Do I need a visa to visit Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, and Rwanda?

Yes, most international travelers require entry authorization for each country, though processes vary: Kenya: Requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) submitted online at etakenya.go.ke before departure. East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) a joint single-entry multi-country visa ($100 USD) allowing 90 days of travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda is available if traveling to multiple countries when applying. Tanzania & Zanzibar: Requires a Single Entry Tourist Visa ($50 USD for most nationalities, $100 USD for US citizens), available via eVisa or on arrival. Uganda: Requires an eVisa applied for online in advance via the official immigration portal. East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) a joint single-entry multi-country visa ($100 USD) allowing 90 days of travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda is available if traveling to multiple countries when applying. Rwanda: Offers an eVisa or Visa on Arrival ($50 USD) for most nationalities. East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) a joint single-entry multi-country visa ($100 USD) allowing 90 days of travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda is available if traveling to multiple countries when applying.

Is East Africa safe for tourists and solo travelers?

East Africa is generally safe for tourists, particularly within wildlife reserves, safari circuits, and beach resorts. Standard safety practices apply in urban hubs (Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kampala): Avoid walking alone at night in major cities. Secure valuables in hotel safes and keep cameras/phones discreet in crowded areas. Use trusted transfers, registered taxis, or tour operator vehicles rather than unmarked street transport.

What currency should I bring on safari?

US Dollars ($ USD), Euros, and Sterling Pounds: Are widely accepted for safaris, park fees, mid-to-luxury lodges, and tips across all five destinations. USD bills must be crisp and printed in 2013 or later (older bills are rejected by banks and businesses due to forgery concerns). Local Currencies: Recommended for small purchases, local markets, tipping drivers, and street cafes: Kenya: Kenyan Shilling (KES) Tanzania & Zanzibar: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) Uganda: Ugandan Shilling (UGX) Rwanda: Rwandan Franc (RWF)

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at main lodges, safari camps, and city hotels (often carrying a 3–5% processing surcharge). ATMs are readily available in major towns, but cash (USD and local currency) is essential once out on safari routes.

What are the luggage restrictions on bush flights?

If your safari itinerary includes domestic internal flights on light aircraft. Weight Limit: Strictly 15 kg to 20 kg (33–44 lbs) total per person, including hand luggage. Bag Type: Soft-sided duffel bags only (no rigid hard-shell suitcases, as they cannot squeeze into small aircraft baggage pods). Luggage storage facilities are available on request with prior arrangements.

What clothes should I pack for safari?

Neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive green); avoid bright colors. Avoid Dark Blue & Black: These colors attract tsetse flies in rural park regions. Layered clothing: Mornings and evenings in high-altitude zones (Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Bwindi) can drop to 10°C (50°F), while afternoons get hot. Gorilla/Chimp Trekking (Uganda & Rwanda): Sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and garden/leather gloves to protect against thistles and nettles. Zanzibar and the East African coast have a predominantly Muslim culture. While swimwear is standard on private beach resort grounds, travelers should dress modestly when walking through Stone Town, local villages, or public areas (shoulders and knees covered for both men and women).

How long is the flight from Maasai Mara to Diani Beach?

The direct bush flight takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, saving you over 12 hours of driving! If there is no stopover at Wilson Airport Nairobi.

Are meals included at the beach resort?

Yes. Diani Beach accommodations are booked on a Half Board plan (Breakfast and Dinner), giving you freedom to sample local beach cafes during lunch.

7 Day Kenya Bush And Beach Safari

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Why choose between exciting wildlife adventures and relaxed ocean views when you can have both?

The 7-Day Kenya Bush and Beach Safari brings you the classic East African dream combination.

Spend three thrilling days tracking lions, leopards, and elephants across the open grasslands of the Maasai Mara. Then, board a quick domestic flight straight to the coast.

Swap dusty safari boots for sandals as you unwind on the powdery white sands of tropical Diani Beach.

Best Time to Travel

Peak Season (July to October): Perfect for catching the Great Migration in the Mara and warm, sunny beach days in Diani.
Warm Season (December to March): Hot tropical beach weather, clear ocean waters for snorkeling, and great wildlife viewing.
Green Season (April to May): Low rates across both bush camps and beach resorts.

Why Book This Safari?

Zero Wasted Transit Time: A direct flight connects the safari camp straight to the beach resort in under two hours.
Best of Both Worlds: Combines high-energy game drives with refreshing coastal rest.
Romantic & Family Friendly: Perfect choice for honeymooners, anniversary couples, and family holidays.
Comfort Eco-Lodges: Enjoy premium mid-range accommodations in both wild and coastal settings.

Your Paradise Escape Awaits!

Book the 7-Day Kenya Bush and Beach Safari now and secure your flight seats from bush to beach!

Trip Highlights

Seamless Fly-In Connection: Fly straight from the Maasai Mara bush airstrip directly to the Indian Ocean coast.
Big Five Safari: Three days of big game tracking inside Kenya’s premiere reserve.
Diani Beach Relaxation: Unwind on Africa's leading beach destination with warm, turquoise waters.
Ocean Water Sports: Optional snorkeling, diving, and traditional dhow sailing trips.

Day 1 :

Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Day Highlight: Afternoon game drive in search of big cats.

Fly or drive from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara. Arrive at your camp in time for a fresh lunch. Head out on your afternoon game drive inside the reserve to spot grazing wildlife and hunting big cats.

Suggested Accommodation: Basecamp Masai Mara or Mara Crossings Camp.

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2 & 3 :

Two Full Days in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Day Highlights: Full-day game drives with bush picnics near wildlife waterholes.

Spend two full days exploring the deep wilderness of the Mara. Track lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Visit the Mara River to watch resident hippos and giant crocodiles. Enjoy relaxing dinners back at camp under the stars.

Suggested Accommodation: Basecamp Masai Mara or Mara Crossings Camp.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4 :

Flight from Maasai Mara to Diani Beach

Day Highlight: Flying over Kenya's changing landscapes from bush to ocean.

Enjoy a final morning breakfast in the wild. Transfer to the local Mara airstrip for your direct flight to Ukunda Airstrip in Diani. Check into your beachfront resort and enjoy sunset drinks by the ocean.

Suggested Accommodation: Baobab Beach Resort & Spa or Pinewood Beach Resort.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 5 & 6 :

Two Full Days at Diani Beach

Day Highlights: Relaxing on white sands, swimming in the Indian Ocean, and optional dhow cruises.

Spend two full days relaxing on Diani Beach. Soak up the sun, swim in warm turquoise waters, or try kite surfing and snorkeling. Enjoy delicious fresh seafood and evening ocean breezes.

Suggested Accommodation: Baobab Beach Resort & Spa or Pinewood Beach Resort.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 7 :

Diani Beach to Nairobi & Departure

Day Highlight: Morning ocean swim before your flight back to Nairobi.

Spend your morning relaxing by the beach or pool. Transfer to Ukunda Airstrip for your domestic flight to Nairobi, connecting directly to your international flight back home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast.