7 Nights 8 Days Maasai Mara and Diani Beach
This safari takes you to Maasai Mara, Kenya's most famous and finest game sanctuary, particularly during the annual wildebeest (gnus) migration. Ballooning is a once in a lifetime DO experience that leaves an everlasting mark in your life. There is little that can match the aesthetic appeal of a huge colourful balloon rising like an airborne lollipop out of the pre-dawn darkness into the first rays of the sun.
We then retreat to Kenya’s most relaxing Diani Beach, voted as one of the top 25 beaches in the world, Diani Beach is the ultimate holiday destination with a wide variety of activities to indulge.
Day 1: Nairobi - Maasai Mara Game Reserve
On this day our representative will pick you up from your Nairobi residence/hotel and drive you to Maasai Mara Game Reserve which is a 4.5hrs drive on a tarmac road up to Sekenani Gate. Arriving in time for lunch, rest up for an hour or so before embarking on an afternoon game drive in this world-renowned game sanctuary. Dinner and overnight stay at one of the lodges or luxury camps within the reserve.
Day 2 & 3: Full Day at Maasai Mara National Game Reserve
We spend full days at this wildlife sanctuary which is home to the big Five (Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino and Leopard).
Did you know that the opposite of the Big Five animals that is a must-see is the Small Five? Here is the other must-see list, the “Little Five”. They are the Elephant Shrew, Ant Lion, Rhinoceros Beetle, Buffalo Weaver and Leopard Tortoise. Do you notice any semblance in the naming?
Other than the big and small five wildlife species found in the savannah plains of the Mara, you will see a variety of the antelope family (grant gazelles, topi, hunt gazelles, the eland, gerenuk among others), cheetah, hyena, python, cobra and an array of bird species. There have been over 400 bird species recorded in this wildlife sanctuary.
The other major phenomenon is the annual wildebeest migration that occurs between July and October in The Maasai Mara - Serengeti National Park ecosystem. Over 3 million wildebeests and zebras are seen migrating from Serengeti into the Kenyan side of Maasai Mara along the Mara River. The greatest live show of crocodiles is in wait for their prey as they navigate across the river in search of greener pastures. A couple of the grazers are caught in the pangs of the cold-blooded leviathan creatures and all this is a special treatment for you the tourist through your natural or optical lenses.
After a fulfilling day in the plains of Mara, we head back to your lodge/camp for an overnight stay and dinner.
Value-addition to the game drives would be indulging in a Hot air balloon safari in Kenya which needs to be pre-booked. This is a special way of aerial game viewing from a hot air balloon basket with a professional pilot. After landing, have a champagne bush breakfast before heading for a ground game drive.
Day 4: Maasai Mara - Diani by domestic flight
After breakfast, catch a 1.5hrs flight to Diani Beach Kenya where our representative will be waiting to meet and transfer you to a beachfront tourist property.
Enjoy an afternoon of bliss at your leisure. All meals and selected drinks are provided by the beach hotel.
Day 5, 6, 7: Diani Beach Hotel - Kenyan South Coast
You spend the days at your own leisure
In Diani, there are numerous activities that you can indulge in; including but not limited to Snorkelling, Dolphin excursions to Kisite Mpunguti Island, half-day game drive at the nearby Shimba Hills National Reserve among others.
All meals and selected drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks) are provided.
The choice of hotels and beach properties will vary from Southern Palm Beach Resort, Baobab Beach Resort & Spa, Neptune Hotels, Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, and Swahili Beach Resort.
Day 8: Diani - Nairobi - Onward destination
After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Ukunda Airport in time to catch your flight back to Nairobi and your outbound destination.
End of your bush and beach Safari!
INCLUSIONS:
- Rates are per person
- Meet & greet services
- Return 4WD land cruiser transfers to the Maasai Mara
- Comprehensive game drives in the Mara Ecosystem
- Services of our English Speaking Driver Guide for the Mara Safari
- Accommodation and meal plan as reflected above respectively
- Return e-tickets (Nairobi – Diani)
- Return airport transfers in Diani
- Complimentary Bottled water in the safari vehicle
- Packed Lunch on transit from Maasai Mara
- Applicable Government taxes
EXCLUSIONS:
- Visa & related fees
- Return flights into/out of Nairobi
- Park entry fees
- Airport transfers in Nairobi,
- Medical, Travel & Personal Insurance Cover,
- Extra Drinks & Meals,
- Room upgrades, items of a personal nature,
- Hot air balloon flights (can be arranged at an extra cost of USD 470 per person),
- Tips and gratuities,
- Any other item not mentioned in the inclusions.
