Jet into the wild. Ride the rails to the coast.
This 11-day journey through Kenya is a seamless blend of luxury, wildlife immersion, and purposeful travel. From the dramatic savannahs of the Masai Mara to the red-soil wilderness of Tsavo and the palm-lined beaches of Diani, every destination is chosen to showcase the beauty of Kenya’s diverse landscapes and cultures. With a private guide accompanying you throughout, you’ll experience Big Five safaris, community-led conservation projects, Maasai cultural encounters, night drives, bush meals, and optional hot air balloon rides—all while staying in eco-conscious camps and lodges that support local communities and protect natural habitats.
Designed with both comfort and sustainability in mind, this itinerary thoughtfully combines air, road, and rail travel—including a scenic bush flight and first-class passage aboard Kenya’s modern SGR train. Guests will enjoy personalized service, exclusive experiences, and the flexibility to add activities like snorkeling, dhow sailing, cultural heritage tours, or visits to primate rescue centers. It’s more than a holiday—it’s a journey that supports wildlife, empowers local people, and leaves a meaningful footprint across Kenya’s most iconic and inspiring regions.
Road Trip | Aerial | Train
This itinerary was thoughtfully designed to offer both comfort and immersion by combining three modes of transportation: flight, private vehicle, and Kenya’s first-class train service. A scenic bush flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara ensures maximum time spent in the heart of the wildlife action while avoiding long road transfers. Throughout the journey, a private safari vehicle and dedicated guide remain with you, offering flexibility, insider knowledge, and personalized service during all game drives and local explorations. To reduce travel fatigue and promote sustainable tourism, the journey transitions to Kenya’s modern Standard Gauge Railway (SGR)—a comfortable and eco-conscious way to travel from Nairobi to Tsavo and onward to the coast. Traveling first-class by train provides reclining seats, panoramic windows, and a chance to experience Kenya’s changing landscapes in style. This multi-modal approach balances luxury, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, ensuring that every mile supports a deeper connection to the land.
Magical Kenya (6 Days)
Day 1: Welcome to Nairobi, Gateway to East Africa
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where your dedicated guide will greet you with VIP hospitality and a warm Kenyan welcome. From the moment you step off the plane, your journey is handled with care—luggage assistance, expedited transfers, and refreshments await as you’re escorted to your luxury city hotel. Whether you’re staying at a heritage property or a modern urban oasis, your first night is about comfort, calm, and setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
Enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Nairobi’s finest restaurants or the comfort of your hotel, as your guide briefs you on the days to come. This itinerary is not just a safari—it’s a conservation journey that supports communities, honors culture, and celebrates the wild.
Depending on your arrival time, choose to unwind at the hotel spa or explore the city’s conservation highlights. Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where orphaned elephants are raised and rewilded through one of Africa’s most successful rescue programs. Meet the keepers, learn about the process of reintegrating elephants into the wild, and see how your visit directly contributes to wildlife protection. At the Giraffe Centre, you’ll have the chance to meet endangered Rothschild giraffes and support education programs that teach local children about wildlife conservation. For lovers of literature and colonial history, a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum offers a glimpse into the life of the famous “Out of Africa” author. Your guide will tailor every experience to your pace and preferences, staying with you throughout to ensure a smooth and personalized introduction to Kenya.
Day 2: Flight to Maasai Mara & First Glimpses of the Wild
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred in VIP comfort to Wilson Airport for a scenic bush flight to the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve. Your guide will travel with you throughout the journey, ensuring a seamless transition from urban elegance to the untamed savannah. Upon landing at the Mara airstrip, your Camp hosts will greet you with a warm smile and refreshments. Your first game drive begins immediately as you enter the reserve, offering the thrilling possibility of spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, hartebeest, and warthogs before you’ve even unpacked your bags.
Midway through your drive, pause for a bush snack break under an acacia tree—complete with fresh Kenyan coffee, pastries, and breathtaking views across the plains. This is the Mara at its most magical: wide skies, roaming wildlife, and your first taste of wild serenity. After check-in at your eco-conscious camp, take some time to settle in before heading out again for a sunset game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s legendary predators—lions, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas—as they emerge for evening patrols. End the day with sundowners by the fire and a locally sourced dinner that highlights the camp’s commitment to sustainability and conservation storytelling.
Day 3: Full-Day Safari in the Maasai Mara
Wake early for a full day exploring the vast, wildlife-rich expanse of the Maasai Mara. With your guide leading the way, follow the paths of elephants, witness giraffes browsing in the golden morning light, and track prides of lions lounging after a night’s hunt. This park is home to the famed Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—as well as cheetahs, servals, hyenas, jackals, hippos, crocodiles, and over 450 bird species.
Mid-morning, break for another bush snack picnic, served out in the wild with panoramic views of the savannah. Your guide will share conservation insights and update you on wildlife movement across the ecosystem. If your visit coincides with the Great Migration season (July–October), you may witness the awe-inspiring sight of thousands of wildebeest and zebras navigating crocodile-infested rivers in a fight for survival. Return to camp for a chef-prepared lunch and a bit of rest before your afternoon game drive begins.
In the evening, consider an optional visit to a Maasai village, where you’ll experience traditional dances, beadwork, and storytelling. This is more than a cultural showcase—it’s an invitation to understand how local communities coexist with and help protect the wildlife that surrounds them. Your stay at Porini or Enkopiro supports jobs, education, and eco-tourism partnerships that benefit Maasai families while safeguarding the land.
Day 4: Morning Safari & Optional Hot Air Balloon Experience
Rise early to catch the savannah waking up. For those seeking an unforgettable perspective, this morning is your chance to soar above the plains on an optional hot air balloon safari. As the sun rises, you’ll float silently above the treetops, watching herds of elephants and antelope below, followed by a champagne bush breakfast in the wild—an experience unmatched in both serenity and spectacle.
For guests remaining on the ground, your morning game drive will follow a different route through the reserve, discovering new species and landscapes. You may encounter elusive species like bat-eared foxes, servals, and perhaps even a leopard lounging in a tree. After lunch and rest at camp, head out again for a late afternoon game drive, catching golden-hour photography opportunities and observing predator-prey dynamics as dusk approaches. The Masai Mara continues to reveal its wonders with every turn.
Day 5: Scenic Flight to Nairobi & Travel to Tsavo
After a leisurely breakfast, say goodbye to the Mara and fly back to Wilson Airport, Nairobi. Your guide will accompany you throughout the journey, ensuring all logistics are smooth and stress-free. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the Nairobi SGR terminal for a First-Class train journey aboard Kenya’s modern Standard Gauge Railway.
As the train glides toward Voi, the gateway to Tsavo, enjoy reclining seats, air-conditioning, and panoramic views of the changing terrain—from highland farms to dry savannah.
Upon arrival at Voi station, a lodge driver will be waiting to transfer you in comfort to your Camp, which offer stunning wildlife views and exceptional conservation stories.
Settle in and enjoy a relaxing dinner overlooking the watering holes, where elephants, zebras, and buffalo frequently visit.
Day 6: Wildlife, Culture, and Conservation in Tsavo
Your day begins with a sunrise game drive, catching the first golden rays illuminating the vast Tsavo landscapes as elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and antelopes move through the morning light. Later, join a ranger-led walking safari, focusing on tracks, native plants, and the smaller creatures that often go unnoticed during vehicle safaris. The dry bush reveals hidden stories when seen on foot.
After breakfast, visit the underground tunnel and ground-level viewing bunker, offering an up-close, safe perspective of wildlife as they gather at the waterhole—zebras, elephants, and the occasional predator can often be spotted from this unique angle. Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in wildlife talks led by trained conservationists, highlighting Tsavo’s role in protecting endangered species and rehabilitating its ecosystems.
Later in the afternoon, you may choose to take part in a tree-planting experience, contributing to the area’s reforestation program and leaving a legacy of renewal. In the evening, enjoy a thrilling night game drive, where spotlights sweep across the bush revealing nocturnal wildlife like hyenas, civets, bush babies, jackals, and genets in action. After dinner, the sound of traditional music fills the air, and local dancers share their rhythms with guests—an open invitation to join in and connect with the culture of the region.
Optional Experiences in Tsavo (Available During Days 6 & 7)
1. Sunrise and Sunset Game Drives
Explore the savannah at golden hour—when wildlife is most active. Lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and gazelles are commonly sighted, along with lesser kudu, genets, and predators preparing for their nightly hunts.
2. Night Game Drives
Discover the nocturnal world using spotlights to observe species rarely seen during the day, including civets, bush babies, hyenas, porcupines, jackals, and the elusive melanistic serval cat.
3. Guided Walking Safaris
Accompanied by trained rangers, explore the ecosystem on foot. Learn about animal tracks, traditional medicinal plants, and smaller creatures often missed on game drives.
4. Wildlife Observation Tunnels & Ground-Level Viewing
Enjoy up-close views of animals gathering at nearby waterholes through safe, ground-level observation points—perfect for photography and quiet observation.
5. Bush Sundowners & Bush Meals
Relax with a drink in hand as the sun sets over the savannah or enjoy a privately arranged breakfast or dinner in the wild, surrounded by panoramic views and local wildlife.
6. Birding & Ornithological Walks
With over 600 bird species in the Tsavo ecosystem, birding walks offer the chance to spot everything from hornbills to sunbirds, guided by expert naturalists.
7. Cultural Visits to Local Taita Villages
Meet local families, learn about traditional crafts and farming techniques, and support community-run tourism initiatives. These visits offer meaningful connections and cultural understanding.
8. Reforestation Experience
Take part in local conservation by planting an indigenous tree—a symbolic contribution to habitat restoration and future carbon offset.
9. Day with a Ranger
Spend time shadowing a professional ranger to learn about conservation, wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching patrols, and ecosystem management.
10. Historical Excursions
Visit World War I battlefield sites and learn about the region’s unique military history, with interpretive storytelling from local historians or rangers.
11. Nature Trails & Eco-Learning for Families
Short educational walks designed for families and children, focused on insect life, native plants, animal behaviors, and how local people use the land sustainably.
Day 7: Wilderness Adventures & Local Traditions
Today offers a wide range of optional activities for those who want to see beyond the game drives. Early risers can set out on a birding walk, guided by ornithology experts who help you identify some of the 600+ species recorded in the Tsavo ecosystem. Nature trails around the sanctuary reveal medicinal plants, wildlife tracks, and hidden ecological connections—ideal for guests interested in traditional knowledge and sustainable land use.
Choose to spend time on a cultural visit to a Taita village, where local families introduce you to their traditional homes, food preservation techniques, and beadwork. These interactions offer genuine insight into daily life and the cultural practices that have coexisted with wildlife for generations.
For the more adventurous, a guided walk into the surrounding highlands reveals sweeping views and stories passed down through generations. Later, enjoy a quiet moment with a sundowner in the bush, sipping fresh juice or a cold drink as the sun dips below the horizon, casting the land in warm golden hues. If you’re feeling curious, spend time with a ranger for a behind-the-scenes day, where you can help track animal movements and learn about the challenges of running a protected sanctuary.
Every part of today supports conservation, community development, and responsible tourism—ensuring your experience directly benefits the people and wildlife who call this place home.
Day 8: Train to Diani – From Safari to the Sea
After breakfast, bid farewell to the wild and transfer to Voi train station for your first-class journey to Mombasa. You’ll be met at the station and driven south to Diani Beach, Kenya’s premier coastal paradise. Upon arrival, check into your ocean-view suite at your Resort & Spa Beach Hotel, where swaying palms and turquoise waters greet you.
Spend the afternoon at leisure—dip into the infinity pool, stroll along soft white sands, or simply relax with a cocktail as you transition from adventure to rejuvenation. Baobab Beach Resort emphasizes eco-friendly hospitality, with water conservation systems, coral protection initiatives, and local employment programs that ensure your stay supports the environment and community.
Optional Experiences at the Beach (Available During Days 8 & 10)
1. Marine & Water Adventures
Discover the Indian Ocean’s vibrant underwater world or test your adrenaline limits along Diani’s stunning coastline:
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Scuba Diving & Snorkeling at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park
Glide through coral reefs alive with tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and dolphins in one of Kenya’s most biodiverse marine sanctuaries. -
Jet Skiing, Paddleboarding & Kitesurfing
Thrill-seekers can ride the waves or enjoy guided coastal runs on calm lagoon waters. Equipment and instructors are readily available. -
Traditional Dhow Sailing
Cruise on a Swahili dhow for an authentic, slow-travel experience with opportunities to spot dolphins and enjoy a picnic or sunset cocktail offshore.
2. Cultural & Historical Heritage
Delve into the stories of the East African coast—from ancient civilizations to colonial strongholds:
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Fort Jesus & Mombasa Old Town (Half-Day Trip)
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Fort Jesus and the cobbled streets of Mombasa’s Old Town. This coastal melting pot showcases Swahili, Arabic, Portuguese, and British influences. -
Gedi Ruins (Optional Full-Day or Half-Day Trip)
Walk through the mysterious 13th-century Swahili town of Gedi, hidden within a forest near Watamu. Once a thriving trade center, the ruins whisper tales of coral stone palaces, mosques, and ancient innovation. -
Shimoni Slave Caves
A sobering but powerful experience, these coral caves once held enslaved people awaiting transport. Guided visits honor the past and support present-day community education. -
Mombasa Landmarks & Museums
Visit the symbolic Mombasa Tusks, or the Leven House Museum
2. Wildlife & Conservation Encounters
Gain a deeper appreciation of coastal biodiversity through hands-on, educational experiences:
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Colobus Conservation Center
Tour this primate rescue facility focused on rehabilitating injured monkeys, preserving forest habitat, and educating locals on sustainable coexistence.
4. Active & Family-Friendly Adventures
Perfect for families or travelers looking to break a sweat in between swims and safaris:
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Diani Beach Adventure Parks
Zipline through coastal forest canopies, tackle ropes courses, or try a rock-climbing wall at one of Diani’s eco-adventure centers. -
Go-Karting & Quad Biking (Select locations)
Enjoy off-road tracks and guided excursions through local villages and beaches—adrenaline meets exploration. -
Glass Bottom Boat Tours
For a more relaxed activity with children, sail over coral reefs in a boat with transparent floors—an ideal way to view marine life without getting wet.
Whether you choose culture, conservation, or the coast’s natural playground, every activity today connects you to a deeper story—of people, land, and sea working together to preserve the richness of Kenya’s coast for generations to come.
Day 9: Coastal Culture & Marine Conservation
Today is yours to explore the Swahili Coast, a region steeped in history and natural beauty. After a relaxed breakfast on Diani’s palm-fringed shores, guests can enjoy a day at leisure or explore one of several optional experiences.
The following curated activities connect you to the heart of Kenya’s coast through nature, culture, and adrenaline, while supporting local communities and conservation initiatives.
Day 10: Ocean Adventures or Pure Relaxation
Enjoy your final full day in paradise however you choose. Join a snorkeling or diving excursion to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, where coral gardens and playful dolphins await. Alternatively, hop on a traditional Swahili dhow boat for a full-day cruise that includes sandbank picnics, sea turtle spotting, and cultural storytelling by local fishermen.
Prefer to slow down? Lounge at the resort’s spa with a coconut oil massage or sip from a fresh mango smoothie poolside. However you spend your day, know that your presence supports a destination deeply connected to nature and guided by sustainable tourism values.
Day 11: Farewell to Kenya – Until Next Time
After breakfast, enjoy a final swim or walk along the beach before your guide accompanies you to Ukunda Airport or Mombasa International Airport for your onward flight. Whether you’re returning home or continuing your journey, you leave with more than photographs—you leave with a deeper understanding of Kenya’s wildlife, cultures, and the power of responsible travel.
From the wild plains of the Mara to the red dust of Tsavo and the sparkling shores of Diani, this has been more than a holiday. It’s a journey that supports conservation, uplifts communities, and changes the way we see the natural world.
This safari is committed to sustainability, partnering with eco-friendly accommodations that prioritize responsible practices. Enjoy your stay in hotels that minimize plastic waste, embrace farm-to-table dining, and utilize solar energy for a greener footprint.
Experience the wonders of Africa while contributing to a sustainable future. Book your unforgettable adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
- Giraffe Center: $15 per person
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: $65 per person
- Hot Air Balloon safari with champagne bush breakfast: as low as $450 per person
- Maasai Village: Visit $25 per person
- Accommodation as per the Itinerary
- All meals as per the Itinerary
- All game drives as per itinerary in private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for photography
- Experienced English-speaking driver-guide
- All government taxes, concession fees, parks entrance fees and levies as per itinerary
- All meet and greet services
- All arrival and departure transfers as per itinerary
- Drinking water in the vehicle while on Safari
- Bush breakfast while on safari
- Personal customer service (24*7)
- Cultural interactions with a local Maasai community, including a visit to a community school
- International flights: Not included.
- Visa fees: Any visa requirements for entry into Kenya
- Travel insurance: Not included
- Personal expenses: Costs for souvenirs, snacks, and drinks outside of provided meals
- Optional activities as listed below
- Tips and gratuities: For guides and lodge staff
- Medical expenses: Any incurred medical costs
We offer a range of accommodation options to suit your preferences and budget. Our safari packages always includes a comfortable and well-equipped upper mid-range camps that provide a truely great African safari experience.
If you’re seeking a more luxurious experience, we offer upgraded options for the same itinerary at a slightly higher cost. These luxurious camps provide additional amenities, such as private plunge pools and more spacious accommodations.
All our hotel partners are excellent and operate a very sustainble business and we love that. You will love them too.
The more the mereer as they say! More people joining the safari, means each person pays less. This is because the fixed costs of the vehicle, guide, and fuel are spread across more participants. Same goes for single or double occupancy. So invite your friends/family and make it an unforgettable journey.
To secure your booking, a 20% down payment is required. We offer flexible payment options to suit your needs.
Choose from monthly payments, convenient wire bank transfers, or major credit cards. Our team is available to assist you with any payment inquiries or concerns.
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