16 Day Magical Kenya Safari and Beach Holiday

Your Kenyan adventure begins the moment you land! Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will be waiting at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) with a warm smile, ready to whisk you away on your 16-day safari and beach holiday. Buckle up in your exclusive 4x4 safari Land Cruiser and get ready for a whirlwind day. First stop: the Giraffe Center, where you can encounter these gentle giants. Next, we'll head to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, a place dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants before releasing them back into the wild. Witnessing their plight firsthand will undoubtedly touch your heart. After a delicious lunch at Tamarind Hotel, immerse yourself in Kenyan history and wildlife at the Nairobi National Museum and Snake Park. This unforgettable day concludes with dinner and a relaxing overnight stay at your comfortable accommodation.

An early rise awaits on Day 2! Your guide will collect you from your hotel at around 6 am for the scenic 5-hour drive to Tsavo West National Park. By noon, you'll arrive at your hotel, check in, and enjoy a relaxing lunch. After a brief rest, it's time for the real adventure to begin! Your guide will take you on an exhilarating afternoon game drive through Tsavo West's vast expanse (over 9,000 square kilometers!). Keep your camera ready as you encounter elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, lions, and a variety of other wildlife. You might even witness the thrill of a predator on the hunt! After a full day of exploration, unwind and enjoy dinner at your lodge before a restful overnight stay.

Day 3 dives deeper into the wonders of Tsavo West National Park. After breakfast, your guide will be waiting to whisk you away on a full-day exploration of this vast reserve. The morning provides the perfect opportunity to witness wildlife in action, as many animals are actively feeding. Elephants, gazelles, buffaloes, impalas, lions, cheetahs, leopards – keep your camera handy, as these incredible creatures come into view. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by the park's diverse avian population. Building on yesterday's adventure, your guide will navigate you to new areas of the park, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience. As the midday heat intensifies, many animals seek shade. This provides the perfect time to enjoy a delicious lunch in the bush, surrounded by nature's beauty. Refreshed and energized, the afternoon brings another exciting park tour. A highlight will be visiting the magnificent Mzima Springs, crystal-clear water filtered by ancient lava flows. Here, you might spot aquatic animals like hippos and crocodiles alongside a variety of birds. As the day winds down, we'll return to your accommodation, where you can witness the breathtaking sunset paint the sky and listen to the symphony of nocturnal creatures coming alive.

Day 5 brings a transfer to another iconic Kenyan park: Amboseli National Park. Our journey begins around 7 am, with a stop at the captivating Lake Chala. This crater lake, formed by volcanic activity on Mount Kilimanjaro a quarter-million years ago, boasts crystal-clear waters fed by underground sources. After soaking in this scenic wonder, we'll continue to Amboseli, arriving in time for a delicious lunch and a chance to relax at your hotel/camp. The afternoon ignites with an exciting game drive. Amboseli is famous for its vast elephant herds, with over 1,600 roaming freely. Keep your eyes peeled for these gentle giants and a variety of other animals as they graze in the vast plains. As dusk approaches, you might even witness the thrill of a lion or cheetah hunt. Beyond the iconic wildlife, Amboseli is a haven for over 400 bird species. Look out for pelicans, egrets, herons, crowned cranes, and even flamingos (especially during the wet season) amidst the park's numerous swamps. As the sun sets, we'll return to our accommodation for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Day 5 is dedicated to a full-day exploration of Amboseli National Park, a true Kenyan gem. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for a wildlife extravaganza. The day begins with a breathtaking spectacle – the golden rays of dawn illuminating the vast plains of Amboseli. This tranquil morning is the perfect time to spot animals emerging and heading to their grazing grounds. Keep your eyes peeled for even the elusive leopards, often more active during early mornings and evenings. Your expert guide will navigate you through Amboseli's five diverse habitats, revealing the unique wildlife each one supports. As midday approaches, it's time for a delicious lunch break at a designated safe point within the park. After refueling, head to the observation hill for a phenomenal panoramic view. Here, capture stunning photos of the park's diverse landscape – from lush vegetation and vast herds of elephants to the iconic Amboseli swamps. Don't forget to zoom in on Lake Amboseli, teeming with birdlife like pelicans, flamingos, and Egyptian geese. And of course, dominating the horizon is the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the world's highest freestanding mountain. As the day winds down, we'll return to your hotel, with the possibility of spotting even more wildlife along the way.

On Day 6, we transition from safari to serene beauty as we embark on a scenic road trip to Lake Naivasha. The approximately 5-hour journey includes a stop at the awe-inspiring Great Rift Valley, offering a dramatic glimpse into this geological marvel. Upon arrival at our hotel in Naivasha, you'll have time to check in, enjoy lunch, and relax before venturing out to explore the lake in the afternoon. Lake Naivasha, a popular tourist destination in Kenya, offers a plethora of activities. Take a boat ride on the lake's tranquil waters and get up close to wildlife like hippos and a variety of aquatic animals. Birdwatchers will be in their element with the diverse avian population flitting about. The boat ride often includes a visit to Crescent Island, a unique spot where you can walk among free-roaming animals like zebras, impalas, giraffes, and wildebeest, without needing a vehicle. After a day filled with natural wonders, return to your hotel for dinner and a restful overnight stay.

A new dawn breaks on Day 7, and it's time to explore the wonders of Lake Nakuru National Park! Nestled within the Great Rift Valley, this park is renowned for its staggering flocks of flamingos, sometimes numbering in the millions. We'll arrive at our lodge in Lake Nakuru, check in, and savor a delicious lunch to fuel our afternoon adventure. Get ready for an exhilarating game drive around the famous Lake Nakuru, a soda lake sparkling in the heart of the Rift Valley. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as we navigate through diverse landscapes. Explore intriguing spots like Baboon Cliff, Lion Hill, and the Mau Escarpment, each offering unique sightings. This park is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting over 300 species. Be on the lookout for endangered animals like the Rothschild giraffe, black and white rhino, and the elusive leopard. Lake Nakuru's beauty extends far beyond its wildlife. Imagine vast stretches of the Euphorbia forest, the largest in Africa, contrasting with stunning viewpoints like Lion Hill and the Honeymoon Ranges. The landscape is a captivating tapestry of marshes and grasslands merging with rocky cliffs, woodlands, and acacia trees. As the sun dips below the horizon, we'll return to our lodge for a delightful dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Day 8 brings the thrill of the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve! An early morning departure ensures we maximize our time in this incredible wildlife haven. Our journey includes a stop at Narok Town, a convenient place to stretch your legs, grab any supplies you might need, and experience a slice of Kenyan life. Narok lies roughly 3 hours from Nairobi and about 2 hours from the Masai Mara, with the latter part on a rugged road. After our refreshing break, we'll continue the journey, arriving at the reserve by lunchtime. Check in to your comfortable lodge or camp, and savor a delicious meal to fuel your afternoon adventure. Get ready for an unforgettable game drive experience unlike anything you've encountered before! The Masai Mara, nestled in Kenya's southwestern corner bordering Tanzania, is renowned for the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration, which typically occurs between July and October. While you might miss the peak migration on this trip, the reserve is still home to resident wildebeest populations that you might encounter. Covering an impressive 1,510 square kilometers, the Mara boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna. Keep your camera ready as we search for the "Big Five": elephants, lions, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards, although the elusive leopard can be a challenge to spot. The reserve is also teeming with other incredible animals like cheetahs, waterbucks, gazelles, giraffes, and warthogs. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the park's over 500 bird species, including hornbills, crowned cranes, sacred ibis, and egrets. As the sun sets, we'll return to our lodge or camp for dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Breakfast in the morning will prepare you for a full day of game viewing in the famous Masai Mara National reserve. You will carry packed lunch from the lodge and then head out in to the reserve for a whole day of spectacular game viewing. Look out for wildlife – big herds of lions, leopards, elephants, the elusive cheetah, Thomson’s gazelle, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, topis, spotted hyenas, zebras, baboons and the graceful giraffes. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch amidst the breathtaking scenery, perhaps under the shade of an acacia tree or overlooking the snorting hippos in the Mara River. Your day will end in the evening as you will be transferred back to the lodge for dinner.

On this day, our charming guide shall pick you from your hotel at dawn and drive you to the hot air balloon launch site. (This is optional and we can do a morning game drive instead). The hot air balloon shall rise to the sky immediately after the sun rises and stay in the sky for about 1-2 hours. Depending on the wind conditions, you will cover approximately 15-25 km. The pilot can control the balloon such that it flies close enough to the ground for you to view the wildlife below. The view from the air balloon ride is spectacular and memorable; the true “Out of Africa safari experience. The balloon shall take you over the diverse habitats of the Masai Mara National Reserve; The Savannah grasslands, the Mara River, Swamps, and forests. All members of the big 5; leopard, rhino, buffalo, lion, and the elephant are some of the usual suspects you will catch during the ride. This is also your chance to film awesome videos and photos of antelopes, birds, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, and more. Upon landing, you will be served a champagne breakfast in the open savannahs of the Masai Mara. After, you enjoy a morning game drive as you head to the Maasai village. A country as vast as Kenya is bound to offer diversity. We will then continue with a game drive and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch amidst the breathtaking scenery, perhaps under the shade of an acacia tree or overlooking the snorting hippos in the Mara River. Your day will end in the evening as you will be transferred back to the lodge for dinner.

Day 11 brings another exciting opportunity to explore the vast Masai Mara National Reserve! This extensive and diverse park holds the potential for new discoveries around every corner. The morning hours are prime time for witnessing nature's predators on the hunt. Keep your eyes peeled for cheetahs and lions showcasing their incredible skills. With a bit of luck, you might even spot the elusive leopard. The Masai Mara offers more than just the typical wildlife encounters. Prepare to be captivated by breathtaking landscapes. The dramatic rock formations, lush riverine forests, and expansive sandbanks of the Sand River create a picture-perfect scene. The Mara River itself teems with life, offering the chance to see hippos and Nile crocodiles basking in the cool water. These two rivers are crucial parts of the annual wildebeest migration route, where nearly 2 million wildebeest and other grazers embark on their incredible journey between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara (although you might miss the peak migration on this trip). The Sand River and Mara River are also vital watering holes for a variety of land animals, especially during the hotter parts of the day. Expect to see a congregation of waterbucks, gazelles, zebras, buffaloes, and even monkeys amongst the riverine vegetation. As this thrilling day winds down in the afternoon, your safari adventure in the Masai Mara draws to a close. You'll then catch a convenient 2.5-hour flight directly from the Masai Mara to Ukunda, followed by a transfer to your luxurious beachfront hotel in Diani Beach, where you can relax and unwind amidst the beauty of the Kenyan coast.

Get ready to trade your safari hat for sunglasses as Day 12 whisks you away on a delightful day trip to Wasini Island after a delicious breakfast! This captivating island, nestled off the Kenyan coast, is a haven for sun-seekers, snorkelers, and scuba enthusiasts. Imagine crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with vibrant marine life and dazzling coral reefs. Wasini Island is a paradise for those who love exploring the underwater world. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious snorkeler, the island's rich marine biodiversity promises an unforgettable experience. But Wasini offers more than just underwater adventures. Relax on pristine beaches, bask in the warm sunshine, and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. The charming village awaits exploration, offering a glimpse into the local way of life and a chance to find unique souvenirs as well as enjoy a delicious lunch. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you have an amazing time. They'll lead you to the best snorkeling and diving spots, recommend idyllic relaxation havens on the beach, and help you navigate the village, maximizing your Wasini experience. Of course, there will be ample opportunities to capture stunning photos and create memories that will last a lifetime. So join us for a day of fun, sun, and exploration on the captivating Wasini Island. Your guide will take you back to your hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Welcome to paradise! Day 13 unfolds on the breathtaking shores of Diani Beach, a jewel of Kenya's southern coast, located approximately 30 kilometers south of Mombasa. This pristine stretch of coastline is widely considered the south coast's crown jewel, and with good reason. Ditch your safari hat and grab your sunglasses – it's time to unwind and embrace the therapeutic power of the Indian Ocean. Imagine strolling barefoot along the soft, white sand, feeling the gentle waves lap at your toes as the calming whispers of the ocean soothe away any lingering worries. Diani Beach promises a vacation unlike any other – a haven of relaxation, rejuvenation, and pure bliss.

Enjoy a day of relaxation and fun beach activities.

Enjoy a day of relaxation and fun beach activities.

As your unforgettable Kenyan adventure comes to an end, it's time to return home. After soaking up the beauty of Diani Beach for 15 incredible days, you'll catch a convenient flight from Diani to Nairobi. This flight will connect seamlessly with your international flight, taking you back home with a heart full of memories and a yearning to return to the magic of Kenya someday.