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12 Day Kenya Itinerary

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The Plains & Palms Odyssey: 
12-Day SIGNATURE Journey

From the urban heartbeat of Nairobi to the wild Maasai Mara and the pristine shores of the Indian Ocean.

Day 1: Arrival in Kenya

  • Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)

  • Meet & greet by tour representative

  • Private transfer to hotel

  • Rest and recovery after international flight

Day 2: Nairobi

  • Visit the Nairobi National Museum & Snake Park

  • Visit the Giraffe Centre

         or

  • Visit the Nairobi National Park

  • Sheldrick Wildlife Elephant Center

Day 3: Nairobi → Lake Naivasha

  • Early scenic morning drive to the Great Rift Valley

  • Hell’s Gate National Park

  • Boat ride on Lake Naivasha

  • Guided walk on Crescent Island

  • Relax at Olkaria Geothermal Spa

Day 4: Lake Naivasha → Masai Mara

  • Early morning drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve

  • Afternoon game drive

  • Wildlife Highlights: Big Five and seasonal Great Migration viewing

Day 5: Masai Mara (Full Day Safari)

  • Full-day game drive with picnic lunch

  • Big Five and (seasonal) Great Migration viewing

  • Optional: Cultural visit to a traditional Maasai village

Day 6: Masai Mara (Full Day Safari)

  • Full-day game drive with picnic lunch

  • Big Five and seasonal Great Migration viewing

  • Optional: Hot Air Balloon Safari

Day 7: Masai Mara → North Coast

  • Morning game drive

  • Optional: Hot Air Balloon Safari

  • Afternoon flight to the North Coast

  • Arrive Malindi/Watamu

Day 8: Beach Leisure Day

  • Optional: Malindi Marine Park

  • Optional: Watamu Marine Park

Day 9: Beach Leisure Day

  • Optional: Mida Creek dhow safari through mangroves

  • Optional: Arabuko Sokoke Forest and Gede Ruins

Day 10: North Coast → South Coast

  • Drive to Fort Jesus (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Shimba Hills National Reserve with guided walk to Sheldrick Falls

  • Drive to Diani Beach resort

Day 11: Beach Leisure Day

  • Optional: Dhow excursion to Wasini Island

  • Optional: Spa treatments or other water sports

Frequently Asked Questions

Day 12: Farewell and Thank You

  • Drop off at Moi International Airport (MBA) or **Mombasa–Nairobi SGR train to Nairobi

Inclusions

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  • Accommodation (safari lodges, tents etc.)

  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with professional driver-guide

  • All scheduled airport and inter-property transfers

  • Full board during safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Half board or full board at beach resort (as specified)

  • Bottled water during game drives

  • National park and conservancy entry fees

  • Game drives in destinations

  • Coastal stay in destinations

  • Guided cultural experiences (when included in itinerary)

  • 24/7 in-country support

  • Pre-departure planning assistance

  • All applicable government taxes and tourism levies

Exclusions

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  • International airfare and associated taxes

  • Visa fees and entry/exit requirements

  • Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended)

  • Premium beverages, alcoholic drinks, and minibar charges (unless specified)

  • Optional activities and excursions not explicitly listed on itinerary

  • Gratuities for driver-guides, lodge staff, and porters

  • Personal expenses (laundry, spa services, telecommunications, souvenirs)

  • Early check-in or late check-out beyond standard hotel policy

  • Any government-imposed increases in park fees, taxes, fuel surcharges, or tourism levies after booking confirmation

Traveler's Guide

What should I pack for a Kenya and Tanzania safari and beach holiday?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral tones like khaki, tan, or olive for safaris. Essentials include high-quality binoculars, a wide-brimmed hat, and sturdy walking shoes. For the coast, remember swimwear and light linen clothing for the tropical warmth of Diani or Watamu.

What is the local currency and can I use US Dollars?

The official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). However, US Dollars (printed after 2006) are widely accepted for tipping and at major tourist lodges. Major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most luxury properties and urban centers.

Will I see the Big Five?

While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, destinations like the Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Park offer excellent opportunities to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.

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Your guide’s expertise greatly enhances viewing success.

Do I need travel insurance?

No. However, comprehensive travel and medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended. Safari travel takes place in remote wilderness areas.

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