Few countries let you go from lions on the savannah to warm Indian Ocean water in a single trip. Kenya does it easily, and it’s the trip we’re asked for most.
How many days do you need?
- 5 days: 2 nights on safari and 2–3 nights at the coast. Tight but doable if you fly.
- 7 days (our favourite): 3–4 nights across one or two parks, then 3 nights at the beach.
- 10 days and up: two or three parks, plus a slow week on the coast.
Getting from the bush to the beach
- Fly: domestic flights link the Mara and Nairobi to Ukunda (for Diani) and Mombasa. Fastest, and the views are spectacular.
- SGR plus road: the Madaraka Express from Nairobi to Mombasa, then about an hour by road and the Likoni ferry to Diani. Great value, especially for families and groups.
- Amboseli or Tsavo to the coast by road: a scenic route that breaks up the journey.
Which beach?
- Diani: long white sand, calm reef water, skydiving and kitesurfing. Lively and easy.
- Watamu and Malindi: marine parks, turtles and Italian-style seafood.
- Lamu: no cars, dhows and Swahili heritage. Slow and magical.
Do the safari first
End on the beach, not the other way round. Safari days start before sunrise, and you’ll be ready for long mornings by the sea after a few days of early game drives.
Add an adventure
- A tandem skydive over Diani’s reef, from about USD 350.
- A dolphin and snorkel trip to the Kisite-Mpunguti marine park.
- A sunset dhow cruise in Lamu.
Our Safari to Shore package is built around this exact idea.
