How to Plan a 10-Day Kenya Safari and Beach Combo?

A 10-day safari and beach combination in Kenya is one of the most rewarding and unforgettable ways to experience the country’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and coastline. Few destinations in the world can offer both world-class safari adventures and tropical white-sand beaches within such close proximity. Kenya is uniquely positioned to provide this ideal contrast—a thrilling wildlife expedition across savannah plains followed by serene relaxation on the warm shores of the Indian Ocean.
Planning a seamless 10-day itinerary requires thoughtful coordination, the right choice of parks, well-timed transitions, and well-selected coastal destinations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler returning for another adventure, this guide will walk you through every step of organizing the perfect Kenya safari and beach holiday.

Why Choose a 10-Day Safari + Beach Combo?

A 10-day itinerary offers the perfect balance—not too rushed, not too long. It gives you enough time to explore at least two major safari parks while leaving several days to relax at the coast.
In ten days, you can:
• experience Kenya’s Big Five wildlife sightings
• visit iconic safari destinations like Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Tsavo
• enjoy game drives, bush dinners, or hot-air balloon safaris
• unwind on Kenya’s pristine coastal beaches
• indulge in snorkeling, dhow cruises, and cultural tours
• enjoy luxury lodges or charming beach boutique hotels
And because Kenya has excellent internal flights, transitioning from safari to beach is easy and convenient.

How to Structure the Ideal 10-Day Safari + Beach Itinerary

Every great safari and beach combo needs a well-balanced structure. Below is the most popular format:

Days 1–6: Safari

Spend the first six days exploring two of Kenya’s top wildlife destinations. You can choose:
• Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru
• Amboseli and Tsavo
• Samburu and Ol Pejeta
• Maasai Mara and Amboseli (ideal for diversity)
These pairings ensure rich wildlife experiences, beautiful landscapes, and iconic sightings.

Days 7–10: Beach

Fly directly from your safari destination or Nairobi to the coast, where you can relax at Diani Beach, Watamu, or Lamu.
This structure gives you thrilling adventure first—then serene relaxation to end your trip.

Best Safari Destinations to Include in Your Itinerary

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s most famous safari destination, known for spectacular wildlife sightings, open savannah scenery, and the Great Migration.
Expect to see:
• big cats (lions, cheetahs, leopards)
• elephants, buffaloes, giraffes
• incredible birdlife
• river crossings (seasonal)
The Mara is ideal for first-time safari travelers and photography lovers.

2. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli sits at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering the most breathtaking wildlife backdrops in Africa.
It is known for:
• large elephant herds
• clear views of Kilimanjaro
• dramatic sunrise shots
• wetlands full of hippos and birds
Amboseli pairs perfectly with Tsavo for a southern Kenya safari route.

3. Tsavo East & Tsavo West

Tsavo is Kenya’s largest conservation area, wild and expansive.
Highlights include:
• red elephants (from the rusty soil)
• lava flows
• Mzima Springs
• rhinos in Ngulia Sanctuary
• fewer crowds than the Mara
Tsavo offers a rugged, authentic wilderness experience.

4. Samburu National Reserve

Samburu is located in northern Kenya and is home to the special “Samburu Five”:
• Grevy’s zebra
• reticulated giraffe
• Somali ostrich
• gerenuk
• Beisa oryx
It’s arid, dramatic, and culturally rich—a unique contrast to the Mara.

5. Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru is famous for:
• rhinos
• flamingos
• Rothschild giraffes
• lions and leopards
It’s a compact park, ideal as a second stop after the Mara.

Best Beach Destinations to Combine With Safari

1. Diani Beach

Diani is Kenya’s most popular beach destination—and for good reason.
Expect:
• powder-white sand
• turquoise waters
• beautiful coral reefs
• luxury resorts and boutique hotels
• water sports and dhow cruises
It’s perfect for couples, honeymooners, and families.

2. Watamu

Watamu offers crystal-clear lagoons and is home to Watamu Marine National Park.
Activities include:
• snorkeling
• dolphin watching
• kitesurfing
• exploring mangroves
Watamu is peaceful, clean, and ideal for nature lovers.

3. Malindi

Malindi combines Swahili culture with Italian influence.
Expect:
• historic sites
• delicious seafood
• golden beaches
It’s relaxed and perfect for food and culture lovers.

4. Lamu Island

For a cultural and romantic escape, Lamu is unmatched.
Enjoy:
• dhow sailing
• ancient Swahili architecture
• narrow stone alleys
• serene beaches
Ideal for honeymooners and travelers seeking tranquility.

10-Day Safari and Beach Sample Itinerary (Perfectly Balanced)

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Land in Nairobi, relax at your hotel, and prepare for your safari adventure.
Optional activities:
• Nairobi National Park
• Karen Blixen Museum
• Giraffe Centre

Days 2–4: Maasai Mara Safari

Fly or drive to the Maasai Mara. Spend three days exploring open plains teeming with wildlife.
Activities:
• sunrise and sunset game drives
• optional hot-air balloon safari
• cultural visit to a Maasai village
• bush breakfasts

Days 5–6: Lake Nakuru or Amboseli

Depending on your pairing choice:

Lake Nakuru route:

Spot rhinos, flamingos, giraffes, and leopards.

Amboseli route:

Enjoy elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro towering in the background.

Day 7: Fly to the Coast (Diani/Watamu/Lamu)

Board a flight from Nairobi or directly from your safari airstrip to the coast.
Most travelers choose Diani for its perfect beaches and luxury hotels.

Days 8–10: Beach Relaxation

Spend your final three days unwinding by the Indian Ocean.
Activities include:
• snorkeling
• spa treatments
• dhow sunset cruises
• dolphin watching
• seafood dinners
As your safari memories settle, the beach offers the perfect time to relax and recharge.

Best Time to Plan a Safari + Beach Combo

Kenya’s weather is ideal almost year-round, but the best months are:
• July to October – Great Migration + sunny beaches
• January to March – warm, dry conditions and clear water
• December – festive season and good beach conditions
Avoid April–May, the long rainy season, especially for beach travel.

Safari and Beach Accommodation Tips

Choose:
• a luxury tented camp or lodge for safari
• a beachfront boutique hotel for the coast
• properties that offer honeymoon or romantic packages if celebrating something special
• hotels with excellent access to activities (marine parks, dhow cruises, spas)

Packages can be tailored to your preferences—luxury, midrange, or budget.

How to Get Around Easily

Flying is the most efficient way to travel between safari parks and the coast.
Options include:
• domestic flights with Air Kenya, Safarilink, or Jambojet
• charter flights for private groups
• road transfers for flexible itineraries

Flying saves time and maximizes your experience.

Planning Tips for a Smooth Trip

• book domestic flights early
• pack both warm safari clothing and light beachwear
• carry sunscreen and a hat
• bring binoculars and camera gear
• choose a reputable tour company
• decide on activities in advance (like balloon safaris)

A combination trip is easy with good planning—and unforgettable with expert guidance.

How to Plan a 10-Day Kenya Safari and Beach Combo

A 10-day Kenya safari and beach holiday offers the best of both worlds—thrilling wildlife encounters and blissful ocean relaxation. From the iconic landscapes of the Maasai Mara and Amboseli to the pristine beaches of Diani and Lamu, this combination itinerary provides a perfect balance of adventure, culture, and serenity.
With seamless internal flights, world-class lodges, and endless activities, Kenya offers one of the most complete and satisfying safari + beach holidays in Africa.

For a stress-free and perfectly customized 10-day safari and beach itinerary—complete with expert guides, smooth transfers, and curated accommodation—book your adventure with Experiya Tour Company. Their dedicated team ensures every moment of your Kenyan escape is beautifully planned and unforgettable.