11-day Kenya safari Maasai Mara Tsavo East Diani Beach Back to the Source Tours

11 Day Kenya Safari with Maasai Mara, Tsavo and Diani Beach

This 11 day Kenya safari combines Maasai Mara wildlife, private conservancy experiences, Tsavo East red earth landscapes, underground waterhole viewing, and Diani Beach relaxation in one polished safari and coast journey. The route begins in Nairobi, continues by scenic flight to the Maasai Mara ecosystem, then moves to Tsavo East National Park before finishing on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast.

Back to the Source Tours plans this itinerary for travelers who want wildlife depth, cultural connection, coastal rest, and smooth movement between very different landscapes. The tour rate reflects the listed activities and included experiences. If travelers prefer to remove selected activities, the final rate can be adjusted where supplier rules, flight terms, park fees, and route logistics allow.

Tour Summary

  • Tour length: 11 days and 10 nights.
  • Main destinations: Nairobi, Maasai Mara ecosystem, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Tsavo East National Park, Mombasa, Diani Beach, and Nairobi.
  • Starting point: Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Tour type: Kenya safari and beach holiday with internal flights.
  • Main experiences: Maasai Mara game drives, private conservancy activities, Maasai cultural interaction, Tsavo East game drives, underground wildlife hide, Diani Beach, and optional coastal activities.
  • Best for: Couples, private groups, families, photographers, wildlife lovers, honeymoon travelers, and safari plus beach travelers.
  • Accommodation level: Mid range estimate, with upper mid range and luxury options available.

Trip Highlights

  • Begin in Nairobi, Kenya’s major safari gateway with optional wildlife and conservation experiences.
  • Fly to the Maasai Mara ecosystem for fast access to open plains, predators, elephants, giraffes, and classic safari scenery.
  • Stay in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy area for a quieter safari setting with game drives, sundowners, bush meals, and cultural exchange when included.
  • Search for lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, hyenas, antelope, and birds across the Mara landscape.
  • Continue to Tsavo East National Park for red dust elephants, wide wilderness, waterhole wildlife, and a completely different safari mood.
  • Experience an underground wildlife hide for safe ground level viewing near an active waterhole.
  • Fly to the Kenya coast and finish at Diani Beach with white sand, warm ocean water, resort comfort, and optional marine activities.
  • Return to Nairobi for final departure support, optional city activities, or onward East Africa connections.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour suits travelers who want a complete Kenya journey that balances safari intensity with coastal rest. The Maasai Mara brings open plains, predators, culture, and private conservancy atmosphere. Tsavo East adds red earth, elephants, rugged scale, and waterhole viewing. Diani Beach then softens the pace with ocean time, coastal dining, and optional marine activities.

  • First time Kenya travelers who want wildlife, culture, and beach time in one route.
  • Couples and honeymoon travelers who want safari drama followed by a relaxed coast finish.
  • Families and private groups that value internal flights, structured planning, and varied experiences.
  • Photographers who want Mara plains, Tsavo elephants, waterholes, coast, people, and wildlife.
  • Travelers comparing safari and beach options who want Kenya without adding a second country.

Tour Pricing by Group Size

Group travel creates strong value because travelers share key logistics such as transfers, guiding, flight coordination, camp arrangements, coastal planning, activity support, and local operations.

These figures are mid range planning estimates in USD per person. The package rate reflects the listed activities and current itinerary structure. If travelers remove selected activities, the final rate may reduce where supplier rules, flight terms, park fees, timing, and logistics make that possible.

  • 2 PAX: From $5,935 USD per person.
  • 4 PAX: From $5,380 USD per person.
  • 6 PAX: From $5,135 USD per person.
  • 8 PAX: From $5,025 USD per person.
  • 10 PAX: From $4,900 USD per person.
  • 12 PAX: From $4,850 USD per person.

All pricing is based on double occupancy, with two travelers sharing one room using either one double bed or twin beds. Solo travelers are welcome, and a single supplement applies.

Final pricing depends on travel dates, accommodation category, room availability, flight space, park and conservancy fees, seasonal demand, confirmed activities, and group size.

Booking Deposit and Payment Planning

A 40 percent deposit is required to secure this safari. Your deposit supports accommodation, internal flights, airport transfers, guides, camp logistics, coastal arrangements, activity partners, and supplier confirmations. Preferred payment is bank wire transfer, and credit card payment can be arranged through Pesapal when travelers accept applicable processing fees.

Your confirmed proposal will outline final inclusions, exclusions, payment schedule, accommodation category, flight routing, and activity selection. This itinerary moves through several regions, so early planning helps protect preferred camps, coastal room categories, internal flight space, and safari timing. Good logistics are not glamorous, but they keep the magic from requiring a spreadsheet rescue mission.

Flights, Train Options and Travel Flow

This itinerary uses internal flights because the distances between Nairobi, the Maasai Mara, Tsavo East, Mombasa, and Diani Beach can be significant. Flying helps protect safari time, reduce fatigue, and create a smoother shift from savannah to coast. The result is a journey that moves efficiently without making the transfer days feel like the main event.

Travelers who prefer a scenic ground option can request the SGR train between Nairobi and Mombasa for selected routing. Premium or VIP seating may be available depending on schedules and booking conditions. The final route can be adjusted around your comfort preference, budget, international flights, luggage needs, and preferred pace.

Accommodation and Activity Flexibility

Back to the Source Tours works with trusted accommodation partners across luxury, upper mid range, and mid range quality options. The listed pricing uses mid range planning estimates, but travelers can request upgraded camps, larger rooms, premium beach stays, private service elements, or more value focused accommodation. The best match depends on route timing, airstrip access, location, room category, season, and comfort preference.

This tour includes several planned experiences, including Nairobi arrival support, Maasai Mara game drives, conservancy activities, bush meals, cultural interaction, Tsavo East game drives, underground hide viewing, internal flights, Diani Beach time, and coastal logistics. Travelers who prefer a simpler route can remove selected activities, and the final quote can be adjusted where possible.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Your Kenya journey begins at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where your arrival team welcomes you and assists with a private transfer to your confirmed hotel. This first evening gives you time to rest after international travel and prepare for the Maasai Mara flight. Nairobi works well as a safari gateway because it offers international flight access, wildlife experiences, dining, and city services before the bush.

If you arrive early, a light Nairobi activity can be arranged based on timing. Options may include Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, artisan shopping, or a relaxed dinner. Use the things to do in Nairobi Kenya guide to compare arrival day options before the safari begins.

Day 1 Included Experiences

  • Meet and greet support at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
  • Private airport transfer to your confirmed Nairobi hotel.
  • Rest time in Nairobi after international travel.
  • Optional light Nairobi activity when arrival timing allows.
  • Safari briefing for route timing, flights, luggage, and next day departure.

Day 2: Scenic Flight to Maasai Mara and First Game Drive

After breakfast, transfer to Wilson Airport for your scenic flight to the Maasai Mara. Nairobi fades into open country, river valleys, grasslands, and wildlife habitat. On arrival, your camp team welcomes you and begins the transfer through conservancy land, where the first sightings can happen before check in.

After lunch, settle into the slower rhythm of the bush. The afternoon game drive introduces the Mara’s open plains, acacia trees, grasslands, and wildlife movement. Your guide searches for lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeest, zebras, antelope, hyenas, and birds. As the light warms, the landscape begins to show why Kenya’s safari reputation travels so well.

Day 2 Included Experiences

  • Breakfast in Nairobi before departure.
  • Private transfer to Wilson Airport.
  • Scenic flight to the Maasai Mara ecosystem according to the confirmed schedule.
  • Conservancy transfer and wildlife viewing en route to camp.
  • Afternoon game drive in the Mara ecosystem.
  • Sundowner or camp evening according to the confirmed plan.
Cheetah Maasai Mara Kenya private conservancy safari game drive

Maasai Mara Cultural Dance Warriors Kenya

Wildebeest during the Great Migration crossing on hot air balloon

Day 3: Dawn Game Drive and Maasai Cultural Experience

Today begins before sunrise, when the conservancy feels cool, quiet, and alive. Your guide leads an early game drive during one of the best wildlife viewing windows. Predators may still be active, plains game begins to spread across the grass, and birds lift from the landscape as the first light changes the entire scene.

The private conservancy setting can give your guide more flexibility when wildlife behavior changes quickly. Later, the day shifts from animals to people through a Maasai cultural experience. A guided walk, community visit, or local interpretation may introduce tracking signs, plant uses, livestock traditions, beadwork, homes, and the relationship between community life and wildlife conservation.

Day 3 Included Experiences

  • Early morning game drive in the Mara conservancy area.
  • Wildlife viewing for predators, elephants, giraffes, plains game, and birds.
  • Maasai cultural experience when included and available.
  • Local knowledge sharing around cattle, plants, tracks, and community conservation.
  • Afternoon rest or additional game viewing according to the confirmed plan.
Massive wildebeest herd on the open plains of the Serengeti Tanzania Great Migration

Day 6: Tsavo East Game Drive and Underground Wildlife Hide

Wake early for a full safari day in the Tsavo East ecosystem. Your guide leads a game drive through open plains, woodland, rocky outcrops, dry river scenery, and waterhole areas. You may see red dusted elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, waterbuck, lions, leopards, and many bird species. The landscape feels rugged, cinematic, and very different from the Mara.

A picnic meal can keep you in the field longer, depending on the confirmed plan. Later, return for one of the most unusual experiences on this itinerary, the underground wildlife hide. A tunnel leads to a secure viewing bunker near the waterhole. From that low angle, animals arriving to drink feel close, powerful, and safely observed.

Day 6 Included Experiences

  • Early morning game drive in the Tsavo East ecosystem.
  • Wildlife viewing for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, predators, and birdlife.
  • Picnic meal or lodge lunch according to the confirmed plan.
  • Underground wildlife hide experience when included and available.
  • Waterhole wildlife viewing with possible evening activity.
Tsavo game drive elephant safari Kenya wildlife

Day 7: Fly to Mombasa and Arrive at Diani Beach

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your coastal flight to Mombasa. From the air, Kenya shifts from red earth and dry bush to coastal vegetation, settlement, and Indian Ocean color. The change feels immediate. Safari dust gives way to sea air, and the rhythm of the journey begins to soften.

On arrival, your driver transfers you south toward Diani Beach. The route moves through coastal towns, forest patches, and warm breezes before reaching the beach. After check in, the evening can include a beach walk, coastal dinner, dhow sundowner, or quiet resort time after several active safari days.

Day 7 Included Experiences

  • Breakfast near Tsavo East before departure.
  • Transfer to the airstrip for the coastal flight.
  • Flight to Mombasa according to the confirmed schedule.
  • Private transfer to Diani Beach.
  • Beach check in and evening at leisure on the Kenya coast.

Day 8: Diani Beach Resort Day and Coastal Activities

Your first full day on the coast gives you freedom with support. Start slowly with breakfast, ocean views, and time by the pool or beach. Diani Beach offers white sand, warm water, coastal forest, restaurants, beach walks, and optional water activities. After the movement of safari days, the coast gives the itinerary room to settle.

Guests who want an active day can request snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, deep sea fishing, kayaking, or a Wasini Island excursion. Nature lovers can explore coastal forest experiences, while families may prefer pool time, resort activities, and beach games. Use the Kenya beaches travel guide to compare Diani with other coast options.

Day 8 Included Experiences

  • Breakfast at the coast according to the confirmed meal plan.
  • Diani Beach leisure time for swimming, walking, resting, or resort activities.
  • Optional marine activities when requested and available.
  • Optional coastal forest or cultural visit based on timing and interest.
  • Evening at leisure on the Kenya coast.

Day 9: Diani Beach at Your Own Pace

Today remains intentionally flexible. After guided safari days, this open coastal day gives travelers room to rest, explore, or customize the experience. You may begin with a beach walk before breakfast, then spend the morning swimming, reading, joining resort activities, enjoying the spa, or watching the Indian Ocean do its very reliable job.

For more adventure, coastal partners can arrange snorkeling, scuba diving, skydiving, dolphin watching, kayaking, dhow experiences, or cultural activities when available. Food focused travelers may explore coastal flavors, fresh seafood, Swahili cooking, or local restaurants. History lovers can add Mombasa Old Town and Fort Jesus with enough time.

Day 9 Included Experiences

  • Breakfast at Diani Beach according to the confirmed meal plan.
  • Flexible beach day for rest, swimming, wellness, or exploration.
  • Optional ocean and adventure activities when requested in advance.
  • Optional coastal culture or food experience based on timing and availability.
  • Final coast evening before returning to Nairobi.
Kenya beach front hotel

Kenya beach canoeing

Day 10: Diani Beach to Nairobi

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Moi International Airport in Mombasa or another confirmed departure point. From there, fly back to Nairobi for your final Kenya connection. This travel day brings the journey from coast to capital with practical timing and support.

Depending on flight schedules, your team can arrange a day room, lunch, shopping, or a relaxed Nairobi stop. Travelers with later international departures can add one more city activity, such as the Giraffe Centre, artisan markets, Karen area dining, or a short conservation visit. The goal is a smooth return, not a final day sprint.

Day 10 Included Experiences

  • Breakfast at Diani Beach before check out.
  • Private transfer to Mombasa airport or confirmed departure point.
  • Flight to Nairobi according to the confirmed schedule.
  • Optional day room, lunch, shopping, or Nairobi activity when timing allows.
  • Overnight in Nairobi or onward connection according to the final itinerary.

Day 11: Nairobi Departure and Final Support

Your final day depends on your international flight schedule. Early departures transfer directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Later flights can allow time for a relaxed lunch, craft shopping, city activity, or conservation visit. This final morning should feel organized and useful, especially after moving through safari, wilderness, and coast.

Guests who want one last activity can review the Nairobi wildlife and conservation guide. Options may include Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, artisan shopping, or Karen area dining. Your team coordinates the airport transfer so the itinerary ends with calm structure and no boarding gate acrobatics.

Day 11 Included Experiences

  • Breakfast in Nairobi according to the confirmed hotel plan.
  • Flexible departure morning based on international flight timing.
  • Optional Nairobi activity when timing allows.
  • Private transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
  • Departure support for onward travel.

Included Experiences

This safari includes the planned experiences listed in the itinerary, which is why the package rate reflects more than transportation and accommodation alone. The structure combines Nairobi arrival support, Maasai Mara conservancy safari, cultural activities, bush meals, Tsavo East wildlife, underground hide viewing, Diani Beach, internal flight planning, coastal logistics, and guided route management.

  • Accommodation according to the confirmed itinerary and selected comfort category.
  • Meals according to the final written package.
  • Meet and greet services in Nairobi.
  • Airport transfers and ground transportation according to the itinerary.
  • Internal flights between Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Tsavo East, Mombasa, and Nairobi when listed in the final quote.
  • Maasai Mara game drives according to the confirmed route.
  • Conservancy fees, park fees, or selected activity fees when listed in the confirmed quote.
  • Bush meals, sundowners, cultural activities, and selected camp experiences when included in the final package.
  • Tsavo East game drives according to the itinerary.
  • Underground wildlife hide experience when included and available.
  • Diani Beach accommodation and meals according to the confirmed coastal plan.
  • Drinking water during safari transfers and local trip support.

Optional Activities and Extensions

This 11 day Kenya safari and beach holiday already includes strong safari and coastal variety. Optional activities can add more depth when timing, flights, availability, and traveler energy allow. The best additions should improve the journey without turning the route into a checklist wearing sunglasses.

  • Nairobi wildlife and conservation experiences such as Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, or artisan markets.
  • Hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara for an aerial view over the plains and a classic bush breakfast when available.
  • Additional Maasai Mara night for more predator tracking, photography time, and conservancy activities.
  • Tsavo East bush dining or nature walks when available and suitable for the confirmed route.
  • Diani Beach water and coastal adventures such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, kitesurfing, deep sea fishing, and island excursions.
  • Mombasa Old Town and Fort Jesus for Swahili architecture, coastal history, markets, and cultural depth.
  • Uganda gorilla trekking extension through Uganda tour packages.
  • Tanzania or Zanzibar extension through East Africa tour packages.

What Is Included

Your confirmed quote will list final inclusions based on travel dates, group size, accommodation category, park and conservancy fees, flight space, activity selection, meal plans, and route timing. Most versions of this tour include arrival support, private transfers, internal flights, professional guiding, accommodation, meals according to the itinerary, safari activities, beach arrangements, and local support.

  • Accommodation in Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Tsavo East, and Diani Beach according to the confirmed package.
  • Meals according to the final written itinerary.
  • Private transfers and safari transportation according to the route.
  • Professional safari guiding during the safari sections.
  • Selected internal flights listed in the final written quote.
  • Selected park fees, conservancy fees, and activity fees listed in the confirmed quote.
  • Beach stay support with meals and amenities according to the confirmed resort plan.
  • Drinking water during safari transfers and local trip coordination.

What Is Not Included

This tour does not include every personal or external travel cost. Your final proposal will confirm exclusions before booking, so expectations remain clear. Common exclusions include international flights, Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization fees, travel insurance, gratuities, personal purchases, medical expenses, premium drinks unless stated, laundry unless stated, and optional activities outside the confirmed itinerary.

  • International flights to and from Kenya.
  • Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization fees and personal travel documents.
  • Travel insurance, which is strongly recommended for every traveler.
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, camp teams, lodge teams, activity teams, and local service providers.
  • Personal expenses such as gifts, extra drinks, laundry, spa services, and private purchases.
  • Optional activities not listed in the confirmed written quote.

Best Time for This Kenya Safari

This 11 day Kenya safari can be planned throughout the year. Each season changes the wildlife viewing, coastal weather, pricing, and availability. July to October often attracts strong demand because the Great Wildebeest Migration may move through the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. Tsavo waterholes can also feel active during drier periods.

January and February can offer strong safari conditions, warm coastal weather, and a quieter feel than peak migration months. March to May may bring more rain, greener landscapes, rewarding birding, and possible value opportunities. June can work well for travelers who want good conditions before peak season demand rises.

Great Wildebeest Migration Planning

The Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya and Tanzania can make the Maasai Mara section even more powerful when travel dates align with herd movement. The strongest Kenya window often runs from July through October, although nature does not take instructions from a wall calendar.

River crossings, herd density, and predator activity depend on rainfall, fresh grass, and daily movement. No guide or operator can guarantee a crossing, but strong planning can position the safari well. Travelers who want migration season should book early because preferred camps, flights, guides, and room categories can sell quickly.

Responsible Travel and Conservation

Responsible travel matters on this route because it includes private conservancy wildlife viewing, Maasai cultural interaction, national parks, coastal communities, and marine environments. Guests should follow guide instructions, keep respectful wildlife distance, avoid loud behavior near animals, ask before photographing people, and support cultural experiences that create fair local value.

On the coast, travelers should protect coral and marine life by choosing responsible activity providers, avoiding wildlife disturbance, and reducing single use plastic. In conservancy areas, tourism can support habitat protection and community income when managed well. A better safari protects the wildlife, landscapes, and people who make the journey possible.

Related Guides and Planning Resources

Use these planning guides to prepare for the route, compare Kenya destinations, and understand how this safari and beach holiday can fit into a wider East Africa journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About This 11 Day Kenya Safari

How much does this 11 day Kenya safari cost?

Current mid range estimates range from $4,850 USD per person for 12 travelers to $5,935 USD per person for 2 travelers. Final pricing depends on travel dates, accommodation category, flight space, park and conservancy fees, activity selection, seasonal demand, room availability, and confirmed group size.

Are all listed activities included in the price?

Yes, the listed package rate reflects the included activities and experiences in the current tour structure. If travelers prefer to remove selected activities, the final rate can be reviewed and may reduce where supplier rules, flight terms, park fees, timing, and logistics allow. Some fixed costs may remain once confirmed.

Does this tour include internal flights?

Yes. This itinerary is designed with internal flights because the distances between Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Tsavo East, Mombasa, and Nairobi are significant. Final flight routing depends on schedules, availability, luggage rules, weather, and the confirmed package.

Can travelers take the SGR train instead of flying?

Yes. The SGR train between Nairobi and Mombasa can be quoted as an alternative for selected routing. This option works best when the schedule supports the overall flow. Premium or VIP seating may be available depending on timing, booking conditions, and traveler preference.

What makes Ol Kinyei Conservancy special?

Ol Kinyei Conservancy offers a private conservancy safari experience in the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. The setting can provide a quieter wildlife atmosphere, cultural connection, and flexible activities such as game drives, guided walks, bush meals, sundowners, or night drives when included and permitted.

What wildlife can travelers see in the Maasai Mara?

Travelers may see lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, hyenas, jackals, antelope, and many bird species. Sightings depend on season, weather, animal movement, guide positioning, and daily conditions. The Mara remains rewarding throughout the year.

What makes Tsavo East different from Maasai Mara?

Tsavo East National Park offers red earth landscapes, wide spaces, rugged scenery, elephants, waterholes, dry riverbeds, and a stronger wilderness feel. The visual contrast with the Mara gives this itinerary more depth because the safari does not repeat the same setting.

What is the underground wildlife hide?

The underground wildlife hide gives guests a safe, ground level view of animals visiting the waterhole. This creates an unusually close safari perspective without leaving a secure viewing area. Wildlife activity depends on season, heat, water availability, and animal movement.

What is Diani Beach known for?

Diani Beach is known for white sand, warm Indian Ocean water, coral reef scenery, restaurants, coastal forest, beach activities, and optional marine experiences. It works especially well after safari because travelers can rest, swim, explore, or add ocean activities at a slower pace.

Do travelers need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization?

Many travelers need an approved Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization before travel, although requirements can vary by nationality and exemption rules. Travelers should confirm current entry rules before booking flights. Your final quote can remind you what to check before departure.

Can this itinerary become more luxurious?

Yes. Travelers can request luxury camps, upgraded room categories, premium beach stays, private service elements, refined dining preferences, special celebrations, and slower pacing. The final quote will reflect the selected level of comfort, availability, travel season, and confirmed route.

Can this tour connect with Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, or Zanzibar?

Yes. This Kenya safari and beach holiday can connect with Uganda gorilla trekking, Tanzania safaris, Rwanda primates, Zanzibar, or a longer East Africa route. The best extension depends on whether travelers want more wildlife, primates, culture, adventure, or beach time.

Request a Quote for This 11 Day Kenya Safari

Please complete the quote request form below with your preferred travel dates, group size, accommodation preference, activity interests, and any East Africa connections before or after this tour. For a more detailed planning request, you may also use the East Africa safari travel form. Back to the Source Tours will review your details and prepare a tailored recommendation with pricing guidance.