Can you combine a safari and beach holiday in Kenya?

Yes — this is Kenya's most popular holiday format. The classic combination is Masai Mara for safari followed by Diani Beach or Mombasa for the coast. Flying between the Mara and Mombasa takes approximately 1.5 hours.

What order should I do safari and beach in Kenya?

Safari first, then beach. The beach is more relaxing and suits the end of a trip better. Also, Nairobi arrivals naturally lead into the safari circuit before the coast.

How do I travel between the Masai Mara and Diani Beach?

Fly from the Mara airstrip to Mombasa Moi International Airport (approximately USD 220–350 one way, often with a Nairobi connection). Alternatively, fly Mara to Nairobi Wilson, then SGR train or bus to Mombasa.

Kenya Beach and Safari Itinerary: 10 Days

Ten days is enough to do Kenya’s two headline experiences justice — serious wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara and proper beach time on the South Coast. The combination suits first-time visitors and those returning to expand on a previous city-only trip.

Itinerary Overview

Days	Location	Focus
1–2	Nairobi	Wildlife day trips, cultural sights
3–5	Masai Mara	Safari, game drives
6–10	Diani Beach	Beach, snorkelling, watersports

Day 1–2: Nairobi

Day 1: Arrive at JKIA. Transfer to hotel. If arriving early, drive directly to the Giraffe Centre (USD 15, open 9am–5pm) and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (free, visiting hour 11am–noon). These two Karen attractions are on the Langata Road corridor, 20–25km from JKIA, and can be done before checking in to a Karen hotel.

Evening: Dinner at Talisman Restaurant (Karen) — approximately KES 2,500–4,500/person. Booked in advance.

Budget: Stay at Nairobi Backpackers (approximately KES 4,500/night). Eat at Nyama Mama (approximately KES 1,200/person). Mid-range: Ole Sereni (approximately KES 15,000/night). Dinner at Carnivore (approximately KES 4,500–5,000/person). Luxury: The Hemingways Nairobi (approximately KES 60,000/night). Dinner at the Hemingways restaurant.

Day 2: Choose one of:

Nairobi National Park (USD 35 pp + USD 45 vehicle, 6am opening). Self-drive or guided.
Karen Blixen Museum + Kazuri Beads + Nairobi Museum (combined: approximately KES 3,000 in entry fees).

Afternoon: Transfer to Wilson Airport. Safarilink check-in at 4:30pm for an 8am departure on Day 3 — or if flying next morning, stay near Wilson.

Day 3–5: Masai Mara

Day 3: Early flight from Wilson to Ol Kiombo (approximately USD 180–350 one way). Arrive approximately 9:30am. Transfer to lodge with en-route game spotting. Lunch at camp. 4pm–7pm: afternoon game drive.

Day 4: Full day in the Mara. 6am dawn game drive (3 hours), return for breakfast. 4pm afternoon game drive. July–October visitors: position for the Mara River and wildebeest crossings.

Day 5: Final 6am morning drive. Breakfast. 10:30am transfer to airstrip. Flight to Mombasa Moi International Airport (MOM) — approximately USD 220–350, often routed via Nairobi Wilson; total travel time 2–4 hours. Alternatively fly Mara → Nairobi Wilson, take the SGR train to Mombasa (KES 700–3,000, approximately 4.5 hours) — slower but more scenic.

Safari accommodation per budget:

Budget: Mara Bush Camp from approximately USD 100/person/night all-inclusive.
Mid-range: Mara Serena from approximately USD 280/person/night all-inclusive.
Luxury: Mahali Mzuri from approximately USD 900/person/night all-inclusive.

Day 6–10: Diani Beach

Day 5 evening/Day 6 arrival: Transfer from Mombasa airport to Diani (approximately KES 2,500–3,500 by Bolt + Likoni Ferry crossing). Check in to beach accommodation.

Day 6: Recovery day. Beach time, swimming in the Indian Ocean, lunch at a beach-side restaurant. The reef keeps the main Diani swimming area calm and safe.

Day 7: Colobus Conservation Centre (USD 10, morning). Afternoon: snorkelling rental on the beach, swimming inside the reef.

Day 8: Full-day trip to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park — depart 8am with Pilli Pipa or Charlie Claw’s (approximately USD 75–100/person, includes dolphin watching and Wasini Island lunch). Return approximately 5pm.

Day 9: Free beach day. Options: kite surfing lesson with H2O Extreme (from USD 120 for a 4-hour beginner course), or visit Shimba Hills National Reserve for the sable antelope (entry approximately USD 26, 40 minutes from Diani).

Day 10: Morning on the beach. Transfer to Mombasa airport for departure flight. Airport transfer from Diani approximately KES 2,500–3,500. Allow 2–2.5 hours including the ferry crossing.

Beach accommodation per budget:

Budget: Diani Sea Lodge from approximately KES 7,000/night.
Mid-range: Leopard Beach Resort from approximately KES 20,000/night.
Luxury: Almanara Luxury Villas from approximately USD 400/night.

Budget Breakdown (10 days, per person)

Budget Tier (approximately USD 1,200–1,600 total)

Nairobi 2 nights: USD 70
Nairobi activities: USD 80
Flights (Nairobi–Mara–Mombasa, basic seats): USD 350
Mara 3 nights (budget camp, all-inclusive): USD 450
Diani 5 nights (budget guesthouse): USD 110
Diani food and activities: USD 150
Local transport: USD 80

Mid-Range Tier (approximately USD 3,500–5,000 total)

Nairobi 2 nights at Ole Sereni: USD 230
Nairobi activities and meals: USD 160
Flights: USD 550
Mara 3 nights at Governors’ Camp (all-inclusive): USD 1,350
Diani 5 nights at Leopard Beach: USD 800
Diani meals and activities (Kisite trip etc.): USD 250
Local transport: USD 120

Luxury Tier (approximately USD 10,000–14,000 total)

Nairobi 2 nights at Hemingways: USD 1,000
Nairobi activities and meals: USD 300
Flights (business): USD 900
Mara 3 nights at Mahali Mzuri (all-inclusive): USD 5,400
Diani 5 nights at Almanara: USD 2,000
Diani activities and meals: USD 400
Private transfers: USD 400

Key Practical Notes

Luggage: Small aircraft between Nairobi and the Mara have a 15kg soft-bag-only restriction. Pack a small daypack in your main bag for the safari leg and check the rest at Nairobi.

Currency: Carry USD cash for safari lodges (tips, incidentals). KES is needed for matatus, boda bodas, and local restaurants. Diani uses both.

Safari timing: For wildebeest crossings, the Mara from late July to mid-October is the best window. If your dates don’t allow this, February–March is the next best period for dramatic wildlife viewing.

What to Wear

Safari leg (Masai Mara):

Neutral-coloured clothing — khaki, olive, tan. Avoid white (dust) and bright colours (disturbs wildlife).
Fleece or jacket for early morning drives (6am temperatures can be 12–15°C year-round).
Wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen — the Mara at altitude intensifies UV.
Comfortable, closed shoes for lodge walks.

Beach leg (Diani):

Swimwear, light cotton shirts, sundresses.
Flip-flops and beach shoes.
Sunscreen factor 50+ — equatorial beach sun is intense even with cloud cover.
Light long-sleeved layer for evenings and air-conditioned restaurants.

Tipping Guide

Safari guide: USD 10–15 per person per day is standard. More for exceptional service or finding difficult animals (leopard, wild dogs). Camp staff: USD 5–10 per day total, deposited in the staff tip box at checkout. Hotel porter (Diani): KES 200–500. Boda boda drivers: No tip expected; agree the fare upfront. Restaurant service staff (Diani): Approximately 10% at mid-range restaurants if service charge is not already included.

Extending the Itinerary

A 14-day version adds more flexibility:

Add 2 extra days in Nairobi for Ol Pejeta Conservancy (last two northern white rhinos) and a full Nairobi National Park morning.
Extend the Mara to 4 nights (better odds of witnessing a river crossing if visiting July–October).
Add Lamu at the end for 2 nights of Swahili coast culture before the final beach days at Diani.

The 14-day version suits those visiting Kenya once and wanting the maximum breadth of experience. Budget approximately 40% more than the 10-day version across all tiers.

For detailed safari lodge options, see our best safari lodges Kenya guide. For the full Masai Mara transport guide, see our Nairobi to Masai Mara itinerary.