10-Day Kenya Family Safari and Beach Adventure
Kenya is a land of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and stunning coastlines, making it an ideal destination for a family safari and beach getaway. This 10-day adventure offers an unforgettable blend of thrilling game drives, cultural experiences, and ultimate relaxation by the Indian Ocean. From the iconic Ol Pejeta Conservancy to the Masai Mara’s abundant wildlife and the pristine beaches of Diani, this itinerary is designed to cater to all ages, ensuring a perfect balance of excitement and leisure.
Begin your journey with close encounters with rhinos and chimpanzees in Ol Pejeta, followed by spectacular game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park and the Masai Mara, where you’ll witness the Big Five and possibly the Great Migration. A hot air balloon safari over the golden plains adds a magical touch before flying to Diani Beach, where white sands and turquoise waters provide a tropical paradise for relaxation. Activities such as snorkeling, dolphin watching, and sunset dhow cruises offer a refreshing coastal experience before bidding farewell to Kenya.
With carefully selected accommodations ranging from luxurious lodges to mid-range and budget-friendly stays, this safari and beach itinerary caters to different preferences, ensuring comfort and adventure throughout. Whether you seek thrilling game viewing, rich cultural interactions, or serene beach moments, this family-friendly journey guarantees unforgettable memories.
Detailed 10 Day Family Safari & Beach Kenya Adventure Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Transfer to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in the morning, your safari guide will warmly welcome you before embarking on a scenic drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia. This exclusive wildlife haven, nestled between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares, offers a unique blend of adventure and conservation. Arriving in time for lunch, you will check into your lodge and relax before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Ol Pejeta is home to the last two northern white rhinos, making it a significant conservation area. The game drive offers sightings of the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and an array of bird species. As the sun sets over the plains, you return to your lodge for a delightful dinner and a peaceful night.
- Luxury: Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages
- Mid-range: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
- Budget: The Stables
Day 2: Full-Day Exploration of Ol Pejeta
Wake up to the sounds of the wilderness and set out on an early morning game drive when wildlife activity is at its peak.
Ol Pejeta is renowned for its successful rhino conservation programs, and you will have a chance to visit the Endangered Species Enclosure, where the last northern white rhinos reside. Later, return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast before heading to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see rescued chimpanzees in a natural habitat. Enjoy a picnic lunch or return to your lodge for a break before embarking on an afternoon game drive to explore different sections of the conservancy. The varied landscapes, from acacia woodlands to open savannas, ensure incredible wildlife sightings. As evening falls, relax by the bonfire and share stories of the day’s adventures.
- Luxury: Kicheche Laikipia Camp
- Mid-range: Rhino Watch Safari Lodge
- Budget: Mutara Camp
Day 3: Drive to Lake Nakuru via the Equator
After breakfast, bid farewell to Ol Pejeta and make a brief stop at the Equator crossing for a photo session and an insightful demonstration of the Coriolis effect. Continuing your journey, drive through the picturesque landscapes of the Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Nakuru National Park just in time for lunch. Check in at your lodge before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingo-covered shores, large populations of rhinos, and occasional sightings of tree-climbing lions. Explore the acacia woodlands and open grasslands, looking out for giraffes, buffaloes, and warthogs. Later, drive to Baboon Cliff for a breathtaking sunset view over the lake before heading back to your lodge for a relaxing evening.
- Luxury: The Cliff Nakuru
- Mid-range: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
- Budget: Ziwa Bush Lodge
Day 4: Transfer to Masai Mara – Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, depart for the world-famous Masai Mara, arriving in time for lunch. As you enter the reserve, enjoy game viewing en route to your lodge, spotting elephants, wildebeest, and antelope. After a delicious meal and some relaxation, embark on an afternoon game drive, exploring the endless golden plains teeming with wildlife. Masai Mara is known for its high predator population, and chances of spotting lions, cheetahs, and leopards are incredibly high. As the sun sets, drive back to your accommodation for an elegant bush dinner under the stars.
- Luxury: Mara Explorer Camp
- Mid-range: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
- Budget: Julia’s River Camp
Day 5: Full-Day Game Drives in Masai Mara
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive, when the predators are most active. As the morning mist lifts, witness incredible wildlife encounters, from hunting lions to playful elephant calves. Return for breakfast before setting out on a full-day game drive with a packed picnic lunch, venturing deeper into the reserve, possibly reaching the Mara River where crocodiles and hippos thrive.
Enjoy lunch in the wilderness before continuing your search for the Big Five, plains game, and unique birdlife. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge to unwind and enjoy a bonfire experience with traditional Masai storytelling.
- Luxury: Sand River Masai Mara
- Mid-range: Fig Tree Camp
- Budget: Enkorok Mara Camp
Day 6: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Game Drive
Rise before dawn for an unforgettable hot air balloon safari. As you ascend over the Mara at sunrise, marvel at the breathtaking landscapes and herds of wildlife below. After landing, indulge in a champagne breakfast in the bush before setting out for a mid-morning game drive. The rest of the day allows for leisure time at the lodge, with optional activities such as guided nature walks or cultural visits to a Masai village. An evening game drive offers one last chance to spot elusive wildlife before a cozy dinner by the campfire.
- Luxury: Angama Mara
- Mid-range: Ilkeliani Camp
- Budget: Sekenani Camp
Day 7: Flight to Diani Beach – Relaxation
After breakfast, bid farewell to Masai Mara and take a scenic drive to Wilson Airport in Nairobi. Board a domestic flight to Ukunda Airstrip in Diani, where you will be transferred to your beach resort. The pristine white sands and turquoise waters provide the perfect setting for relaxation after days of thrilling safaris. Spend the afternoon unwinding by the beach, enjoying a refreshing swim, or indulging in a spa treatment. A delicious seafood dinner under the stars completes the day.
- Luxury: The Sands at Chale Island
- Mid-range: Leopard Beach Resort
- Budget: Diani Backpackers
Day 8: Diani Beach – Water Activities & Excursions
Wake up to the soothing sounds of the ocean and spend the day exploring Diani’s thrilling activities. Opt for a snorkeling or diving excursion at Kisite Marine Park, where you can swim among vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. For adrenaline seekers, deep-sea fishing or jet skiing are excellent choices. Alternatively, visit Shimba Hills National Reserve for a half-day safari to see rare sable antelopes. End the day with a dhow sunset cruise, enjoying the cool sea breeze and breathtaking coastal views.
- Luxury: Almanara Luxury Villas
- Mid-range: Baobab Beach Resort
- Budget: Footprints House
Day 9: Diani Beach – Dolphin Safari & Local Exploration
Start your morning with a dolphin-watching safari at Wasini Island, where you might spot bottle nose and humpback dolphins. Enjoy a seafood lunch on the island before exploring the local Swahili culture in a nearby village. Alternatively, relax on the beach, go for a camel ride, or try stand-up paddle boarding. Later, visit Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest for an insightful nature walk into the Mijikenda traditions. As evening falls, enjoy a beachside barbecue, soaking in the last moments of your coastal retreat.
- Luxury: Lantana Galu Beach
- Mid-range: Pinewood Beach Resort
- Budget: Stilts Backpackers
Day 10: Flight Back Home via Nairobi
After breakfast, enjoy a final stroll along the beach before checking out of your resort. You will be transferred to Moi International Airport in Mombasa for your flight to Nairobi, where you will connect to your international flight back home. Depart with cherished memories of an extraordinary safari and beach holiday, filled with adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
