5-Day Bush and Beach Budget Kenyan Safari

Masai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi, Diani Beach

Rates From $1,000

About This Tour

This journey connects the open savannahs of the Masai Mara with the white sands of the Diani coastline. It is designed for travellers seeking a balanced pace that moves from the rhythm of wildlife viewing to the steady calm of the Indian Ocean. The trip suits first-time guests and couples who value a simple, well-structured path through Kenya’s most iconic landscapes.

The safari begins with a road journey into the Great Rift Valley, leading to the Masai Mara for two nights of wildlife observation. The transition continues as the journey moves back to Nairobi to board the train toward the coast. The final days are spent along the shores of Diani, offering a soft landing and time to unwind.

The flow of this trip ensures a blend of movement and rest. Guests experience the energy of the bush followed by the restorative atmosphere of the beach. The travel style is grounded and practical, focusing on reliable transitions and comfortable mid-range accommodation.

Our Community Impact

Johnbow prioritizes lodges that employ staff from the local community to ensure direct economic benefits. We support partners who engage in small-scale community projects near the Masai Mara. This approach helps sustain local livelihoods while maintaining a respectful presence in the region.

Our Sustainability Promise

We choose properties that implement waste reduction and use sustainable energy sources where possible. Our use of the SGR train for coastal transfers reduces the carbon footprint compared to domestic flights. We remain committed to low-impact travel that respects the natural integrity of the ecosystems we visit.

Why This Safari Works

The itinerary is built on a logical north-to-south flow that maximizes time in two distinct environments. By starting with the activity-rich Masai Mara and ending at the coast, the trip follows a natural energy curve that rewards early mornings with late-trip relaxation. The use of road and rail travel provides a steady, connected sense of the Kenyan landscape while keeping the journey affordable and accessible.

Your Trip at a Glance

A snapshot of your entire experience, from key highlights to where you'll stay and what to expect each day.

  • 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • Beach Activities
  • Big Five Experience
  • Couple
  • Cultural Visits
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Full Board
  • Game Drives
  • Great Migration
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari
  • Private Safari

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara by road
  • Day 2: Full Day in Masai Mara
  • Day 3: Masai Mara to Nairobi SGR Station to connect to Mombasa
  • Day 4: Full Day in Diani
  • Day 5: Diani to Nairobi via Train

Destinations

  • Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Nairobi
  • Diani Beach

Where You Stay

  • Mara Chui Resort (2 nights)
  • Papillon Lagoon (2 nights)

Safari Highlights

  • Vast plains of the Masai Mara
  • Morning light across the savannah
  • Sightings of the Big Five
  • The Great Rift Valley escarpment
  • Scenic train journey to the coast
  • Warm Indian Ocean breezes
  • White sands of Diani Beach
  • Calm coastal sunset moods

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Nairobi to Masai Mara

Itinerary Highlights

  • Descent into the Great Rift Valley
  • Arrival at the Mara plains
  • First evening wildlife drive

Itinerary information

The journey leaves the capital and travels toward the wide horizons of the Masai Mara. The landscape changes from urban bustle to the open grasslands of the reserve. After settling into the camp, an afternoon drive offers a first look at the resident wildlife as the light softens over the plains.

  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mara Chui Resort

Itinerary Highlights

  • Full day of wildlife observation

  • Picnic lunch in the reserve

  • Uninterrupted views of the savannah

Itinerary information

The day is dedicated to moving through the diverse habitats of the Masai Mara. The search for wildlife continues across the plains, focusing on the natural behavior of predators and plains game. The rhythm is steady, allowing for quiet observation and a deep connection to the wilderness.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mara Chui Resort
Masai Mara to Diani

Itinerary Highlights

  • Early morning departure from the bush

  • Afternoon train journey to the coast

  • Transition from savannah to sea

Itinerary information

The journey moves back toward Nairobi to catch the afternoon train. The rail journey offers a unique perspective of the landscape as it transitions toward the coast. Upon arrival in Mombasa, a transfer leads to the palm-fringed shores of Diani for a change of pace.

  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Papillon Lagoon

Itinerary Highlights

  • Soft white sands of Diani

  • Warm waters of the Indian Ocean

  • Unstructured time for coastal rest

Itinerary information

The day is spent entirely at the coast, where the focus shifts to relaxation. The atmosphere is calm and unhurried, allowing for walks along the beach or quiet time by the ocean. The coastal environment provides a restorative contrast to the earlier days of safari.

  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Papillon Lagoon
SGR train at the Nairobi terminus

Itinerary Highlights

  • Final morning by the ocean
  • Return journey via the SGR
  • Arrival back in the capital

Itinerary information

The morning offers a final chance to enjoy the coastal breeze before transferring to the station. The train journey returns to Nairobi, marking the conclusion of the bush and beach circuit. The trip ends with a transfer to the airport or your Nairobi hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: None (End of safari)

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ We designed this itinerary to offer a high-value transition between Kenya's best-known wildlife reserve and its most beautiful beach. The road and rail mix ensures a grounded, affordable journey. ❞

~Johnbow Travel Consultant

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

SeasonDate Range2 Guests4 Guests6 Guests
Green SeasonApril – June, 2026$1,245$1,065$1,000

Important Rate Notes

  • Rates vary based on seasonal availability and rooming
  • A single room supplement applies for solo travellers.
  • Child policies vary by lodge and will be confirmed at booking.
  • Similar standard lodges may be substituted if those listed are full.

What's Included

  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
  • Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • SGR train tickets
  • SGR Transfers
  • Game drives
  • Driver guide
  • All meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Tea, coffee & filtered water
  • Park Entry Fees

Optional Addons

  • Hot air balloon safari in the Mara
  • Maasai village cultural visit
  • Guided snorkeling trips in Diani
  • Glass-bottom boat excursions

What's Not Included

  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Gratuities to staff & guides
  • Late departure fees
  • International Flights (available upon request)
  • Travel and medical insurance

Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most lodges cater for dietary requirements with advance notice provided at the time of booking.
Children are welcome on this itinerary, though suitability depends on the family’s travel style and lodge policies.
A private 4×4 Land Cruiser is provided for all wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

info@johnbowtoursandtravel.com
Kenya Cinema Plaza, 3rd Floor Room 3-8. Moi Avenue, Nairobi