13-Day Kenya Safari and Diani Beach Escape with Salt Lick Stay

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by your safari driver-guide for a short briefing before beginning the drive to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The road descends through the Great Rift Valley, where sweeping escarpments and patchwork farmlands roll toward distant blue hills. Stop briefly at a viewpoint to take in the breathtaking panorama before continuing across the open savannah.

Arrive at the Keekorok Lodge in time for a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, head out on your first game drive, scanning the golden plains for elephants, prides of lions resting in the shade, and perhaps the elusive cheetah stalking its prey.

Return to the lodge as the setting sun bathes the landscape in amber light. Enjoy dinner while listening to the distant calls of hyenas and the soft chorus of night insects.

Overnight Accommodation: Keekorok Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Awaken at first light to the wild orchestra of the Maasai Mara - the distant roar of a lion, the trumpeting of elephants, and a chorus of birdsong rising with the dawn. After an early breakfast, set off on an unforgettable full-day game drive through one of the most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries on earth.

As the morning mist lifts, the golden plains stretch endlessly before you, dotted with flat-topped acacia trees and shimmering with dew. Herds of wildebeest and zebra graze peacefully, while elegant giraffes stride across the savannah like living silhouettes. Watch for the drama of predator and prey: lions basking in the early sun, leopards draped lazily over tree branches, and cheetahs scanning the horizon for movement.

The skies above are alive with birdlife - lilac-breasted rollers flashing brilliant blues and purples, secretary birds striding gracefully through the grass, and the haunting cry of the fish eagle echoing over the plains.

By midday, pause at a scenic spot deep in the reserve for a picnic lunch. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild, savor a meal in the heart of this untamed landscape, where the breeze carries the scent of warm earth and wild sage.

Continue your safari through the afternoon as the light softens to a warm amber glow. Elephants emerge from the thickets, hippos wallow in hidden pools, and hyenas stir as the day draws to a close.

Return to Keekorok Lodge as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery shades of orange and crimson. Freshen up and enjoy a hearty dinner while the nocturnal calls of the bush begin to rise - a fitting soundtrack to another unforgettable day in the Maasai Mara.

Overnight Accommodation: Keekorok Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, bid farewell to the wildlife-rich plains of the Maasai Mara and begin the scenic drive back through the Great Rift Valley toward the tranquil shores of Lake Naivasha, a journey of about five to six hours. Along the way, the landscape unfolds like a living canvas - rolling hills blanketed in fertile farmlands, bustling roadside markets filled with colorful produce, and distant escarpments that frame the horizon in soft blue hues. This route offers a glimpse into Kenya's rich agricultural heartland, where local life moves to the timeless rhythm of the land.

Arrive at the elegant Lake Naivasha Country Club in time for a leisurely lunch beneath the shade of ancient acacia trees. The afternoon is yours to soak in the lake's serene beauty. You may choose to glide across its calm waters on an optional boat ride, where pods of hippos wallow lazily among the papyrus reeds and the haunting cry of the African fish eagle rings overhead as it swoops dramatically for its catch. Back on shore, wander through the club's manicured gardens where playful colobus monkeys leap gracefully from branch to branch and the gentle lake breeze carries the scent of wildflowers.

As evening descends, the sky softens into a breathtaking palette of violet and gold, casting a magical glow across the lake's mirrored surface. Enjoy dinner by the water's edge, the quiet lapping of the lake and the distant calls of night birds creating the perfect soundtrack to your lakeside retreat.

Overnight Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Country Club
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After a relaxed breakfast overlooking the calm waters of Lake Naivasha, bid farewell to the tranquil lakeside and begin your journey south toward the legendary Amboseli National Park, a drive of about five hours. The road unfolds through wide-open plains and scattered Maasai homesteads, where herders in their bright shúkàs guide cattle across the sun-drenched savannah. As you travel, the distant outline of Mount Kilimanjaro gradually emerges on the horizon - its snow-capped summit rising in striking contrast against the deep blue African sky.

Arrive at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge in time for a hearty lunch and a brief rest amid the lodge's shaded gardens and acacia-dotted grounds. Later in the afternoon, set out on an evening game drive, when the golden light of late day casts a warm glow across the plains. This is prime time to witness the park's famed large elephant herds, often seen moving in slow, deliberate lines beneath the dramatic backdrop of Kilimanjaro. Keep your camera ready for other wildlife too - lions stretched out in the fading sun, grazing herds of zebra and wildebeest, and a variety of birdlife flourishing in Amboseli's swamplands.

Return to the lodge as the sun sinks behind Africa's highest mountain, painting the sky in vivid streaks of crimson and gold. Enjoy a delicious dinner while the sounds of the wild - distant trumpeting elephants and the calls of nocturnal birds - create an unforgettable evening ambiance.

Overnight Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Wake early to watch Mount Kilimanjaro's snow-dusted summit glow in the soft pinks and golds of dawn - an unforgettable farewell to Amboseli's iconic scenery. After breakfast, set out eastward on a three-hour drive toward Tsavo West National Park, one of Kenya's most dramatic wilderness areas. The journey takes you through stretches of open savannah and scattered acacia woodland before the park's striking rugged volcanic landscapes come into view, marked by ancient lava flows and jagged ridges shaped by centuries of geological activity.

Arrive at the Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge in time for lunch. Built from natural stone and blending seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness, this classic lodge commands sweeping views of the plains and a busy waterhole, where elephants, buffalo, and antelope often gather to drink - sometimes even as you dine.

In the late afternoon, head out on a game drive through Tsavo West's varied terrain: explore rolling savannahs, traverse rocky escarpments, and visit the enchanting Mzima Springs, a lush oasis fed by crystal-clear waters. Here, hippos wallow in the pools while crocodiles glide silently beneath the surface, best observed from the park's unique underwater viewing chamber.

Return to the lodge as the sky deepens into twilight. Savor a leisurely dinner while watching the floodlit waterhole, where the nocturnal drama of the African bush unfolds - a perfect end to a day of breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters.

Overnight Accommodation: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, set off on a leisurely two-hour drive south toward the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a privately managed reserve famed for its gentle, rolling green hills and abundant wildlife. The landscape gradually transforms as you leave Tsavo West, with distant hills rising above the savannah and acacia trees scattered like brushstrokes across the plains.

Arrive at the iconic Salt Lick Safari Lodge, a truly unique retreat built on stilts above a bustling waterhole. From the moment you check in, you're greeted with the sight of elephants, buffalo, and herds of plains game gathering below - an ever-changing spectacle, especially enchanting at night when the scene is dramatically floodlit.

After a hearty lunch, venture out on an afternoon game drive through the sanctuary. Keep your eyes peeled for lions basking in the late-afternoon sun, graceful giraffes nibbling at the treetops, and the elusive lesser kudu, a rare antelope that finds sanctuary here.

As evening settles, return to the lodge for dinner. Later, linger along the raised walkways and viewing decks, where you can quietly watch wildlife drinking and interacting under a star-studded African sky - a magical, close-to-nature experience that defines the essence of a Kenyan safari.

Overnight Accommodation: Salt Lick Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Wake to the soft calls of birds and the distant trumpeting of elephants before enjoying a leisurely breakfast at Salt Lick Safari Lodge. Soon after, set off toward the Kenyan coast on a scenic 4-5 hour drive. The journey takes you through the rolling Taita Hills and past rural villages, where life unfolds at a gentle pace and children wave as you pass.

As you draw closer to the coast, the scenery transforms dramatically: dry savannah gives way to lush tropical vegetation. Towering coconut palms sway in the ocean breeze and the salty scent of the Indian Ocean drifts through the warm air, announcing your arrival at the coast.

Continue south to the world-renowned Diani Beach, a stretch of powdery white sand lapped by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Here, the rhythm of safari life melts into the tranquil charm of a tropical seaside escape.

Check in at Neptune Paradise Beach Resort and Spa, where the gentle sound of waves sets the mood for pure relaxation. Spend the afternoon exactly as you wish - unwind beneath the shade of swaying palms, sink your toes into the soft sand, or cool off with a refreshing swim in the warm ocean.

As the sun dips toward the horizon, enjoy a carefree evening with all-inclusive comforts, from delicious coastal cuisine to selected drinks and leisurely activities.

Overnight Accommodation: Neptune Paradise Beach Resort and Spa
Meal Plan: AI - All Inclusive (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Selected Drinks & Activities)

For the next five days, Diani Beach becomes your private slice of paradise. Here, the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean meet long stretches of soft white sand, and the warm coastal breeze carries the scent of salt and frangipani. Spend your days entirely at your own pace - whether in quiet relaxation or indulging in a touch of adventure.

You might spend long, lazy hours beneath the shade of swaying palms, the rhythmic sound of the waves lulling you into complete calm. Or venture offshore to discover the underwater world: snorkel or dive among vibrant coral gardens where schools of tropical fish flash like living jewels.

For a more adventurous escape, you may opt for a full-day excursion to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Wasini Island. Set sail on a traditional dhow, watch for playful dolphins gliding alongside, and enjoy a freshly prepared Swahili seafood feast as you drift across the glittering sea.

Each evening, return to Neptune Paradise Beach Resort & Spa as the sun melts into the horizon in shades of gold and crimson. Dine by the ocean, sip a tropical cocktail, or take a moonlit stroll along the beach, letting the soft night breeze and the gentle sound of the Indian Ocean wrap up each perfect day in coastal bliss.

Overnight Accommodation: Neptune Paradise Beach Resort & Spa
Meal Plan: AI - All Inclusive (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Selected Drinks & Activities)

After a leisurely breakfast, take one last unhurried stroll along Diani's soft white sands, letting the warm Indian Ocean waters lap at your feet as a gentle sea breeze carries the scent of frangipani. Savor the final moments of this tropical paradise as the turquoise horizon glistens in the morning light.

When it is time, you will be transferred to Ukunda Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). On arrival in Nairobi, connect seamlessly to your international flight back home, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of Kenya's magnificent wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and the serene beauty of its sun-kissed coast.