9 Days Kenya Safari and Beach Holiday | Wildlife to Diani Coast

A Kenya safari and beach holiday combines wildlife game drives across the country’s national parks with a beach stay on the Indian Ocean coast, typically starting in Nairobi and ending at a coastal resort. This 9-day version runs a full safari circuit through the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, and both Tsavo parks, before transferring by train to the coast.

The trip opens with two full days in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, widely regarded as Africa’s most iconic safari destination, with vast savannah, dense predator populations, and, between July and October, the Great Wildebeest Migration. From there, the route continues to Lake Nakuru National Park, an alkaline lake known for flamingos and a protected rhino sanctuary hosting both black and white rhinos, alongside Rothschild’s giraffe.

Lake Naivasha follows, a freshwater lake where a boat safari covers hippo and bird sightings, followed by a guided walking safari at Crescent Island, and an optional cycling or walking tour through Hell’s Gate National Park’s gorges and geothermal terrain. The safari then heads south to Amboseli National Park, spending a full two days here for large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro, before continuing into Tsavo West and Tsavo East, covering volcanic terrain, Mzima Springs, and Tsavo East’s well-known red-dust elephants.

On the final day, the safari portion concludes with a morning game drive in Tsavo East, followed by a transfer to Voi Train Station for a first-class journey on the Madaraka Express (SGR) to Mombasa, with sweeping views of Tsavo’s landscape from the elevated railway. On arrival, transfer to your chosen coastal destination, Diani Beach, Mombasa’s North or South Coast, Watamu, Kilifi, or Malindi, marking the start of your beach stay.

This combination suits first-time safari travelers, couples, honeymooners, and families who want both wildlife encounters and beach downtime in a single trip, rather than choosing one or the other. Splitting the nine days between six safari destinations and a coastal finish gives meaningful time at each stop, two full days each in the Masai Mara and Amboseli, without the itinerary feeling like a rushed park-hopping tour. The safari portion runs in a private 4×4 vehicle with a professional driver-guide throughout, with lodge and camp selection available across budget, mid-range, and luxury categories at every stop.

9 Days Kenya Safari and Beach Holiday At a Glance

• Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
• Safari Start: Nairobi (hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport)
• Safari End: Kenya Coast (Mombasa, Diani, Watamu, Kilifi, or Malindi)
• Destinations: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East, Kenya Coast
• Transport: Private 4×4 pop-top Land Cruiser (safari portion); Madaraka Express train (Tsavo to Mombasa)
• Ideal For: First-time safari travelers, couples, honeymooners, families
• Best Time to Visit: July–October for the Great Migration; year-round for the coastal portion

Your Route

From Nairobi through the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate, Amboseli, and both Tsavo parks, ending at Diani Beach, here’s where your 9-day safari and beach holiday takes you:

This Kenya safari and beach holiday price depends on your lodge category (budget, mid-range, or luxury), the season you travel, and your group size. As with our other packages, larger groups bring the cost per person down. Pricing below covers the safari portion; your coastal resort stay is quoted separately based on your chosen destination and hotel.

Children: free (0–2 years); 75% of adult rate (3–11 years)

Shoulder Season (1 Jan–31 Mar & 1 Nov–31 Dec) — price per person

Peak Season (1 Jul–31 Oct) — price per person

Low Season (1 Apr–31 May) — price per person

Indicative costs per person for the safari portion, excluding international flights and coastal resort accommodation.

Amboseli Lodges

AA Amboseli Lodge — Budget. Three-star comfort less than two miles from the Kimana Gate of Amboseli National Park.

Amboseli Sopa Lodge — Budget. Rustic, well-spaced cottages set through mature gardens.

Kilima Safari Camp — Mid-range. Located inside Amboseli National Park a short distance from Kimana Gate.

Lake Nakuru Lodges

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge — Panoramic views of the lake and flamingo-lined shores from elevated terraces.

Lake Nakuru Lodge — An eco-lodge within the park boundaries, with frequent visits from grazing rhinos and waterbucks.

Flamingo Hill Tented Camp — Set between "honeymoon" and "baboon" cliffs, with tents facing plains often visited by giraffes and gazelles.

Masai Mara Lodges

PrideInn Mara Camp — Best for affordable luxury & riverside views, along the Talek River.

La Maison Royale Mara Camp — Best for boutique luxury & tranquil escapes, near Sekenani Gate.

Mara Maisha Tented Camp — Best for authentic safari ambiance & local hospitality, near the main reserve entrance.

Coastal Options

Beach destinations available at the end of this itinerary include Diani Beach (the most popular choice for luxury and honeymoon stays), Mombasa's North or South Coast, Watamu, Kilifi, and Malindi. Ask us for resort recommendations and pricing based on your preferred location and travel style.

This itinerary can be shortened, extended, or have its coastal portion adjusted in length, ask us about tailoring your route, lodge selection, and beach stay.

Best Time to Visit

• July–October: peak season for the safari portion, best for the Great Migration in the Masai Mara
• January–March, November–December: shoulder season, generally good conditions with fewer crowds
• The coastal portion is enjoyable year-round, though April–May brings Kenya's long rains to the coast

Travel Logistics

The safari portion runs entirely by private 4x4 vehicle; the transition from Tsavo East to the coast uses the Madaraka Express (SGR) train from Voi to Mombasa in first class, offering a scenic and comfortable alternative to a full road transfer.

What to Pack

• Lightweight, neutral-colored safari clothing
• Beachwear and light coastal clothing for the second half of the trip
• Comfortable walking or cycling shoes (for Hell's Gate)
• Camera and binoculars
• Sunscreen and insect repellent for both safari and coastal legs