This 7-day Kenya Safari & Diani Beach Getaway is the ultimate blend of wildlife thrills, awe-inspiring scenery, cultural immersion, and coastal relaxation. Your journey begins in Amboseli National Park, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, one of Africa’s most classic safari scenes.  From there, your adventure leads north to Lake Nakuru National Park, located in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. It’s one of the few places in Kenya where you can reliably spot white rhinos, and its birdlife is world-renowned.

The next chapter unfolds in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s crown jewel of wildlife viewing. This is Big Cat territory — home to thriving populations of lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal).  And lastly you will explore Diani Beach, Kenya’s spectacular Indian Ocean paradise.  From mountains and lions to coral reefs and sea breezes, this itinerary takes you across Kenya’s most iconic destinations, all seamlessly connected by expert logistics, local hospitality, and unforgettable moments.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi –Transfer to Amboseli National Park

Your adventure begins in Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital city, where you’ll be warmly welcomed at the airport by your driver-guide. After a short briefing and introductions, you’ll set off on a picturesque drive south toward Amboseli National Park, a journey of approximately 4–5 hours. The route takes you through the heart of Kenya’s rural countryside, past small towns, local farms, and open landscapes dotted with acacia trees and Maasai herders.  As you approach Amboseli, the towering silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro comes into view, often emerging from the clouds like a quiet giant. Even though it’s technically in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro dominates the scenery from this side of the border, making it a stunning natural backdrop for wildlife photography.

Upon entering the park, you’ll embark on your first afternoon game drive immediately after your Lunch, guided by an expert who knows where to find the action. Amboseli is famed for its large elephant herds, some of the most studied and protected in Africa. You’ll likely encounter elephants slowly crossing the plains, dust bathing or feeding near the swamps, with snow-capped Kilimanjaro rising behind them. You might see buffalo grazing, zebras and wildebeest trotting in herds, or giraffes nibbling acacia leaves. Predators such as lions, spotted hyenas, and even the elusive cheetah also call this park home.

You’ll drive toward your safari lodge located either inside the park boundaries. The sounds of the wild begin to rise with the dusk. Enjoy dinner under the stars and a night’s rest in the heart of the African wilderness.

Day 2: Full-Day Exploration of Amboseli National Park

Rise early today for a full day dedicated to exploring the wonders of Amboseli National Park, a place that showcases the diversity and drama of East Africa’s natural world. Morning game drives are among the best times to witness wildlife activity. With cooler temperatures and soft morning light often bringing animals closer to open areas for grazing and hunting. Amboseli’s ecosystem is surprisingly diverse for its size. The park encompasses dry, dusty plains, ancient lava flows, seasonal lake beds, and most importantly, permanent wetlands and swamps sustained by underground rivers flowing from Mount Kilimanjaro’s melting glaciers. These green, marshy zones are lifelines during the dry season, drawing in an extraordinary concentration of animals. Expect to encounter herds of hippos wallowing in muddy pools, waterbucks standing guard in tall grass, and rich birdlife including African jacanas, fish eagles, kingfishers, and the elegant crowned crane. Over 400 bird species have been recorded in the park, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

You’ll return to your lodge for a leisurely lunch and rest. Take time to relax in the midday heat, dip in the pool, or enjoy the serenity of your wild surroundings. In the late afternoon, head out for another game drive, a second chance to witness nature’s rhythms and maybe catch predators on the move. With fewer tourists than some other parks, Amboseli offers a sense of quiet intimacy with nature, where you often have vast landscapes and remarkable sightings to yourself. You will also have a cultural visit to a local Maasai village, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of this iconic pastoralist community. The Maasai are deeply connected to the land and wildlife, and you’ll have a chance to observe their traditional homes (manyattas), see a live dance performance, learn about their age-old customs, and even witness the intricate beadwork and craftsmanship they’re known for. These encounters are not just cultural showcases—they’re opportunities for mutual learning, and often leave a lasting impression.

Return to your lodge as the stars come out and the sounds of the bush grow louder

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park – Rhino Tracking & Rift Valley Views

After an early breakfast with Kilimanjaro’s silhouette still visible in the morning light, you’ll say goodbye to Amboseli and begin your overland journey to Lake Nakuru National Park, a scenic drive that showcases the geographical diversity of Kenya. Along the way, there may be stops at scenic viewpoints offering sweeping panoramas of the rift escarpments and valley floor far below. Lake Nakuru National Park, located near the town of Nakuru, is one of Kenya’s most celebrated birding destinations and a sanctuary for endangered species.

Upon arriving enjoy a warm lunch at your lodge, and head out for an afternoon game drive that introduces you to this compact but biodiverse park with its alkaline lake that is rich in algae, attracting vast flocks of flamingos.  One of Lake Nakuru’s greatest conservation achievements is its white and black rhino population, which has been carefully protected here for decades. Seeing these powerful animals—often grazing peacefully near the lake’s edge or in the open grasslands is a humbling experience. The park is also home to Rothschild’s giraffes, one of the rarest giraffe species, as well as lions, leopards, waterbucks, buffalo, baboons, and a rich variety of birdlife, including pelicans, African fish eagles, herons, and more.

As the sun dips toward the horizon, you’ll return to your lodge nestled in the hills where you can enjoy a relaxed dinner and maybe catch a glimpse of wildlife right from the lodge grounds.

Day 4: Travel to Maasai Mara National Reserve – Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, it’s time to continue your adventure to Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destination—the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The drive takes you through fertile farmlands, Maasai territory, and the scenic highlands of Narok County.  Upon arrival at the Maasai Mara, you’ll check in at your safari camp or lodge, typically located within or just outside the reserve. After lunch and a bit of rest, you’ll head out for your first Mara game drive in the late afternoon.

The Maasai Mara is part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem and is known for its dense concentrations of wildlife year-round. This is Big Cat country, giving you excellent chances of encountering lion prides, leopards, cheetahs can be seen sprinting across the open plains. Beyond predators, the Mara is alive with grazers such as massive herds of zebra, gazelle, topi, buffalo, and elephants. If your visit falls between July and October, you may witness the edge of the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of animals move in an endless search for fresh grazing, often crossing rivers teeming with crocodiles in heart-pounding drama.

As dusk falls, the savannah comes alive with the calls of hyenas, the rustle of animals on the move, and perhaps the distant roar of a lion announcing its territory. Return to your lodge for a hearty dinner and time around the campfire and anticipating what wonders the next morning might bring.

Day 5: Full-Day Safari in the Maasai Mara – Tracking the Big Five and Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari

Today is dedicated to a full-day exploration of the Maasai Mara, one of the most wildlife-rich and visually stunning places on the planet. To make the most of the day, you’ll rise early and set out for your morning game drive when predators are active and the plains are fresh with dew. If you’re interested, an optional hot air balloon safari can be arranged this morning for a truly once-in-a-lifetime perspective. Floating silently over the Mara at sunrise offers an unmatched view of the herds and landscapes below. It’s a magical, peaceful experience that finishes with a champagne bush breakfast right on the plains.

Back on the ground, your game drives will take you deeper into the reserve, with the flexibility to track wildlife and cover a variety of ecosystems from wide open grasslands to riverine forests along the Mara River. Your guide will help you search for the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) though its rare, the other four are regularly seen, often in dramatic encounters like lions on a hunt or leopards resting in acacia trees. Your guide will lead you toward the key river crossings where wildebeests and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters in one of nature’s most gripping spectacles.

You will have a picnic lunch in the bush to allow you maximize your time out on safari. Throughout the day, your guide will share insights into animal behavior, Maasai culture, and the delicate balance of this ecosystem.

Another optional highlight is visiting a local Maasai village to engage with the people who have coexisted with wildlife for centuries. Learn about their traditional homes, livestock practices, ceremonies, and their crucial role in modern conservation. As the day winds down, you’ll return to your lodge or camp for a relaxed evening.

Day 6: Fly to Diani Beach – Arrival at the Indian Ocean Coast

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the nearby airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight to Diani Beach, a quick, scenic route that whisks you from the savannah to the coastline in under two hours. On arrival at Ukunda Airstrip, you’ll be met and transferred to your beachfront resort along Diani Beach, one of the most celebrated coastal destinations in East Africa. The pace immediately changes. Gone are the rugged 4×4 trails and dusty plains replaced by soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and warm ocean breezes.

Your resort is perfectly situated for both rest and exploration. Spend your afternoon unwinding on the pristine beach, swimming in the turquoise Indian Ocean, or simply relaxing by the pool with a refreshing drink in hand. Diani Beach is known for its clear waters, coral reefs, and excellent conditions for snorkeling, diving, and water sports. If you’re up for more activity, you can book optional excursions such as Snorkeling trips to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, known for its colorful coral gardens and abundant marine life, including sea turtles and dolphins, glass-bottom boat tours for easy wildlife viewing right from the surface.

Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the serenity of the coastline, strolling along the shore, watching the sunset over the ocean, and listening to the rhythmic sound of the waves. The beach vibe is laid-back and welcoming, with opportunities to sample fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and Swahili-inspired coastal cuisine at your resort or local restaurants. As evening falls, you’ll settle into the peaceful rhythm of Diani, a perfect contrast to the pulse of the wild safari days you’ve just experienced.

Day 7: Relaxation in Diani & Departure – Farewell to Kenya

Your final day in Kenya begins with the gentle sounds of waves lapping against the shore and the scent of salty ocean air drifting through your room. There’s no rush today, wake slowly and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your resort, perhaps on a breezy terrace overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. This is your time to fully unwind, to reflect, and to savor the peacefulness of Diani Beach before the journey home. Spend the morning exactly as you please, take a final stroll along the powder-soft sands, collect a few seashells as mementos, or treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment or massage using locally sourced coconut oils and herbal blends.

For those who want to squeeze in one last adventure, there are optional morning activities available, depending on your departure schedule. You might choose a short glass-bottom boat ride to spot coral reefs and colorful fish just offshore or a visit to the Colobus Conservation Center, where you can learn about the preservation of the endangered Angolan colobus monkey and other coastal wildlife. A casual shopping trip to local artisan stalls, where you can pick up hand-carved wooden souvenirs, Maasai beadwork, woven baskets, or fragrant Swahili spices and also the perfect time to indulge in a fresh seafood lunch of grilled lobster, coconut crab, or the local delicacy samaki wa kupaka (fish in rich coconut sauce), paired with a cold drink under the shade of a palm tree.

Later in the day, depending on your international flight time, you’ll be transferred from your resort to Ukunda Airstrip for your domestic flight back to Nairobi. From there, you’ll connect to your international departure, bringing your 7-day journey across Kenya’s most iconic destinations to a close.