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

Naivasha, Masai Mara & Diani

Rates From $3,840

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

Guests2 Guests4 Guests6 Guests
Peak Season – 1 July – 31 Oct, 2026$ 4,535$ 3,990$ 3,840

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

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Dorcas Munga profile picture
Dorcas Munga
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Great planning and communication. My trips have been smooth. All expectations met 💯
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Mike Bourassa profile picture
Mike Bourassa
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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.
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Kate Mandere
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Wonderful team, very warm, helpful and well coordinated!
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Emmy Chepkoech
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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 😊
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Gloria Kikete
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Jonbow has offers seamless travel service with a personal touch.
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Lolo Chgn
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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
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Irene Nduku
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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
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Cheyenne van den B
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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.
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virginia mumo
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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.
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Stay06810033473
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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.
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Annette M
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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.
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KSP
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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.
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Alain V
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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.
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winnie a
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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.
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maryanne o
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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 .
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M A
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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.
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gladys n
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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.
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Christine N
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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
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Sabina M
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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.
info@johnbowtoursandtravel.com
Kenya Cinema Plaza, 3rd Floor Room 3-8. Moi Avenue, Nairobi