8-Day Masai Mara and Diani Safari & Beach

Masai Mara & Diani

Rates From $1,755

BudgetMulti-DestinationPrivateSafari & Beach7–9 DaysKenya
Explore Kenya Safaris

About This Tour

This eight-day budget wildlife and coastal journey blends the dramatic open savannah with a relaxing ocean getaway. The journey is designed for travellers who want an authentic, value-focused experience of Kenya’s two most famous landscapes without unnecessary luxury costs.

The trip begins with a drive into the great Rift Valley to reach the iconic plains of the Masai Mara. After three nights of immersive game viewing, a train journey takes guests across the country to the white sands of Diani Beach. The remaining days focus on coastal relaxation and gentle ocean rhythms before returning to the capital.

Travellers experience a steady and reassuring flow of movement. The active and early mornings on safari transition beautifully into unhurried afternoons by the Indian Ocean. This balance allows for deep wildlife exploration followed by complete physical rest.

Our Community Impact

Johnbow Tours and Travel partners with properties that actively employ from local communities, ensuring that tourism dollars directly support regional families. Your visit helps fund school initiatives and medical facilities near the Masai Mara conservancies.

Our Sustainability Promise

We focus on reducing environmental strain by using public rail infrastructure for the long cross-country transit. Our selected camps manage waste responsibly and encourage plastic-free water systems during your safari.

Why This Safari Works

The itinerary avoids the physical exhaustion of long-distance driving by utilizing the comfortable Madaraka Express train to travel from Nairobi to the coast. Guests enjoy a soft landing with multiple nights at each location, which cuts down on constant packing and unpacking. The design sets a wonderful energetic rhythm, building up your excitement with intense big-game viewing before soothing your senses along a quiet beach. It works perfectly for first-time African visitors, couples, and families who value structured comfort, reliable guiding, and excellent regional food without a luxury price tag. A gentle personalization of activities remains open to match your exact pace.

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
  • City Tours
  • Cultural Visits
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Full Board
  • Game Drives
  • Photography Safaris
  • Private Safari
  • Train Transfer

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara
  • Day 2: Masai Mara Game Drives
  • Day 3: Full Day Masai Mara Exploration
  • Day 4: Masai Mara to Nairobi to Mombasa Train Transit
  • Day 5, 6 & 7: Diani Beach
  • Day 8: Diani Beach to Nairobi via Train

Destinations

  • Nairobi
  • Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Diani Beach

Where You Stay

  • Ol Moran Tented Camp — 3 nights
  • Neptune Village Resort and Spa — 4 nights

Safari Highlights

  • Watching changing landscape textures descend into the Great Rift Valley
  • Hearing the evening sounds of the savannah from a classic safari tent
  • Observing steady wildlife movements across the golden Mara plains
  • Watching the soft morning light bring the savannah to life
  • Journeying on the modern railway through standard Tsavo scenery
  • Walking along the quiet, powder-white sands of Diani Beach
  • Feeling the warm tropical breeze of the Indian Ocean
  • Watching a coastal sunset over the swaying palm trees

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

  • Scenic drive down the Rift Valley escarpment

  • First evening game drive in the reserve

  • Peaceful night around an open camp bonfire

Itinerary information

The road trip moves away from the bustling capital and climbs down into the immense landscape of the Rift Valley. The earth changes color as you approach the boundary of the Masai Mara. Arriving at the tented camp in the afternoon allows for a short rest before the vehicles head out into the golden plains. The air grows cool as the sun dips low, and the first sightings of grazing herds appear against the horizon. Evening settles in with a warm meal and quiet conversation back at your camp.

  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Ol Moran Tented Camp

8-Day Masai Mara and Watamu Beach Escape

Itinerary Highlights

  • Early morning drift into predator territory

  • Midday rest under the shade of the camp

  • Soft afternoon light photography session

Itinerary information

Dawn brings a completely different energy to the savannah as birds call out and the morning light catches dew on the grass. The game drive targets active wildlife before the heat of the day forces animals into the thickets. Guides track tracks and listen to alarm calls to locate elephants, lions, and giraffes moving through the brush. Returning to the camp for a hot lunch opens up a lazy afternoon for reading or napping. Later, the vehicle heads out once more as the sun lowers, capturing beautiful silhouettes across the wide ecosystem.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Ol Moran Tented Camp

Itinerary Highlights

  • Picnic lunch packed under a lone acacia tree

  • Following the meandering loops of the Mara River

  • Vast herds of plains game stretching to the horizon

Itinerary information

This day takes you deeper into the heart of the reserve for a comprehensive exploration of its distant corners. Carrying a picnic meal means the vehicle does not need to return to camp at noon, allowing you to follow wildlife at an unhurried pace. The route travels toward the river systems where hippos and crocodiles rest in the muddy water. You will experience the incredible scale of the Mara, watching massive numbers of wildebeest and zebras move through the open grass. It is a day dedicated entirely to the natural rhythm of the wild.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Ol Moran Tented Camp

Itinerary Highlights

  • Early cross-country morning road journey

  • Watching local towns pass by from the train window

  • Arriving at the humid coastal air of Mombasa

Itinerary information

The morning marks a major transition as you leave the bush behind and drive back to Nairobi. The safari vehicle drops you at the modern railway station just in time for the afternoon train. As the carriage glides smoothly along the tracks, you can relax and watch the changing Kenyan countryside, passing right through the edges of Tsavo national park. By evening, the train pulls into the coast, where a warm breeze greets you during your transfer to the resort.

  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Neptune Village Resort and Spa

Itinerary Highlights

  • Waking up to the sound of breaking ocean waves

  • Unhurried swimming in the warm Indian Ocean

  • Evening walks on the soft tropical sands

Itinerary information

The fast pace of game drives gives way to complete coastal relaxation. There are no early wake-up calls; instead, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast looking out at the gardens. The day is yours to spend floating in the pool, walking along the white shoreline, or resting under a palm tree with a cold drink. The atmosphere is completely calm and restorative, letting your body rest after the dusty roads of the safari.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Neptune Village Resort and Spa

Itinerary Highlights

  • Morning checkout with final views of the ocean

  • Daytime train ride returning up the line to the highlands

  • Evening arrival in Nairobi for your flight home

Itinerary information

After a relaxed breakfast, a transfer vehicle picks you up from the resort to drive to the Mombasa train terminal. The daytime rail journey offers a final chance to look out for wildlife along the tracks as you climb back up to Nairobi’s altitude. Arriving in the capital in the late afternoon brings your memorable bush and beach holiday to an end, leaving you ready for your onward international flight.

  • Meals: Breakfast

  • Accommodation: View lodge on the Lodge Directory page

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ We love this itinerary because it balances active big-game tracking with slow coastal rest using the train, keeping your transit days completely relaxed and affordable. ❞

~JohnBow Safari Expert Team

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

Guests2 Guests4 Guests6 Guests
Peak Season – 1 July – 31 Oct, 2026$ 2,140$ 1,855$ 1,755

Important Rate Notes

  • Luggage on the internal train must fit within standard carrier dimensions and weight limits.
  • Lodge substitutions of an equal standard may occur if the primary properties are fully booked.
  • Child policies vary significantly across these properties and require verification at booking.
  • Single room supplements apply to solo travellers occupying a private room.

What's Included

  • Accommodation and meals: Seven nights lodging and meals as indicated in the daily itinerary.
  • Transport and logistics: All ground transfers and private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser use.
  • Internal flights and transfers: Economy class SGR train tickets from Nairobi to Mombasa and back.
  • Park fees and activities: All national park entry fees and scheduled game drives.
  • Guiding and support: Professional English-speaking driver guide and bottled water in the vehicle.

Optional Addons

  • Maasai cultural village entry fee
  • Hot air balloon flight over the Mara plains
  • Guided snorkeling excursion to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
  • PADI scuba diving certification courses in Diani Beach

What's Not Included

  • International flights to and from Nairobi.
  • Premium wine brands, spirits, and champagnes at the properties.
  • Gratuities for safari guides and hotel staff.
  • Personal travel and medical insurance covers.
  • Cultural village entry fees and optional watersports.

Plan your journey

Practical reading to help you compare routes, timing and costs.

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 initial highway is smooth, but the final two hours consist of bumpy, unpaved gravel roads. Our customized 4×4 Land Cruisers use heavy-duty suspension to make this section manageable and safe.
The resort includes selected local beers, house wines, standard spirits, juices, and soft drinks. Premium international labels, aged whiskeys, and cellar wines require direct payment at the bar.
No, your private safari vehicle and dedicated guide remain in the Masai Mara. Coastal transfers utilize air-conditioned resort vans, as Diani is a pedestrian-friendly beach destination.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

Posted on Google Google
Dorcas Munga profile picture
Dorcas Munga
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great planning and communication. My trips have been smooth. All expectations met 💯
Posted on Google Google
Mike Bourassa profile picture
Mike Bourassa
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our driver, Patrick, made the experience even more special with his outgoing personality and his knowledge of each park. He always made certain that he positioned his vehicle just right so we could get a perfect photo. He shared a lot about African culture an answered our questions. His keen eye spotted a cheetah from a long distance and we experienced the animal stalk and catch his prey (only to have a hyena steal it from him at the end). The accommodations were excellent at Massai Mara but were a bit too primitive at Amboseli. The large openings between the sleeping area and the bathroom brought way too many bugs into the tent. Wonderful memories of the entire experience!! We hope to come back next year and Patrick will be our choice of guide.
Posted on Google Google
Kate Mandere profile picture
Kate Mandere
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Wonderful team, very warm, helpful and well coordinated!
Posted on Google Google
Emmy Chepkoech profile picture
Emmy Chepkoech
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I recently booked my 1st trip with Johnbow Tours and Travel and it was an outstanding experience from the start to finish. The team was professional, well-organised, helpful and incredibly friendly. Transfer to my hotel room and back was handled smoothly allowing us to relax and enjoy our journey. The fact that they allow lipa mdogo mdogo was not overwhelming paying for the package...I can't wait to book again with Johnbow 😊
Posted on Google Google
Gloria Kikete profile picture
Gloria Kikete
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jonbow has offers seamless travel service with a personal touch.
Posted on Google Google
Lolo Chgn profile picture
Lolo Chgn
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Safaris de 5 jours depart Nairobi et arrivée à Diani beach Visite des parcs d’amboseli, tsavo ouest et est , t.hills Découverte d une faune magnifique Notre chauffeur Chombo a tout fait pour rechercher les animaux et il était à notre écoute ! Dépaysement total garanti Les hôtels étaient tout confort avec des conditions d’alimentation en eau et électricité précaire ! Nous remercions vraiment Morris et Chombo pour ce magnifique Safari
Posted on Google Google
Irene Nduku profile picture
Irene Nduku
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent services, the team was friendly, efficient and went above and beyond to meet my need.Their service was prompt and effective. I highly recommend
Posted on Google Google
Cheyenne van den B profile picture
Cheyenne van den B
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a two day tour with Johnbow Tours & Travel to Tsavo West. The park itself is not that good to be honest, but we stayed at Salt Lick lodge and that was amazing. The animals are coming so close to the lodge, it is really beautiful to see. The driver Pius was also really nice and he had a lot of knowledge about the animals. I have been in contact with Morris and that was also really pleasant because of the arrangement we had.
Posted on Google Google
virginia mumo profile picture
virginia mumo
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
As a team of 12pax..we had an exceptional good experience with the Johnbow team. Well informed and humble team who contributed a lot to an enjoyable trip and creating memories.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Stay06810033473 profile picture
Stay06810033473
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Customer Servive Customer service was great!Communication was timely and effective especially as there were some flight changes.Either way the bookings were perfect, customer service was exceptional and we even got a treat for our anniversary, at no extra costElijah and Sam were very helpful.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Annette M profile picture
Annette M
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Exceptional Experience with Johnbow Tours and Travel! I had an unforgettable trip to Bali and Thailand, the guides were amazing, the places beautiful and the itinerary on point. Bali has very many temples and beautiful rice terraces, the swings and sunset views unforgettable. thank you Johnbow for the tour.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
KSP profile picture
KSP
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Memorable Safari with a Great Team and Guide We had a really good experience with Johnbow Tours during our Kenya safari. Morris, our main point of contact, was communicative and professional throughout. He stayed in touch via WhatsApp both before and during the trip, answering all our questions quickly and clearly, which gave us a lot of confidence going in.The pricing felt fair for what we received, and the Land Cruiser was comfortable, especially considering the long drives. They also provided snacks at the start of the trip upon request, which was thoughtful.Our guide, Paul, was very knowledgeable. He had a sharp eye for spotting animals and shared interesting facts about everything we saw. We had plenty of game drives and were lucky to spot a wide variety of wildlife.The only small issue was around water. We had been told water would be included throughout, but at a couple of the lodges, we were charged for drinking water, tea, or coffee during meals. It wasn’t a big deal, but having clarity on that from the start would’ve been helpful.Overall, it was a smooth and enjoyable safari. The team was dependable, the schedule was well planned, and we felt taken care of from start to finish. I’d absolutely recommend Johnbow to anyone planning a private safari in Kenya.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Alain V profile picture
Alain V
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
A great experience, a must for everyone who reads this Jonbow, our driver who has the same name as the agency, took very good care of us. He was on time for the appointment. Once on the road he was super attentive. In the park he was always the first to spot the game. He gave us very good explanations about all the animals we saw. No effort was too much to make us spot all the game. Super friendly and helpful guy. He operates from Mombasa/Diani Beach. He made sure that our safari will remain unforgettable.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
winnie a profile picture
winnie a
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Dubai tour 2024 was a birthday gift to my son who turned lucky number seven. I writing to thank you for coordinating our trip to UAE, dubai. Everything was perfect; the flight, the hotel was clean and all staff were friendly and professional. Special thanks to Mary Gathua as she was the one who coordinated everything for us.The tour guides were excellent! They made things as easy for us as possible. I really appreciate these and that indicate the quality services that they provide.We had dubai town tour and our guide, Mr. Albert did exceptionally well. We learnt about the origin of UAE and the important features in dubai. We had dhow cruise with dinner, and the dessert safari with dinner.Desert safari was the best of the trip (the driver , Mr . Zaheer was very professional, and the overall experience was thrilling and amazing). The desert safari remains in my priority to do list when I visit dubai next.I would certainly recommend Johnbow Tours and travel to anyone wanting to visit Dubai. Thank you again and look forward to plan our next vacation with you.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
maryanne o profile picture
maryanne o
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Awesome Best tour company ..travelled to Dubai in Emirates .Booked the best hotel in Dubai..Johnbow staff are friendly and accommodatve I rate them10/10 they're affordable too .
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
M A profile picture
M A
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Superb service Happy New Year! Eunice managed our travel plans superbly, and I’m grateful. Our stay at Pride Inn was delightful; the staff’s service, food, attention, and entertainment made our holiday special and memorable. Thanks again for your excellent services.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
gladys n profile picture
gladys n
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Efficient Eunice of John Bow ,was pretty helpful from getting us a hotel to SGR tickets, and transfers to the hotel.She also called to ensure we arrived safely.I loved the seamless process and especially because we chat on whatsapp mostly. Johnbow tours keep their word! I would choose them again.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Christine N profile picture
Christine N
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Awesome experience This travel company was very efficient. I engaged them on whatsapp in the morning and by afternoon they had finalised everything including the sgr tickets. Their staff Eunice was readily available even at night because we did night travel. And early morning at 4 am, she called to find out if the driver had picked us. I would recommend them anytime
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Sabina M profile picture
Sabina M
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
It was a time of relaxation and fun. The trip was well planned from Nairobi to Maasai Mara. We had so much fun and took so many photos. We saw lions, cheetahs, elephants and other animals. If we could do it again, we would still chose Johnbow tours and travel.