10-Day Naivasha, Masai Mara & Diani Bush & Beach Safari

Naivasha, Masai Mara & Diani

Rates From $3,553

About This Tour

A classic journey through Kenya brings together the country’s most iconic wildlife settings and a relaxing coastal finish. This specific route combines peaceful freshwater lakes, world-famous savannah plains, and the soft white sands of the Indian Ocean. It is perfectly balanced for couples and families who want to experience legendary game viewing without feeling rushed.

The adventure begins in the bustling capital city before dropping into the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Travelers spend peaceful days exploring the shores of Lake Naivasha and the rich birdlife of Lake Nakuru. From there, the route heads into the rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara for classic wildlife viewing, before a direct flight brings everyone south to unwind along the beach.

Comfort remains a priority throughout the entire loop. Every transition is handled smoothly, blending scenic road travel through local towns with a time-saving domestic flight. The changing pace allows travelers to fully absorb the wild energy of the bush before sinking into complete coastal relaxation.

Our Community Impact

This itinerary supports local communities by partnering directly with properties that prioritize local employment. A portion of every park and conservancy fee goes toward community-led education and healthcare initiatives near the Masai Mara and Naivasha. By choosing this journey, travelers help secure sustainable livelihoods for families living alongside these wilderness zones.

Our Sustainability Promise

Johnbow is committed to keeping tourism gentle on the environment. We collaborate with eco-certified lodges that actively reduce plastic waste, harvest rainwater, and utilize solar energy. Our expert guides follow strict low-impact tracking rules to preserve natural animal behaviors and protect fragile ecosystems for future generations.

Why This Safari Works

The design of this route works exceptionally well because it follows a logical energy curve. It starts with the peaceful atmosphere of the Great Rift Valley, allowing travelers to adjust to the local environment and recover from international travel. Pacing builds up as the group enters the Masai Mara, where days are packed with intense and rewarding wildlife action. Instead of a long, tiring drive back to Nairobi, a quick flight whisking everyone straight to Diani beach provides an immediate and welcome slowdown. Using comfortable mid-range accommodations ensures great value without sacrificing great service or prime locations.

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.

  • Beach Activities
  • Big Five Experience
  • Boat Safaris
  • Children Allowed
  • City Tours
  • Classic Safari
  • Couple
  • Cultural Visits
  • Family
  • Family Safari
  • Friends
  • Full Board
  • Game Drives
  • Great Migration
  • Photographic Safari
  • Private Safari
  • Private Vehicle
  • Road Transfer

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Overnight stay in Nairobi
  • Day 2: Road transfer from Nairobi to Lake Naivasha
  • Day 3: Full day exploring Lake Naivasha
  • Day 4: Road transfer from Naivasha to Lake Nakuru
  • Day 5: Road transfer from Nakuru to the Masai Mara
  • Day 6: Full day game viewing in the Masai Mara
  • Day 7: Domestic flight from the Masai Mara to Diani Beach
  • Day 8: Leisure day on Diani Beach
  • Day 9: Leisure day on Diani Beach
  • Day 10: Flight from Diani back to Nairobi for departure

Destinations

  • Nairobi
  • Lake Naivasha
  • Lake Nakuru
  • Masai Mara
  • Diani Beach

Where You Stay

  • Night 1: Eka Hotel, Nairobi
  • Nights 2 & 3: Great Rift Valley Lodge, Naivasha
  • Night 4: Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Nakuru
  • Nights 5 & 6: Zebra River Camp, Masai Mara
  • Nights 7, 8 & 9: Baobab Beach Resort, Diani Beach

Safari Highlights

  • Spotting herds of zebras against the volcanic backdrops of the Great Rift Valley.
  • Watching families of hippos mirror the calm, morning reflection of Lake Naivasha.
  • Observing rare rhinos moving quietly through the acacia woodlands of Lake Nakuru.
  • Watching the morning sun crest over the endless plains of the Masai Mara.
  • Tracking pride movements across the iconic grasslands of the savannah.
  • Watching the changing landscapes from a scenic domestic flight to the coast.
  • Walking along the powdery white sands of Diani beach as afternoon cools.
  • Feeling the warm breeze of the Indian Ocean under the shade of coastal palms.

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

  • Restful evening in a comfortable Nairobi hotel base.

  • Smooth airport transfer to settle in after travel.

Itinerary information

The journey begins with a arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A friendly driver welcomes travelers and handles the transfer to the city hotel. The evening is all about unwinding, shaking off jet lag, and enjoying a quiet dinner before the safari loop starts the next morning.

  • Meals: Dinner

  • Accommodation: Eka Hotel

Hell's Gate National Park

Itinerary Highlights

  • Breathtaking views while descending the valley escarpment.

  • Slowing down to the quiet, peaceful rhythm of Lake Naivasha.

Itinerary information

The group departs Nairobi after breakfast, driving through changing highland farmlands. The road drops dramatically into the Great Rift Valley, offering wide vistas of ancient volcanic fields. Arriving at the lodge in Naivasha by midday leaves plenty of time to enjoy lunch and view the birds along the lawns.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Great Rift Valley Lodge

Hell's Gate National Park

Itinerary Highlights

  • Morning boat cruise near resident pods of wallowing hippos.

  • Watching fish eagles swoop down toward the freshwater surface.

Itinerary information

The full day in Naivasha allows for unhurried exploration of this freshwater paradise. A boat ride brings travelers close to the lake’s famous birdlife and sleepy hippos. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the lodge or taking a gentle walk to view grazing herbivores.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Great Rift Valley Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Game drive along a lake famous for its incredible bird populations.

  • Tracking black and white rhinos in a dedicated sanctuary zone.

Itinerary information

A short, scenic drive leads to Lake Nakuru National Park, a haven for wildlife. The afternoon game drive offers excellent opportunities to see leopards resting in trees and rhinos feeding in the brush. The lodge provides an excellent viewpoint to watch the sun sink below the hills.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Traveling deep into the most famous wildlife reserve in Africa.

  • First evening game drive across the iconic rolling savannah.

Itinerary information

The safari heads south across the valley floors toward the open plains of the Masai Mara. Arriving at the tented camp for lunch opens up a classic safari environment. The late afternoon game drive introduces travelers to the incredible density of plains game and predators.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Zebra River Camp

Itinerary Highlights

  • Searching out big cats under the wide skies of the Mara.

  • Picnic lunch served under an iconic acacia tree on the plains.

Itinerary information

A full day in the Mara means maximize tracking opportunities during the golden hours of morning and evening. Guides read the plains to locate lions, cheetahs, and elephants moving through the grass. The vast scale of the landscape provides a deep sense of wild freedom.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Zebra River Camp

Itinerary Highlights

  • Swapping the golden plains for a direct flight to the coast.

  • First evening stroll along the soft sands of Diani Beach.

Itinerary information

After a final morning look at the bush, travelers board a scheduled flight from the Mara airstrip. The aircraft flies over varied terrain before landing right on the blue Indian Ocean. Guests settle into their beachfront resort to the sound of crashing waves.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Baobab Beach Resort

Diani Beach

Itinerary Highlights

  • Unwinding by the pool under swaying coconut palms.

  • Exploring the warm, shallow waters of the coral reef.

Itinerary information

This day is completely open for pure relaxation along the famous Diani strip. Travelers can swim, read under a beach umbrella, or take a peaceful stroll down the coast. The resort provides a stress-free base with great food and views.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Baobab Beach Resort

4-Day Diani Couple’s Beach Romantic Holiday

Itinerary Highlights

  • Enjoying chilled local drinks with a direct view of the surf.

  • Optional traditional dhow boat cruise along the marine park.

Itinerary information

Another unstructured day allows everyone to enjoy the coast at their own preferred pace. Guests can indulge in resort amenities or book an optional ocean excursion. The evening brings another fine dinner right by the water’s edge.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Baobab Beach Resort

4-Day Diani 5-Star Beach All-Inclusive Experience

Itinerary Highlights

  • Final morning dip in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

  • Scheduled flight back to Nairobi for onward connections.

Itinerary information

After a final morning on the beach, a smooth transfer brings everyone to the airstrip. The short flight returns to Nairobi, dropping guests off in time to connect with evening international flights home.

  • Meals: Breakfast

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ We love how this itinerary balances energy levels by placing a fast domestic flight right between the dusty savannah trails and the relaxing ocean resort. ❞

~JohnBow Safari Expert Team

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

Pax2 pax4 pax6 pax
Total$4180$3688$3553

Important Rate Notes

  • Lodge substitutions of an equal standard may occur if primary properties are fully booked.
  • Internal flights have a strict luggage limit of 15 kilograms per traveler in soft bags.
  • Child policies vary significantly between these locations and will be confirmed at booking.
  • Holiday surcharges will apply to bookings made across the peak Easter and Christmas dates.

What's Included

  • Accommodation and meals: Full board stay at all lodges and beach resorts as listed.
  • Transport and logistics: Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
  • Internal flights and transfers: Scheduled domestic flight tickets from the Masai Mara to Diani and back to Nairobi.
  • Park fees and activities: All national park and reserve entrance fees for Naivasha, Nakuru, and the Mara.
  • Guiding and support: Professional, English-speaking local driver-guide throughout the bush sectors.

Optional Addons

  • Traditional Maasai cultural village visit
  • Guided walking safari in Crescent Island sanctuary
  • Sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Masai Mara plains
  • PADI scuba diving or snorkeling excursions at Kisite Marine Park

What's Not Included

  • International flights and entry visa fees for Kenya.
  • Premium wine brands, champagnes, and spirits at the safari lodges.
  • Personal travel insurance policies and medical coverage.
  • Gratuities for safari guides, drivers, and resort hospitality staff.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry services, souvenir shopping, or phone calls.

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

The road section leading into the Masai Mara includes unpaved roads that can be rough and dusty. We use custom-built 4×4 Land Cruisers with robust suspension systems to maximize your physical comfort over these uneven surfaces.
The domestic aircraft traveling from the Mara to Diani has compact cargo holds requiring a strict limit of 15 kilograms per person in soft-sided bags. Hard plastic suitcases cannot fit in these spaces, so soft duffel bags are essential.
The Great Migration occurs exclusively within the ecosystem of the Masai Mara and does not enter the Rift Valley lakes. Naivasha and Nakuru offer entirely different, brilliant highlights like massive hippo populations and rare rhinos.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

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