7-Day Mara & Diani Beach Holiday – Safari Then Tropical Coast

The holiday starts with the private road journey from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara. The arrival-afternoon game drive introduces the reserve’s open grassland and wildlife habitats. The guide follows the viewing opportunities available that afternoon, allowing time to watch animal behaviour and become familiar with the Mara landscape. The outing returns to the Mara base for the first of three nights, with two full wildlife days still ahead.

Morning and afternoon private game drives explore the Maasai Mara, separated by a rest at the safari base. The guide selects viewing areas according to wildlife movements and permitted access, looking across the open plains and riverine habitats for the animals present. The day gives the party time to observe behaviour and return to promising areas without treating the Big Five or a river crossing as a checklist. The safari returns to the Mara base for the second night.

A second full Mara day adds another morning and afternoon of private game viewing. The programme builds on the previous day’s discoveries, with the guide able to revisit a productive area or explore a different permitted part of the reserve. Observation time follows the wildlife encountered, whether the focus is grazing herds, predators, birds or the wider savannah landscape. The day ends at the same Mara base for the third night before the coastal flight.

The programme transfers from the Mara base to the departure airstrip for the included domestic flight to Ukunda. The booked flight service may use intermediate stops; this is not an exclusive charter flight. On arrival at Ukunda, the agreed road transfer continues to Diani. The remaining part of the day is free at the coastal base, with time to settle into the change from savannah game viewing to the Indian Ocean shoreline.

The included Kisite-Mpunguti snorkelling excursion takes place on a shared boat. The excursion begins with the arranged transfers and the crew’s equipment and participation briefing before the marine outing. Snorkelling explores the reef environment along the route used by the booked service, while the crew supervises the water activity. The precise marine programme follows the safe sea and tide conditions; particular wildlife sightings are not promised. The excursion returns to the Diani base. Additional resort watersports remain optional and separately charged.

The day provides free time at Diani before the included shared sunset dhow cruise. The cruise offers a different perspective on the coast from the beach, with the crew directing the departure and on-board programme. Tide and safe marine conditions shape the outing, while the changing coastal light forms part of the experience. After the cruise, the programme returns to the Diani base for the final coastal night. Activities beyond the included cruise remain optional and separately charged.

Checkout is followed by the agreed departure transfer from Diani to the departure point arranged for the booking. This completes the seven-day holiday after the Mara safari and coastal stay. The earlier Mara-Ukunda flight is the included flight within this programme; onward flights are separate arrangements. The final transfer connects the Diani base with the agreed onward departure rather than adding another scheduled sightseeing excursion.