Safari first, beach afterwards
Put the safari first: departures are early, days long and dusty, and finishing on the beach lets you recover before the flight home. Beach first only works if the safari is very short, since you leave from Nairobi, at the other end of the country from Diani. Details of a three-day safari: see safari in Kenya in 3 days and Masai Mara safari from Nairobi.
How to get from the safari to the beach
There are three options:
| Option | Approximate duration | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Nairobi to Ukunda (Diani) | about 1 h | Most travellers |
| SGR train Nairobi-Mombasa, then transfer | half a day by train plus 1.5 to 2 h by road | Train lovers, small budgets |
| Road from Nairobi to Mombasa | a long day | Not recommended |
The flight to Ukunda has a Jambojet launch announcement; I did not find a confirmed 2026 timetable: check flights before booking. To compare modes of transport, see flight or road for a safari and the SGR train.
How long to allow
- 7 days: 3 nights in the Masai Mara, 1 night in Nairobi, 3 nights in Diani.
- 10 days: 3 to 4 nights in the Masai Mara, a stop at Amboseli or Lake Naivasha, 4 to 5 nights at the beach. See the full itinerary Kenya in 10 days.
- If you have fewer than 6 days, choose: Masai Mara or Amboseli with a nearer beach, or a beach only.
Which season
The best time for the migration in the Masai Mara (July to October) also matches the coast's dry season, with kitesurfing winds. The long rains of April-May bring low prices but showers and difficult roads: see the best time for a safari.
Sea excursions to add
From Diani, the Wasini excursion and the Kisite-Mpunguti marine park are the classics of the south coast; another two-day safari to Tsavo from Mombasa is possible. For the north coast, see Watamu and Malindi.
Budget and preparation
Plan an overall budget with travel budget for Kenya and choose your nights with where to stay in Kenya. Also think about malaria prevention before leaving: see vaccines and malaria. Keep domestic flight tickets in your hand luggage, and respect the soft-bag limit of small bush planes.
Going further
Diani Beach, the Masai Mara National Reserve and money and tipping in Kenya complete the preparation.
