rules for your passport a few weeks before departure. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a Yellow Fever risk country, and we recommend it in general along with being up to date on routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, hepatitis A and B). Most safari areas are malaria zones, so antimalarial medication is strongly advised. Always check final requirements with your doctor or a travel health clinic, and ask us for the latest entry rules when you book.

Are your safaris private or group?

Every itinerary we build is private and tailor-made by default: your own vehicle, driver-guide, and schedule, with no strangers added to your trip. That means you can linger an extra morning at a favourite lodge, adjust the route on the go, or add a visit to the Emmanuel New Hope Rescue Centre we support. If you would rather share costs or travel as a solo guest, we can also arrange a scheduled group departure and match you with other travellers on similar dates. Either way, your safari is planned by our Nairobi-based specialists around your budget, dates, and interests, not a fixed package.

How much does a Kenya safari cost?

Safari costs vary widely depending on where you stay and how you travel. Budget camping safaris in parks like Amboseli or Lake Nakuru can start from around USD 150 to 250 per person per day, mid-range lodge safaris typically run USD 250 to 450 per day, and luxury tented camps in the Maasai Mara or Serengeti can exceed USD 750 per day. Your quote always includes a private vehicle, driver-guide, park fees, and accommodation as specified in your itinerary. Since every trip we build is tailor-made, tell us your budget and travel dates and we'll show you exactly what it buys, with no hidden extras.

What should I pack for an African safari?

Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige) for game drives, since bright colours and dark blue can attract tsetse flies in some regions. Bring layers for early morning drives, which can be cold even near the equator, plus a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. A good pair of binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and a portable charger make a real difference to the experience. Comfortable closed shoes are more useful than sandals, and most lodges offer laundry service, so you rarely need more than a week's worth of clothing even on a longer trip. We send a full packing checklist tailored to your specific itinerary and season once you book.

Do you offer self-drive or chauffeur-driven car hire?

Yes. Alongside our guided safaris, we offer both self-drive car hire and chauffeur-driven vehicles for clients who want more flexibility around Nairobi, the coast, or shorter road trips. Self-drive suits experienced drivers comfortable with Kenyan road conditions, while a chauffeur-driven car is the better choice for game-viewing routes, night driving, or if you'd simply rather relax and let a local expert handle the roads. All our vehicles are well-maintained 4x4s suited to both tarmac and rougher safari tracks. Let us know your route and dates and we'll recommend the right option.

Is it safe to travel to Kenya and Tanzania?

Millions of visitors travel safely to Kenya and Tanzania every year, and the main tourist circuits, national parks, and coastal resorts are well-established and closely monitored. As with any international travel, sensible precautions apply: use a reputable operator (we're KATO-verified), avoid displaying valuables in cities, and follow your guide's advice in wildlife areas, where the real risk is animals, not crime. We stay in regular contact with our clients throughout their trip, and our drivers know the routes and current conditions well. If you have specific safety questions about your itinerary, we're happy to talk them through before you book.

Can you combine a safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar or Diani?

Absolutely, it's one of our most popular combinations. A typical itinerary pairs 4 to 7 days on safari in the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Serengeti with 3 to 5 days unwinding on the beach in Zanzibar or Diani Beach, taking advantage of short connecting flights between the two. We handle all the logistics, including domestic flight bookings and airport transfers, so you go straight from game drives to the Indian Ocean without the stress of planning it yourself. Tell us how many days you have and we'll suggest a balance between wildlife and beach time that fits your trip.

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