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, Maasai village visit, boat ride, SGR train, all park fees, full board
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. Crescent Island Crescent Island 7 7. Amboseli National Park Amboseli National Park 8 8. Emali SGR Station Emali SGR Station 9 9. Mombasa Mombasa 10 10. Diani Beach Diani Beach
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Trip Route
8 Days Β· 7 Nights Β· 10 Stops
Day 1
Nairobi
Meet, greet and safari briefing before departing for the Mara
Day 1
Great Rift Valley Viewpoint
Scenic stop over the escarpment for photographs
Days 1-3
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Three days of game drives and a sunrise balloon safari
Day 3
Maasai Cultural Village
Immersive cultural visit en route to Lake Naivasha
Day 3
Lake Naivasha
Boat ride, hippo spotting and Crescent Island walking safari
Day 3
Crescent Island
Guided walking safari among giraffe, zebra and gazelle
Days 4-6
Amboseli National Park
Two days exploring Amboseli under the shadow of Kilimanjaro
Day 6
Emali SGR Station
Board the 09:30 SGR train to Mombasa
Day 6
Mombasa
Arrive 14:00, connect by road to Diani Beach
Days 6-8
Diani Beach
Two nights of beach relaxation at Baobab Beach Resort & Spa
Trip Info

This eight-day luxury journey takes you deep into Kenya's most iconic wildlife landscapes before rewarding you with the powdery white sands and turquoise waters of Diani Beach. From the sweeping plains of the Maasai Mara, where the Big Five roam freely, to the elephant-studded wilderness of Amboseli beneath the gaze of Mount Kilimanjaro, every day brings a new and extraordinary encounter with the natural world. A sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Mara, a cultural immersion with the Maasai, a gentle boat ride on Lake Naivasha, and a scenic SGR train ride to the coast are all woven seamlessly into your experience. Our multilingual guides, fluent in English, Spanish, Chinese, German and French, ensure every moment is enriching, comfortable and deeply personal.

πŸ’³ Secure your booking with a 50% deposit; the remaining balance is settled after your tour is completed.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01 Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara β–Ύ

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Nairobi, where your guide meets you for a safari briefing before you set off toward the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve. En route, pause at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint for sweeping photographic vistas across the escarpment and the vast Maasai plains stretching below. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, then head out on your first afternoon and evening game drive for a magnificent introduction to the wildlife and landscapes of the Mara.

  • Meet and greet with your guide in Nairobi, safari briefing
  • Scenic drive to the Maasai Mara with a stop at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint
  • Afternoon and evening game drive in the Maasai Mara
  • Meals included: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mara Sopa Lodge
Option 01
Mara Sopa Lodge
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Full board Β· standard room
From USD 3,095.73
Day 02 Day 2: Maasai Mara, Balloon Safari and Full-Day Game Drive β–Ύ

Rise before dawn for one of the most unforgettable experiences East Africa has to offer: a hot air balloon safari drifting silently above the Mara as the golden sun climbs over the horizon and herds of wildlife move across the plains beneath you. After landing, savour a celebratory champagne bush breakfast in the heart of the wilderness. The rest of the day is devoted to a full-day game drive, tracking lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes and giraffes across the reserve, with picnic lunch boxes enjoyed amid the wild.

  • Pre-dawn transfer to the balloon launching site
  • Sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara
  • Champagne bush breakfast after landing
  • Full-day game drive covering multiple zones of the reserve
  • Picnic lunch in the wild
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mara Sopa Lodge
Option 01
Mara Sopa Lodge
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Full board Β· standard room
From USD 3,095.73
Day 03 Day 3: Maasai Mara, Maasai Village and Lake Naivasha β–Ύ

After breakfast and check-out, you travel toward Lake Naivasha with a memorable stop at an authentic Maasai cultural village, where you are welcomed with warrior dances, storytelling and a genuine glimpse into the traditions, daily life and customs of the Maasai people. Continuing to Lake Naivasha, you check in at your lakeshore lodge for a hot lunch before an afternoon boat ride spotting hippos and a spectacular variety of birdlife. You then land on Crescent Island for a guided walking safari among free-roaming giraffes, zebras, waterbucks and gazelles.

  • Breakfast and check-out from Maasai Mara lodge
  • Immersive visit to a Maasai cultural village, dances, storytelling and warrior traditions
  • Drive to Lake Naivasha, check-in and hot lunch
  • Afternoon boat ride on Lake Naivasha, hippo and bird viewing
  • Guided walking safari on Crescent Island among giraffe and zebra
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options
Option 01
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Lake Naivasha
Full board Β· standard room
From USD 3,095.73
Day 04 Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park β–Ύ

After breakfast you depart for Amboseli National Park, celebrated worldwide for its vast elephant herds and the commanding presence of Mount Kilimanjaro rising along the horizon. Arrive at your lodge for lunch, then set out on an afternoon game drive through Amboseli's open landscapes, where elephants, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes and an abundance of bird species make for outstanding wildlife and photography opportunities.

  • After-breakfast drive from Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
  • Lunch at the lodge on arrival
  • Afternoon game drive in Amboseli, seeking elephants, lions, cheetahs and buffaloes
  • Photography opportunities with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options
Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Option 01
Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Amboseli National Park
Full board Β· standard room
From USD 3,095.73
Day 05 Day 5: Full Day in Amboseli National Park β–Ύ

A full day is yours to explore the remarkable diversity of Amboseli, moving through swamps, open grasslands, acacia forests and dry lake beds, each habitat supporting a rich tapestry of wildlife. Picnic lunch boxes are enjoyed at a scenic viewpoint with sweeping views of Kilimanjaro before you continue your afternoon exploration of the park. Return to the lodge as the day cools for dinner under the African sky.

  • Full-day game drive across Amboseli's varied habitats
  • Search for elephant herds, lion prides, cheetahs, hyenas and diverse birdlife
  • Picnic lunch at a scenic Kilimanjaro viewpoint
  • Afternoon game drive continuing wildlife exploration
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options
Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Option 01
Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Amboseli National Park
Full board Β· standard room
From USD 3,095.73
Day 06 Day 6: Amboseli to Emali SGR, Mombasa and Diani Beach β–Ύ

An early breakfast is followed by a transfer to Emali SGR Station, where you board the 09:30 train for a comfortable and scenic ride to Mombasa, arriving at approximately 14:00. Your driver meets you at the station for a one-hour road journey south to the world-renowned Diani Beach, where you check in to your beachfront resort for a late lunch and a relaxed first taste of the Indian Ocean coast.

  • Early breakfast and transfer to Emali SGR Station
  • SGR train from Emali (09:30) to Mombasa (arriving approx. 14:00)
  • Road transfer from Mombasa to Diani Beach (approx. 1 hour)
  • Check-in, late lunch and leisure at the resort
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options
Baobab Beach Resort & Spa
Option 01
Baobab Beach Resort & Spa
Diani Beach, South Coast Kenya
Full board Β· standard room
From USD 3,095.73
Day 07 Day 7: Full Day at Leisure in Diani Beach β–Ύ

Today belongs entirely to you. Sink into the soft white sands of Diani, swim in the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, or simply unwind in the beautiful resort surroundings. For the more adventurous, a range of optional activities is available at an additional cost, from dolphin tours and snorkelling at Wasini Island to jet skiing, kite surfing, deep-sea diving, spa and wellness treatments, or a stroll through local beach markets.

  • Leisure day on Diani Beach, swimming and relaxing
  • Optional (extra cost): dolphin tour and snorkelling at Wasini Island
  • Optional (extra cost): jet skiing, kite surfing or deep-sea diving
  • Optional (extra cost): spa and wellness treatments at the resort
  • Optional (extra cost): shopping and beach excursions
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options
Baobab Beach Resort & Spa
Option 01
Baobab Beach Resort & Spa
Diani Beach, South Coast Kenya
Full board Β· standard room
From USD 3,095.73
Day 08 Day 8: Diani Beach to Mombasa SGR and Nairobi β–Ύ

Your final morning offers two flexible departure options to suit your schedule. Early risers enjoy breakfast before transferring to Mombasa SGR Station for the 08:00 train, arriving in Nairobi at approximately 13:00. Alternatively, check out after breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning at the resort and board the 14:00 train, arriving in Nairobi around 22:00. On arrival in Nairobi, you are transferred to your preferred drop-off point or directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward journey.

  • Option 1: Early breakfast, transfer to Mombasa SGR, 08:00 train arriving Nairobi approx. 13:00
  • Option 2: Breakfast, late check-out, relaxed morning, 14:00 train arriving Nairobi approx. 22:00
  • Transfer to preferred Nairobi drop-off point or JKIA Airport on arrival
  • Meals included: Breakfast
Rates & Cost Breakdown

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

Adult, per person USD 3,095.73
ℹ️ Price shown is per adult. Contact Africompass for group, child and seasonal rates.
What's Included & Excluded

What's Included

  • Professional multilingual guide (English, Spanish, Chinese, German or French)
  • Airport and inter-destination transfers in a 4x4 safari vehicle
  • Great Rift Valley Viewpoint stop en route to Maasai Mara
  • Hot air balloon safari over Maasai Mara with champagne bush breakfast
  • Full-day and afternoon game drives in Maasai Mara
  • Maasai cultural village visit with dance and storytelling
  • Boat ride on Lake Naivasha with hippo and bird viewing
  • Guided walking safari on Crescent Island
  • Full-day and afternoon game drives in Amboseli National Park
  • SGR train transfer from Emali to Mombasa (economy or business class as specified)
  • Road transfer from Mombasa to Diani Beach
  • SGR return train transfer from Mombasa to Nairobi
  • Nairobi drop-off or JKIA airport transfer on final day
  • All national park and reserve entry fees
  • All meals as specified per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner where indicated)
  • Picnic lunch boxes during full-day game drives

Not Included

  • International flights to and from Kenya
  • Kenya e-visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Optional activities at Diani Beach (dolphin tours, snorkelling, jet skiing, kite surfing, deep-sea diving, spa treatments, shopping excursions)
  • Personal items, laundry and telephone calls
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and lodge staff
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks outside of meal inclusions
  • Any items of a personal nature
Ready to Travel?
Secure your spot today or speak with our team for personalised advice.

Start planning your safari

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Danson Njuguna Safari specialist Start planning

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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