This 3-day fly-in safari offers a perfect blend of relaxation on the beautiful Diani Beach and thrilling wildlife encounters in the world-renowned Maasai Mara. Starting in Diani, you’ll fly directly to the Maasai Mara for an unforgettable safari experience, returning to Diani at the end of the trip. This itinerary is ideal for beach lovers who want a quick but immersive safari adventure in Kenya.
Day 1: Diani Beach to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Morning Activities:
- Departure from Diani Beach: Begin the day with a light breakfast at your hotel in Diani Beach.
- Transfer to Ukunda Airstrip: Transfer from your Diani Beach hotel to Ukunda Airstrip for a scheduled flight to the Maasai Mara. This scenic 2-hour flight offers aerial views of the Great Rift Valley, the winding Mara River, and the rolling plains of the Maasai Mara.
Late Morning Arrival in Maasai Mara:
- Transfer to Lodge and Check-In: Upon landing at the Maasai Mara airstrip, meet with your guide and transfer to your safari lodge or camp. Freshen up and settle in.
Afternoon Safari:
- Lunch at the Lodge: Savor a delicious lunch at the lodge while enjoying the tranquil views of the Mara.
- Afternoon Game Drive: After lunch, embark on your first game drive in the Maasai Mara, where you’ll likely encounter the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and possibly witness iconic African wildlife scenes, such as lions on the hunt or elephants grazing.
- Sundowner in the Bush (optional): End the game drive with a classic Maasai Mara sundowner—enjoying a drink as the sun sets over the savannah.
Evening Activities:
- Dinner and Relaxation: Return to the lodge for a hearty dinner, followed by relaxation around the campfire or stargazing. Reflect on the day’s sightings with fellow travelers or simply enjoy the sounds of the African night.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Ashnil Mara Camp, or similar.
Day 2: Full Day in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Early Morning Safari:
- Sunrise Game Drive: Start the day with a pre-dawn wake-up call and a light snack before venturing out for a sunrise game drive. Early morning is an excellent time to see predators like lions and leopards before they retreat from the sun.
- Optional Balloon Safari: For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider a hot-air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara. Float over the plains, catching an aerial view of wildlife below, followed by a champagne breakfast upon landing (additional cost).
Breakfast at the Lodge: Return to the lodge for a full breakfast after the game drive.
Late Morning Activities:
- Bush Walk with a Maasai Guide: (Optional) Embark on a guided bush walk led by a Maasai warrior. Learn about the plants, animals, and tracking techniques of the Maasai people, as well as their traditional way of life.
Afternoon Activities:
- Lunch and Relaxation: Enjoy lunch at the lodge, followed by some leisure time to relax. Take a swim, read a book, or simply rest after the morning’s activities.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Set off for a second game drive in search of more wildlife encounters, focusing on areas you might not have explored on Day 1. The afternoon light is perfect for photography, capturing the golden hues of the Mara landscape and its inhabitants.
Evening Activities:
- Dinner and Cultural Performance: Return to the lodge for dinner, and if available, enjoy an evening Maasai dance performance, where local Maasai showcase traditional dances, chants, and ceremonies.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Ashnil Mara Camp, or similar
Day 3: Maasai Mara to Diani Beach
Morning Safari and Breakfast:
- Final Game Drive: Begin your day with a final early-morning game drive, taking in the last sights and sounds of the Maasai Mara and any wildlife you may have missed on previous drives.
- Return to the Lodge for Breakfast: Head back to the lodge for a hearty breakfast before packing up for your departure.
Transfer and Flight Back to Diani:
- Transfer to Airstrip: Check out and transfer to the Maasai Mara airstrip for your return flight to Diani Beach. Enjoy a scenic aerial view of the Maasai Mara one last time as you bid farewell to the reserve.
- Arrival in Diani Beach: Land at Ukunda Airstrip in Diani, where you’ll be transferred to your Diani Beach hotel to continue your beach holiday or prepare for your journey home.
Optional Afternoon in Diani:
- Relax on Diani Beach: Upon returning to Diani, enjoy a free afternoon on the pristine white-sand beach. Swim in the Indian Ocean, indulge in a beach massage, or relax poolside at your hotel.
- Optional Water Sports: For an active afternoon, you can arrange a variety of activities, such as snorkeling, kite surfing, or a dolphin-watching tour (book in advance).
End of Safari
This 3-day fly-in safari combines the best of both worlds: Kenya’s breathtaking wildlife in the Maasai Mara and the serene beaches of Diani. You’ll return with lasting memories of Africa’s iconic landscapes and diverse wildlife, all while enjoying minimal travel time and maximum adventure!