Kenya Wildlife and Beach Safari

Quick Facts

Days

11

Takes you to

Nairobi, Samburu National Park, Sweetwaters / Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara National Park, Ukunda Airstrip, Mombasa, and Diani Beach

SAFARI OVERVIEW OF

Kenya Wildlife and Beach Safari

Discover the wild heart and serene soul of Kenya on this unforgettable 11-day adventure. The Kenya Wildlife and Beach Safari combines thrilling game drives, breathtaking landscapes, and a blissful beach escape—all in one seamless journey.

Begin your safari in the striking semi-arid wilderness of Shaba and Samburu Reserves, home to rare wildlife species like the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Continue to Sweetwaters and Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a leading conservation hub where you can spot the Big Five and visit the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya.

Venture into the Great Rift Valley to witness the birdlife spectacle and scenic beauty of Lake Nakuru, before heading to the world-renowned Masai Mara, where the vast savannah teems with lions, elephants, cheetahs, and, during the season, the Great Wildebeest Migration.

After the wild comes the wonderful: unwind on the pristine beaches of Mombasa’s coastline, where turquoise waters, swaying palms, and coastal charm await. Whether it’s snorkeling in coral gardens, exploring Swahili culture, or simply relaxing by the ocean, the Kenyan coast is the perfect finale to your safari experience.

Join us on this enriching journey that blends untamed wilderness with coastal serenity—ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking an unforgettable African escape.

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the fascinating Ol Pejeta Conservancy in northern Kenya, famous for its excellent population of Rhinos.
Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Northern White Rhino conservation project.
Game view in the world-famous Masai Mara, an excellent place to spot predators and other big game.
Relax beside the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, in Mombasa, staying at a resort.
Eco-Friendly Accommodations that Support Sustainable and Responsible Travel.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi Kenya

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our company representative and transferred to your place of overnight stay at the start of the Kenya Wildlife and Beach Safari.

Luxury Accommodation: Fairmont The Norfolk | Midrange Accommodation: Ibis Styles

Day 2: Nairobi – Samburu National Park

After breakfast, your 11-day Wildlife and Beach Safari kicks off with a scenic drive to Shaba and Samburu. Set along the Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu Reserve offers dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife sightings. Pass through traditional Samburu villages en route and opt for an afternoon game drive to spot Elephants, Leopards, and Lions.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Luxury Accommodation: Ashnil Samburu Camp | Midrange Accommodation: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge.

Day 3: Shaba & Samburu National Reserve

Today, your wildlife journey takes you deep into Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves—iconic safari gems known for their unique wildlife. Enjoy thrilling game drives in search of the rare and captivating “Samburu Special Five”: the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and beisa oryx. Along the way, you’ll also encounter a diverse array of other wildlife, including olive baboons, playful warthogs, Grant’s gazelles, Kirk’s dik-diks, impalas, and waterbucks.

In between your game drives, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of northern Kenya—an unforgettable moment in the wild.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Luxury Accommodation: Ashnil Samburu Camp | Midrange Accommodation: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge.

Day 4: Sweetwaters / Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Start your day with an early morning game drive, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the African savannah before breakfast. Then, head south to the Sweetwaters/Ol Pejeta Conservancy, nestled between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya.

Arrive at your camp for lunch and enjoy stunning views of a busy watering hole, perfect for wildlife observation from your lodge. Ol Pejeta, known as East Africa's largest black rhino sanctuary, offers exceptional opportunities to see these magnificent creatures.

In the afternoon, visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary to meet the resident chimpanzees and learn about their stories, guided by expert rangers dedicated to their protection and rehabilitation..

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Luxury Accommodation: Porini Rhino Camp | Midrange Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp.

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park

Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famed for its birds and rhino sanctuary, where thousands of flamingos congregate to feed on Spirulina platensis, a blue-green alga that grows naturally in the lake. Start your day with an early morning game drive, a prime time for wildlife viewing. As you explore the park, look out for a variety of animals, including the endangered white rhino, elusive leopards, majestic lions, and graceful waterbucks. The park is also home to buffalo, impalas, and warthogs, providing ample opportunities for remarkable wildlife encounters.

Have a boat cruise on Lake Nakuru, famed as a bird watcher’s paradise. Besides the iconic flamingos, you'll have the chance to spot pelicans, herons, and over 450 other bird species that inhabit the park. The sight of thousands of flamingos creating a pink-hued shoreline is truly a spectacle to behold. Lake Nakuru National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, famous for its flocks of flamingos that seasonally line the shores of Lake Nakuru. The park, covering 188 square kilometers, is also a sanctuary for endangered species.

In the evening, after an exhilarating day of game drives and wildlife sightings, drive back to the lodge, reflecting on the day's adventures.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Luxury Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge | Midrange Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Day 6: Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara National Park- Walking Safari

Head for a 5-6 hour drive to the Masai Mara, driving through the Great Rift Valley’s floors and western escarpments, created over the centuries due to the natural shifting of the earth’s tectonic plates. We will take the Kenya Wildlife and Beach Safari to the Masai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch and relaxation.

Optional Evening Activity - Walking Safari

Experience an up-close encounter with giraffes, zebras, impalas, and other plains wildlife. Take in the scents of the native vegetation, sample a few edible plants, and feel the texture of natural wildlife materials. Listen to the distinctive calls of impala rams, track footprints left by nocturnal predators like lions and leopards, and discover fascinating small creatures such as spiders, butterflies, dung beetles, and termites.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in Africa, known for its exceptional population of big cats and the annual Great Migration. Covering 1,510 square kilometers, it forms the northern continuation of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. Beyond its natural wonders, the Masai Mara offers visitors a chance to engage with the local Maasai culture. The Maasai are known for their distinctive customs, dress, and traditional dances.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Luxury Accommodation: Zebra River Camp | Midrange Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge

Day 7: Maasai Mara- Game drives and Community Visit.

Experience the essence of Maasai Mara on our sixth-day safari, dedicated to exhilarating game drives amidst its breathtaking landscapes. Seek out Kenya's renowned "Big Five": lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. Amidst this rich biodiversity, encounter an array of captivating wildlife including giraffes, zebras, hippos, baboons, and an abundance of bird species.

Witness the awe-inspiring annual migration of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles from July to September, a spectacle unrivaled in its grandeur. The journey spans over 900 kilometers from the Serengeti plains to the Maasai Mara, culminating in the dramatic Mara River crossing, where herds face the perilous threat of hungry crocodiles.

The Mara River, a lifeline of the Masai Mara, hosts this captivating spectacle, offering a glimpse into the raw beauty of nature's drama. After an enriching day of exploration, we retreat to the comforts of the camp's relaxation.

In the evening, you'll have the chance to engage in authentic cultural exchanges, learning about Maasai traditions, customs, and rituals from community elders and local guides. You might participate in the captivating dances performed by warriors, and hear captivating stories passed down through generations. The Maasai guide will also lead you to the Maasai Huts and Kraals.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Luxury Accommodation: Zebra River Camp | Midrange Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge

Day 8: Maasai Mara- Nairobi

Today, enjoy a morning game drive to conclude your Kenya Classic safari. Afterwards, you will be transferred back to Nairobi, where you will be dropped off at the airport or a location of your choice. Savor the memories of your extraordinary safari experience as you bid farewell to the captivating landscapes and wildlife of Kenya.

Optional Morning Activity

Seeing Mara and its great wildlife from above is just breathtaking. Balloon rides last for about 45 minutes to about 1 Hour 15 minutes before having the famous champagne breakfast, before heading back to Nairobi for relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Luxury Accommodation: Fairmont The Norfolk | Midrange Accommodation: Ibis Styles

Day 9: Nairobi - Ukunda Airstrip -Mombasa ( Diani Beach)

Depending on the flight schedule, you will transfer to the airport for a flight to Ukunda Airstrip. Upon arrival, you will check into your beach hotel on the dazzling coast of Diani Beach. The beach is famous for its white sand beaches, blue ocean, and (kite)surfing. Other activities include snorkeling and diving, and you can relax at the beach or the swimming pool, or have a massage.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner|Luxury Accommodation: Neptune Palm Beach Boutique Resort & Spa|Midrange Accommodation: Neptune Paradise Beach Resort & Spa

Day 10: Diani Beach

Spend this day of a 11-day Kenya Wildlife and Beach Safari at Diani Beach. Water activities are available once again.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Luxury Accommodation: Neptune Palm Beach Boutique Resort & Spa | Midrange Accommodation: Neptune Paradise Beach Resort & Spa

Day 11: Departure back home

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred back to the airport for your flight back to Nairobi onwards back home at the end of the 11-day Kenya Wildlife and Beach Safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Included in the Kenya Wildlife and Beach Safari

Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with gasoline/fuel.
English-speaking Guides
Accommodation and Meal
All Park Entrance Fees.
Game Safaris in Samburu and Masai Mara National Park.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Rhino Conservation Project
Boat Cruise Lake Nakuru
Diani Beach Exploration
Drinking water / refillable water bottle
English-speaking Guides
Accommodation and Meal
All Park Entrance Fees.

Excluded from the Kenya Wildlife and Beach Safari.

International Airfares;
Visa Fees;
Drinks and Beverages
Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
Optional activities unless specified as included
Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.

Magical Kenya

Experience a safari in Kenya, offering Big Five game viewing, stunning landscapes, and cultural encounters. Explore top attractions like the Masai Mara’s Great Migration, Amboseli’s Mount Kilimanjaro views, and Samburu’s leopards. Immerse in the rich Swahili culture with influences from Africa, India, and Europe.

Kenya’s highlight is the Great Migration, where mega-herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle move in search of fresh grass, offering dramatic moments such as the Mara River crossings and predator encounters.

Kenya also pairs well with Tanzania and Rwanda/ Uganda, allowing for gorilla trekking and safari-beach combinations to experience both wildlife and relaxation.

Entry Requirements

Visa on Arrival: Travelers from most countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other entry points. Ensure that your passport has at least two full blank pages for visas and stamps and is valid for more than six months from the date of entry. It is valid for more than six months from the date of entry.

Visa Waivers: Citizens of the African Union, the Commonwealth, and La Francophonie member states are granted a visa upon arrival with a 90-day fee waiver. East African Community (EAC) member state citizens receive a six-month entry pass free of charge.

Visa Fees and Application: A single-entry visa costs US$50. Applications can be submitted online at the eVisa portal. Payment can be made online or upon arrival.

Visa Exemptions:

East African Countries: Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, and Burundi.
Commonwealth Member States: Short stays (up to 90 days) are visa-free for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.
The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Kenya: all nationalities from East African countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi), all nationalities from COMESA countries (Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Zimbabwe), and passport holders from OTHERS (Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, The Grenadines, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, St. Vincent-Tonga and Ireland).

East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)

The East Africa Tourist Visa allows travel between Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda with multiple entries within 90 days for US$100. Apply online at the eVisa portal upon arrival, or at diplomatic missions. If applied for in advance, the first entry must be through the issuing country.

Money and Spending

Kenya’s currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), but US Dollars (post-2006 bills only) or Euros are widely accepted. Exchange money in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu for the best rates. Credit cards (mainly MasterCard) are accepted at high-end hotels and restaurants in Nairobi but rarely outside the capital.

Mobile Payments

M-Pesa: Kenya is known for its mobile money services, and M-Pesa is widely used for both personal transactions and payments at businesses. Many hotels, shops, and even vendors accept payments via M-Pesa, making it convenient for both sending and receiving money.

To use M-Pesa, you’ll need to register your phone with a local M-Pesa agent. If you’re a frequent traveler, consider getting a local SIM card with M-Pesa for easier transactions.

Health and Medical Information – Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory.
Recommended: Tetanus, Cholera, Hepatitis A & B, and Malaria prophylaxis.
Malaria: Precautions are essential. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and consider antimalarial medication.
General Health Tips: Drink bottled or boiled water and carry a basic first aid kit. Consult with a healthcare professional before traveling.

Best Time to Visit Kenya: Month-by-Month Guide

January & February: Best for Game Viewing and Peak Adventure

January: Ideal for game viewing during the summer season, outside of the rain periods. Perfect for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, though temperatures can be high.
February: Great for safaris, particularly in the Masai Mara, where rainfall is minimal. Perfect for Mount Kenya expeditions, with low rainfall and high chances of spotting wildlife at watering holes.

March to May: Wet Season with Fewer Crowds

March: Transition from dry to wet conditions. Rain becomes more frequent, making some areas difficult to visit due to muddy roads. However, lower costs and fewer tourists make it a more peaceful time to visit.
April: One of the rainiest months in Kenya. Ideal for photographers, as the lush green landscape and moody skies create beautiful settings. However, game drives may be challenging due to muddy roads.
May: Long rains are in full swing, especially along the coast. Not a great time for beach holidays, but perfect for photographers and those looking to explore less crowded parks.

June to October: Best Safari Season and Great Migration

June: Start of the long dry season, making it the best time for safaris. Wildlife gathers around waterholes, and the weather is perfect for game viewing.
July: The Great Migration begins, with mega-herds of wildebeest and zebras arriving in the Masai Mara. Temperatures are pleasant, and the river crossings are a major highlight.
August: Peak of the Great Migration. Witness dramatic river crossings and predator-prey action. The weather is dry, making it an ideal safari experience.
September: Dry conditions continue, and game viewing remains excellent, with wildlife concentrated around water sources.
October: The migratory herds begin to leave, but resident wildlife still provides plenty of exciting safari opportunities.

November & December: Short Rains and Fewer Tourists

November: The short rainy season begins, leading to fewer tourists and lower prices. Despite the rain, this is a great time for a more peaceful safari.
December: Hot weather with occasional rain. A great time for wildlife viewing, particularly for birdwatchers, as bird numbers increase during this time.

Banking and Currency:

US Dollars in cash are widely accepted and, in most cases, preferred as the currency that travellers should use to exchange into UGX on arrival for spending money on the road, e.g., for drinks, curios, and tips. Please note that USD bills older than 2009 are not accepted. Ensure your USD bills are 2009 or younger. Small USD bills are difficult to change – use Uganda shillings for small tips.

Credit Cards:

Credit cards can be used at some lodges and hotels, but a transaction fee of up to 5% may be charged. Ask first.

Travel, Transport, and Getting Around Flights:

Note that baggage allowance on all domestic flights is max 15 kgs in soft bags

Health and Medical Information

Travellers require a Yellow Fever inoculation more than 10 days before your departure. The certificate will be checked on arrival in Uganda. If you have a history of liver disorders (hepatitis, etc.), consult your physician first.

Tetanus and Cholera inoculations are recommended but not compulsory. Hepatitis inoculation is at the discretion of the traveler.

Malaria prophylaxis is a must and can be purchased from your local pharmacy. Please consult your pharmacist/doctor.

Diarrhoea / Giardia – Bottled water is readily available throughout Uganda; however, it’s advisable to bring medicine just in case.

What to pack

• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.

• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.

• Insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Binoculars and a good camera.

• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.

• Nature-blending clothes