Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Coast

Your Kenyan adventure starts in one of the most famous reserves in the world, the illustrious Maasai Mara. It's not the biggest reserve in Kenya, but nowhere else has the same abundance of wildlife or concentration of predators.  Fly from Nairobi Wilson Airport to the famous Masai Mara Reserve for the start of your exciting safari!  Your home for your big game safari is Basecamp Masai Mara, a classic permanent tented camp on the Talek River. The camp combines traditional safari style with a modern and fresh feel. Seventeen tents cluster under shady indigenous trees that overlook the vast plains of the Mara and provide excellent views of wildlife action throughout the day. The river glade is a favourite area for elephants coming to drink, and you'll be sure to see plenty of these gentle giants during your stay.

Over the next two days you will rise at dawn with tea and coffee, depart for an early morning game drive before breakfast, catching the animals before the heat of the day sets in. Enjoy the rest of the mornings at leisure, followed by afternoon game drives, returning to the camp as the sun sets. You'll enjoy morning and afternoon game drives with experienced guides, while other options include early morning walking safaris, a picnic at the Musiara Marsh and the adrenaline rush of a hot air balloon ride over the golden plains as herds of elephant, buffalo and zebra run with the winds below you. At the end of your action-packed day, you'll return to camp in time for a shower before relaxing with a sundowner round the campfire with your fellow guests. Dinner by candlelight completes your experience, after which an askari will guide you to your tent.

After one final game drive and a leisurely breakfast, you'll bid your newfound friends at Ilkeliani farewell and head back to the airstrip for your flight(s) to Ukunda (Diani)  on the beautiful Kenyan coast. You'll be met and transferred to Pinewood Beach Resort & Spa, a charming independent hotel on the southern end of sought-after Diani Beach. In 2019, Diani Beach was voted Africa's leading beach destination for the 6th time running at the “Oscars of the travel industry”, the World Travel Awards, and a quick google image search shows you why. This popular beach resort is a flawless stretch of powdery white sand hugged by lush forest, as teal waves break on the flat shores. It draws a diverse crowd with backpackers and party people mixing seamlessly with families and honeymooners. Most of the accommodation is spread along the beach road behind a line of forest, so the beach itself has an unspoilt, pristine feel.

Pinewood has just 40 guest rooms decorated with a combination of African fabrics, Afghan rugs, Swahili ceilings and European artworks. The hotel is set in tropical gardens which are home to a troop of Colobus monkeys. Expect al fresco dining on the terrace, sundowners in the communal lounge with private bar, a palm-shaded on-site beach restaurant and a spa for the pampering. When you've had enough of lazing in a hammock, venture into the verdant forests where trees that speak in their ancestors’ voices, get active in one of the many water sports on offer or visit the monkey sanctuary. This stretch of coastline will deliver on beauty, entertainment and relaxation for the perfect beach break.

You'll reluctantly drag yourself away from paradise and transfer to Mombasa Moi Airport for your onward flight(s) and travel arrangements.