Nairobi to Mombasa Grand Safari - 7 Days

Your grand Kenya adventure begins with early morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 6:30 AM. Drive southeast on the Mombasa Highway for approximately 5-6 hours (330km) to Tsavo East National Park, Kenya's largest park covering 13,747 square kilometers. Enter through Bachuma Gate and begin your first game drive en route to Ashnil Aruba Lodge. Tsavo East is famous for its red elephants - elephants that take on a distinctive rusty red color from dust bathing in the park's red volcanic soil. The park's vast open plains, acacia scrubland, and riverine forests support diverse wildlife. Arrive at the lodge for lunch and check-in around 1:00 PM. After a siesta during the hot afternoon, embark on your first proper game drive (4:00 PM - 6:30 PM). Search for the park's large elephant herds (some bulls have enormous tusks), lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, various antelope species, and exotic birds including the golden-breasted starling. Visit Aruba Dam, a waterhole attracting wildlife especially during dry season. Return to lodge for dinner and overnight, falling asleep to the sounds of the African bush.

Wake to an early breakfast (6:30 AM) and set out for a full morning game drive (7:00 AM - 11:30 AM) exploring different areas of Tsavo East. Visit the spectacular Lugard Falls on the Galana River where water surges through narrow rock formations creating rapids and whirlpools - a dramatic landscape carved over millennia. Walk along the rocks (carefully) for photos and watch for crocodiles basking on riverbanks. The Galana River, Kenya's longest river (also called Sabaki River), is the park's lifeblood attracting concentrations of wildlife including hippo pods. Return to lodge for lunch and rest during midday heat. Optional: refresh in the swimming pool while watching elephants and other wildlife at the lodge waterhole. Afternoon game drive (4:00 PM - 6:30 PM) focuses on tracking predators as lions become active. Tsavo's famous lions (remember the "Man-Eaters of Tsavo" story?) are maneless or with sparse manes due to the hot climate and thick thorny vegetation. The park's remote wilderness and low tourist numbers provide an authentic, uncrowded safari experience. Enjoy sundowner drinks at a scenic viewpoint before returning for dinner.

After early breakfast and final morning game drive (6:30 AM - 8:30 AM) bidding farewell to Tsavo's wildlife, depart around 9:00 AM for the 4-hour drive to Kenya's south coast and the stunning Diani Beach. Travel through changing landscapes - from arid bushland to increasingly lush coastal vegetation with coconut palms and baobab trees. Pass through Mombasa (optional quick tour of Fort Jesus and Old Town for history enthusiasts, +1 hour) and cross by ferry to the south coast. Arrive at Leopard Beach Resort or similar 4-star beachfront property around 1:00-2:00 PM for check-in. Enjoy welcome drinks and lunch with ocean views. Afternoon at leisure to settle in, explore the pristine 20km stretch of Diani Beach's powdery white sand and turquoise Indian Ocean waters, take your first swim, or relax by the resort pool. The beach is protected by a coral reef creating calm, safe swimming conditions. Walk along the shore watching traditional dhows sail past. Evening at leisure - enjoy fresh seafood dinner at the resort restaurant, perhaps try Swahili dishes like coconut fish curry or grilled prawns. Overnight lulled by ocean waves.

Today's highlight: full-day excursion to Wasini Island and Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park (depart 7:30 AM). Drive 1.5 hours south along the scenic coastal road to Shimoni jetty. Board a traditional dhow (sailing boat) for the journey through mangrove channels to the marine park. Keep watch for bottlenose and humpback dolphins - sightings are common (90%+ chance). Arrive at the marine park for 2-3 hours of spectacular snorkeling among pristine coral gardens teeming with tropical fish: parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, and sometimes sea turtles. The clear waters (visibility 10-20m) reveal colorful coral formations, sea urchins, and small reef sharks. Snorkeling equipment and marine guide provided. After snorkeling, sail to tiny Wasini Island (population ~1,500), one of Kenya's oldest settlements. Enjoy a delicious traditional Swahili seafood lunch (fresh fish, octopus, crab, coconut rice) at a local restaurant. Walk through the village meeting friendly locals, see traditional dhow building, and learn about Swahili culture and the lucrative past ivory and slave trade. Optional: visit the coral gardens at low tide (natural rock pools with marine life). Return to Diani by late afternoon (5:00 PM). Evening free for sunset watching, resort amenities, or exploring Diani's shops and restaurants.

Enjoy a leisurely day at the beach with breakfast and your choice of activities. The resort and beach offer numerous options: relax on sun loungers under palm trees, swim in the calm protected waters, try non-motorized water sports available at the resort (kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing), or book optional motorized activities (jet skiing $40/30min, parasailing $50, kitesurfing lessons). Diani Beach is one of Africa's finest beaches with consistent warm weather, gentle waves, and soft white sand. Walk the beach visiting the Kongo Mosque ruins (14th century) or Diani Beach Art Gallery showcasing local Kenyan artists. Optional activities: visit Colobus Conservation Center to see endangered Angolan colobus monkeys (black and white primates), take a glass-bottom boat ride over coral reefs, book a spa treatment at the resort, or simply read a book with feet in the sand. For adventure seekers: optional kite surfing (Diani is Kenya's kite surfing capital with steady winds June-March) or scuba diving trips. Lunch at resort or explore local beach restaurants serving fresh grilled fish and coconut-infused Swahili cuisine. Afternoon siesta or more beach time. Evening: optional sunset dhow cruise (1.5 hours, $35, advance booking) with drinks and Arabic coffee. Farewell dinner at resort featuring live Swahili taarab music.

Second full day on the coast - your itinerary is completely flexible. Options include: morning yoga on the beach (many resorts offer complimentary sessions), breakfast by the pool, then more beach relaxation or water activities. For culture enthusiasts: optional half-day trip to Mombasa Old Town (50km, 1 hour drive) to explore the atmospheric narrow streets, spice markets, Fort Jesus UNESCO World Heritage Site (16th century Portuguese fort, $12 entry), Akamba woodcarving cooperative, and Haller Park wildlife sanctuary. Or stay local with optional visit to Shimba Hills National Reserve (20km inland, half-day trip $80) - Kenya's only coastal rainforest with elephants, endangered sable antelopes, and Sheldrick Falls (25m waterfall). Most guests prefer to maximize beach time: enjoy long walks collecting shells, try new water sports, indulge in resort spa treatments (massage, facials), or take a romantic beach picnic. The resort typically offers evening entertainment: live bands, acrobatic performances, or bonfire gatherings. Alternatively, venture to Diani's lively strip with restaurants, bars, and nightclubs (Forty Thieves, Sails Beach Bar) for those wanting evening excitement. Overnight at resort.

Enjoy your final breakfast watching the sunrise over the Indian Ocean, and perhaps a last morning swim or beach walk. Check out time is typically 10:00 AM (late check-out possible depending on flight times, extra charge may apply). Depending on your departure plans: Option A - Transfer to Ukunda Airstrip (10 minutes) for domestic flight to Nairobi (1 hour flight, $120-180 per person if booked separately). Option B - Transfer to Moi International Airport in Mombasa (45 minutes drive) for international flights. Option C - Road transfer back to Nairobi (8-9 hours drive, arriving late afternoon/evening). Most guests choose Option A or B. If you have an evening flight, optional last-minute activities include visiting Bombolulu Workshop (handicrafts made by disabled artisans), Mamba Village crocodile farm, or final beachside lunch at Nomad Beach Bar. Your 7-day adventure concludes with memories of thrilling safaris, incredible wildlife, pristine beaches, and the warm hospitality of coastal Kenya. Asante sana (thank you) and karibu tena (welcome again)!