8 Days 7 Nights Kenya Private Safari – Masai Mara to Diani Beach

8 Day Kenya Safari to Diani Overview

Explore Kenya from the Masai Mara to the Indian Ocean on this 8-day Kenya safari to Diani from Nairobi. The journey combines the wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo West and Tsavo East before finishing with a private transfer to Diani Beach.

The route includes two nights in the Masai Mara, one night at Lake Naivasha, two nights in Amboseli, one night in Tsavo West and one night in Tsavo East. Throughout the safari, your party travels in a private customized 4×4 Land Cruiser with a professional driver-guide. Standard park fees, selected mid-range accommodation, meals listed in the itinerary and the Lake Naivasha experience are included.

This safari includes a Diani Beach drop-off, not a Diani hotel stay. Guests who want to continue with a beach holiday can ask Tunza Tours to add Diani accommodation after Day 8.

Safari Highlights

  • 8 days / 7 nights from Nairobi to Diani Beach
  • 2 nights in the Masai Mara
  • 1 night at Lake Naivasha
  • 2 nights in Amboseli
  • 1 night in Tsavo West
  • 1 night in Tsavo East
  • Private customized 4×4 Land Cruiser
  • Full-day Masai Mara game drive
  • Lake Naivasha boat safari
  • Guided Crescent Island nature walk
  • Full-day Amboseli game drive
  • Mzima Springs experience in Tsavo West
  • Tsavo East game drives and red-elephant country
  • Standard park and reserve fees included
  • Meals as detailed in the itinerary
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Nairobi pickup and Diani Beach drop-off
  • Resident and non-resident rates
  • Optional balloon safari and Hell’s Gate visit

Safari at a Glance

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations: Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Tsavo West & Tsavo East
Start Point: Nairobi
End Point: Diani Beach
Safari Type: Private Mid-Range Safari
Vehicle: Private customized 4×4 Land Cruiser
Masai Mara: 2 Nights
Lake Naivasha: 1 Night
Amboseli: 2 Nights
Tsavo West: 1 Night
Tsavo East: 1 Night
Naivasha Activities: Boat safari + Crescent Island guided walk
Accommodation: Selected mid-range lodges and tented camps
Meals: As listed in the itinerary
Park Fees: Included for the standard confirmed itinerary
Starting Price: From USD 1,995 pp
Price Basis: 6–7 guests on selected low-season departures
Kenyan Citizen Rate: From KES 159,500 pp
Diani Accommodation: Not included unless added
Customization: Available before confirmation

Safari Route

Nairobi → Masai Mara → Lake Naivasha → Amboseli → Tsavo West → Tsavo East → Diani Beach

The route moves progressively from Nairobi towards Kenya’s South Coast. This avoids returning to Nairobi after Tsavo and makes the safari particularly convenient for travelers planning a beach holiday in Diani.

Driving times remain approximate because traffic, park gates, road conditions, weather and accommodation locations can affect the schedule.

Why Choose This 8 Day Safari?

This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to see several contrasting parts of Kenya before continuing to the coast. The Masai Mara offers classic savannah wildlife, Naivasha adds a water and walking experience, Amboseli introduces elephants and Kilimanjaro scenery, and Tsavo West and East offer volcanic landscapes, springs, and vast red-earth plains.

The route also works geographically. Instead of completing the safari and returning to Nairobi, you continue through Tsavo towards Diani. This avoids unnecessary backtracking.

Because the safari is private, your Land Cruiser remains dedicated to your party. This offers more flexibility than a group-joining safari while keeping the package below luxury-safari pricing.

Wildlife Experience

The Masai Mara provides opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas and other plains wildlife. Seasonal migration activity may occur at certain times of year, although herd locations and river crossings cannot be predicted.

Amboseli is especially known for large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro when weather conditions are clear. Tsavo West adds volcanic scenery, Mzima Springs and varied wildlife, while Tsavo East is famous for its immense landscapes and elephants often stained red by the park’s soil.

Lake Naivasha provides a different experience altogether. Instead of another conventional game drive, the standard itinerary combines a boat safari with a guided walk on Crescent Island.

Accommodation

The standard package uses selected mid-range lodges and tented camps with private bathrooms and meals as per the itinerary.

Masai Mara – Mara Leisure Camp or Similar

Spend two nights at Mara Leisure Camp or a comparable mid-range safari camp. The property provides comfortable tented accommodation and a convenient base for your Mara game drives.

Lake Naivasha – Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp or Similar

Spend one night in the Naivasha area after your boat and Crescent Island activities. The accommodation provides en-suite rooms or tents and convenient access to the lake.

Amboseli – Kibo Safari Camp or Similar

Spend two nights near Amboseli National Park. Kibo Safari Camp or a comparable property provides comfortable tented accommodation and practical access to the park.

Tsavo West – Ngulia Safari Lodge or Similar

Spend one night inside or close to Tsavo West. The location provides a convenient base for Mzima Springs and game viewing through the park’s distinctive volcanic landscape.

Tsavo East – Voi Safari Lodge or Similar

Your final safari night is spent in the Tsavo East area. The lodge provides convenient access to wildlife areas and positions you well for the final journey to Diani.

All properties remain subject to availability. Tunza Tours will confirm the accommodation before payment and will not substitute a property with a different category without informing you.

Transportation

The standard package includes a private customized 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing and photography.

The vehicle remains exclusively with your party from Nairobi through the safari and onward towards Diani. A professional driver-guide handles road transfers and game drives throughout the itinerary.

Soft-sided luggage is recommended because storage space remains limited, especially when six or seven guests share one Land Cruiser.

8 Day Kenya Safari to Diani Price

From USD 1,995 Per Person Sharing

The lowest advertised rate applies when 6–7 guests travel together in one private 4×4 Land Cruiser on selected low-season departures.

Private safari costs decrease per person as the group grows because the vehicle, fuel, and driver-guide costs are shared among more travelers.

Non-Resident Private Safari Rates

Group Size Green / Low Season Regular / Shoulder Peak / Migration
2 Guests USD 2,795 pp USD 3,095 pp USD 3,495 pp
3 Guests USD 2,395 pp USD 2,695 pp USD 3,095 pp
4 Guests USD 2,195 pp USD 2,495 pp USD 2,895 pp
5 Guests USD 2,095 pp USD 2,395 pp USD 2,795 pp
6–7 Guests USD 1,995 pp USD 2,295 pp USD 2,695 pp

Christmas, New Year and other festive dates are quoted separately.

Rates are per person sharing accommodation and apply to the standard package described on this page. Pricing varies based on your dates, room arrangement, confirmed accommodation, and traveler category.

Kenyan Citizen and Resident Rates

Kenyan citizen rates start from approximately KES 159,500 per person sharing when 6–7 guests travel together on selected low-season dates.

Smaller private groups receive a customized quotation because the Land Cruiser and driver-guide costs are divided among fewer travelers. Eligible Kenya and EAC residents also receive dedicated quotations using the applicable park and accommodation rates.

Tunza Tours does not simply convert the international USD rate into Kenyan shillings.

What Your Quotation Will Confirm

Before payment, Tunza Tours will confirm your total price, group size, accommodation, room arrangements, private Land Cruiser, applicable park fees, meal plan, Naivasha activities and final Diani drop-off point.

Diani hotel accommodation will only appear in the quotation if you request a beach extension.

Optional Activities

Masai Mara Hot-Air Balloon Safari

Add an early-morning balloon flight over the Masai Mara at additional cost. Flights depend on availability and weather conditions.

Maasai Cultural Visit

A respectful cultural visit can be arranged in the Mara or Amboseli region. This activity costs extra unless specifically included in your quotation.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Guests interested in cycling, walking or the volcanic landscape around Hell’s Gate can request an adapted Naivasha schedule. I recommend keeping it optional rather than forcing both Hell’s Gate and the lake activities into an already busy transfer day.

Diani Beach Extension

Tunza Tours can add one or more nights at Diani after Day 8. Options can range from value hotels to beachfront, all-inclusive and premium resorts.

Domestic Flight Back to Nairobi

If your holiday ends after Diani, Tunza Tours can arrange a flight from Ukunda Airstrip to Nairobi at additional cost.

Best Time to Travel

The route operates throughout the year. January to March generally offers warm, relatively dry conditions, while April and May bring greener scenery, fewer safari vehicles and often better accommodation value.

July to October is the busiest period, particularly in the Masai Mara, because visitors hope to experience seasonal wildebeest movements. However, migration timing and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.

November and early December can offer greener landscapes and good resident wildlife viewing. Christmas and New Year usually attract higher accommodation rates and should be booked well in advance.

What to Carry

  • Passport or valid identification
  • Proof of residency when using a resident rate
  • Soft-sided travel bag
  • Small day bag
  • Lightweight safari clothing
  • Warm layer for early mornings
  • Comfortable closed shoes
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera or smartphone
  • Binoculars
  • Power bank
  • Personal medication
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Travel-insurance information
  • Beach clothing if continuing your holiday in Diani

Good to Know Before Booking

This itinerary covers considerable distance. It suits travelers who want to see several different parts of Kenya and are comfortable with road transfers between destinations.

The route has deliberately been kept realistic. Lake Naivasha includes the boat safari and Crescent Island rather than forcing too many activities into one day. At the same time, Diani is clearly treated as the end point rather than an included beach stay.

Wildlife moves freely, and weather can obscure Mount Kilimanjaro. Please note that Tunza Tours cannot guarantee the Big Five, a migration river crossing, predator activity, or a clear view of the mountain.

Booking and Payment

To get an accurate quote, please share your preferred dates, number of travelers, children’s ages, nationality or residency category, room arrangement, and the intended Diani drop-off point.

Because this is a private safari, group size directly affects the per-person price. We’ll confirm the correct rate for your party rather than applying the six- to seven-person rate to every booking.

Your final quotation will confirm accommodation, vehicle, park fees, Naivasha activities, meals and Diani transfer before payment.

Cancellation and Changes

Cancellation and amendment conditions depend on your travel season, accommodation and supplier policies. Peak, migration and festive bookings may carry stricter payment or cancellation terms.

Tunza Tours will provide the applicable conditions before payment. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does the 8-day Kenya safari to Diani cost?

Rates start from USD 1,995 per person when 6-7 guests travel together on selected low-season dates. A private low-season safari for two guests starts from approximately USD 2,795 pp.

2. Why does the price change with group size?

A private Land Cruiser, guide and fuel carry substantial fixed costs. More travelers sharing one vehicle reduces the cost per person.

3. Is this safari private?

Yes. Your party has exclusive use of a customized 4×4 Land Cruiser.

4. Is Diani Beach accommodation included?

No. The standard eight-day package ends with drop-off in Diani. Tunza Tours can add beach accommodation if required.

5. Are park fees included?

Yes. Standard park and reserve fees required for the confirmed itinerary are included.

6. Are Kenyan resident rates available?

Yes. Kenyan citizen rates start from approximately KES 159,500 pp for larger private groups on selected low-season dates.

7. Where will we stay?

Preferred properties include Mara Leisure Camp, Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp, Kibo Safari Camp, Ngulia Safari Lodge and Voi Safari Lodge or comparable alternatives.

8. How many nights are spent in the Masai Mara?

Two nights, with an afternoon game drive on Day 1 and a full-day safari on Day 2.

9. Is a Lake Naivasha boat safari included?

Yes. The standard itinerary includes a Lake Naivasha boat safari and a guided walk on Crescent Island.

10. Is Hell’s Gate included?

Not in the standard package. It can be added, but the Naivasha schedule should be adjusted to avoid making the day unnecessarily rushed.

11. How many nights are spent in Amboseli?

Two nights, including an arrival-afternoon drive and a full safari day.

12. Do we visit both Tsavo West and Tsavo East?

Yes. You spend one night in each park.

13. Can children join?

Yes. Child rates depend on age, room arrangements and applicable park fees.

14. Can solo travelers book?

Yes, although the price is higher because one traveler carries the private vehicle and single-room costs.

15. Can we see the Big Five?

The route gives you opportunities to see many of Kenya’s best-known wildlife species, including members of the Big Five. Specific sightings cannot be guaranteed.

16. Can we see the Great Migration?

Seasonal wildebeest activity may occur in the Masai Mara, particularly during the popular migration months, but timing and river crossings vary each year.

17. Can I add a Diani beach holiday?

Yes. Tunza Tours can add hotel nights, meal plans, airport transfers and coastal excursions after the safari.

18. Can Tunza arrange my return from Diani to Nairobi?

Yes. We can quote a flight from Ukunda to Nairobi, an SGR arrangement from Mombasa, or a separate road transfer.

Why Book With Tunza Tours?

This safari combines five distinct wildlife and nature areas while following a logical route from Nairobi to Kenya’s South Coast. Private 4×4 transport, standard park fees, seven nights of accommodation and Naivasha activities are clearly identified before payment.

The pricing also makes the lowest advertised rate transparent by showing that USD 1,995 applies to a larger private group, rather than presenting one misleading price for every booking size.

Tunza Tours operates in Kenya under a Tourism Regulatory Authority License.

Request Your 8 Day Kenya Safari to Diani Quote

Please send your preferred dates, number of travelers, children’s ages, residency status, room preference, and Diani drop-off location.

Tunza Tours will confirm your accommodation, private 4×4 Land Cruiser and correct group-size rate before payment.

Get a Free Quote

Included/Excluded

  • Transport in a comfortable safari vehicle
  • Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Accommodation throughout the safari
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Game drives as outlined in the itinerary
  • Park entry fees unless stated otherwise in your quotation
  • Pick-up in Nairobi
  • Bottled drinking water during the safari
  • Drop-off at your preferred beach resort in Diani
  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa fees where applicable
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks unless otherwise specified
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Diani beach accommodation unless included in your quotation
  • Extra accommodation before or after the safari
  • Any item not mentioned as included
  • Optional activities

Tour Plan

Day 1 Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve

Approximate Distance: 270–290 km
Estimated Driving Time: 5.5–6.5 hours
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mara Leisure Camp or similar

Your safari begins with a morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel, residence or agreed airport location. Travel towards the Great Rift Valley and stop briefly at a viewpoint before continuing through Narok towards the Masai Mara.

Arrive around lunchtime or early afternoon, depending on traffic and road conditions. After check-in and lunch, head into the reserve for your first game drive.

Explore the open plains while looking for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes and predators such as lions and cheetahs. Later, return to camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 2 Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Activity: Full-Day Private Game Drive
Accommodation: Mara Leisure Camp or similar

After breakfast, leave with a packed picnic lunch and spend the day exploring the Masai Mara.

Your driver-guide will choose suitable areas according to recent wildlife sightings, animal movement and road conditions. Depending on the route, you may explore open plains, river systems and other productive wildlife habitats.

During migration season, large wildebeest and zebra herds may occur in parts of the wider Mara ecosystem. However, crossings and exact herd locations remain natural events and cannot be guaranteed.

Enjoy lunch at an approved picnic area before continuing with the afternoon drive. Return to camp later for dinner.

Day 3 Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha

Estimated Driving Time: 4.5–5.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp or similar

After breakfast, check out and leave the Masai Mara for Lake Naivasha. The standard itinerary does not add another Mara game drive on this morning, helping avoid unnecessary reserve costs and giving you enough time for the Naivasha activities.

After arrival and lunch, take a boat safari on Lake Naivasha. Look for hippos and birdlife such as fish eagles, pelicans and cormorants before continuing to Crescent Island.

A guided nature walk provides opportunities to see giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, gazelles and other animals on foot in a suitable setting. Later, transfer to your accommodation for dinner.

Day 4 Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park

Estimated Driving Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Safari Camp or similar

Enjoy breakfast before departing Lake Naivasha for Amboseli National Park. The journey passes Nairobi before continuing south towards the Kenya–Tanzania border region.

After arrival and lunch, enter Amboseli for an afternoon game drive. Explore open plains and wetland areas while looking for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife.

When conditions are clear, Mount Kilimanjaro creates an impressive backdrop beyond the park.

Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 5 Full Day in Amboseli National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Activity: Full-Day Private Game Drive
Accommodation: Kibo Safari Camp or similar

After breakfast, spend a full day exploring Amboseli National Park.

Your guide will select the route according to wildlife activity and conditions. Amboseli's wetlands often attract elephants and buffaloes, while giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes and numerous bird species occur across the surrounding plains.

Enjoy a picnic lunch during the safari before continuing through the afternoon. Later, return to camp for dinner.

Day 6 Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park

Estimated Driving Time: Approximately 2.5–3.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ngulia Safari Lodge or similar

After breakfast, leave Amboseli and travel towards Tsavo West National Park.

The landscape changes noticeably as you enter Tsavo, with volcanic terrain, lava formations, woodland and expansive wilderness. Visit Mzima Springs, where clear spring water supports fish, hippos and other wildlife.

Continue with game viewing through Tsavo West before heading to your lodge. Depending on timing and conditions, your guide may explore additional wildlife areas during the afternoon.

Enjoy dinner and overnight in Tsavo West.

Day 7 Tsavo West to Tsavo East National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Voi Safari Lodge or similar

After breakfast, leave Tsavo West and continue towards Tsavo East National Park.

Tsavo East is known for its broad landscapes, red soil and elephants that often appear reddish after dust bathing. Other wildlife may include buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lions and numerous bird species.

After lunch and check-in, head out for an afternoon game drive. Depending on your lodge location and wildlife activity, the route may include areas around Aruba Dam and other productive habitats.

Return to the lodge for your final safari dinner.

Day 8 Tsavo East National Park to Diani Beach

Estimated Driving Time: Approximately 4–5.5 hours depending on lodge and traffic
Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and beginning the journey towards Kenya's South Coast.

Where timing and the confirmed park permit allow, you may view wildlife while driving towards the park exit. However, the standard itinerary does not promise a separate full morning game drive that could create an additional park charge.

Continue towards Diani Beach, where your driver will drop you at your confirmed hotel, resort or another agreed location.

The safari ends in Diani. Beach accommodation is not included unless it has been added to your quotation.

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