9-Day Kenya Safari and Diani Beach Tour with Lake Naivasha

Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

• Welcome to Kenya! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will go through customs and immigration.
• Meet and greet: After clearing customs, you will be greeted by your driver or tour guide, who will assist you with your luggage and provide an overview of your itinerary.

Transfer to your hotel.

• Transport: Board a comfortable vehicle for the transfer to your hotel in Nairobi, approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic.
• Check-in: Upon arrival at your hotel, check in to your room and take some time to freshen up and relax.

Afternoon activities, depending on your arrival time.

• Explore Nairobi (optional): If time allows, consider visiting some of Nairobi's attractions:
  • David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Visit the elephant orphanage to learn about conservation efforts and see baby elephants.
  • Giraffe Centre: Get up close with the endangered Rothschild giraffes and learn about their conservation.
  • Nairobi National Park: If time permits, take a quick game drive in this unique national park located just outside the city.

Dinner.

• Dining options: Enjoy dinner at your hotel or choose from a variety of local restaurants to experience traditional Kenyan cuisine.
• Recommendations: Sample local dishes such as nyama choma (grilled meat), ugali (maize porridge), or fresh seafood.

Overnight.

• Rest: After dinner, relax at the hotel and prepare for the upcoming adventure, ensuring you have everything packed for the next day's journey.
• Accommodation: Stay overnight at your selected hotel in Nairobi.

Morning.

• Breakfast: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Nairobi, fueling up for the day ahead.
• Departure: After breakfast, check out of the hotel and meet your driver or guide in the lobby for your departure to Lake Naivasha.

Transfer to Lake Naivasha.

• Travel time: The drive to Lake Naivasha takes approximately 2 hours.
• Scenic route: Enjoy the beautiful Kenyan countryside along the way, passing through rural areas and small towns.

Mid-morning arrival at Lake Naivasha.

• Check-in: Arrive at your lodge or hotel by Lake Naivasha, check in, and drop off your luggage.
• Welcome drink: Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as you take in the scenic views of the lake.

Boat ride on Lake Naivasha.

• Activity: After checking in, embark on a guided boat ride on Lake Naivasha.
  • Wildlife viewing: Spot hippos, a variety of bird species such as fish eagles and pelicans, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
  • Nature walk: If time permits, visit nearby Crescent Island, where you can take a guided walking safari and see wildlife up close.

Lunch.

• Dining: Return to your lodge for lunch, featuring local and international cuisine.

Afternoon visit to Hell's Gate National Park.

• Travel time: Depart for Hell's Gate National Park, located about 30 minutes from Lake Naivasha.
• Activities:
  • Biking safari: Rent a bike and explore the park on two wheels, or choose to walk through the park to enjoy the stunning landscapes, including cliffs, geothermal hot springs, and wildlife.
  • Wildlife spotting: Look out for animals such as giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species.

Evening.

• Return to lodge: Head back to your lodge as the sun begins to set.
• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the lodge, possibly featuring a barbecue or themed dinner.

Relaxation.

• Leisure time: Spend the evening relaxing at the lodge, perhaps enjoying a drink by the lake or participating in any evening entertainment offered by the lodge.

Overnight.

• Accommodation: Stay overnight at your lodge by Lake Naivasha, resting up for the next day's journey to Maasai Mara.

Early morning.

• Breakfast: Enjoy an early breakfast at your lodge overlooking Lake Naivasha.
• Check-out: After breakfast, check out of the lodge and prepare for your journey to the Maasai Mara.

Transfer to Maasai Mara.

• Travel time: Depart for the Maasai Mara, which takes approximately 5 hours.
• Scenic journey: Enjoy the picturesque drive through the Great Rift Valley, with stunning landscapes and opportunities for photo stops along the way.

Lunch.

• Arrival: Arrive at your lodge in the Maasai Mara around midday.
• Check-in: Check into your lodge and refresh yourself.
• Dining: Enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge, featuring a selection of local and international dishes.

Afternoon: first game drive in Maasai Mara.

• Activity: After lunch, set out for your first game drive in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
  • Wildlife viewing: Look for the abundant wildlife that the reserve is known for, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and more.
  • Photographic opportunities: Take advantage of the golden afternoon light for stunning photographs of the wildlife and landscapes.

Evening.

• Sundowner experience: As the sun begins to set, enjoy a sundowner drink in the reserve while soaking in the breathtaking views.
• Return to lodge: After the evening game drive, return to your lodge as the sun sets.

Dinner.

• Dining: Enjoy dinner at the lodge, often featuring a buffet with local specialties and international cuisine.
• Evening activities: Depending on your lodge, there may be options for evening activities such as stargazing or storytelling around a campfire.

Overnight.

• Accommodation: Stay overnight at your lodge in the Maasai Mara, resting up for another day of exciting wildlife adventures.

Early morning.

• Pre-dawn wake-up: Rise early to catch the best wildlife viewing hours.
• Early morning game drive: Depart for a game drive before breakfast.
  • Wildlife activity: The early morning is an excellent time to see predators such as lions and leopards, as well as large herbivores waking up.
  • Photographic opportunities: Take advantage of the soft morning light for stunning wildlife photography.

Breakfast.

• Bush breakfast (optional): Depending on your lodge's offerings, you may have the option of enjoying a bush breakfast in the middle of the savannah after your morning game drive.
• Return to lodge: If not having a bush breakfast, return to the lodge for a full breakfast.

Mid-morning cultural experience (optional).

• Visit to a Maasai village:
  • Cultural insight: If you opt for this experience, you will have the opportunity to visit a local Maasai village to learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life.
  • Engagement: Engage with the Maasai people, see traditional dances, and learn about their customs.

Lunch.

• Dining: Return to your lodge for lunch, where you can relax and recharge for the afternoon activities.

Afternoon game drive.

• Second game drive: Set out for another exciting game drive in the Maasai Mara.
  • Wildlife spotting: Look for any animals you may have missed on previous drives, as well as opportunities to witness animal interactions or behaviors.
  • Scenic viewing: Enjoy the diverse landscapes of the reserve, from open savannahs to riverine forests.

Evening.

• Sundowner stop: As the day winds down, stop for sundowners in a scenic location within the reserve.
• Return to lodge: After enjoying the sunset, head back to your lodge for dinner.

Dinner.

• Dining experience: Enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge, featuring a mix of local and international cuisine. Some lodges may offer themed dinners or special meals under the stars.

Relaxation.

• Evening leisure: After dinner, unwind at the lodge. Some lodges may have evening entertainment, such as traditional music or cultural presentations.

Overnight.

• Accommodation: Stay overnight at your lodge in the Maasai Mara, resting well for another day of adventure ahead.

Early morning.

• Pre-dawn wake-up: Start the day early to make the most of your morning.
• Final morning game drive: Embark on a last game drive in the Maasai Mara.
  • Wildlife sightings: This is a great opportunity to catch any last glimpses of the incredible wildlife you may have missed, particularly predators before they rest for the day.

Breakfast.

• Return to lodge: After the morning game drive, return to your lodge for breakfast.
• Check-out: Enjoy breakfast, then prepare to check out of the lodge.

Transfer to Amboseli.

• Departure: Depart for Amboseli National Park, approximately a 5-6 hour drive.
• Scenic drive: Enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel toward Amboseli, with opportunities for scenic views and photography along the way.

Lunch.

• Arrival: Arrive at your lodge in Amboseli around midday.
• Check-in: Check into your lodge and refresh yourself after the journey.
• Dining: Enjoy lunch at the lodge, featuring local and international cuisine.

Afternoon game drive in Amboseli.

• Activity: Set out for an afternoon game drive in Amboseli National Park.
  • Wildlife viewing: Look for large herds of elephants, as well as other wildlife like lions, zebras, and various bird species.
  • Mount Kilimanjaro views: Enjoy the stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, especially if the weather is clear.

Evening.

• Sundowner experience: As you wrap up your game drive, enjoy a sundowner drink while watching the sunset over the park, with Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop.
• Return to lodge: Head back to your lodge as the sun sets.

Dinner.

• Dining: Enjoy dinner at the lodge, often featuring a mix of local and international dishes.
• Evening activities: Depending on the lodge, you might have the option to participate in evening activities such as storytelling around a campfire or stargazing.

Overnight.

• Accommodation: Stay overnight at your lodge in Amboseli, resting up for more wildlife adventures in the days to come.

Early morning.

• Pre-dawn wake-up: Rise early to experience the magic of Amboseli at sunrise.
• Sunrise game drive: Depart for a morning game drive, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures when wildlife is most active.
  • Wildlife activity: Look for elephants, lions, giraffes, and various other animals. This time of day is excellent for spotting predators as they hunt or rest after a night of activity.
  • Photographic opportunities: Capture stunning photographs of wildlife against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Breakfast.

• Bush breakfast (optional): If offered, enjoy a bush breakfast in the heart of the park after your morning drive, allowing you to savor the sounds of nature around you.
• Return to lodge: If not opting for a bush breakfast, head back to the lodge for a hearty breakfast.

Mid-morning: Observation Hill.

• Activity: After breakfast, take a trip to Observation Hill within Amboseli National Park.
  • Panoramic views: Climb to the viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views of the park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the surrounding landscape.
  • Wildlife viewing: Look out for wildlife from the hill, as many animals can be seen from this elevated vantage point.

Lunch.

• Dining: Return to your lodge for lunch, enjoying local and international cuisine.

Afternoon: second game drive.

• Activity: After lunch, set out for another game drive in Amboseli.
  • Wildlife spotting: Look for animals you may not have seen earlier, as well as opportunities for capturing beautiful photographs of elephants and other wildlife against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro.
  • Unique ecosystems: Explore the different ecosystems within the park, including wetlands and savannahs.

Evening.

• Return to lodge: After your game drive, return to the lodge as the sun begins to set.
• Sundowner experience: Stop for a refreshing drink while enjoying the sunset over the park and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Dinner.

• Dining experience: Return to the lodge for dinner, often featuring a buffet or a set menu with a variety of options.
• Evening activities: Enjoy the evening at the lodge. Some lodges may offer traditional music performances or storytelling around a campfire.

Overnight.

• Accommodation: Stay overnight at your lodge in Amboseli, resting well after an exciting day filled with wildlife experiences.

Early morning.

• Pre-dawn wake-up: Rise early for one last morning in Amboseli.
• Final game drive: Set out for a morning game drive to soak in the last views of wildlife and the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • Wildlife viewing: Look for elephants, lions, and other wildlife as the park comes to life in the morning light.
  • Photographic opportunities: Capture stunning photos of the wildlife with Kilimanjaro in the background, a perfect way to remember your time in Amboseli.

Breakfast.

• Return to lodge: After your morning game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast.
• Check-out: Enjoy breakfast and check out of your lodge.

Transfer to Tsavo National Park.

• Departure: Depart Amboseli for Tsavo National Park, approximately a 4-5 hour drive.
• Scenic drive: Enjoy the changing landscapes as you drive through the savannah, possibly stopping for scenic views or refreshments along the way.

Lunch.

• Arrival: Arrive at your lodge or camp in Tsavo around midday.
• Check-in: Check in and refresh yourself after the drive.
• Dining: Enjoy a delicious lunch at your lodge featuring local and international dishes.

Afternoon game drive in Tsavo.

• Activity: After lunch, set out for an afternoon game drive in Tsavo National Park.
  • Wildlife viewing: Tsavo is known for its vast landscapes and large elephant herds. Look for wildlife such as elephants, lions, zebras, and various bird species.
  • Diverse ecosystems: Explore the park's unique ecosystems, including open savannahs, volcanic hills, and lush river valleys.

Evening.

• Sundowner stop: Enjoy a sundowner drink at a scenic viewpoint while watching the sunset over the park.
• Return to lodge: Head back to your lodge as the sun sets, enjoying the beautiful colors of the evening sky.

Dinner.

• Dining experience: Savor dinner at the lodge, featuring a variety of dishes that reflect local flavors and international cuisine.
• Evening activities: Depending on your lodge, you might have options for evening entertainment or relaxation.

Overnight.

• Accommodation: Stay overnight at your lodge or camp in Tsavo National Park, resting well for your upcoming adventures.

Early morning.

• Pre-dawn wake-up: Start your day early to make the most of your time in Tsavo.
• Final game drive: Set out for a last morning game drive in Tsavo National Park.
  • Wildlife viewing: Look for wildlife you might not have seen yet, such as the famous Tsavo lions and the park's vast elephant herds.
  • Scenic landscapes: Enjoy the breathtaking views of Tsavo's diverse landscapes.

Breakfast.

• Return to lodge: After your game drive, return to your lodge for breakfast.
• Check-out: Enjoy breakfast and prepare to check out of the lodge.

Transfer to Diani Beach.

• Departure: Depart Tsavo National Park for Diani Beach, approximately a 2-3 hour drive.
• Scenic journey: The drive takes you through beautiful countryside, with views of coastal forests and sugarcane plantations.

Lunch.

• Arrival at Diani Beach: Arrive at your beachfront hotel or resort around midday.
• Check-in: Check in and freshen up after your journey.
• Dining: Enjoy lunch at your hotel or a nearby restaurant, featuring fresh seafood and local cuisine.

Afternoon: relaxation at Diani Beach.

• Beach time: Spend the afternoon relaxing on the stunning white sandy beaches of Diani.
  • Water activities: If desired, engage in optional activities such as snorkeling, diving, or taking a dhow sailing trip.
  • Sunbathing: Simply unwind on the beach, soak up the sun, and enjoy the tropical ambiance.

Evening.

• Sunset at the beach: Enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Indian Ocean, a perfect way to end your adventurous journey.
• Dinner:
  • Dining options: Savor dinner at your hotel or explore local restaurants along the beach.
  • Cuisine: Choose from a variety of options, including fresh seafood, international dishes, or traditional Kenyan cuisine.

Relaxation.

• Evening leisure: Spend the evening at your leisure, whether enjoying the hotel amenities or strolling along the beach under the stars.

Overnight.

• Accommodation: Stay overnight at your beachfront hotel or resort in Diani Beach, allowing you to unwind and reflect on your incredible Kenyan adventure.

Morning.

• Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or resort in Diani Beach, taking in the beautiful ocean views.
• Free time: Spend your morning relaxing at the beach or taking part in optional activities.
  • Optional activities: Consider activities such as snorkeling, visiting a nearby marine park, or exploring local markets for souvenirs.

Check-out.

• Mid-morning check-out: After a relaxing morning, check out of your hotel and prepare for your journey home or onward travel.
• Transfer to airport: Depending on your travel plans, arrange for a transfer to either Ukunda Airstrip for domestic flights or Mombasa Airport for international flights. This transfer typically takes about 1 hour.

Travel arrangements.

• Flight check-in: If flying, ensure you arrive at the airport with enough time to check in for your flight. Enjoy the final moments of your Kenyan adventure as you reflect on the experiences you have had throughout the trip.

Departure.

• Flight home: Board your flight back home or continue to your next destination, carrying with you wonderful memories of your time in Kenya, filled with wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and the beautiful beaches of Diani.