Mara, Lakes & Coast Grand Kenya Circuit
Customizable
Overland and beach combination
Tour Overview
The Mara, Lakes & Coast Grand Kenya Circuit is designed for travellers who want a single, carefully balanced journey that captures the essence of Kenya’s landscapes: the wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara, the bird-filled Rift Valley lakes, and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This nine-day itinerary follows a logical overland route from Nairobi to the Mara and back through the Great Rift Valley before culminating with a direct flight to the coast.
Starting and ending in Nairobi, the journey contrasts the immediacy of road travel with the comfort of well-chosen lodges and tented camps. By driving between Nairobi, the Masai Mara and the Rift Valley lakes, you gain a sense of geography and local life that is often lost when flying over these regions. Your private driver-guide remains with you throughout the land portion, giving continuity to your experience and a chance to build a genuine rapport as you move from one ecosystem to the next.
In the Masai Mara, you immerse yourself in one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife areas. Two full days of unhurried game drives allow you to explore open savannah, riverine forest and rolling hills in search of big cats, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and an astonishing variety of antelope and bird species. Depending on the season, you may witness aspects of the Great Migration or focus on the rich resident wildlife that makes the Mara rewarding year-round. Evenings in camp are spent around the fire and at dinner, reflecting on sightings and hearing insights from your guide about life in the Mara and the pressures facing this ecosystem.
From the Mara, you travel back along the escarpment into the Great Rift Valley, staying near Lake Naivasha or Lake Elementaita and visiting nearby Lake Nakuru National Park. Here the focus shifts towards rhino conservation, diverse birdlife, and the contrast of wooded ridges, lakeshore and open plains. Boat trips, gentle walks, and scenic drives offer a more relaxed pace after the intensity of the Mara, while still providing excellent wildlife viewing.
The final leg of the circuit takes you from Nairobi to the white sands of the southern Kenya coast. A short flight delivers you to Diani Beach, where you spend two nights at a coastal retreat chosen for its balance of comfort, character and commitment to responsible operations. Your time here is unstructured by design: you can swim, snorkel, walk on the beach, or simply rest under the shade of palm trees, reflecting on the diversity of experiences you have just had inland. For those who wish, we can arrange optional marine excursions, village visits or wellness treatments.
Throughout the trip, Expera Adventures handles logistics discreetly so the journey feels seamless. Park and conservancy fees, most meals, and guided activities are included, allowing you to relax into the rhythm of travel without constantly managing additional payments. The itinerary can also be adjusted to suit particular interests, such as birding, photography, or family-friendly pacing, while maintaining the overall structure that makes this circuit so rewarding.
What sets this trip apart is the intention behind each stop and route choice. Rather than racing between famous names, you follow a coherent path that builds an understanding of how Kenya’s varied landscapes connect and how communities and conservation areas interact. By the time you are watching the sun set into the Indian Ocean on your final evening, you will have experienced not only Kenya’s headline wildlife moments but also its quieter details: the changing light along the Rift Valley escarpment, the call of fish eagles over a lake, and conversations with your guide that bring context to the sights you have seen.
Starting and ending in Nairobi, the journey contrasts the immediacy of road travel with the comfort of well-chosen lodges and tented camps. By driving between Nairobi, the Masai Mara and the Rift Valley lakes, you gain a sense of geography and local life that is often lost when flying over these regions. Your private driver-guide remains with you throughout the land portion, giving continuity to your experience and a chance to build a genuine rapport as you move from one ecosystem to the next.
In the Masai Mara, you immerse yourself in one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife areas. Two full days of unhurried game drives allow you to explore open savannah, riverine forest and rolling hills in search of big cats, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and an astonishing variety of antelope and bird species. Depending on the season, you may witness aspects of the Great Migration or focus on the rich resident wildlife that makes the Mara rewarding year-round. Evenings in camp are spent around the fire and at dinner, reflecting on sightings and hearing insights from your guide about life in the Mara and the pressures facing this ecosystem.
From the Mara, you travel back along the escarpment into the Great Rift Valley, staying near Lake Naivasha or Lake Elementaita and visiting nearby Lake Nakuru National Park. Here the focus shifts towards rhino conservation, diverse birdlife, and the contrast of wooded ridges, lakeshore and open plains. Boat trips, gentle walks, and scenic drives offer a more relaxed pace after the intensity of the Mara, while still providing excellent wildlife viewing.
The final leg of the circuit takes you from Nairobi to the white sands of the southern Kenya coast. A short flight delivers you to Diani Beach, where you spend two nights at a coastal retreat chosen for its balance of comfort, character and commitment to responsible operations. Your time here is unstructured by design: you can swim, snorkel, walk on the beach, or simply rest under the shade of palm trees, reflecting on the diversity of experiences you have just had inland. For those who wish, we can arrange optional marine excursions, village visits or wellness treatments.
Throughout the trip, Expera Adventures handles logistics discreetly so the journey feels seamless. Park and conservancy fees, most meals, and guided activities are included, allowing you to relax into the rhythm of travel without constantly managing additional payments. The itinerary can also be adjusted to suit particular interests, such as birding, photography, or family-friendly pacing, while maintaining the overall structure that makes this circuit so rewarding.
What sets this trip apart is the intention behind each stop and route choice. Rather than racing between famous names, you follow a coherent path that builds an understanding of how Kenya’s varied landscapes connect and how communities and conservation areas interact. By the time you are watching the sun set into the Indian Ocean on your final evening, you will have experienced not only Kenya’s headline wildlife moments but also its quieter details: the changing light along the Rift Valley escarpment, the call of fish eagles over a lake, and conversations with your guide that bring context to the sights you have seen.
Tour Highlights
Private overland safari from Nairobi through the Masai Mara and Rift Valley
Three nights of big-game viewing in the Masai Mara ecosystem
Scenic drives across the Great Rift Valley escarpment
Lake Naivasha/Elementaita stay with visit to Lake Nakuru National Park
Rhino, birdlife and diverse habitats around the Rift Valley lakes
Short flight from Nairobi to Diani Beach on the Indian Ocean
Two nights on a white-sand Kenyan beach to unwind
Dedicated driver-guide for the safari portion of the trip
Carefully selected lodges and tented camps with conservation values
Customisable pace and activities for couples, friends or families
Duration
9 Days
Group Size
2-12 People
Difficulty
Moderate
Age Requirement
All ages
Frequently Asked Questions
The overland safari includes several medium driving days of 4–6 hours between Nairobi, the Masai Mara and the Rift Valley lakes, balanced with shorter transfer days and ample time out of the vehicle for game drives and activities.
Yes, this circuit works well for families, with varied scenery, a mix of activities and a relaxing beach finish; we can choose family-friendly lodges and adjust daily schedules to accommodate children’s ages and interests.
The trip is moderate in that you should be comfortable with several overland drives and getting in and out of 4x4 vehicles, but most activities are vehicle-based with optional short walks, so no special fitness training is required.
The itinerary is rewarding year-round, but June to October and December to March generally offer the most comfortable conditions inland and at the coast, with July to October adding the chance to see the Great Migration in the Masai Mara.
Yes, with advance notice we can coordinate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other special diets across your safari lodges and coast hotel, though options may be simpler in more remote areas than in Nairobi or Diani.
Your quoted price covers accommodation, most meals, park fees, guiding, domestic flights and core transfers; you should budget extra for some Nairobi meals, optional activities, drinks not included by the hotels, tips and personal purchases.
Within park regulations and safety boundaries, your private driver-guide can adjust game drive times, picnic options and rest periods to suit your preferences, making the experience more relaxed or more intensive as you choose.
Because the itinerary combines multiple properties and a domestic flight, cancellation terms tighten as you approach departure; our proposal will outline all deadlines and we recommend comprehensive insurance to cover unforeseen changes.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Follow your journey through 9 incredible days of adventure.
1
Arrive in Nairobi and Safari Briefing
On arrival in Nairobi, you are met by an Expera Adventures representative and transferred in a private vehicle to your chosen hotel, located either in a quiet suburb or near Nairobi National Park depending on your preference. After time to settle in, your driver-guide will meet you for a detailed briefing on the journey ahead, going over the route, expected driving times and what to watch for in each region. The remainder of the day is at leisure: you might relax by the pool, catch up on rest after your flight, or join an optional short excursion within the city such as a visit to a local craft market or conservation-focused attraction if time permits. In the evening, you enjoy dinner at the hotel or at a recommended restaurant, and turn in early to be ready for the drive to the Masai Mara the following morning.
Activities: Private airport pick-up and transfer to Nairobi hotel
Safari briefing with your dedicated driver-guide
At-leisure afternoon to rest or take an optional city excursion
Dinner at the hotel or a recommended Nairobi restaurant
Safari briefing with your dedicated driver-guide
At-leisure afternoon to rest or take an optional city excursion
Dinner at the hotel or a recommended Nairobi restaurant
2
Road Journey to the Masai Mara and First Game Drive
After breakfast, you meet your driver-guide and begin the drive towards the Masai Mara, heading out of Nairobi and down the Great Rift Valley escarpment with a stop at a scenic viewpoint for photographs and a chance to stretch your legs. Continuing through small towns and open countryside, you reach the Masai Mara region in time for a late lunch at your tented camp or lodge. After a short rest, you depart on your first afternoon game drive inside the reserve or a neighbouring conservancy, giving you an introduction to the landscape and its wildlife. As the sun lowers, you may encounter elephants moving toward water, lions becoming active after the heat of the day, or large herds of plains game grazing across the open grasslands. You return to camp at dusk for dinner and your first night under Mara skies.
Activities: Scenic road transfer from Nairobi to the Masai Mara with photo stop
Check-in and lunch at your Mara camp or lodge
Afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara ecosystem
Dinner and overnight at the camp or lodge
Check-in and lunch at your Mara camp or lodge
Afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara ecosystem
Dinner and overnight at the camp or lodge
3
Full Day Exploring the Masai Mara
You rise early for a morning game drive, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and soft light when wildlife is often at its most active. With your guide, you traverse different parts of the Mara, scanning for big cats, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and a multitude of smaller species. Depending on conditions and your preferences, you may return to camp for a mid-morning breakfast or carry a picnic to maximise time in the field. Midday is spent at leisure, relaxing in camp, watching for wildlife from the grounds, or simply resting before the afternoon outing.
Later in the day, you head out again, perhaps focusing on river areas or hillsides that offer sweeping views at sunset. Your guide shares insights into the dynamics of predator and prey, the seasonal movements of animals, and current conservation challenges. You return to camp after sundown for dinner, and those who wish can sit around the fire listening to the sounds of the night and sharing stories with fellow travellers and staff.
Later in the day, you head out again, perhaps focusing on river areas or hillsides that offer sweeping views at sunset. Your guide shares insights into the dynamics of predator and prey, the seasonal movements of animals, and current conservation challenges. You return to camp after sundown for dinner, and those who wish can sit around the fire listening to the sounds of the night and sharing stories with fellow travellers and staff.
Activities: Pre-dawn coffee or tea followed by morning game drive
Leisure time and lunch back at camp
Afternoon game drive in a different area of the Mara
Sundowner stop and dinner at camp or lodge
Leisure time and lunch back at camp
Afternoon game drive in a different area of the Mara
Sundowner stop and dinner at camp or lodge
4
Masai Mara Wildlife and Optional Cultural Visit
Your third day in the Mara allows you to deepen your understanding of the ecosystem. You may choose another full day of game drives or split the day, including an optional visit to a Maasai village to learn about traditional lifestyles, contemporary challenges and the role local communities play in conserving wildlife. On game drives, you might revisit favourite areas from earlier in the trip or explore new sections of the reserve in search of species you have yet to encounter. Birdwatchers will find plenty to enjoy, with raptors, ground birds and water-associated species all present.
In the evening, back at camp, there is time to reflect on the highlights of your Mara stay, review photographs, and talk with your guide about the next stages of your journey. After dinner, you sleep to the distant calls of hyena or lion, carrying the memories of three full days in one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife areas.
In the evening, back at camp, there is time to reflect on the highlights of your Mara stay, review photographs, and talk with your guide about the next stages of your journey. After dinner, you sleep to the distant calls of hyena or lion, carrying the memories of three full days in one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife areas.
Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives in the Masai Mara
Optional visit to a local Maasai village (arranged in advance)
Relaxed lunchtime and rest hours at camp
Evening campfire and hosted dinner
Optional visit to a local Maasai village (arranged in advance)
Relaxed lunchtime and rest hours at camp
Evening campfire and hosted dinner
5
From Masai Mara to the Great Rift Valley Lakes
After breakfast and a final short game drive or leisurely start, you depart the Masai Mara by road, retracing part of your route toward the Great Rift Valley. The drive takes you through rural landscapes and small towns, with the escarpment views opening again as you approach the lake region. You arrive at your lodge near Lake Naivasha or Lake Elementaita in time for a late lunch. The afternoon is typically lighter, with the possibility of a guided walk on the property, a boat trip on the lake to view hippos and birdlife, or simply relaxing and enjoying the change of scenery.
As evening falls, you may see giraffe, antelope or zebra near the lodge grounds, along with an impressive array of birds. Dinner is served at the lodge, offering a calm end to the day after your transfer from the Mara.
As evening falls, you may see giraffe, antelope or zebra near the lodge grounds, along with an impressive array of birds. Dinner is served at the lodge, offering a calm end to the day after your transfer from the Mara.
Activities: Morning departure from Masai Mara with en route wildlife viewing
Scenic drive back toward the Rift Valley lakes
Check-in and lunch at a lake-area lodge
Optional afternoon boat ride or guided walk (depending on location)
Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Scenic drive back toward the Rift Valley lakes
Check-in and lunch at a lake-area lodge
Optional afternoon boat ride or guided walk (depending on location)
Dinner and overnight at the lodge
6
Lake Nakuru National Park and Rift Valley Landscapes
Today you focus on Lake Nakuru National Park or a similar nearby protected area, leaving after an early breakfast for a full or half day of exploration. The park is known for its populations of both black and white rhino, as well as Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, various antelope species and plentiful birdlife. You drive through acacia woodland, along lakeshore viewpoints and up to higher ridges for panoramic vistas. A picnic lunch may be taken inside the park or you may return to the lodge for a hot meal, depending on your preferences and the day’s wildlife activity.
In the late afternoon you return to your lodge near the lakes, with some time at leisure before dinner. This is a good opportunity to reflect on the contrast between the busy grasslands of the Mara and the quieter, more wooded habitats of the Rift Valley, and to enjoy the cooler evening temperatures before your return to Nairobi the next day.
In the late afternoon you return to your lodge near the lakes, with some time at leisure before dinner. This is a good opportunity to reflect on the contrast between the busy grasslands of the Mara and the quieter, more wooded habitats of the Rift Valley, and to enjoy the cooler evening temperatures before your return to Nairobi the next day.
Activities: Early departure for Lake Nakuru National Park or similar reserve
Game drive with focus on rhino and diverse birdlife
Picnic lunch in the park or hot lunch at the lodge
Return to lake-area lodge for late afternoon at leisure
Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Game drive with focus on rhino and diverse birdlife
Picnic lunch in the park or hot lunch at the lodge
Return to lake-area lodge for late afternoon at leisure
Dinner and overnight at the lodge
7
Return to Nairobi and Flight to Diani Beach
After a leisurely breakfast, you depart the lake region and drive back to Nairobi, ascending the Great Rift Valley escarpment once more with a final chance to take in the expansive views. You arrive in Nairobi around midday or early afternoon and transfer either to a city restaurant for lunch or directly to the domestic airport, depending on your flight schedule. In the afternoon, you board a short domestic flight to Ukunda or Mombasa, followed by a private road transfer to your beach hotel in Diani on Kenya’s southern coast.
On arrival at the coast, the air feels warmer and the pace slows. After check-in, you are free to stroll on the beach, take a swim in the pool or ocean, or simply relax with a drink as you watch the sky change colour over the Indian Ocean. Dinner is served at the hotel, marking the beginning of the coastal phase of your journey.
On arrival at the coast, the air feels warmer and the pace slows. After check-in, you are free to stroll on the beach, take a swim in the pool or ocean, or simply relax with a drink as you watch the sky change colour over the Indian Ocean. Dinner is served at the hotel, marking the beginning of the coastal phase of your journey.
Activities: Morning drive from Rift Valley lodge back to Nairobi
Lunch stop in Nairobi or at the airport as timing allows
Domestic flight from Nairobi to the Kenya coast (Diani/Mombasa)
Private transfer from coastal airport to Diani Beach hotel
Dinner and overnight at your beach hotel
Lunch stop in Nairobi or at the airport as timing allows
Domestic flight from Nairobi to the Kenya coast (Diani/Mombasa)
Private transfer from coastal airport to Diani Beach hotel
Dinner and overnight at your beach hotel
8
Indian Ocean Relaxation on Diani Beach
This day is deliberately unstructured to allow you to rest and savour the Indian Ocean setting after your inland safari. You can wake up to the sound of waves and take a barefoot walk on the beach before breakfast, or enjoy a slower start on your room balcony or veranda. The day is yours to fill as you wish: swimming, snorkelling, reading in the shade of palm trees, or experiencing optional activities such as a dhow cruise, reef snorkelling trip, spa treatment or a visit to a nearby village.
Lunch and dinner are taken at the hotel or nearby recommended venues, with fresh seafood and coastal flavours often featuring on the menu. As the sun sets over the palms and the sky deepens, you may feel the arc of your trip come into focus, from the plains of the Mara to the still waters of the lakes and now the tidal rhythms of the sea.
Lunch and dinner are taken at the hotel or nearby recommended venues, with fresh seafood and coastal flavours often featuring on the menu. As the sun sets over the palms and the sky deepens, you may feel the arc of your trip come into focus, from the plains of the Mara to the still waters of the lakes and now the tidal rhythms of the sea.
Activities: At-leisure day on Diani Beach with optional activities
Swimming in the ocean or hotel pool
Optional dhow cruise, snorkelling or spa treatments
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at or near the hotel
Swimming in the ocean or hotel pool
Optional dhow cruise, snorkelling or spa treatments
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at or near the hotel
9
Departure from the Kenya Coast
On your final morning, you have a last chance for a walk on the beach or a relaxed breakfast with ocean views. Depending on your international flight schedule, you may have additional free time before checking out. A private transfer takes you from your Diani Beach hotel to the local airstrip or to Mombasa for your return flight to Nairobi, where you connect with your onward international departure. Our team can assist with any day room or additional arrangements in Nairobi if your flight departs late.
As you travel home, you carry with you the layered memories of your circuit: the sound of lions calling across the Mara at night, the sight of rhino moving along a lakeshore at dawn, and the feel of warm Indian Ocean water around your ankles. The itinerary is designed to provide a coherent narrative of Kenya’s landscapes, and to leave you with both standout wildlife encounters and a deeper sense of the country’s character.
As you travel home, you carry with you the layered memories of your circuit: the sound of lions calling across the Mara at night, the sight of rhino moving along a lakeshore at dawn, and the feel of warm Indian Ocean water around your ankles. The itinerary is designed to provide a coherent narrative of Kenya’s landscapes, and to leave you with both standout wildlife encounters and a deeper sense of the country’s character.
Activities: Final morning at leisure on the beach
Private transfer from Diani Beach to local airstrip or Mombasa
Domestic flight to Nairobi if required for onward connections
Assistance with international departure check-in as needed
Private transfer from Diani Beach to local airstrip or Mombasa
Domestic flight to Nairobi if required for onward connections
Assistance with international departure check-in as needed
What's Included
- Private airport transfers in Nairobi on arrival and departure
- Dedicated professional driver-guide and private 4x4 vehicle for the overland safari portion
- Accommodation for eight nights in carefully selected lodges, tented camps and beach hotels
- All breakfasts from Day 2 to Day 9
- Most lunches and dinners as specified in the detailed itinerary
- Park fees and conservation charges for Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru or similar parks visited
- Two extended game drives per full day in the Masai Mara
- Game drive and park entry for Lake Nakuru National Park or equivalent reserve
- Domestic flight from Nairobi to Diani/Mombasa and coastal road transfer
- Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle and during game drives
- Emergency medical evacuation cover during the safari
- All government taxes and applicable levies
What's Not Included
- International flights to and from Kenya
- Kenyan visa fees and any other entry permits
- Some lunches and dinners in Nairobi as specified
- Optional activities such as boat rides, spa treatments, dhow cruises and village visits
- Drinks at lodges and hotels unless specifically included in your quotation
- Gratuities for driver-guides, lodge staff and hotel staff
- Personal travel and medical insurance
- Laundry services except where included by specific properties
- Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, telephone calls and minibar charges
What to Bring
Soft-sided luggage suitable for overland travel and one domestic flight
Layered clothing for varying temperatures from highlands to coast
Neutral-coloured outfits for game drives and brighter casual wear for the beach
Comfortable closed shoes for safari days and light sandals for the coast
Warm fleece or jacket for cool Mara and Rift Valley mornings and evenings
Sun hat, high SPF sunscreen and after-sun lotion
Sunglasses with good UV protection
Insect repellent for inland and coastal evenings
Binoculars and camera with extra memory and batteries
Personal toiletries and medications, including any anti-malarials advised by your doctor
Reusable water bottle for refills in vehicle and lodges
Light rain jacket during wet seasons
Travel documents, copies and travel insurance details
A small daypack for daily essentials on drives and walks
Tour Pricing
Prices are in USD per person sharing. Single supplement and child discounts available.
Detailed pricing is available on request. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Starting from TSh 10,124,000 per person
Children's Rates
Infants (0-2 years)
Free (sharing with parents)
Children (3-12 years, sharing)
50% of adult rate
Children (3-12 years, own room)
75% of adult rate
Teenagers (12+ years)
Full adult rate
Flexible Payment Options
Pay in installments with our "Lipa Polepole" plan. Secure your safari with just 30% deposit, and pay the balance before your travel date.
Customer Reviews
No reviews yet for this tour. Be the first to share your experience!
Ready when you are
Ready to book Mara, Lakes & Coast Grand Kenya Circuit?
Sure of your trip? Book now with your dates and group size and we'll confirm availability for travelers from United States. Still deciding? Get a tailored quote or grab the brochure.