9 Day Kenya Safari Amboseli Tsavo East & Diani Beach Mombasa
This 9-Day Kenya Beach & Bush Safari combines two of the most popular travel regions in Kenya – Amboseli and Tsavo East with a beach vacation in Diani Beach, situated on the South Coast of Mombasa.
Spend two days on safari in Amboseli National Park, overlooked by Mt Kilimanjaro, with game drives to experience the abundant wildlife. From Amboseli, we move on to Tsavo East National Park, where we spend two days on wildlife viewing drives looking for Lions and Elephants.
Then we drive south to the beautiful tropical, palm-fringed beaches, south of Mombasa. We stay in a resort in Diani Beach, located on the shores of the warm Indian Ocean. Numerous activities are on offer, along with plenty of time to relax.
Starting in Nairobi and ending in Mombasa, the tour opens with game drives in Amboseli National Park, a relatively small reserve in southern Kenya on the border of Kenya and Tanzania.
Overlooked by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, Amboseli is one of Kenya’s oldest wildlife reserves. Its fame has spread, and it is one of Kenya’s most popular parks, especially for up-close encounters with the vast herds of elephants here.
Amboseli’s big skies and sweeping horizons attract a variety of animals, particularly plains-loving species such as Antelopes, Spotted Hyenas, Jackals, Warthogs, Olive Baboons, and Vervet Monkeys. Its swamps are home to hippos and Buffalo and provide a great spot for elephants to wallow.
Leave Amboseli behind and head for Tsavo East National Park, Kenya’s largest National Park and home to all of the Big Five, largest Elephant herds in the country, as well as large prides of Lions.
Early morning and late afternoon wildlife viewing drives let you spot the bounty of animals found here, such as red Elephant, Caracal, African Wildcat, Cheetah, Bat-eared Fox, Hyena, Jackal, leopard, and Mongoose.
Other wildlife species include Aardwolf, Baboon, Bushbuck, Dik-dik, Duiker, Eland, Gazelle, Genet, Giraffe, Hartebeest, Hyrax, Impala, Klipspringer, Kudu, Oryx, Porcupine, Warthog, Waterbuck, Zebra, and many smaller species.
Birdwatchers also have plenty to be excited for, with over 500 species of birds found within Tsavo East National Park. The ostrich is the largest; however, they are accompanied by kingfishers, Hornbills, Herons, Starlings, Weavers, Buzzards, Kestrels, among others.
Finish off your safari adventure with relaxing days in Diani Beach, a popular beach on the southern coast of Kenya’s Indian Ocean. You will be spoilt for choice with the hotel’s activities, though some may cost extra.
These activities include swimming, snorkeling, a PADI diving school, nature walks, a floodlit tennis court, volleyball, a squash court, a fitness center, pool games, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, Petanque, table tennis, water aerobics, windsurfing, pool tables and bird watching.
Also available are the Wasini/Kisite Island Marine National Park, an 18-hole golf course, shops/supermarkets, casinos, and nightclubs.
Day-by-Day Itinerary and Timing
Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
0730 Hours – 0745 Hours: Pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
0745 Hours – 1145 Hours: Scenic drive south toward Amboseli National Park (approx. 4 hours)
1145 Hours – 1230 Hours: Park entry clearance and game drive en route to the lodge
1230 Hours – 1530 Hours: Check-in, hot lunch, and leisure time at a camp like Kibo Safari Camp
1530 Hours – 1800 Hours: Afternoon game drive across swamps and open plains to view large elephant herds against Mount Kilimanjaro
1800 Hours: Return to camp for dinner and overnight
Day 2: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
0630 Hours – 0830 Hours: Early morning game drive when predators are active, and Kilimanjaro is clearest
0830 Hours – 0930 Hours: Breakfast at the lodge
1000 Hours – 1300 Hours: Mid-morning game drive exploring marshes, or an optional cultural visit to a local Maasai village
1300 Hours – 1530 Hours: Lunch and midday relaxation by the pool
1530 Hours – 1800 Hours: Late afternoon game drive tracking lions, cheetahs, and buffaloes
1800 Hours: Sunset return to camp for dinner and overnight
Day 3: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park
0700 Hours – 0800 Hours: Breakfast and check-out
0800 Hours – 1030 Hours: Drive from Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park via Kimana Gate (approx. 2.5 hours)
1030 Hours – 1230 Hours: Morning game drive entering the park, heading toward Mzima Springs to view hippos and underwater fish
1230 Hours – 1530 Hours: Check-in and hot lunch at a lodge like Ngulia Safari Lodge with time to rest
1530 Hours – 1800 Hours: Afternoon visit to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary and game viewing through volcanic rock terrain
1800 Hours: Dinner and overnight at your Tsavo West lodge
Day 4: Tsavo West to Tsavo East National Park
0700 Hours – 0800 Hours: Breakfast and check-out
0800 Hours – 1100 Hours: Drive east toward Tsavo East National Park (approx. 2 to 3 hours)
1100 Hours – 1300 Hours: Enter through the gates for morning game drives, searching for the famous red dust-bath elephants
1300 Hours – 1530 Hours: Check-in and lunch at your booked safari lodge or tented camp in Tsavo East
1530 Hours – 1830 Hours: Afternoon game drive visiting hotspots like Aruba Dam where wildlife gathers to drink
1830 Hours: Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight
Day 5: Tsavo East to Diani Beach
0630 Hours – 0800 Hours: Early morning game drive in Tsavo East
0800 Hours – 0900 Hours: Breakfast and check-out
0900 Hours – 1330 Hours: Scenic road transfer down the Mombasa-Nairobi highway and across to the South Coast, arriving at Diani Beach
1330 Hours onwards: Check-in at your beach resort (such as Diani Sea Resort) for a late hot lunch, followed by an afternoon of relaxing on the white sands
Days 6, 7 & 8: Leisure and Exploration at Diani Beach
All Day: Spend these days at your own pace. Relax by the pool or the Indian Ocean beach
Optional Activities: Book a dhow cruise and snorkeling trip to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park near Wasini Island, or try scuba diving and kite surfing
Day 9: Diani Beach to Mombasa/ Departure
0730 Hours – 0900 Hours: Leisurely breakfast at your resort.
0900 Hours – 1130 Hours: Check out and transfer from Diani Beach to Moi International Airport in Mombasa or the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) station for onward travel back to Nairobi or home.
9-Day Kenya Safari and Diani Beach routing timetable
| Day | Start | Destination | Travel Time & Mode | Highlights & Key Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nairobi | Amboseli National Park | ~4 hours (Road / Safari Jeep) | Morning drive via the Mombasa highway; afternoon game drive looking for large elephant herds under Mount Kilimanjaro. |
| Day 2 | Amboseli | Amboseli | Local Game Drives | Full-day exploration. Dawn game drive for the best Kilimanjaro views, visiting the Enkongo Narok swamp. |
| Day 3 | Amboseli | Tsavo East National Park | ~4.5 hours (Road / Safari Jeep) | Drive east via Emali/Voi; afternoon game drive spotting the famous “Red Elephants” of Tsavo and the Aruba Dam. |
| Day 4 | Tsavo East | Tsavo East | Local Game Drives | Full-day game tracking. Focus on large predators (Tsavo lions), giraffes, and birdlife along the Galana River. |
| Day 5 | Tsavo East | Diani Beach (Mombasa) | ~3.5 to 4 hours (Road / Jeep) | Depart after breakfast. Drive through the scenic southern bypass directly to Diani to avoid downtown Mombasa traffic. |
| Day 6 | Diani Beach | Diani Beach | Leisure | Relax on the beach, explore the white sands, or swim in the turquoise Indian Ocean. |
| Day 7 | Diani Beach | Diani Beach | Leisure | Optional water sports, scuba diving, or a day trip to Wasini Island for dolphin tracking. |
| Day 8 | Diani Beach | Diani Beach | Leisure | Relaxing at an all-inclusive beach resort, local shopping, or visiting the sacred Kaya Kinondo forest. |
| Day 9 | Diani Beach | Nairobi / Departure | ~1 hour (Domestic Flight) | Transfer to Ukunda Airstrip (Diani) for a domestic flight back to Nairobi to connect with your international flight home. |
Safari Itinerary in Summary
Day 1: Nairobi – Drive to Amboseli National Park
Day 2: Explore Amboseli National Park
Day 3: Amboseli – Drive to Tsavo East National Park
Day 4: Explore Tsavo East National Park
Day 5: Tsavo East – Drive to Diani Beach Mombasa
Day 6: Diani Beach Mombasa
Day 7: Diani Beach Mombasa
Day 8: Diani Beach Mombasa
Day 9: Diani Beach – Transfer to Moi Airport – Depart
Safari Itinerary in Detail
Day 1: Nairobi – Drive to Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, we head south to Amboseli National Park and arrive in time for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive within Amboseli National Park, which lies at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and offers scenic backgrounds for photography. Amboseli is world-famous among African safari destinations for its large mammal populations.
The swamps are a center of activity for Elephants, Hippos, buffaloes, and abundant water birds. The surrounding flat grasslands are home to grazing Antelopes. Spotted Hyenas are plentiful, as are Jackals, Warthogs, olive Baboons and Vervet Monkeys.
No longer present in their original numbers, Lions can still be found in Amboseli, though the famous black-maned Lions have long since disappeared, as have the black Rhinos that were once so plentiful.
Overnight Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Amboseli Ol Tukai Lodge or Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 2: Explore Amboseli National Park
We awaken to the sights and sounds of big game country and, if we’re lucky, to a view of Kilimanjaro often unclouded in the early morning sky. In addition to elephants, Antelope, Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, and the rare Black Rhino.
Amboseli is sought after by travelers in the know for its breathtaking scenery and easily approachable wildlife. Safari animals include: Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Elephant, Zebra, Hippo, spotted and striped Hyena, Maasai Giraffe, Oryx, Wildebeest, Gerenuk, Impala and Grant’s Gazelle.
Bird life is abundant, especially in the vicinity of the lakes and swamps where a great variety of water birds may be seen. Over 425 bird species have been recorded here, including over 40 species of birds of prey.
Just after daybreak, we venture into the crisp morning air in search of the great herds. Our game drives are sure to reveal great wonders.
Overnight Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Amboseli Ol Tukai Lodge or Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 3: Amboseli – Drive to Tsavo East National Park
Today, after breakfast, we leave Amboseli behind and head for Tsavo East National Park, located southeast of Kenya near the Town of Voi in the Taita-Taveta District of Coast Province. The park is renowned for its large numbers of Elephants and the famous Man-Eating Lions (during the construction of the Kenya/Uganda Railway in 1890).
Upon arrival in Tsavo East, we proceed on a game drive en route to the lodge/camp. After lunch, we relax before taking an afternoon game drive.
During our wildlife viewing drive, we might see Red Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, pods of Hippo, Crocodile, Waterbuck, lesser Kudu, Gerenuk, and prolific birdlife, with 500 recorded species.
Overnight Accommodation: Voi Safari Lodge, Voi Wildlife Lodge, Ashnil Aruba Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 4: Explore Tsavo East National Park
Wake up for an early game drive, later return to the hotel for breakfast, then proceed to Tsavo West National Park. Arrive at the lodge for lunch. Tsavo West National Park is more mountainous and wetter than its counterpart, with swamps, Lake Jipe and the Mzima Springs.
Mzima Springs is home to abundant Nile crocodiles and hippos and a popular drinking spot for Elephant, Zebra and Gazelle whilst blue and vervet monkey cavort in the surrounding acacia trees.
Other mammals include Buffalo, Hartebeest, lesser Kudu, Eland, Waterbuck, Grant’s Gazelle, Impala and Giraffe. Steinbuck, Kirk’s dik dik and klipspringer are also common.
Birdlife includes those of the semi-arid zone, such as Ostrich and golden Pipit, while perhaps the most conspicuous are the white-headed Buffalo weaver and the brilliantly plumaged golden-breasted starling.
Overnight Accommodation: Finch Hattons Camp, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, or Similar
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 5: Tsavo East – Drive to Diani Beach, Mombasa
Today we say goodbye to the wildlife on our safari adventures and head to the coast and its beautiful, tropical beaches. From Mombasa, we take the ferry to the South Coast and our beach hotel/resort.
We are free to spend the afternoon exploring our resort and the activities and amenities it offers. Dinner is served at our resort.
Overnight Accommodation: PrideInn Hotel Diani, Pinewood Beach Resort and Spa or The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel
Meals: {Breakfast & Dinner}
Day 6, 7 & 8: Explore & Relax in Diani Beach, Mombasa
For the next three days, we have a plethora of activities to enjoy as well as time on the beach or at the pool soaking up the sun. You will be spoilt for choice when you see what the hotel offers, though some may cost extra.
These activities include swimming, snorkeling, a PADI diving school, nature walks, a floodlit tennis court, volleyball, a squash court, a fitness center, pool games, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, Petanque, table tennis, water aerobics, windsurfing, pool tables and bird watching.
Also available are the Wasini/Kisite Island Marine National Park, an 18-hole golf course, shops/supermarkets, casinos, and nightclubs.
Overnight Accommodation: PrideInn Hotel Diani, Pinewood Beach Resort and Spa or The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel
Meals: {Breakfast & Dinner}
Day 9: Diani Beach – Depart
This memorable Bush and Beach Safari in Kenya ends today. After breakfast, we transfer to Moi Airport/Ukunda Airstrip in Diani Beach for onward travel.
Meals: {Breakfast}
9 Day Kenya Safari Amboseli Tsavo East & Diani Beach Mombasa Prices
9-Day Kenya Safari Amboseli Tsavo East & Diani Beach Mombasa Prices Include;
✓ Game drives
✓ All meals included while on safari
✓ All applicable Game Park entrance fees
✓ Multi-lingual professional safari driver-guide
✓ Guaranteed window seating with an open-top
✓ Safari vehicles carry cold drinks and mineral water
✓ Finest accommodations in Amboseli, Tsavo East & Diani Beach, Mombasa
✓ Round-trip transport from Nairobi to Amboseli, Tsavo East & Diani Beach, Mombasa
| Dates From | Dates To | Price Per Person | Children Aged 2 to 12 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st January 2026 | 31st December 2026 | Request for rates | Request for rates |
9-Day Kenya Safari Amboseli Tsavo East & Diani Beach Mombasa Prices Exclude
✗International Airfare
✗ Accommodation in Nairobi
✗ Optional Hot Air Ballooning
✗Cost of obtaining passport and visas
✗ Gratuity for your professional driver-guide
✗ Sundowner bush cocktails and bush dinner
✗ Christmas, New Year, and Easter Supplement
✗ Gratuity for Porterage/ waiters at hotels, camps, and airports
✗ Membership in Flying Doctors Society – Emergency air rescue
✗ Personal expenses such as travel insurance, excess baggage fees, communication charges that include laundry, emails, faxes, and phone calls; beverages including luxury champagne, luxury spirits, beer, and wines during meals or meals not indicated in the itinerary
Booking & Reservations 9 Day Kenya Safari Amboseli Tsavo East & Diani Beach Mombasa Contact
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