Few countries let you go from lions on the savannah to turquoise water on a white-sand beach in a single trip. A Kenya safari and beach holiday combines both: a few days of game drives followed by time to relax on the Indian Ocean coast. Here is how to plan it, with sample itineraries you can book or customise.
Why combine a safari with the beach?
- Balance: safaris mean early starts and long drives, so a few beach days afterwards give you time to rest.
- Easy connections: Nairobi and Mombasa are linked by short flights and the SGR Madaraka Express train.
- Year-round appeal: the coast is warm all year, and many safari seasons pair perfectly with good beach weather.
Best safari parks to combine with the coast
Masai Mara
The classic choice for the Big Five and, from July to October, the Great Migration. It is reached by road from Nairobi in about five to six hours. Read our guide to the best time to visit the Masai Mara.
Amboseli
Famous for large elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. A good choice if you want a shorter drive from Nairobi.
Tsavo East and Tsavo West
Kenya’s largest parks sit between Nairobi and the coast, which makes them ideal for safari and beach trips starting or ending in Mombasa.
Best beaches in Kenya for your holiday
- Diani Beach: long stretches of powdery white sand south of Mombasa, with snorkelling at Kisite Marine Park and dolphin trips from Wasini Island. See our guide to things to do in Diani Beach.
- Watamu and Malindi: marine parks, the Gedi Ruins and a laid-back Swahili atmosphere north of Mombasa.
- Zanzibar: a short flight away in Tanzania if you want an island finish. Read our Zanzibar holiday guide.
7-day Kenya safari and beach itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi, transfer to your hotel.
- Day 2: Drive to the Masai Mara, afternoon game drive.
- Day 3: Full day of game drives in the Masai Mara.
- Day 4: Return to Nairobi, then take the train or a flight to the coast and transfer to Diani.
- Day 5: Wasini Island and Kisite Marine Park dolphin and snorkelling excursion.
- Day 6: Free day on the beach.
- Day 7: Transfer to Mombasa for your flight home.
10-day Kenya safari itinerary with Diani Beach
- Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi.
- Day 2: Lake Naivasha with a boat ride among hippos.
- Day 3: Lake Nakuru National Park for rhinos and flamingos.
- Days 4 to 5: Masai Mara game drives.
- Day 6: Return to Nairobi, transfer to Diani Beach.
- Days 7 to 9: Beach time, Wasini Island and optional snorkelling or diving.
- Day 10: Departure from Mombasa or Nairobi.
This is the route of our 10-day safari and Diani group departure, running 11 to 20 November 2026 from US$2,590 per person.
Getting from the safari to the beach
- SGR train: the Madaraka Express runs between Nairobi and Mombasa in about five to six hours and is affordable and comfortable.
- Domestic flight: around an hour from Nairobi to Mombasa or Ukunda (for Diani).
- Road via Tsavo: drive from Amboseli through Tsavo West or Tsavo East and arrive at the coast without backtracking to Nairobi.
Kenya safari and beach packages
- 10 Days Kenya Safari and Beach Holiday Group Departure: Naivasha, Nakuru, Masai Mara and Diani
- 10 Days Kenya Wild Safari: Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Coastal Bliss
- 10 Days Kenya Safari and Beach Holiday: Tsavo, Amboseli and Diani
- 4 Days Diani Beach Holiday to add to any safari
5-day short safari and beach trip from Mombasa
Already on the coast or short on time? Start and finish in Mombasa or Diani with a quick safari to Tsavo East, Kenya’s largest park, famous for its red elephants.
- Day 1: Drive from Mombasa or Diani to Tsavo East, afternoon game drive.
- Day 2: Full day exploring Tsavo East, including the Galana River and Lugard Falls.
- Day 3: Morning game drive and return to the coast.
- Days 4 to 5: Beach time and a Wasini Island dolphin excursion.
See our 3-day Tsavo East safari from Mombasa.
14-day grand Kenya holiday itinerary
With two weeks you can see Kenya’s highlights at a relaxed pace:
- Days 1 to 2: Nairobi, with Nairobi National Park and the Giraffe Centre.
- Days 3 to 4: Samburu or Ol Pejeta for rhinos and northern species.
- Day 5: Lake Nakuru.
- Days 6 to 8: Masai Mara.
- Days 9 to 10: Amboseli for elephants and Kilimanjaro views.
- Days 11 to 14: Diani Beach to relax before flying home.
How much does a Kenya safari and beach holiday cost?
The total cost depends on the number of days, your choice of hotels and how you travel between the parks and the coast. As a guide, our 10-day Kenya safari and beach packages start from about US$2,590 to US$2,890 per person, while a 4-day Diani beach stay starts from US$1,480. Travelling between January and June, when Masai Mara park fees are lower, can reduce the overall price. See our Masai Mara safari cost guide for a full breakdown.
Kenya holiday packages for every traveller
- Families: shorter drives, lodges with pools and a long beach stay. Amboseli and Diani work especially well.
- Honeymooners: a private Masai Mara safari followed by a romantic beach hotel or an island stay in Zanzibar.
- Groups and friends: our scheduled group departures offer great value and great company.
- Solo travellers: joining safaris let you share vehicles and meet other travellers.
Frequently asked questions
Should I do the safari or the beach first?
Most travellers prefer safari first and beach last, so they can relax before flying home. If you arrive tired after a long flight, starting at the beach also works well.
When is the best time to combine a safari with the beach in Kenya?
June to October and December to March offer the driest weather on both the savannah and the coast. April and May bring heavy rain to the coast.
How many days do I need for a Kenya safari and beach holiday?
Seven days is the minimum to enjoy both, with three days on safari and three on the beach. Ten days lets you visit two or three parks without rushing.
Can I go on safari from Mombasa or Diani?
Yes. Tsavo East, Tsavo West and the Taita Hills are all reachable by road from the coast, with two to four day safaris available.
Is the SGR train a good option for tourists?
Yes. The Madaraka Express is a comfortable and affordable way to travel between Nairobi and Mombasa, and you may even spot wildlife as it passes Tsavo.
Plan your trip
Tell us how many days you have and what you want to see, and our team will build a safari and beach itinerary for you. Request a free travel proposal.
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