8 Days Kenya Safari and Beach
Masai Mara & Swahili Coast Road Trip

Customizable Masai Mara & Mombasa Itinerary

Customize This Itinerary Now

8-Day Masai Mara and Mombasa: At a Glance

  • Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Perfect for: First-time Kenya visitors, couples, and small groups who want the best of both worlds: thrilling wildlife viewing and relaxing on a world-class beach.
  • Key Destinations: Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Diani Beach (South Coast)
  • Ekuseni Difference: A focus on the immersive, classic East African road trip experience coupled with the flexibility to choose your ideal pace, from adventurous game drives to lazy days on the Indian Ocean.

Trip Highlights

  • Road Trip Adventure: Enjoy a scenic drive from Nairobi, witnessing the breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley as you head to the Mara.

  • Big Five Safari: Experience world-class wildlife viewing in the Maasai Mara, home to the Big Five and the site of the spectacular Great Migration (seasonal).

  • Maasai Cultural Immersion: Enjoy a guided visit to a traditional Maasai village to learn about their ancient traditions and way of life.

  • Diani Beach Relaxation: Unwind on the globally renowned, powder-white sands of Diani Beach.

Kenya Bush to Beach Gallery

Why We Love this Kenyan Bush to Beach Itinerary

We love this itinerary because it offers a true immersion into Kenya’s diverse magic. By choosing the road trip to the Mara, you don’t just travel to your destination, you experience the heart of Kenya. You see the shift from bustling city to sweeping plains, and then, with a quick flight, you transition to the serene turquoise waters of the coast at Diani Beach.

This is a journey of contrasts, seamlessly connecting the thunder of hooves on the savannah with the gentle lapping of the Indian Ocean waves. It gives you the best adventure while ensuring ultimate relaxation

Your 8-Day Masai Mara and Mombasa, Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, you will be met by your Ekuseni representative. You will be transferred to your comfortable accommodation in the city. The rest of the day is left free for you to relax and settle in after your international journey, preparing for the road trip adventure ahead.

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Nairobi.

  • Meals: Not included.

Your African adventure begins with a scenic drive from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This journey is a true African road trip, offering spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment as you descend into the valley floor. The drive typically takes about 5.5 to 6.5 hours, allowing you to see the Kenyan countryside. You will arrive at your camp in time for lunch, followed by an introductory afternoon Safari (game drive) in the legendary reserve.

  • Mode of Transport: Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle (Road Trip – Approx. 5.5-6.5 hours).

  • Accommodation: Tented Lodge in Maasai Mara.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Start your day with an early morning game drive, the best time to spot predators in action before the heat sets in. The Maasai Mara is famous for its abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five. Your day will be spent exploring the vast savannah, with a break for a picnic lunch in the bush or a return to the lodge. In the afternoon, you will participate in a guided Maasai Cultural Tour. You will visit a nearby traditional village to learn about their nomadic lifestyle, unique customs, and vibrant ceremonies.

  • Activity: Morning Game Drive and Maasai Cultural Tour

  • Accommodation: Tented lodge in Maasai Mara.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Enjoy a final morning of exploration in the Maasai Mara. This is a great chance to search for any animals you may not have spotted yet, like the elusive leopard. After returning to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and check-out, you’ll have some time to relax and pack up, ready for your transfer the following day.

  • Activity: Morning Game Drive.

  • Accommodation: Tented Lodge in Maasai Mara.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Following a final camp breakfast, you will be transferred to the local airstrip for a direct domestic flight to Ukunda Airstrip (Diani Beach). This flight is the most comfortable and efficient way to cover the long distance to the coast. You will be met at Ukunda and transferred to your beachfront resort in Diani. Check in and immediately begin to enjoy the ultimate relaxation of the Kenyan coast.

  • Mode of Transport: Domestic Flight (Approx. 2 hours flight time, with stops). 

  • Accommodation: Beach Resort or a hotel in Diani.

  • Meals: Breakfast

These two days are completely flexible and yours to enjoy. Diani Beach is renowned for its powdery white sands and clear turquoise waters. You can choose to simply relax by the pool or on the beach, or engage in a range of activities.

  • Optional Activities: Snorkeling or diving at Kisite Marine Park, a Dhow (traditional boat) trip, kite surfing, or exploring the coastal town.

  • Accommodation: Beach Resort or a hotel in Diani.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Depending on your international flight schedule, you will be transferred from your Diani Beach resort to Ukunda Airstrip for a domestic flight back to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi to connect with your outbound flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable Kenyan Safari and Beach trip.

  • Mode of Transport: Domestic Flight (Diani/Ukunda to Nairobi/JKIA).

  • Meals: Breakfast.

Common Questions,
Expert Answers

What is the road condition like from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara?

The road from Nairobi to the town of Narok is mostly tarmac and in good condition. The last section into the Mara Reserve is a dirt/gravel road and can be bumpy, but this is part of the classic safari adventure! We use sturdy, customized 4×4 vehicles to ensure a comfortable journey.

While technically possible, the drive is very long (10-12+ hours) and would take up an entire day of your vacation. We recommend the included short domestic flight to maximize your time relaxing on the beach. However, as Ekuseni offers maximum flexibility, we can arrange the full road transfer if you prefer a continuous road experience.

The Mara is excellent year-round. However, the period from July to October is famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration when millions of animals cross the Mara River.

We cater to your individual budget, from mid-range to high-end. Our chosen properties range from comfortable tented camps and lodges in the Mara that offer an authentic safari feel, to beautiful beachfront resorts and hotels in Diani.

Yes, the domestic flights between the Maasai Mara airstrip, Diani Beach (Ukunda Airstrip), and Nairobi (JKIA) are included to ensure a seamless and comfortable flow between the bush and the beach portions of the trip.

What should I pack for this trip?

Pack light, comfortable, and breathable clothing in neutral colors (khaki, brown, green) for the safari. For the beach, bring swimwear, lightweight clothes, and reef-friendly sunscreen. A warm layer is essential for early morning and evening game drives.

The luggage limit for domestic flights from the Mara airstrips is typically 15 kg (33 lbs) per person in a soft-sided bag. If you need more allowance, please let us know so we can arrange special transfers for your excess baggage.

We only work with reputable villages that use tourism revenue to benefit the community. The visit is a structured, respectful cultural exchange designed to teach you about the Maasai way of life, traditions, and crafts.

Road Safari: More immersive, scenic drive, allows you to see the Kenyan countryside, more budget-friendly. Air Safari: Faster travel, less tiring, more time spent on game drives. This itinerary combines the best of both!

Ekuseni prides itself on offering high levels of flexibility. We can easily customize this itinerary by adding more days for deeper safari exploration in the Mara, or for more relaxation time in Diani Beach, or even by adding another park like Amboseli National Park.

What's Included and Excluded?

Understanding your total trip cost is important, and as your friends, we want to be transparent about what your trip will cover:

Price Includes

  • Accommodation: 7 nights accommodation in carefully selected mid-range to high-end lodges, camps, hotels, and beach resorts (as per your chosen budget).

  • Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary.

  • Park Fees: All required entrance and concession fees for the Maasai Mara National Reserve for the duration of the stay.

  • Safari Transport: Exclusive use of a customized 4×4 safari vehicle (with pop-up roof) for the road trip and all game drives in Maasai Mara.

  • Driver Guide: Services of a professional, experienced, English-speaking Ekuseni driver-guide.

  • Transfers (Road): Private road transfer from Nairobi hotel to the Maasai Mara.

  • Transfers (Flight): Domestic flights for the seamless transfer from Maasai Mara to Diani Beach (Ukunda Airstrip) and the final transfer from Diani Beach back to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi.

  • Activities:

    • Multiple private Safari (Game Drives) in the Maasai Mara.

    • Maasai Cultural Village Tour (A guided visit to a traditional village in the Mara area).

  • Water: Complimentary bottled drinking water during all transfers and game drives.

Price Excludes

  • International Flights: Flights to and from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi.

  • Visa & Travel Insurance: Visa fees for Kenya and personal travel/health insurance (mandatory).

  • Optional Activities: Any activities not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary, including:

    • Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Maasai Mara (Highly recommended, but a significant extra cost).

    • All water sports and coastal excursions in Diani Beach (e.g., snorkeling/diving at Kisite Marine Park, Dhow trips, kite surfing).

  • Personal Expenses: Laundry services, souvenirs, telephone calls, and personal shopping.

  • Drinks: Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and specialty coffees, unless specifically included by the accommodation on an all-inclusive basis.

  • Tips & Gratuities: Recommended gratuities for the driver/guide, porters, lodge staff, and restaurant service.

  • Optional Road Transfer Upgrade: The extended, full-day road journey from Maasai Mara to Diani Beach, if chosen as an alternative to the domestic flight.

Start Your Flexible Trip

8-Day Masai Mara and Diani is ready to be personalized. This itinerary is our expert suggestion, but the real adventure begins when we shape it to your exact wishes and personal budget.

Simply fill out the inquiry form below to tell us a little more about your travel dreams, your budget, and any specific interests. We aim to get back to you within the same business day to start planning your itinerary.