Africa · Kenya · Itinerary
Nairobi → Diani Beach → Masai Mara → Lake Naivasha → Lake Nakuru → Nairobi
Kenya is one of those rare places that delivers everything it promises. The sheer scale of the Masai Mara — grass plains stretching to the horizon, the weight of silence broken only by the sound of something moving through the tall grass — is genuinely unlike anything else on earth.
This route pairs two completely different Kenyas: the coral-white beaches of Diani on the Swahili coast, where the Indian Ocean turns turquoise and time slows entirely, then inland to the Great Rift Valley and the savannah. Six days. It will not feel like enough.
Nairobi → Diani Beach · 31st Aug
Fly from Jomo Kenyatta International to Ukunda — the small airstrip that serves Diani Beach. Transfer to the resort and spend the day settling into the pace of the Swahili coast. The Indian Ocean here is turquoise and warm, the beaches are coral-white, and the resorts are styled around traditional Swahili architecture of carved wood and open courtyards. There is genuinely nothing you are required to do.
Diani Beach · 1st Sep
A full free day on Diani — consistently ranked among Africa's finest beaches. The reef protects the lagoon and keeps the water calm. Snorkeling and glass-bottom boat excursions are available directly from the beach. Kongo Mosque, one of the coast's oldest monuments, is a short walk inland. Local dhow sailing boats offer sunset trips along the reef. This is the last slow day before the bush begins.
Diani → Nairobi → Masai Mara · 2nd Sep
Fly back to Nairobi and immediately set off southwest into "The Great Rift Valley" — the dramatic geological scar that runs the length of East Africa. The drive itself is spectacular: the escarpment drops suddenly and the valley floor opens up. En route, stop at Lake Naivasha, the only freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley. Take a boat ride across to Crescent Island — only accessible by boat — for a walking safari among giraffe, antelope, hippos and birdlife. Picnic lunch on the road, then continue through Olololaimutia or Sekenani Gate into Masai Mara.
Note — Lake Naivasha
Depending on your flight arrival time, Lake Naivasha may be done on Day 1 instead. Boat rides and Crescent Island walking safari: approx. $50 per person.
Masai Mara · 3rd Sep
Today is what you came for. Full-day game drive across the Masai Mara National Reserve, tracking the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino — across the vast savannah. Watch wild animals interact in their natural habitat, completely unhurried. Picnic lunch served at the heart of the reserve under a lone acacia tree. Evening sunset drive back to camp. Night bonfires under the open sky are available.
Optional — Hot Air Balloon Safari · $390 per person
One of the great bucket-list experiences in Africa. 1-hour flight at dawn over the Mara, followed by a champagne breakfast on landing at the heart of the reserve. Pilots briefing the day before. Pre-booking essential.
Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru · 4th Sep
Begin the morning with a visit to a Maasai Village — a genuinely moving cultural experience that opens a window into one of Africa's great warrior communities. Witness traditional dances, learn about customs and cattle culture, and hear how the Maasai have coexisted with wildlife for centuries. Then depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flocks of flamingos that turn the shoreline pink, and its population of both black and white rhino. Arrive and check in before an evening game drive through the park.
Lake Nakuru → Nairobi · 5th Sep
Depending on your outbound flight time, you may have time for an early morning game drive through Lake Nakuru before departing for Nairobi. The drive back crosses through the Rift Valley once more — a fittingly grand close to the safari. Arrive in Nairobi with enough time for a final meal before heading to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Visa (eTA)
India holds an East African Tourist Visa. Apply online at evisa.go.ke before travel. The process is straightforward and takes 2–3 business days. Carry both a digital and printed copy.
Vaccinations
Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Kenya. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended — consult your doctor at least 4 weeks before departure. Also check Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES). USD is widely accepted for park fees and lodges. Carry USD cash in small denominations — ATMs in Nairobi are reliable, but non-existent in the Mara. Mpesa is ubiquitous.
What to Pack
Neutral khaki and olive tones for safari — avoid bright colours and white. Layers for cold Mara mornings (it drops to 12°C before dawn). Sunscreen is essential at altitude. Binoculars are worth it.
Connectivity
Buy a Safaricom SIM at Nairobi airport — it's Kenya's best network with the widest coverage. Data is cheap. The Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru have patchy coverage; download offline maps before leaving Nairobi.
Getting Around
All safari transfers use 4WD jeeps with pop-up roofs for game viewing. Internal flights between Nairobi and Diani (Ukunda) save significant time. Domestic carriers include Fly540 and Jambojet — book early.
