Kenya Safari & Diani Beach

Early morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel and drive southwest to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Cross the floor of the Great Rift Valley and ascend the western escarpment before dropping into the golden grasslands of the Mara. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive as the savanna comes alive with wildlife.

Spend the entire day on game drives through the Mara's diverse habitats, from open grasslands to riverine forests. Track lions lazing under acacia trees, spot leopards draped over branches, and watch elephant herds moving through the tall grass. A picnic lunch in the bush allows you to maximize your time in this wildlife paradise.

An early morning game drive catches the predators at their most active — lions returning from a night hunt, cheetahs scanning the plains for prey. The Mara's open terrain offers some of the best big cat viewing in Africa. In the afternoon, visit a traditional Maasai manyatta to learn about their pastoral way of life, warrior traditions, and beadwork.

For an unforgettable experience, an optional pre-dawn hot air balloon safari floats you silently over the Mara at sunrise, followed by a champagne bush breakfast. Alternatively, enjoy a full morning game drive focusing on areas not yet explored. Afternoon at leisure in camp or one final evening game drive to soak in the Mara.

After a morning game drive, transfer to the Mara airstrip for a scheduled flight to the Kenya coast. Arrive in Diani Beach by afternoon and transfer to your beachfront resort. The contrast from savanna to turquoise Indian Ocean is breathtaking. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the pristine white sand beach.

A full day to unwind on Diani's world-famous beach, consistently rated among Africa's best. The powder-white sand stretches for 17 kilometers along the turquoise Indian Ocean. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or a spa treatment at your resort. The coral reef just offshore offers excellent snorkeling directly from the beach.

Board a traditional dhow sailing vessel for a day trip to Wasini Island and Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park. Snorkel over vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, and watch for pods of bottlenose dolphins that frequent these warm waters. Enjoy a fresh Swahili seafood lunch on Wasini Island before sailing back to Diani.

Choose from a range of water sports and excursions: deep-sea fishing, kitesurfing (Diani is a world-class spot), scuba diving at the reef, or a mangrove kayak tour. Alternatively, visit the nearby Colobus Conservation centre to see the endangered Angolan colobus monkeys that live in Diani's coastal forest patches.

Your last full day in paradise. Enjoy a leisurely morning on the beach, take a final swim in the warm Indian Ocean, and perhaps pick up handcrafted souvenirs from the local Maasai market. In the evening, savour a sunset dinner on the beach with the sound of waves lapping the shore — a perfect ending to your safari-and-beach adventure.

After breakfast, transfer to Ukunda Airstrip for a flight to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or directly to Moi International Airport in Mombasa if departing internationally. The journey from Diani to Mombasa airport takes approximately one hour, allowing time for a brief stop at Fort Jesus (a UNESCO World Heritage site) if your schedule permits.