Day 1 & 2: Nairobi – Kenya

Welcome, or “Jambo” as we say in Swahili! Your Kenya Safari & Beach Package begins at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Our representatives will meet you on arrival and transfer you to Tamarind Tree Hotel (or similar) in Nairobi, which will be home for the next two nights.

For the remainder of the day, you can relax at the hotel or explore Kenya’s bustling capital city, Nairobi, with its colourful street scenes, many attractions and restaurants. Nairobi lies just 160 kilometres (99 miles) south of the equator and at an elevation of approximately 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) above sea level. It is the largest city in East Africa and is a major commercial and cultural hub. The hotel is conveniently positioned just 5 kilometres (3 miles) southwest of the city centre and surrounding suburbs are among Nairobi’s most vibrant and popular, boasting world-class retail complexes and eateries. The hotel lies on the grounds of the famed Carnivore Restaurant, one of Nairobi’s most popular restaurants.

Next morning after breakfast, your guide will take you to explore the attractions nearby. The first stop is the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage on the outskirts of Nairobi, located on the grounds of Daphne Sheldrick’s residence. Here you get to meet the orphaned animals and the individuals that care for them. The orphanage’s staff are always eager to answer any questions.

Take a break for lunch before heading to the Nature Centre operated by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), fondly known as the Giraffe Centre, a conservation and education facility dedicated to conserving the endangered Rothschild giraffe. The centre runs educational programs for school groups and visitors, and there may be a chance to feed giraffes from an elevated feeding platform, offering an up-close interaction with these gentle giants. There is also a nature trail within the grounds where visitors can learn about local flora and fauna. The centre is involved in a successful breeding program aimed at increasing the Rothschild giraffe population, and they have successfully reintroduced these animals into various Kenya national parks.

• Included Activities: Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage visit, Giraffe Centre Visit
• Meals: Breakfast

About Tamarind Tree Hotel in Nairobi

Tamarind Tree Hotel is conveniently located just 5 kilometres (3 miles) southwest of the city centre, on expansive grounds of Nairobi’s iconic Carnivore Restaurant complex. The hotel provides beautifully spacious air-conditioned rooms with natural light and equally spacious en-suite bathrooms with rain showers. The rooms come with blackout curtains, flat screen TV, a work desk, in-room safe, hair dryer, USB plugs and complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water

Tamambo, the hotel’s primary restaurant and breakfast venue, serves exceptional world cuisine using fresh local ingredients and boasts live cooking stations and attentive service. The flagship Carnivore Restaurant serves an impressive selection of meats, grilled on traditional Maasai swords over a massive charcoal pit that dominates the restaurant’s entryway. An army of carvers moves from table to table, wielding swords and cutting delicious selections onto hot cast iron plates. Fear not, vegetarians are also catered to!

Enjoy a cup of afternoon tea in the Dawa Lounge or, for fast eats, the 24-hour grab-and-go Duka Coffee Shop has an outstanding assortment of fresh and healthy food. Outdoors is a heated 20-metre pool with a children’s pool alongside, and a poolside cocktail bar. Relax on a sun lounger while sipping a beverage, or enjoy total seclusion in one of the magnificent private pool tents. Stay healthy and stick to your fitness programme at the Tamarind Tree Fitness Centre.

Day 3 to 5: Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya

After an early breakfast, hop into the 4×4 safari vehicle and get whisked to the iconic ‘Out of Africa’ Safari destination, the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. En route, you will stop at the Rift Valley viewpoint to enjoy the panoramic views over the spectacular African Great Rift Valley.

Arrive in time for lunch at your luxury tented camp, Loyk Luxury Mara Camp (or similar). After a short time to relax and refresh, head out for an afternoon safari in Kenya’s most popular game reserve. The Mara, as it is fondly called, is home to Kenya’s largest lion prides and boasts high elephant numbers, so you are certain to see both. Spotted hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs are among the other predators that lurk, while the herbivores include zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, a variety of antelopes and large herds of wildebeests. Nile crocodiles and hippos may be seen wallowing in the Mara River. Birding enthusiasts are in for a treat with over 550 bird species documented. The Masai Mara National Reserve is home to ‘the largest animal spectacle on earth’ – the annual migration that sees approximately one million wildebeest move to the Serengeti Plains in Tanzania, on the other side of the border. See a write-up about the Great Migration at the end of this itinerary.

As the sun sets, return to camp in time for campfire drinks and tuck into a hearty safari supper. Savour the peace of the African bush as you sit around the campfire before turning in for the night.

The next two days of this Kenya Safari & Beach Package are spent on safari in one of Africa’s top wildlife parks. Your guide will take you on early morning and late afternoon game drives as you explore Masai Mara’s scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. Cross rolling hills and grassy plains, interspersed with acacia woodlands, as you seek out the ‘Big Five’ – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino – and the Mara’s other wildlife in its natural environment. Your guide will expertly study tracks, look for signs of animals, and share their vast knowledge of the fauna and flora, large and small, that cross your path. Between game drives, retreat to camp for hearty meals, relaxation and great hospitality.

There is an option to embark on a hot air balloon safari while in the Masai Mara (additional expense) for a breathtaking view of the plains and its game. The balloon package includes a champagne brunch in the wilderness and a chance to observe the plentiful wildlife from your unique aerial perspective.

Another optional tour is a visit to a Maasai community to get a glimpse into their rich traditions of daily life. The Maasai people are known for their intricate beadwork, vibrant customs, and distinctive dress. Experience their unique heritage and appreciate their harmonious relationship with the nature that surrounds them.

• Included Activities: Masai Mara Safari
• Optional Activities: Hot Air Balloon Safari, Maasai Cultural Tour
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x3

About Loyk Luxury Mara Camp at Masai Mara

Loyk Luxury Mara Camp is an exclusive, family-friendly tented camp situated on 50 acres of private land in a spectacular setting on the banks of the Ntiakitiak River. The camp features 16 magnificent en-suite tented rooms with private verandahs to enjoy privacy in the beautiful setting. Rooms come with comfortable en-suite bathrooms, in-house intercom, mosquito nets, room service, and Wi-Fi. For families or groups seeking a spacious and exclusive sanctuary, the 2-bedroom family suite at Loyk Mara Camp is the perfect choice.

Dine in the elegant dining room, open restaurant, or under the stars by the campfire. The elevated dining room and lounge offer breathtaking views of the savanna plains, enhancing the dining experience. There is a patio for alfresco dining while you watch wildlife, including giraffes, hyenas, wildebeest, gazelles, and elephants moving on the plains. The Olaro Bar serves fresh juices, speciality drinks, and premium beverages. For leisure, soak up the sun by the swimming pool with a deck, or play a game of billiards, poker, scrabble, or chess. There is even an open-air cinema and a children’s playground.

Day 6: Masai Mara & Lake Naivasha – Kenya

Take a last early morning game drive in Masai Mara before returning to camp for a final breakfast before setting off for the next destination of your Kenya Safari, Lake Naivasha. Arrive at beautiful Naivasha Sopa Resort (or similar) on the lakeside in time for a late lunch and a rest before the afternoon excursion.

Embark on a boat ride on the lake, weaving between pods of hippos. You will make a stop on Crescent Island in Lake Naivasha nearby. This is the lip of an extinct ancient volcano that protrudes from the lake and is home to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary. Take a leisurely walk amongst the animals on the island, amid giraffes, wildebeest, zebra and waterbuck, while watching the wallowing hippos offshore. They usually come out of the lake each evening to feed on the banks and doze under the acacia trees. Take a walk to the summit of the hill for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with Lake Longonot, Hell’s Gate, and the Mau Escarpment in the distance. This vista is particularly lovely in the golden hour before sunset when animals graze against the shimmering lake waters.

Head back on the boat to the lodge for a hearty meal and an evening spent beneath the stars around the campfire enjoying the tranquillity of this lakeside location.

• Included Activities: Crescent Island Boat & Walking Safari
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

About Naivasha Sopa Resort at Lake Naivasha

Naivasha Sopa Resort lies on the shores of Rift Valley freshwater lake, Lake Naivasha, nestled within 150 acres of grassland dotted with Acacia bush, providing a serene habitat for resident wildlife such as giraffes, waterbuck, and vervet & colobus monkeys.

Accommodations consist of 21 cottages arranged in a crescent, each with two rooms on the ground floor and two on the upper level, with stone outer walls and colourful creepers adding a vibrant touch. All rooms are en-suite and feature large picture windows to take advantage of the views. They come with a TV, mini-bar, electronic safe, tea/coffee-making facilities and spacious, open-air verandas or balconies.

The lobby and lounge centre on an open-to-sky garden with a 1950s-style bar. Massive picture windows offer breathtaking views of Lake Naivasha and its surroundings. Adjacent is the dining room and a shaded terrace for alfresco dining bordered by manicured gardens groomed by nightly visits from the nocturnal hippos! The restaurant serves Continental, Swahili, and Mediterranean cuisines, with delicious home-baked breads and utilising fresh produce. There is a swimming pool area with an open-air snack restaurant and a pool bar in a roofed area between the swimming pool and tennis court, for a more casual setting. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

Day 7 & 8: Amboseli National Park – Kenya

On day 7 of our Kenya Safari & Beach Package, your guide drives you to Amboseli National Park after breakfast. Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint to take in the spectacular vistas before continuing through the Nairobi outskirts and on to Amboseli. The Kenyan National Park is dominated by the dry bed of Amboseli Lake, an expanse of cracked earth with saline deposits. Large herds of elephants are to be found wandering the grassy plains that fringe the lake bed, together with the other of Africa’s Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo- – and a host of other birds and wildlife. A distant view of Africa’s tallest mountain, mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, dominates the background.

Arrive at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge (or similar) in time for lunch and rest before heading out for a late afternoon game-viewing drive around the Reserve. This desolate landscape, set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, creates a stark yet beautiful contrast to the surrounding savannah, attracting wildlife seeking water during the wet season and offering a unique, otherworldly scenery for visitors year-round. Travel across this enormous lake bed, frequently dry but occasionally marshy, keeping a lookout for wildlife including cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, gazelles, and herds of elephants.

Day 8 will see you spend a full day on safari in Amboseli National Park. Head out into the reserve early morning and late afternoon in search of wildlife, retreating to camp in between to enjoy hearty meals and relax by the swimming pool. There is also an option to visit the local Maasai community, where you will be able to engage and learn about the vibrant culture of this traditionally nomadic pastoralist people who have been entwined in this environment for so long.

• Included Activities: Amboseli Safari
• Optional Activities: Maasai Cultural Village Tour
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

About Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge in Amboseli National Park

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge provides a beautiful combination of stark beauty and opulent comfort in the heart of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. Nestled in a grove of acacias beside a natural spring, the lodge features Maasai-inspired decor, a garden restaurant, and a palm-shaded swimming pool with sundeck and unobstructed views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowcapped summits in the distance.

The 92 rooms are single-story with private patios that open directly into the gardens with views of the surrounding landscape. The rooms are designed with a Maasai Manyatta theme, are en-suite and feature comfortable beds, mosquito nets and ceiling fans. Facilities include complimentary wireless Internet, coffee/tea-making stations, a desk & chair and 24-hour room service.

Enjoy meals in the elegant Maasai-inspired restaurant or savour cocktails on the large terrace with an inviting campfire, perfect for reflecting on the day’s adventures or participating in Maasai dance performances and other cultural activities. The restaurant emphasises local Kenyan cuisine, using fresh produce from nearby farms. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, offering a range of international options, and dinner is a table-d’hôte experience.

Relax on the sundeck by the newly renovated heated swimming pool, or get some pampering at the Maisha Treatment Center which offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, pedicures, and manicures, all with a 15-minute African Foot Ritual included. Additional amenities include a gift shop, 24-hour on-call medical services, board games, and a library of books about Africa. The lodge also caters to families with babysitting services, family rooms, and children’s dining menus.

Day 9: Tsavo West National Park – Kenya

Day 9 sees your Kenya Safari & Beach Package head further along the Kenya border lands to Tsavo West National Park. At 8,000 square miles, Tsavo National Park is Kenya’s biggest national park and one of the world’s largest, and is bisected by the Nairobi-Mombasa road, dividing the park into 2 sections. You will arrive at Severin Safari Camp (or similar), in the heart of Tsavo West, in time for lunch and a short siesta before embarking on an afternoon safari drive through Tsavo West National Park.

Head out into the mix of forest shrub vegetation and rolling volcanic hills, covered in long grass and dotted with huge baobab trees, in search of the resident wildlife, including cheetah, leopard, zebra, giraffe, a variety of antelope from waterbuck to klipspringer, impala, and gazelles, along with herds of buffalo, and elephant. The national park also has a large lion population, including some ancestors of the famed “Man-eaters of Tsavo.” Over 600 bird species have been reported, including the endangered corncrake and the near-threatened Basra reed warbler.

As the sun begins to set, retreat to the comfort of the safari camp for your last evening by the campfire.

• Included Activities: Tsavo Safari
• Optional Activities: Rhino Sanctuary Visit, Mzima Springs Visit, Maasai Cultural Tour
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

About Severin Safari Camp in Tsavo West National Park

Severin Safari Camp, one of only three tented lodges in remote Tsavo West National Park, is beautifully located between the Mzima Springs and the powerful Tsavo River. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings while enjoying the luxury of well-appointed tents that provide a perfect blend of traditional safari style and modern amenities in harmony with the environment. Each tent is spacious and elegantly furnished, featuring en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water, toilet & bidet, and rain showers. The tents are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, using natural materials and earthy tones. They include high-quality bedding, mosquito nets, solar-powered lighting, in-room safe, free wi-fi and ample storage space. Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape from your private veranda.

Severin Safari Camp’s “Out of Africa” Restaurant provides à la carte lunch and supper in addition to a hearty breakfast buffet. The chef’s speciality is marinated beef from the Kenyan highlands served on a hot stone or as fondue. The ‘Thorn Tree Bar’ serves a variety of drinks, including Kenyan coffee and tea in the morning and cocktails in the evening. Each evening there is a campfire set up in front of the illuminated waterhole, making for safari romance beneath the starry African sky. There is a swimming pool where you can cool off and relax after a day of exploration and a sun terrace with sun loungers providing a unique perspective of Mount Kilimanjaro. Kenbali Spa offers a range of treatments, from massages to facials and aromatherapy, designed to rejuvenate and invigorate. There is even a fitness tent that has a beautiful panoramic view and is outfitted with professional Precor training equipment.

Day 10 to 13: Diani Beach – Kenya

Enjoy a final early morning game-viewing drive in search of Kenya’s wildlife before returning to camp for a hearty breakfast. Then your Kenya Safari & Beach Package heads to the coast for some beach time. Travel along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, making a stop in the town of Voi for lunch before continuing to the Indian Ocean coastline. You are headed to Diani Beach, located just south of Mombasa. Spend the next four days relaxing at a Diani beach resort, the Swahili Beach Resort (or similar). It is perfectly located on stunning Diani Beach with its expanse of white sand, the horizon dotted with traditional wooden dhow boats.

Your days are free to spend as you choose. Unwind on the beach and swim in the balmy ocean. Take advantage of all the activities offered at the resort, or try one of the many watersports on offer, from diving or snorkelling to kayaking, jet-skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, or paddleboarding. Deep-sea fishing trips are available but are best between September and April. The ocean is full of marine life – remember to bring your underwater camera. Green and Hawksbill turtles, both endangered, call these waters home. Kenya is also one of the few places where reef sharks are frequently seen. A glass-bottom boat trip is a fantastic day out for people who like to keep dry while yet experiencing the marine ecology as schools of beautiful fish swim beneath you. Kitsite-Mpunguti Marine Park, located barely 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Diani Beach, is a protected refuge of coral reefs and tiny islands populated by dolphins, turtles, birds, and a variety of fish. Shimba Hills National Reserve is a tiny rainforest park located only 15 kilometres (9 miles) away.

• Optional Activities: Watersports, Scuba Diving, Glass-bottom Boat trips, Dhow boat rental, Funsi Island Day trip, and more
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner x4

About Swahili Beach Resort at Diani Beach

Swahili Beach Resort is a blend of African, Indian, Arabian, and Zanzibari influences. From the art to the architecture, every element of this Diani beach resort reflects these diverse cultural inspirations. The spacious rooms provide luxurious comfort with beautiful views from private balconies overlooking either the ocean or the lush gardens. The en-suite bathrooms are elegantly designed, providing hot and cold running water, plush towels, and premium toiletries. The rooms come with fast internet connectivity and 24/7 room service.

Swahili Beach Resort offers a variety of dining options that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The Zanzibar Restaurant provides a unique culinary journey with its pan-Asian a la carte menu and Teppanyaki tables, featuring fresh local seafood. Spice Route Restaurant offers a fusion of Kenyan and Indian flavours and, for a more relaxed setting, the Kahawa Lounge and Baharini Beach Bar & Restaurant serve a mix of Kenyan and Indian cuisines, using fresh, organic ingredients. Baobab Pool Bar offers poolside refreshments and the Baraza Bar is perfect for pre-dinner relaxation with soothing piano music. The swimming pool is a sight to behold, cascading down 7 levels right to the edge of the white sandy beach, and filled with spring water and natural salts. Relax in Swahili day beds as you enjoy VIP treatment. Swahili Spa & Fitness Centre has its own cove and indoor pool, Jacuzzi, and a range of award-winning spa treatments to help you relax and rejuvenate.

Day 14: Flight to Nairobi – Kenya

After breakfast at our Diani beach resort, our Kenya Safari & Beach Package comes to a close. Depending on your international departure, you will have the day at leisure before being driven to the Ukunda airfield in time for your domestic flight back to Nairobi (Not Included) for your onward travels.

A Typical Day on Safari in Kenya:

• Before dawn: Wake up to hot coffee or tea as the cool morning air surrounds you.
• Morning game drive (sunrise to around 9 am): Bundle up and hop into the open vehicle with your camera ready. Your expert guide will navigate the bush, seeking out lions, elephants, giraffes, and other animals as the sun rises and paints the landscape. Every turn promises a new discovery, perhaps a pride of lions with cubs, a majestic herd of elephants, or a cheetah on the hunt. The drive lasts about two hours but can vary depending on the sightings.
• Breakfast (around 9 am): Return to the lodge and enjoy a delicious breakfast to refuel after your exciting adventure.
• Relaxation time (mid-morning): Take some time to relax after the early start. You can unwind by the pool, catch up on sleep, or participate in optional activities offered by the lodge, such as nature walks, cultural visits to nearby villages, or bike rides.
• Lunch (around 1 pm): Lunch is usually served at the lodge or camp. However, if you’re on a full-day game drive, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the wilderness.
• Afternoon game drive (late afternoon): As the day heats up, head out again on another game drive, searching for animals you might have missed earlier. Your guide’s expertise will help you spot a variety of wildlife.
• Sunset and return to camp (evening): As the sun dips below the horizon, creating a breathtaking spectacle, return to the camp for a refreshing shower and refreshment.
• Dinner and evening relaxation: Indulge in a delicious dinner, followed by drinks and conversation around a crackling campfire, sharing stories of your safari adventures. Retire early, well-rested and filled with anticipation for the next day’s exploration.

Throughout your Kenya Safari & Beach Package, your knowledgeable driver-guide will be your companion and resource. They’ll share their expertise on the local wildlife, traditions, and history, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience.

Flexibility: While the schedule offers a general structure, your guide will consider your preferences and adjust the timings whenever possible. The priority remains adhering to park regulations and ensuring safe travel within the time constraints. Your safari guide will provide expert recommendations but is always open to hearing your interests.

Kenya Safari Tour Notes

All Kenya Safari & Beach Packages are conducted on a private departure basis. A minimum of 2 clients is needed to guarantee a departure.

The accommodation listed in this itinerary is subject to availability. Should the listed establishment not be available, a similar lodge of the same standard will be booked. This will be conveyed to you at the time of booking.

The cost of any optional activities in Kenya will be confirmed on request.

Talk to one of our friendly travel experts if you would like us to arrange accommodation before and/or after your Kenya Safari & Beach Package

For more details contact African Budget Safaris.

The Great Migration Explained

Please note that the Wildebeest Great Migration of Kenya’s Masai Mara & Tanzania’s Serengeti is seasonal. As a natural wildlife phenomenon, it is fluid and unpredictable. For this reason, it must be understood that seeing the Great Migration cannot be guaranteed.

The wildebeest and other wild herbivores migrate between Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds move in a massive circular route covering some 1200 miles (1931km). It is a continuous movement of wildlife that can be seen in different areas at different times of the year. During certain phases of this annual trek, the animals disperse or slow down, whilst at other times the migration picks up speed, with the herds becoming larger and denser. Not only does the Wildebeest Great Migration vary from place to place and season to season but the movement of these large wildlife herds varies from year to year.

Please talk to a travel expert from African Budget Safaris about seeing the Wildebeest Great Migration on your safari to find out more. Also, check out our detailed article about the Great Migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara.