Planning to visit both Maasai Mara and the Kenyan Coast in one Trip

Imagine your Kenyan holiday starting at the scenic plains of Maasai Mara, enjoying the magical wildebeest migration and the mighty prides of lions on the hunt. Shortly after, you are enjoying a cool breeze on a beach along the Indian Ocean, snorkeling at the deep sea or on an evening yacht party at the Kenyan coast.

Yes, it is possible to do a wildlife safari at Maasai Mara and a beach safari at the Kenyan coast on one single trip. However, you need to understand there is a big difference between booking the two destinations independently and combining the two in one safari. A combined trip will need seamless flight connections, effective time management, and perfect selection of the destinations at the coast and places of accommodation at Maasai Mara.

How to Travel from Maasai Mara to the Kenyan Coast

The most efficient way to travel from Maasai Mara to the Kenyan Coast is by flying. Maasai Mara has a good network of airstrips with Safarilink operating around with a wider connections to Lamu, Diani among other destinations. You can fly from Maasai Mara in the morning and proceed to your beach activities at the coast. Safarilink offers daily return flights from Nairobi to Coast.

The smartest way to plan this safari is booking the two destinations separately and connecting them afterwards,

Kenyan Coast Destination Combines Best with Maasai Mara

Maasai Mara- Diani Beach is most classic and easiest combination. From any of the Maasai Mara airstrips you can fly to Diani beach through Ukunda airstrip using safarilink aviation. The safari will take you through Nairobi Wilson airstrip which makes Nairobi another destination in your itinerary. The Mara and Diani itinerary is the most recommended for honeymooners, first time travelers, families and luxury travelers who want to experience wildlife and water activities.

How many days do you really need to visit Maasai Mara and the Kenyan coast?

You need at least seven days for the combined safari experience. Travel to Maasai Mara on the first day, spend about two to three days in Maasai Mara, then fly to Coast on the fourth day via Nairobi, and spend the next two days enjoying the beach and the coastal activities. Return on the seventh day.

Should you Start with Maasai Mara or the Beach?

The best hack for this safari is to start with Maasai Mara. There you will need early wake ups and full day game drives which can be very exhausting. Thus ending the trip at the coast will help you relax. Alternatively, for visitors traveling from far countries, it’s advisable to start with the coast as a relaxation from the long flights.

What is the cost of a combined Maasai Mara and Coast Safari?

Here the cost will depend on how your itinerary was designed. A few considerations factor in including the travel season, number of the nights during the safari, type of accommodation, means of travel, number of travelers on board, entrance fees and type of activities. When planning the safari, you can use flights with budget accommodations to make your safari more affordable with too much done. The inclusions in the itinerary is what will determine your cost. Remember to check if the package includes hidden charges such as the park fees and transfers.