8-Day Laikipia, Masai Mara & Watamu Safari & Beach Escape

Laikipia, Masai Mara & Watamu

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About This Tour

This eight-day journey balances deep wilderness conservation with a relaxing coastal finish. It serves couples and small groups who appreciate both active wildlife encounters and slow-paced beach relaxation. The journey begins in the high plains of Laikipia, moves into the classic savannah of the Masai Mara, and finishes along the quiet shores of Watamu.

Travelers experience a smooth rhythm as they fly between distinct ecosystems. The trip blends guided wilderness exploration with unstructured coastal downtime. Comfort remains steady throughout the route, ensuring guests stay refreshed between activities.

Our Community Impact

This itinerary supports local livelihoods by sourcing guiding expertise and hospitality from communities bordering the conservancies. Your visit directly contributes to local employment and helps fund community-led education and healthcare initiatives near the parks.

Our Sustainability Promise

Johnbow partners exclusively with eco-certified properties that practice strict waste management and utilize renewable solar energy. A portion of every booking fee goes directly toward local anti-poaching units and wildlife habitat protection.

Why This Safari Works

The itinerary avoids travel fatigue by replacing long, dusty road drives with quick internal flights. It opens with an active focus on conservation in Laikipia, peaks with classic wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara, and naturally slows down on the coast. This deliberate pacing ensures travelers return home feeling rested rather than exhausted. It works best for first-time African travelers and couples wanting a diverse but unhurried holiday. Mild personalization is easily accommodated for daily activities.

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
  • Big Five Experience
  • Children Allowed
  • Couple
  • Cultural Visits
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Full Board
  • Game Drives
  • Great Migration
  • Group Travel
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari
  • Luxury Safari
  • Photography Safaris
  • Private Safari
  • Private Vehicle
  • Road Transfer
  • Solo Traveller

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Nairobi National Park game drive and overnight stay
  • Day 2: Flight from Nairobi to Laikipia
  • Day 3: Full day of conservation activities in Laikipia
  • Day 4: Flight from Laikipia to the Masai Mara
  • Day 5: Full day of wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara
  • Day 6: Flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi, connection to Malindi, and transfer to Watamu
  • Day 7: Full day at leisure in Watamu
  • Day 8: Transfer to Malindi for your flight back to Nairobi

Destinations

  • Nairobi National Park
  • Laikipia Plateau
  • Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Watamu Marine National Park

Where You Stay

  • Radisson Blu, Nairobi (1 Night)
  • Loisaba Tented Camp, Laikipia (2 Nights)
  • Sala’s Camp, Masai Mara (2 Nights)
  • Hemingways Watamu, Watamu (2 Nights)

Safari Highlights

  • Spotting wild rhinos against a backdrop of city skyscrapers in Nairobi.
  • Flying over the dramatic ridges of the Great Rift Valley.
  • Tracking wildlife alongside specialized anti-poaching sniffer dogs.
  • Exploring the wild Laikipia plains on an eco-friendly electric bicycle.
  • Sharing a beautiful outdoor sundowner drink as the sun sets over the bush.
  • Watching predators patrol the open savannah of the Masai Mara.
  • Sipping a morning coffee while looking out at the Indian Ocean.
  • Walking along the soft, protected white sands of Watamu beach.

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

  • Urban safari drive among rhinos and lions.

  • Stark contrast of wildlife against a city skyline.

  • Relaxed evening in a comfortable capital hotel.

Itinerary information

The journey opens in Nairobi with an afternoon drive through the world’s only park inside a capital city. Travelers often spot endangered black rhinos, giraffes, and lions roaming just miles from downtown skyscrapers. The evening is spent relaxing at your city hotel, adjusting to the African time zone.

  • Meals: Dinner

  • Accommodation: Radisson Blu

7-Day Samburu & Masai Mara Luxury Fly Inn Safari

Itinerary Highlights

  • Scenic flight north toward Mount Kenya.

  • Arriving at a vast, private wilderness sanctuary.

  • Night game drive searching for rare nocturnal species.

Itinerary information

Board a morning flight from Nairobi up to the rugged Laikipia plateau. The landscape changes from city lines to expansive, golden plains broken by rocky ridges. After settling into camp, head out for a night drive to see unique nocturnal creatures like leopards and bushbabies.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Loisaba Tented Camp

3-Day Samburu Kenya Safari

Itinerary Highlights

  • Meeting dedicated anti-poaching sniffer dog teams.

  • Guided bush walk with an expert local tracker.

  • Cycling across the plains on an electric mountain bike.

Itinerary information

Spend a full day interacting closely with local conservation efforts. You will visit the resident canine unit to see how sniffer dogs protect local wildlife. Later, choose between a quiet walking safari, a horse ride, or a cycle ride across the plateau.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Loisaba Tented Camp

7-Day Samburu, Laikipia and Masai Mara Fly-In Safari

Itinerary Highlights

  • Airstrip transfer and flight to the southern savannah.

  • First glimpse of the endless Mara plains.

  • Evening drive as predators begin their nightly hunt.

Itinerary information

Fly south across the equator into the legendary Masai Mara. The open grasslands here host some of the densest wildlife concentrations on earth. Arrive at your riverfront camp in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon drive to spot lions, elephants, and cheetahs.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Sala’s Camp

Itinerary Highlights

  • Sunrise drive across the sweeping grasslands.

  • Traditional outdoor breakfast served under an acacia tree.

  • Observing complex herd dynamics along the riverbanks.

Itinerary information

An early start brings you into the savannah just as the wildlife wakes up. Enjoy a classic bush breakfast out in the wild, surrounded by grazing herds. Spend the rest of the day tracking big cats and observing elephants along the river paths.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Sala’s Camp

Watamu Beach

Itinerary Highlights

  • Final morning drive through the Mara savannah.

  • Connecting flights via Nairobi to the Kenyan coast.

  • Warm evening welcome by the Indian Ocean.

Itinerary information

Leave the bush behind as you take a flight back to Nairobi, connecting directly to Malindi on the coast. A short road transfer brings you to Watamu, where the cool sea breeze and crashing waves offer a complete change of pace.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Hemingways Watamu

1-Day Malindi/Watamu Marine Park Snorkeling & Glass-Bottom Boat Getaway

Itinerary Highlights

  • Unstructured day to relax by the ocean.

  • Optional marine park snorkeling or dhow sailing.

  • Fresh seafood dinner overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Itinerary information

Enjoy a full day to unwind exactly as you please. Relax on the white sand beach, swim in the warm pool, or take a walk along the marine reserve. The day feels wonderfully slow and peaceful.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Hemingways Watamu

5 Day Watamu New Year’s Beach Holiday

Itinerary Highlights

  • Final morning stroll along the white sand beach.

  • Transfer to Malindi for your regional flight.

  • Arrival in Nairobi for your international flight home.

Itinerary information

After breakfast, take a last look at the ocean before transferring to Malindi airport. Your flight delivers you back to Nairobi’s main international airport, perfectly timed for your onward journey home.

  • Meals: Breakfast

  • Accommodation: End of Itinerary (No overnight stay)

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ We love how this route balances high-energy wildlife tracking with a deep coastal rest. Flying instead of driving saves your energy for the beautiful experiences. ❞

~JohnBow Safari Expert Team

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

Pax2 pax4 pax6 pax
Per Person Sharing$7443$7380$7358

Important Rate Notes

  • Internal flights have a strict luggage limit of 15 kilograms per person in soft bags.
  • Lodge substitutions of an equal standard may occur if the primary options are full.
  • Child policies vary by property and can impact the final family price.
  • Single room supplements apply to solo travelers during peak travel seasons.

What's Included

  • Accommodation and meals: All accommodation nights and daily meals as listed across the route.
  • Transport and logistics: All airport and airstrip transfers as costed in the itinerary.
  • Park fees and activities: All national park entrance fees, conservancy fees, and scheduled game drives.
  • Internal flights: All scheduled domestic flights between Nairobi, Laikipia, Masai Mara, and Malindi.
  • Specialty activities: Anti-poaching dog experience, guided walks, night drives, and electric bike use.
  • Guiding and support: Professional English-speaking driver-guides and bottled drinking water during safaris.
  • Bush volleyball (seasonal), nature walks,

Optional Addons

  • Early morning hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara plains.
  • Guided cultural visit to a traditional Maasai homestead.
  • Dhow sailing and snorkeling excursions inside Watamu Marine Park.

What's Not Included

  • International airline flights and entry visas for Kenya.
  • Personal travel insurance and medical trip coverage.
  • Premium drinks such as champagne, luxury spirits, and selected vintage wines.
  • Discretionary tips and gratuities for safari guides and camp staff.
  • Personal expenses like souvenir shopping, spa treatments, and laundry.

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 e-bikes are premium mountain bikes fitted with electric motors that assist your pedaling. An armed expert guide rides with you to ensure your safety as you navigate the open dirt trails and wildlife paths.
Yes, the handlers set up a realistic demonstration where the sniffer dogs track a hidden scent across the bush. You get to watch their incredible accuracy up close and chat with the rangers about their daily wildlife protection work.
The small bush planes have strict weight limits and small cargo holds. If your international bags exceed 15 kilograms or are rigid, we can securely store your extra luggage at our Nairobi office and hand it back when you return from the coast.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

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