11 Days 2026 Kenyan Safari & Coast Experience at Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Naivasha, Amboseli & Diani Beach
11 Days 2026 Kenyan Safari & Coast Experience at Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Naivasha, Amboseli & Diani Beach
Tour Date : January 10, 2026 - January 20, 2026
Overview
Prepare for an extraordinary 11-day Kenyan Grand Tour that promises a comprehensive, spectacular, and efficient journey through the country’s most iconic natural wonders, culminating in tropical relaxation. This adventure is meticulously designed to immerse you in the full glory of Kenyan wildlife, beginning with the world-famous plains of the Maasai Mara, renowned for the highest concentration of big cats and the drama of the Great Migration (seasonal).
The tour then transitions through the crucial conservation areas of the Great Rift Valley, visiting Lake Nakuru for its critical rhino sanctuary and the spectacular birdlife, and the tranquil waters of Lake Naivasha for unique walking and boat safaris. Finally, you will gaze upon the legendary elephant herds against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park. The perfect finale awaits on the glorious southern coast at Diani Beach, where you will transition from the dust of the safari to the pure, white sand and azure waters of the Indian Ocean, making this the ultimate Kenyan bush-to-beach experience for 2026.
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Places You’ll See :
Where Nature Walks Beside You Crescent Island Game Sanctuary is one of Kenya’s most enchanting and underrated wildlife spots. Nestled on the eastern shores of Lake Naivasha, this private sanctuary is a rare place where visitors can walk freely among wild animals no vehicles, no predators, just pure nature. Located just two hours from Nairobi, Crescent Island is the perfect addition to your Rift Valley safari itinerary, offering a peaceful, up-close encounter with Kenya’s beautiful landscapes and wildlife. A Living Paradise on the Lake The sanctuary sits on a peninsula formed from the rim of an extinct volcano, creating rolling grasslands and sweeping 360-degree views of Mount Longonot, the Aberdare Range, and Mau Escarpment. Crescent Island is home to a rich collection of wildlife giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, and gazelles all roam freely here. The absence of large predators makes it one of the safest and most relaxing safari walks in Kenya. It’s also a haven for bird lovers, hosting over 200 species including fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants, and herons that thrive in the lake’s freshwater ecosystem. The Crescent Island Experience Unlike traditional game drives, Crescent Island offers a guided walking safari that feels intimate and liberating. Visitors can walk side by side with giraffes, observe herds of zebra grazing at arm’s length, and enjoy the sound of nature uninterrupted by engines. You can access the sanctuary either: By boat across Lake Naivasha (a stunning scenic ride), or By road via the sanctuary’s private entrance, depending on the lake’s water levels. For photographers and filmmakers, this is one of Kenya’s most cinematic locations used in the iconic 1980s film Out of Africa. Opening Hours & Visitor Information Opening time: 8:30 AM Last entry: 4:30 PM Closing time: 5:45 PM (visitors must leave before dusk due to hippo movement) Location: Lake Naivasha, Rift Valley, Kenya Distance from Nairobi: Approx. 90 km (2 hours by road) Entrance: Payable at the gate or official dock always request a valid receipt from the sanctuary. Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, and binoculars if you’re into birdwatching. Why We Recommend Crescent Island At KenyaOnABudgetSafaris, we believe travel should be authentic, ethical, and enriching. Crescent Island is a model of eco-friendly tourism that aligns perfectly with those values. It’s ideal for: ✅ Families looking for a safe, relaxed nature walk. ✅ Diplomats or NGO clients seeking tranquil, exclusive environments. ✅ Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts craving intimate encounters. ✅ Couples and small groups wanting an immersive experience beyond the vehicle. We often pair Crescent Island with Lake Naivasha boat rides, Hell’s Gate cycling adventures, or a Mount Longonot hike for a full-day Rift Valley experience. Pro Tip for Premium Travellers For guests on our Executive Safari Packages, we can arrange: Early-morning private access for golden-hour photography. Tailored conservation talks with local guides. Sundowner picnics overlooking the lake (with required sanctuary permission). These exclusive touches elevate a simple excursion into an unforgettable, world-class memory. Final Thoughts Crescent Island is more than a sanctuary it’s a reminder of how harmonious life can be when humans and wildlife share space respectfully. Whether you’re exploring Kenya for the first time or curating a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary, a walk at Crescent Island is an experience that connects you to nature in its purest form. Plan Your Visit with KenyaOnABudgetSafaris 📍 Destination: Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Lake Naivasha 🌍 Coordinates: 0.7785° S, 36.3870° E 🌐 Official site: www.crescentisland.co
1. Crescent Island
Schedule Details
Day 01 : Nairobi Arrival → Maasai Mara
- Touch down in Nairobi and kick off your adventure straight from the tarmac. Your private driver guide will meet you and set course for the legendary Maasai Mara, cruising through the scenic Rift Valley escarpment and Narok town
- Arrive at Miti Mingi Eco Camp, a cosy base nestled at the park’s edge.
- Settle in, enjoy lunch, and if time allows, dive into your first evening game drive golden light sweeping across open plains dotted with elephants, lions, and wildebeest.
Overnight: Miti Mingi Eco Camp (Full Board)
Park entry fee: USD 200 per person per day (paid directly at the gate).
Day 02 : Deep in the Mara
- Rise with the sun for a sunrise game drive this is when the savannah wakes up. Follow the Mara River bends where hippos grunt and crocodiles bask, and keep your camera ready for big-cat encounters.
Spend your afternoon at leisure or opt for another golden-hour drive before dinner by the campfire.
Overnight: Miti Mingi Eco Camp (Full Board)
Day 03 : Full Day Mara Safari
- Today is your flex day in the Mara. Choose between an all day drive with picnic lunch deep into the reserve or two shorter safaris bracketing midday rest. Your guide will track prime wildlife spots especially the elusive leopard and the Mara’s thriving lion prides.
Overnight: Miti Mingi Eco Camp (Full Board)
Day 04 : Maasai Mara → Lake Nakuru
- After breakfast, set off for Lake Nakuru, a UNESCO-listed bird sanctuary known for its pink flamingos and rhinos. En route, witness Kenya’s varied topography shift from rolling grasslands to acacia woodland.
An afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park offers a chance to see Rothschild’s giraffes and rhinos grazing quietly.
Overnight: Golden Suites, Nakuru (Full Board)
Day 05 : Lake Nakuru → Lake Naivasha
- Enjoy a relaxed morning before heading to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater haven surrounded by flower farms and volcanic cliffs.
Check into Symphony Hotel and later embark on a boat ride and walking safari on Crescent Island, sharing space with giraffes and zebras on foot.
Overnight: Symphony Hotel, Naivasha (Full Board)
Day 06 : Paragliding Over Kijabe Hills
- This is where your itinerary lifts off literally. Drive to Kijabe Hills for a morning paragliding session, taking in sweeping aerial views of the Rift Valley. Wind and weather permitting, glide alongside birds and feel the freedom of open sky.
Later, explore Hell’s Gate for a quick scenic drive or enjoy a lakeside sundowner.
Overnight: Symphony Hotel, Naivasha (Full Board)
Day 07 : Naivasha → Amboseli
- Depart early, heading south east towards Amboseli National Park, framed by Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow capped peaks. Stop for lunch en route, then check in at Kilimanjaro White House Hotel.
Unwind from the road with an easy village walk or relax at the lodge before dinner.
Overnight: Kilimanjaro White House Hotel (Full Board)
Day 08 : Amboseli → Mombasa → Diani Beach
- Start with a morning game drive across Amboseli’s open plains watch herds of elephants silhouetted against Africa’s highest mountain. Return for lunch, then transfer to Emali SGR Station for your train journey to Mombasa.
Upon arrival, a private car will take you to Diani Beach, crossing the Likoni Ferry as the coastal breeze greets you.
Check in at Sawa Sawa Beach House, your seaside retreat.
Overnight: Sawa Sawa Beach House, Diani(Bed&Breakfast)
Day 09 : Diani Oceanfront Reset
- After days of safari dust, Diani invites you to exhale. Spend the day barefoot by the beach, snorkel along coral reefs, or take a dhow trip to Wasini Island (optional).
Overnight: Sawa Sawa Beach House, Diani(Bed & Breakfast)
Day 10 : Diani Choose Your Adventure(R&R)
- Whether it’s quad biking across sand dunes, a lazy spa day, or a sunset dhow cruise, the coast is your playground.
Overnight: Sawa Sawa Beach House, Diani(bed & Breakfast)
Day 11 : Departure
- After breakfast, wrap up your coastal stay with a private transfer to Ukunda Airstrip or Mombasa Airport depending on your flight schedule.
- Your driver will assist with check-in and farewells.
- End of Services.
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What's Included
- Accommodation
- Airport Transfer
- Meals
- Transport
What's Excluded
- Flights
- Insurance
- Park Fees
- Personal Expenses & Tips
Activities
- Beach
- Boating
- City Tours
- Jungle Safari
Got a Question?
- Do not hesitate to reach out to us for any enquiries or issues.
- +447435058652
- Info@kenyaonabudgetsafaris.co.uk
