Seremara Safaris
9 Days Kenyan Bush And Beach Safari
Explore Kenya Safari Packages for Unforgettable Adventures
9 Days Kenyan Bush and Beach Safari
This Masai Mara and Diani Beach Safari pairs four days of exclusive game viewing in Mara North Conservancy with four unhurried days at Alfajiri Villas on Kenya's south coast, giving you the full range of what a Kenyan holiday can offer without ever feeling rushed. It is one of our most requested Kenya Bush and Beach Safari itineraries precisely because the two halves are so complementary: dust and wildlife drama first, then the Indian Ocean's calm to unwind in.
This 9 Days Safari and Beach Holiday Kenya route suits couples, honeymooners and small groups who want their safari days to be genuinely private rather than shared with a crowd of vehicles, then a beach stay that matches that same standard of exclusivity. Mara North Conservancy's low-density model and Alfajiri Villas' individually staffed private villas both share the same underlying philosophy: fewer people, more space, better service.
On the safari side, expect game drives across Mara North's 30,000 private acres in search of big cats and one of the region's largest giraffe congregations, a bush breakfast and a sundowner-lit evening drive, plus a stop at the local rhino sanctuary on your way out. On the coast, days unfold around deep-sea fishing for marlin and wahoo, a traditional dhow sailing trip to Funzi Island with a chance to swim alongside dolphins, and long, unstructured stretches of white sand at your own pace.
From $2,000 per person sharing, this Diani Beach Safari Combo Package includes all internal flights between Nairobi, the Masai Mara and Diani, full-board accommodation, shared game drives, park and conservancy fees, and a private villa stay on the coast.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival and First Game Drive in Mara North
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, your driver-guide meets you and transfers you to Wilson Airport for the scheduled morning flight to Mara North, typically departing around 10:00 and landing roughly an hour later. A Saruni guide is waiting at the airstrip for your very first game drive of this Masai Mara and Diani Beach Safari, an immediate introduction to Mara North Conservancy's 30,000 private acres bordering the main Masai Mara National Reserve.
Around midday, you settle into a relaxed picnic lunch under an acacia tree or beside the river, often within sight of a resting pod of hippos, before continuing on to Saruni Mara or Saruni Wild. Depending on energy levels after travel, the afternoon can be spent resting at the lodge or heading straight back out for an exclusive game drive across the conservancy, which remains largely free of the vehicle congestion found in the public reserve.
Dinner and overnight at Saruni Mara or Saruni Wild, in a genuinely secluded corner of the wider Mara ecosystem.
Big Cats and Spa Treatments
An early morning game drive focuses on Mara North's resident big cats, tracking lion, leopard and cheetah across grassland and riverine thickets while the light is soft and predator activity is at its peak. You return to camp for lunch, followed by time at the Maasai Wellbeing Space, where a treatment offers a welcome pause between game drives on this Kenya Bush and Beach Safari.
In the afternoon, your guide heads for an area of the conservancy known for one of the region's largest towers of giraffe, a striking sight silhouetted against the Mara's rolling hills. As the light fades you return to the lodge or camp for dinner, with the option of a night game drive for guests keen to search out nocturnal hunters such as genet, civet and hyena along the conservancy's quieter tracks.
Dinner and overnight at Saruni Mara or Saruni Wild.
Kilileoni Summit and a Bush Dinner
Today offers a choice between a guided walk through the valleys and plains surrounding Saruni Mara, accompanied by a support vehicle, or a game drive up to the summit of Kilileoni, the highest point in the entire Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem, led by expert Maasai guides who know the terrain intimately. Either route delivers sweeping views that put the scale of the wider conservancy landscape into perspective.
In the afternoon, you continue exploring Mara North and its neighbouring conservancies, an area increasingly recognised among safari specialists as one of the finest wildlife destinations in East Africa precisely because of its community-led, low-density conservation model. Weather permitting, the day closes with a memorable bush dinner set up in the open wilderness, complete with Maasai warriors singing and dancing around the fire, a fitting highlight partway through this Masai Mara and Diani Beach Safari.
Dinner and overnight at Saruni Mara or Saruni Wild.
Rare Species and a Bush Breakfast
Your final full day in the Mara pushes further into Mara North Conservancy's plains in search of rarer and more elusive species that the previous days may have missed, whether that means a serval hunting in the long grass or a pack of banded mongoose working a termite mound. Midway through the morning, your guide sets up a leisurely bush breakfast in a scenic spot, a relaxed way to break up an already rewarding game drive.
In the late afternoon you head back out into the conservancy for a final drive, finishing at a vantage point over the plains for sundowners as the sky turns orange over the Mara's endless horizon. This is very much a moment to savour, marking the close of the safari half of your Kenya Bush and Beach Safari before the switch to coastal life tomorrow. You return to the lodge or camp for a hearty final dinner in the bush.
Dinner and overnight at Saruni Mara or Saruni Wild.
Farewell to the Mara, Arrival at Alfajiri Villas
Before departure, you take one last game drive to the local rhino sanctuary near the airstrip, with a final chance to admire the hippos and crocodiles along the Mara River as you say goodbye to the bush. Your flight to Diani's Ukunda airstrip departs the Mara around 14:00 and lands roughly two hours later at 16:00, marking the transition from savannah to the Indian Ocean coast.
An Alfajiri vehicle meets you at Ukunda for the short five-minute transfer to the world-famous Alfajiri Villas, a collection of individually designed private villas set directly above Diani's white sand. After the drive and flights of the day, you unwind with a dip in your own private plunge pool before a welcome sundowner on your veranda, taking in sweeping views over the beach and ocean as the tropical evening breeze sets in. Dinner is an elegant, personally prepared seafood offering paired with a well-chosen wine, a world away from the bush camps of the past four nights.
Overnight at Alfajiri Villas, the start of the beach half of this Diani Beach Safari Combo Package.
Deep-Sea Fishing off Diani
Your first full day at the coast begins with a thrilling morning of deep-sea fishing off Diani, heading out into the Indian Ocean's productive game-fishing grounds with a heavy line in the hope of hooking a marlin, wahoo or sailfish. A picnic lunch is packed to enjoy on the water, allowing you to stay out and make the most of the conditions rather than rushing back to shore.
Returning to Alfajiri Villas in the afternoon, the rest of the day is yours: a lazy siesta on your veranda, a swim in your private pool, or a short trip into Diani's nearby shopping centres for souvenirs and local crafts. This more active start to the beach portion of your Kenya Bush and Beach Safari suits travellers who like at least one adventure-driven day mixed in with pure relaxation.
Dinner and overnight at Alfajiri Villas.
Dhow Sailing and Dolphins at Funzi Island
Today's excursion swaps the fishing boat for a traditional dhow, setting sail across calm, clear waters toward Funzi Island, a secluded mangrove-fringed island south of Diani. Along the way there is a strong chance of swimming alongside pods of resident dolphins, one of the most memorable wildlife encounters of the entire Masai Mara and Diani Beach Safari and a striking contrast to the big game drives of the first half of the trip.
The day also includes time for snorkelling over Funzi's reef, a search for the rare green and hawksbill turtles that nest in the area, and a relaxed swim from the dhow itself before casting ashore for a delicious, freshly prepared seafood lunch on the island. It is an unhurried, scenic day that captures everything travellers look for in a 9 Days Safari and Beach Holiday Kenya itinerary: sailing, swimming, wildlife and excellent food, all without a fixed schedule.
Dinner and overnight at Alfajiri Villas.
Rest, Spa and Beach Time
With the fishing and dhow excursions behind you, this day is intentionally unstructured, built for slow mornings and long stretches of white sand. Many guests use the day for an in-villa spa treatment or massage, arranged directly through Alfajiri Villas, while others prefer simply reading on the veranda or taking a long walk along Diani's famously soft, powder-white beach at low tide.
For those wanting a little more activity, options include a gentle snorkelling session just offshore, a stand-up paddleboard outing, or a nature walk through the coastal forest behind the villas, home to Sykes' monkeys and a range of coastal bird species. Lunch and dinner are taken at your own pace, prepared by Alfajiri's private chef, closing out the most restful day of this Diani Beach Safari Combo Package before your final morning tomorrow.
Dinner and overnight at Alfajiri Villas.
Final Morning and Departure
Your final morning is left free to enjoy one last stretch of paradise, with a leisurely stroll along the beach and a final swim before checking out. After a relaxed morning unwinding at Alfajiri Villas, you depart in the afternoon for your flight back to Nairobi, which typically leaves Diani around 16:00 and lands at Wilson Airport by 17:30.
A Saruni driver and vehicle transfer you on to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward or international flight. Depending on your flight time, there is often an opportunity to stop for a farewell dinner at one of Nairobi's well-known restaurants, a fitting close to a trip that combined the drama of Mara North's wildlife with the calm of Diani's coastline. As with all our itineraries, this Masai Mara and Diani Beach Safari can be tailored and adjusted to suit your personal preferences and timing.
Photo Gallery
Explore the Destinations on This Safari
Mara North Conservancy is a private, roughly 30,000-acre wilderness bordering the main Masai Mara National Reserve, jointly managed with local Maasai landowners to keep vehicle numbers low and sightings uncrowded. Strong resident populations of lion, leopard and cheetah make this an excellent big cat destination, complemented by one of the region's most reliable giraffe congregations. Activities extend beyond standard game drives to include guided bush walks, a climb to the Kilileoni summit for panoramic views, and bush dinners accompanied by traditional Maasai singing and dancing, all delivered with a level of exclusivity that sets the tone for the beach half of the trip that follows.
Diani Beach, on Kenya's south coast, is consistently rated among Africa's best beaches thanks to its powder-white sand, calm turquoise water and fringing coral reef. It offers a full range of water-based activities, from deep-sea fishing for marlin and wahoo to snorkelling, diving and dhow excursions, alongside a laid-back beach town atmosphere with restaurants, boutiques and a lively watersports scene. Its position roughly 30 minutes from Ukunda airstrip makes it easily reachable by light aircraft from the Masai Mara, allowing this Kenya Bush and Beach Safari to combine two very different Kenyan landscapes without long overland transfers.
Funzi Island is a quiet, mangrove-fringed island south of Diani, reached by traditional dhow across sheltered coastal waters. The crossing is a highlight in its own right, with a strong chance of encountering resident dolphin pods along the way, while the island itself offers snorkelling over healthy reef, opportunities to spot nesting green and hawksbill turtles, and a relaxed fresh seafood lunch served ashore. It is a favourite full-day excursion for guests staying at Alfajiri Villas looking for a change of pace from the beach itself.
What's Included
- All internal flights and transfers between Nairobi, the Masai Mara and Diani, including taxes
- Full-board accommodation throughout, including all meals at Saruni Mara/Saruni Wild and Alfajiri Villas
- Shared game drives in 4x4 vehicles, guided bush walks, picnic excursions, sundowners and bush meals in the Mara
- A deep-sea fishing excursion and a dhow sailing trip to Funzi Island while at the coast
- All conservancy and park fees for Mara North Conservancy
Trip Planning Guide
This Masai Mara and Diani Beach Safari splits its highlights cleanly between bush and coast.
- Big cats: Lion, leopard and cheetah across Mara North Conservancy's private plains.
- Giraffe towers: One of the region's largest giraffe congregations within the conservancy.
- Marine life: Dolphins, turtles and reef fish around Funzi Island and Diani's coral reef.
- Game fish: Marlin, wahoo and sailfish on a dedicated deep-sea fishing excursion.
- Visa & entry: Kenya requires an eTA prior to arrival, which is the traveller's responsibility and not included in the package price.
- Flights: Internal flights between Nairobi, the Mara and Diani are scheduled and included, but timings can shift slightly based on airline schedules.
- Pace: The itinerary is split evenly, four nights of safari followed by four nights at the coast, giving a genuine change of pace partway through the trip.
- Tailoring: This itinerary can be adjusted in length or activity mix to suit personal preferences; speak to us about customising the split between bush and beach.
- Neutral-toned safari clothing for the Mara North portion, plus a warm layer for early morning game drives
- Lightweight, breathable resort wear and swimwear for the Diani Beach portion
- Reef-safe sunscreen for snorkelling and beach days
- Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for the safari days
- A light windbreaker for the dhow excursion to Funzi Island
- Copy of your Kenya eTA approval and travel insurance documents
This Kenya Bush and Beach Safari works well most of the year, though the dry months from June to October and January to February offer the best combination of easy game viewing in Mara North and reliably sunny, calm conditions on the coast for fishing and dhow excursions. July through September adds a chance of encountering wildebeest migration herds near Mara North Conservancy. The long rains from April to May can bring heavier weather to both the Mara and the coast, so many travellers prefer to avoid this window, while the short rains in November are generally light and rarely disrupt either half of the trip.
Tour Route Map
Frequently Asked Questions
This Masai Mara and Diani Beach Safari is priced from $2,000 per person sharing, including all internal flights, full-board accommodation, game drives, conservancy fees and the deep-sea fishing and dhow excursions at the coast.
This itinerary combines Mara North Conservancy with Diani Beach on Kenya's south coast at Alfajiri Villas, whereas our other bush-and-beach package instead pairs the Mara with Watamu on the north coast; the two beach destinations have distinct character and travel times.
The journey is by scheduled light aircraft via Ukunda airstrip, taking roughly two hours in total, with an Alfajiri vehicle meeting you for the short final transfer to the villas.
A deep-sea fishing excursion and a traditional dhow sailing trip to Funzi Island, including dolphin viewing and snorkelling, are both included in this Diani Beach Safari Combo Package.
Yes, Alfajiri Villas' individually designed private villas, each with its own plunge pool and dedicated staff, make it a popular choice for honeymooners and couples seeking privacy on this 9 Days Safari and Beach Holiday Kenya.
The itinerary splits evenly: four nights in Mara North Conservancy followed by four nights at Alfajiri Villas on Diani Beach.
If you travel between July and September, there is a good chance of encountering migration herds near Mara North Conservancy, though the conservancy's core wildlife is resident and rewarding year-round.
Yes, all travellers need a Kenya eTA arranged online before arrival; it is not included in the package price.
The excursion is generally family-friendly, though this particular package is designed primarily for adult travellers; families should ask us about tailoring activities for younger guests.
Yes, the balance of safari and beach nights can be adjusted, and additional nights can be added at either Mara North or Alfajiri Villas depending on your available time.
9 Days Kenyan Bush and Beach Safari
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