Here’s our sample 7-day beach holiday itinerary in Kenya, focusing on the beautiful coastal region:
Day 1: Arrival in Mombasa
- Arrive at Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
- Transfer to your chosen beachfront hotel or resort.
- Check-in and relax by the beach or pool.
- Optional: Explore the local markets or take a leisurely beach walk.
Day 2: Mombasa Old Town and Fort Jesus
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visit Mombasa Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its historic streets, markets, and architecture.
- Tour Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese fortress with a maritime museum.
- Return to the hotel for relaxation.
Day 3: Beach Leisure
- Enjoy a full day of relaxation on the beach.
- Optional water sports activities such as snorkeling, jet-skiing, or parasailing.
- Explore the hotel’s amenities and enjoy the sunset by the ocean.
Day 4: Diani Beach
- Check out from your Mombasa hotel.
- Transfer to Diani Beach, known for its stunning white sands.
- Check-in at a beachfront resort.
- Spend the day sunbathing and swimming.
Day 5: Marine Activities
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Experience marine activities:
- Snorkeling or diving at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park.
- Dolphin watching tour in the Indian Ocean.
- Return to the hotel for relaxation.
Day 6: Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visit Shimba Hills National Reserve for a day of wildlife viewing.
- Explore lush forests, waterfalls, and a diverse range of animals, including elephants.
- Return to your Diani Beach hotel.
Day 7: Leisure and Departure
- Enjoy your last day at leisure:
- Relax on the beach.
- Visit local shops for souvenirs.
- Check out from the hotel and transfer to Moi International Airport for departure.
This itinerary allows you to experience Kenya’s stunning coastal destinations, cultural heritage, and natural beauty while also providing plenty of time for relaxation and beach activities. We can customize it or work with your own itinerary that suits your budget or preferences
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About Mara Gates Safaris
Below are Google Reviews of people who have used our services in the past.
Luis Eduardo Torres R.
12:29 27 Dec 19
Unbelievable experience! From planning and booking with Agnes, up to our last day, everything was great!Our driver, Jackson, was AMAZING! He definitely a big factor in making our experience so unique.
rommel carlos
21:27 17 Oct 19
Agnes of Mara Gates always responds within 24 hours regarding any of my inquiries. She made the process very easy and always accommodated changes to our itinerary. Ken our driver/guide is very knowledgeable about animals and their behavior. Will definitely book another Safari trip with Mara Gates.!!!
Robert Schlag
21:43 14 Oct 19
Mara Gates provided us with an experience of a lifetime. The places that we visited were breathtakingly beautiful, the variety and number of animals and flora were spectacular. And our guide, Ken, was so courteous, knowledgeable, and organized. The depth of his knowledge and explanations of animal behavior and the local environments was like traveling with a patient university professor of zoology, ornithology, and botany. Our lodging, food, and their support service staff were excellent. I give this company and its guide my highest recommendation. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Malou Carlos
20:46 10 Oct 19
We had a wonderful 9-day safari with Mara Gates. My husband found their website and came up with a custom-made itinerary, that Agnes gladly accommodated and made it even better. Communicating with them was so easy because Agnes responds promptly. As soon as their office is open in Nairobi, they respond to our email inquiries quickly. We also met her at our hotel and we discussed the itinerary and she gave us pointers on what to expect during our trip. On the morning of the beginning of our safari, Ken our guide and driver promptly arrived and packed our van. Ken is a very intelligent, knowledgeable, wonderful person who gave us quick lessons on the different types of animals, birds, reptiles and also gave us lessons on their behavior. We would really like to go back and do another safari with Mara Gates, and most especially with Ken. Thank you so much for a wonderful trip!
Rob Lovemore
09:55 07 Oct 19
our family booked a hot air balloon trip with Mara Gates. A very good driver collected us from our camp in a smart closed body Toyota Landcruiser. Our camp was nearly an hours drive from the balloon site so it was a good commitment. Hot air ballooning is a must for visitors to the Mara. It's expensive but well worth it. We had a very competent pilot from Switzerland. The open air breakfast on the plains after we landed was also excellent. Then the same driver took us back home again. A great day out. Thanks Mara Gates.
ABHIJIT MANNA
02:36 03 Sep 19
We booked our African Safari trip with Mara Gates Safaris in May, '19. This was one of the best trips we have made so far and thanks to Mara Gates Safaris, it became the most memorable one. We received all the help we needed starting from the booking until the end of the trip. Special thanks to our guide Ken who enlightened us so much about the nature and behavior of the animals in the wild and took us to some of the best viewing spots over the different parks.
A Google User
14:20 29 Aug 19
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our safari with Mara Gates. They were helpful from initial enquiries, through changes, to the final stop of getting us to the airport. The guide, hotels and meals were all excellent. Our guide took great pains to ensure that we saw 'all' the animals and were able to take wonderful photos. We have great memories of this trip. At 84 and 72, we were comfortable all the way and felt well cared for. We would highly recommend this company and in fact we have to several friends. On another note, we had to cancel an earlier booking with this company because of an unexpected hospitalization. They were most kind and considerate and expeditiously handled refunds of our down-payment. Finally, from what I have seen, their prices are very good and certainly fall into the category of 'good value for the money'.
Maurine Limo
12:12 10 Dec 18
I had a wonderful experience with Mara Gates Safaris. I wanted a 5 day trip to the coastal town and they got me a very good safari. They are highly organized, excellent communicators- never once did I not get my queries answered and very accommodating. Everything went exactly as scheduled and discussed. Ms. Agnes is easy to work with and a professional in her line of duty. First time with Mara Gates and I will definitely be using them.
About Mombasa North Coast
Mombasa’s North Coast, a vibrant coastal region in Kenya, offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern amenities. Here’s an overview:
- Beaches: North Coast is famous for its pristine beaches, such as Bamburi, Nyali, and Shanzu. These sandy shores provide excellent opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like snorkeling and kite-surfing.
- Accommodation: The area boasts a wide range of beachfront hotels and resorts catering to various budgets. Visitors can enjoy ocean-view rooms and easy access to the beach.
- Mombasa Marine National Park: This protected marine reserve off the North Coast features coral reefs, diverse marine life, and crystal-clear waters. It’s a haven for snorkelers and scuba divers.
- Mombasa Old Town: A short drive away, explore the historic Mombasa Old Town. Its narrow streets are lined with Swahili architecture, local markets, and the iconic Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Cultural Experiences: North Coast offers cultural encounters, including Swahili cooking classes, traditional dance performances, and visits to local villages.
- Shopping and Dining: Enjoy shopping at modern malls like City Mall and indulging in delicious Swahili and international cuisine at beachside restaurants.
- Adventure Activities: North Coast provides opportunities for activities like deep-sea fishing, jet-skiing, and camel rides along the beach.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nearby, visit wildlife sanctuaries like Haller Park and Bamburi Nature Trail to see animals like giraffes, hippos, and reptiles.
- Nightlife: The North Coast has a lively nightlife scene with beach bars, clubs, and live music venues.
- Accessibility: Moi International Airport in Mombasa serves as the gateway to the North Coast, making it easily accessible for travelers.
Mombasa’s North Coast offers a well-rounded experience, combining relaxation on beautiful beaches with cultural exploration, water adventures, and a taste of Kenya’s coastal charm.
About Mombasa South Coast
Mombasa’s South Coast, often referred to as Diani Beach, is a picturesque coastal paradise in Kenya, known for its stunning beaches, lush vegetation, and diverse attractions:
- Diani Beach: Famous for its soft, white sands and clear turquoise waters, Diani Beach is a haven for sun-seekers, water sports enthusiasts, and beachcombers.
- Accommodation: South Coast offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury beachfront resorts to charming boutique hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors.
- Marine Activities: The area is renowned for its excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Visitors can explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter marine life like dolphins, turtles, and colorful fish.
- Shimba Hills National Reserve: A short drive inland, this reserve features lush forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, including elephants. It’s a great destination for a safari adventure.
- Colobus Conservation Center: South Coast is home to the Colobus Conservation Center, dedicated to preserving the endangered colobus monkey species through rehabilitation and education.
- Shimoni Caves: Discover the historical Shimoni Caves, which were once used as slave holding chambers during the slave trade era. Guided tours offer insights into this dark period of history.
- Dolphin Watching: Take a boat trip to spot dolphins in their natural habitat, a thrilling and educational experience for the whole family.
- Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest: Explore this sacred forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to learn about the Digo people’s cultural and spiritual traditions.
- Shopping and Dining: Diani Beach boasts a selection of shops, markets, and restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.
- Beachfront Activities: Besides relaxing on the beach, visitors can enjoy activities like horseback riding, beach volleyball, and kite-surfing.
Mombasa’s South Coast, with its natural beauty, cultural significance, and recreational offerings, is a top destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure along Kenya’s stunning coastline