Kenya Bush and Beach Safari: 8 Days of Wildlife and Coastline

πŸ“ Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli and Diani Beach, Kenya
8 Days Β· 7 Nights
From Contact for pricing / person sharing, priced in USD
8 Days Β· 7 Nights
Cost includes: Game drives / Airport transfers / Internal air transfer / Train / All park fees / Most meals
Overview
Trip Route
1 1. Nairobi Nairobi 2 2. Maasai Mara National Reserve Maasai Mara National Reserve 3 3. Lake Nakuru National Park Lake Nakuru National Park 4 4. Amboseli National Park Amboseli National Park 5 5. Diani Beach, Mombasa Coast Diani Beach, Mombasa Coast 6 6. Nairobi Nairobi
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Trip Route
8 Days Β· 7 Nights Β· 6 Stops
Day 1
Nairobi
Tour departure point and collection from Nairobi airport or hotel
Days 1-2
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Kenya's premier wildlife reserve, home to the Big Five and the Great Migration
Day 3
Lake Nakuru National Park
Famous for flamingos, white rhino and diverse birdlife
Days 4-5
Amboseli National Park
Iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large elephant herds
Days 6-7
Diani Beach, Mombasa Coast
Pristine white-sand beach on the Indian Ocean
Day 8
Nairobi
Tour ends with transfer back to Nairobi airport
Trip Info

This eight-day adventure takes you through the heart of Kenya's most celebrated wild landscapes before rewarding you with the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean coast. You will explore the rolling grasslands of the Maasai Mara, the flamingo-fringed shores of Lake Nakuru, and the iconic Amboseli plains with Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop, all from comfortable mid-range lodges and tented camps that put you close to nature without sacrificing the essentials. After the exhilaration of the bush, the journey shifts to Diani Beach, one of East Africa's most beautiful stretches of coastline, where powdery white sand and swaying palms invite you to unwind completely. This is a fully private safari, meaning every element is arranged exclusively for you and your travel companions, with flexible start dates to suit your calendar. Africompass will take care of every detail, from your first transfer to your final farewell breakfast, so you can simply savour every moment.

πŸ’³ A flexible payment schedule is available; contact Africompass to discuss deposit and balance options that work for you.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01 Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve β–Ύ

On Day 1 you will be met at your Nairobi hotel or airport and transferred to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Depending on your arrival time, an afternoon game drive will introduce you to the sweeping golden savannah and its extraordinary wildlife, and you will settle in at camp in time for dinner under the stars.

  • Morning or midday pick-up from Nairobi and road transfer to Maasai Mara
  • Arrival at camp and lunch
  • Afternoon game drive in the Maasai Mara in a pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle
  • Sundowner stop on the plains (subject to guide's discretion)
  • Dinner and overnight at camp
Accommodation Options
Simba + Oryx Nature Camp
Option 01
Simba + Oryx Nature Camp
Just outside Maasai Mara National Reserve
Lunch and Dinner included Β· Tented camp
Day 02 Day 2: Full Day in the Maasai Mara β–Ύ

Day 2 will be dedicated entirely to the Maasai Mara, one of the most wildlife-rich ecosystems on earth. You will embark on both a morning and an afternoon game drive, with ample time to look for lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and the vast herds of wildebeest that roam these plains throughout the year.

  • Early morning game drive at sunrise in the Maasai Mara
  • Return to camp for breakfast
  • Mid-morning game drive covering different sections of the reserve
  • Lunch at camp
  • Afternoon game drive with opportunity to witness predator activity
  • Dinner and overnight at camp
Accommodation Options
Simba + Oryx Nature Camp
Option 01
Simba + Oryx Nature Camp
Just outside Maasai Mara National Reserve
All meals included Β· Tented camp
Day 03 Day 3: Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park β–Ύ

On Day 3 you will depart the Mara after breakfast and travel north to Lake Nakuru National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dazzling flamingo gatherings and resident white rhino. An afternoon game drive around the lake will reveal a striking concentration of birdlife and mammals in a compact and beautiful setting.

  • Breakfast at camp and check-out
  • Road transfer from Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Lunch on arrival at the lodge
  • Afternoon game drive inside Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Flamingo and pelican viewing along the lakeshore
  • Chance to spot white rhino, Rothschild giraffe and leopard
  • Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Accommodation Options
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Option 01
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Inside Lake Nakuru National Park
All meals included Β· Mid-range lodge
Day 04 Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Amboseli National Park β–Ύ

On Day 4 you will check out of Lake Nakuru Lodge and transfer to Amboseli National Park, set at the foot of Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival you will check in to your lodge and enjoy a late-afternoon game drive with the magnificent snow-capped mountain as your backdrop.

  • Breakfast and check-out from Lake Nakuru Lodge
  • Road transfer from Lake Nakuru southward to Amboseli National Park
  • Lunch at the lodge on arrival
  • Afternoon game drive in Amboseli with views of Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Sighting opportunities for large elephant herds, lions and cheetahs
  • Sunset views over the Kilimanjaro foothills
  • Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Accommodation Options
Aa Lodge Amboseli
Option 01
Aa Lodge Amboseli
Just outside Amboseli National Park
All meals included Β· Mid-range lodge
Day 05 Day 5: Full Day in Amboseli National Park β–Ύ

Day 5 will offer a full immersion in Amboseli's landscapes, where you will search for the park's legendary big-tusked elephant bulls moving against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro. Morning and afternoon game drives will cover the swamps, open plains and acacia woodlands that make Amboseli one of Africa's most photogenic safari destinations.

  • Early morning game drive at sunrise for the best Kilimanjaro light
  • Return to lodge for breakfast
  • Late morning game drive focusing on the Amboseli swamps and wetlands
  • Hippo and elephant watching at the swamp edges
  • Lunch and midday rest at the lodge
  • Afternoon game drive in search of predators and large elephant herds
  • Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Accommodation Options
Aa Lodge Amboseli
Option 01
Aa Lodge Amboseli
Just outside Amboseli National Park
All meals included Β· Mid-range lodge
Day 06 Day 6: Amboseli to Diani Beach, Mombasa Coast β–Ύ

On Day 6 you will bid farewell to the bush and fly from Amboseli or the nearest airstrip to the Kenya coast, arriving at the stunning Diani Beach on the Indian Ocean. The rest of the day will be yours to relax on one of East Africa's finest beaches, with the warm blue-green sea just steps from your room.

  • Breakfast and check-out from Aa Lodge Amboseli
  • Transfer to airstrip for internal flight to Mombasa or Ukunda airstrip
  • Transfer to Diani Beach resort and check-in
  • Afternoon at leisure on Diani Beach
  • Relaxation on the white-sand beach with views of the Indian Ocean
  • Optional water sports or snorkelling at an additional cost
  • Dinner and overnight at the resort
Accommodation Options
Diani Sea Resort
Option 01
Diani Sea Resort
Diani Beach, South Coast
All meals included Β· Mid-range beach resort
Day 07 Day 7: Full Day at Diani Beach β–Ύ

Day 7 will be a full day of leisure at Diani Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Africa, with powdery white sand and warm, clear waters. You will have the freedom to relax at your own pace, and optional excursions such as a dhow cruise, snorkelling at Kisite-Mpunguti, or a visit to Shimba Hills National Reserve can be arranged at an additional cost.

  • Breakfast at the resort and a full day at leisure on Diani Beach
  • Swimming and sunbathing on the white-sand beach
  • Optional snorkelling or diving excursion at an additional cost
  • Optional traditional dhow cruise along the coast at an additional cost
  • Optional visit to Shimba Hills National Reserve at an additional cost
  • Dinner and overnight at the resort
Accommodation Options
Diani Sea Resort
Option 01
Diani Sea Resort
Diani Beach, South Coast
All meals included Β· Mid-range beach resort
Day 08 Day 8: Diani Beach to Nairobi and Departure β–Ύ

On the final day you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the resort before transferring to Mombasa Moi International Airport for your flight back to Nairobi, where the tour will officially conclude. Lunch will be included before you proceed to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or your Nairobi hotel, carrying with you the memories of an extraordinary Kenyan adventure.

  • Breakfast at Diani Sea Resort and check-out
  • Transfer to Mombasa Moi International Airport
  • Internal flight from Mombasa to Nairobi
  • Lunch in Nairobi
  • Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Nairobi hotel
  • Tour concludes
What's Included & Excluded

What's Included

  • Airport transfers at the start and end of the tour
  • All game drives in a pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle or pop-up roof minivan
  • Internal air transfer (included in the tour budget)
  • Train transfer (where applicable)
  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
  • Meals as specified per day (full board on most days)
  • All national park and reserve entry fees
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Drinking water during game drives

Not Included

  • International flights to and from Kenya
  • Kenya e-visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and camp staff
  • Personal items, laundry and souvenirs
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages beyond what is specified
  • Any additional accommodation before Day 1 or after Day 8 (available at extra cost)
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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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