Soul of Kenya: 11-Day Ultra-Luxury Kenya Safari & Beach Escape

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Indulge in the soul of Africa with this exquisite 11-day journey through Kenya’s most enchanting landscapes crafted exclusively for discerning travellers who seek the finest experiences in the wild and by the sea. Your adventure begins in Nairobi, where you’ll unwind in a tranquil garden estate before visiting the famed Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Then, wing your way to the iconic Maasai Mara for four thrilling days of private game drives, golden savannahs, and ultra-luxurious safari living at a secluded tented camp. Think sundowners overlooking the plains, gourmet bush dinners, and optional hot-air balloon safaris that kiss the sky at dawn.

The pace then softens as you trade the wild for the sea flying first-class to Kenya’s coast for five days of pure barefoot luxury on the white sands of Diani. Sip cocktails beneath palm trees, sail aboard a private dhow, snorkel coral gardens, and unwind with spa rituals that lull you into bliss. Your boutique beachfront retreat offers exceptional service, oceanfront dining, and tailor-made experiences like sunset yoga or a private chef’s dinner under the stars.

Throughout, you’ll enjoy seamless transfers, handpicked accommodations, and personalized attention at every turn. Every moment is designed to feel effortless, immersive, and unforgettable.

This is Kenya as few have seen it raw, refined, and wrapped in understated elegance.

🌟Tour Highlights

·        Breakfast with giraffes, private elephant encounters, and curated conservation moments in Nairobi.

·        Scenic bush flight into the Maasai Mara with a stay at the iconic Angama Mara.

·        Exclusive game drives, optional sunrise balloon safari, and Maasai cultural immersion

·        Seamless private flight to Diani Beach and barefoot luxury at The Sands at Nomad

·        Snorkeling, dhow sailing, spa indulgence, and coastal serenity on the Swahili shores.

DETAILED ITINERARY (FULL DESCRIPTION)

DAY 1: A Grand welcome- Nairobi’s Luxury Embrace

Arrive gently. Exhale fully. This is just the beginning

Your Kenyan fairytale begins the moment you step off the plane. A VIP welcome awaits, complete with a chilled towel service to refresh you after your journey, and fast-track assistance through immigration, ensuring a seamless arrival. A private luxury vehicle will whisk you away to Hemingways Nairobi, a serene retreat nestled in the heart of Karen, a lush and tranquil suburb. Depending on your flight arrival, the drive takes approximately 20 minutes from Wilson Airport or an hour from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Check-in to the Blixen Luxury Suite, where your private balcony offers sweeping views of the Ngong Hills. Breathe in the fresh Kenyan air and let the charm of the ambience sink in.

As the sun goes down, sip on expertly crafted cocktails at the bar, enjoying the views of the Nairobi skyline. Dinner follows, a gourmet multi-course experience be sure to try their signature Kenyan coffee-rubbed filet, a culinary masterpiece at Hemingways. Then, retreat to your suite for a restful night.

DAY 2: Breakfast with Giraffes & Nairobi’s Hidden Treasures

A gentle encounter with Kenya’s soul; wild, whimsical, and deeply human

Ease into your first full day in Kenya with a slow, indulgent morning at Hemingways Nairobi, where fresh-pressed juices, buttery croissants, and à la carte delicacies await on your private balcony overlooking the misty Ngong Hills. After breakfast, your personal driver-guide will whisk you away in a chauffeured luxury SUV to the Giraffe Centre for an exclusive, early-access visit; an intimate encounter with the endangered Rothschild giraffes as they feed from your palm. If you wish, a professional wildlife photographer can accompany you, discreetly capturing candid, high-quality images of this magical experience.

Next, head to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for a behind-the-scenes VIP visit. Watch playful baby elephants splash in the mud and interact with their caretakers, with the option to have this heartwarming experience photographed as well. For lunch, indulge in an al fresco meal at Talisman, Nairobi’s iconic garden restaurant. Dine beneath shaded trees and Savor signature dishes like sesame-crusted tuna and the famed prawn curry, paired with a crisp South African Sauvignon Blanc. Your afternoon offers a deeper Nairobi’s cultural immersion:

Craft a bespoke bracelet during a private Maasai beadwork session led by local artisans.

• Enjoy a private tour and tasting at Matbronze Wildlife Art Gallery, where you’ll explore exquisite bronze sculptures and hear personal stories from the artists.

Return to Hemingways in the early evening for a peaceful moment of rest. Unwind on your terrace with a sundowner in hand, reflecting on a day rich in beauty, culture, and unforgettable wildlife moments many of them captured for you to treasure forever.

✨Optional Ultra-Luxury Enhancements in Nairobi:

• Private Wildlife Photographer: Capture intimate moments during your Giraffe Centre visit with a professional photographer documenting your experience.
• Elephant Adoption Experience: Participate in preparing the baby elephants’ milk and receive a personalized adoption certificate and custom plaque (subject to availability).
• Scenic Helicopter Flight: Enjoy a helicopter flyover of Nairobi National Park, with breathtaking views of wildlife and cityscape (pre-booking required).
• Private In-Suite Massage: Unwind with a couples’ massage by candlelight in your suite; perfect after a day of exploration.
• Curated Whisky or Wine Flight: End your day on the terrace with a curated tasting from the hotel’s premium spirits selection.

DAY 3: Into the Wild – The Maasai Mara Call

Fly above the Rift, then fall into a landscape that steals your breath

Your African odyssey truly awakens today as you board a scenic private charter flight from Nairobi departing Jomo Kenyatta International for the iconic Maasai Mara. This 45-minute to 1-hour flight is no ordinary transfer; it's your first aerial glimpse of the untamed beauty below. Gaze down at winding rivers, acacia-dotted plains, and perhaps even elephants or giraffes meandering through the savanna your safari starts from the skies!

Touch down on the Mara’s Sun-warmed Kichwa Tembo airstrip, where your guide welcomes you to the wilderness. From there, your first game drive begins immediately; an open-sided 4x4 Jeep winds its way through the terrain, bringing you eye to eye with the wild. Expect to pass prides of lions dozing in the shade, herds of elephants on the move, and antelopes darting gracefully through the tall grass. Arrive at Angama Mara, your spectacular cliffside sanctuary inspired by the iconic “Out of Africa” view point. Perched high above the Great Rift Valley, your glass-fronted suite offers sweeping views that stretch to the horizon; a front-row seat to the theatre of the wild. Settle in, refresh, and breathe in the fresh, highland air.

As the afternoon wanes, head out on a sunset game drive that ends at the legendary Oloololo Escarpment viewpoint. With a curated sundowner cocktail in hand, toast to the golden sky and the vast, soulful land before you.

Return to Angama for a starlit dinner and your first serene night in the bush.

✨Optional Ultra-Luxury Enhancements:

• Private Executive Chartered Flights Upgrade to the Mara
• Champagne Arrival Reception at the lodge or the airstrip
• In-Suite Spa Massage upon arrival
• Professional private Photographer Escort for candid safari moment.

DAY 4: The Rhythm of the Wild – Ballooning, Culture & Big Cats

Safari Thrills, Cultural immersion & the Soul of the Mara

The day begins before dawn with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: An Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Mara. As your balloon lifts off, the landscape glows beneath you while golden light floods the plains as wildlife begins to stir. Float silently over elephants, hippos, zebras and giraffes, before descending into the bush for a lavish champagne breakfast under acacia trees.

Later in the morning, venture deep into Maasai land for a private cultural immersion in a local village. This is no tourist performance. You'll be welcomed as a guest of honour by a community that has lived in harmony with this land for centuries. Participate in age-old customs: try your hand at spear throwing with Maasai warriors, join in their high-energy dances, and learn the symbolism behind the beadwork worn by the women. A private storytelling session reveals ancestral legends and the community’s deep relationship with the land and wildlife.

After a meaningful morning, return to the lodge for a leisurely afternoon. Lounge by the infinity pool, soak up the views with a glass of wine, or simply unwind on your private veranda as the Mara unfolds below. As the sun begins to dip, depart for an evening game drive in search of elusive predators. This is when the savanna pulses with energy; lions rouse from their rest, leopards begin their hunt, and you may even catch sight of the stealthy serval or a bush baby flitting through the night.

Return to Angama Mara for a leisurely and peaceful night.

✨Optional Ultra-Luxury Enhancements:

• Private Maasai Blessing Ceremony before the cultural visit
• Designer Bush Picnic & Sommelier Wine Pairing in the wild
• Private Night Vision Safari Vehicle Upgrade for nocturnal wildlife viewing
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DAY 5: The Final Chapter – One Last Dance with the Mara

A Golden Farewell Beneath the Savannah Sky

Your final full day in the Maasai Mara is a celebration of everything this majestic land has offered. Begin with a dawn game drive, when the golden light of sunrise casts a magical glow over the plains. Watch as herds of elephant cross dewy grasslands, giraffes feed silently in the treetops, and if fortune favours, witness a leopard stalking its prey in the early hours.

Midday invites relaxation. Back at Angama, indulge in a gourmet brunch and consider a wellness treatment at the lodge spa, or simply lounge on your suite’s deck with binoculars in hand and a chilled drink within reach. If you're inclined to explore, a guided walking safari near the lodge reveals smaller, intricate details of the ecosystem tracks, feathers, plants, and the rhythm of the bush up close. As the golden hour approaches, set off on one final game drive, savouring every last encounter perhaps even seeking out Luluka, the famed female leopard whose elegance and daring hunts have become the stuff of Mara legend.

As the sun slips beneath the horizon, gather for a farewell sundowner in a secluded location curated just for you. With a fire crackling and the sky ablaze, raise a glass to the unforgettable moments you've lived here in the wild heart of Africa.

Later return to Angama mara for another restful night in the African savannah.

✨Optional Ultra-Luxury Enhancements:

• Helicopter Scenic Flight over the Mara & Rift Valley
• Private Bush Dinner with Maasai Performers
• Professional Wildlife Photographer Session
• In-Room Wellness Spa & Detox Ritual Before Coastal Travel

The rhythm shifts. The ocean calls. The barefoot chapter begins

As the sun rises over the golden plains of the Mara, savour one last cup of coffee on your private deck at Angama Mara your final serene moment in the wild. Soon after, a quick transfer brings you to the airstrip where your private charter flight to the coast awaits. Settle into your seat as the landscape shifts dramatically beneath you from acacia-studded savannah to the brilliant blues of the Indian Ocean. In just over two hours, you’ll arrive in Diani Beach, greeted by warm sea breezes and swaying coconut palms. A private transfer escorts you to The Sands at Nomad, your barefoot-luxury retreat nestled among lush coastal forest and powder-soft sands. Check into your luxurious beachfront villa; secluded, tranquil, and steps from the turquoise tide.

The rest of the day is yours. Lounge on your private terrace, sip a tropical cocktail, or slip straight into the ocean for a revitalizing swim. As dusk descends, toast your transition from safari to seaside with a sunset drink at the beachfront bar.

✨Optional Ultra-Luxury Enhancements:

• Charter flight/ helicopter Transfer from the Mara to Diani via a scenic Rift Valley route

DAY 7: Sunset Serenity on the Kongo River

Sunset serenity and mangrove’s tranquillity

Wake at your own pace today, lulled by the gentle hush of the waves. Enjoy a slow tropical breakfast on your shaded veranda perhaps with coconut pancakes, fresh mango, and Kenyan coffee before slipping into full relaxation. Spend your morning exactly as you wish: poolside, beachside, or in the comfort of your villa’s shaded daybed. In the late afternoon, your private guide will escort you to the Kongo River, a tranquil estuary where mangrove forests meet the sea. Here, step aboard a hand-carved traditional canoe for a magical sunset cruise. Drift silently through serene waterways, the golden light filtering through the canopy, birds flitting above, and the occasional splash of a jumping fish echoing through the stillness. With a cocktail in hand and the sky ablaze in pink and orange, let the moment linger.

Return to The Sands at Nomad for a relaxed evening. Dine beachside or in-villa, enjoying locally sourced seafood and Swahili-infused culinary delights.

DAY 8: Kisite Marine Park & Swahili Soul – A Day of Discovery

Where the sea is your playground and dolphins your companions

Set off early today for a day filled with wonder. After a scenic 1.5-hour drive along the coast, arrive at Kisite Marine Park, where a private dhow awaits. Sail over glassy turquoise waters, keeping an eye out for playful dolphins and if you’re lucky; migrating humpback whales between July and November. Dive into the warm Indian Ocean for a guided snorkelling experience. Explore kaleidoscopic coral gardens alive with vibrant marine life; sea turtles, angelfish, and iridescent reef dwellers await beneath the surface.

After the underwater adventure, continue to Wasini Island for a cultural encounter with the island’s Swahili community. Explore coral-stone villages, meet the Shirazi people, and walk the winding paths to the haunting Shimoni Slave Caves, now a national monument and place of reflection. Afterward, feast on a gourmet seafood lunch served on a private sandbank with panoramic views of the ocean.

Return to The Sands at Nomad by evening, with memories of marine magic and cultural richness etched in your mind.

DAY 9: Soulful Mornings & Spa Evenings – Kaya Kinondo & Spa Indulgence

A Sacred Forest Walk & Sunset Spa Serenity by the Sea

Wake to the soft rhythm of the waves at Sands at Nomad, and enjoy a leisurely beachfront breakfast around 8:00 AM under the shade of towering palms at Nomad’s beachfront restaurant. Savor tropical fruits, homemade Swahili pastries, and fresh juices as the ocean glitters just beyond your table. At 9:30 AM, your private driver escorts you to the nearby Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest, a serene coastal sanctuary and UNESCO-recognized heritage site. Wrapped in a traditional kikoi, explore this ancient forest with a local guide; walking among 600-year-old trees, spiritual shrines, and medicinal plants. This 2 to 3-hour cultural experience offers a rare and soulful window into the traditions of the Digo people.

Return to the hotel by around 1 PM just in time to refresh and enjoy a light tropical lunch perhaps grilled prawns, avocado served poolside or at the shaded restaurant. Then, the afternoon is yours: unwind in your suite, swim in the sea, or nap beneath a palm. As the sun begins to dip around 5:00 PM, head to Nomad’s open-air spa for a deeply relaxing Swahili aromatherapy massage. Surrounded by ocean breezes and coastal flora, this indulgent treatment offers the perfect close to a restorative day.

As the night falls, settle into a private beachside BBQ dinner under lanterns and stars. Savor dishes like Swahili-spiced lobster as the waves provide a gentle soundtrack to the evening.

✨Optional Ultra-Luxury Enhancements:

• Private Villa Chef Experience with a curated wine pairing
• Moonlit Beach Cinema Setup with a classic film of your choice

DAY 10: Barefoot Freedom – Your Day, Your Way

Ultimate Diani Beach Relaxation

Savor your final full day in Kenya with no fixed schedule just open skies, warm sands, and the gentle rhythm of the Indian Ocean. Begin with a relaxed oceanfront breakfast, then let the day unfold as you please. Stroll barefoot along the palm-fringed beach, unwind by the pool, or take a dip in the turquoise waters. For a touch of adventure, optional experiences include 4hr-market tour with a bicycle,2hr Robbinson island Glass boat tour, street food tour.

As this marks your last evening in Diani, we recommend ending on a truly memorable note with a romantic dinner at Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant; a one-of-a-kind dining experience set inside a naturally formed coral cave, softly lit by candlelight and open to the stars above. This intimate setting offers the perfect atmosphere to reflect on your journey from the wild savannahs to the coastal serenity and toast to the unforgettable memories made in Kenya.

✨Optional Ultra-Luxury Enhancements:

• Designer Boutique Private Shopping Session at Nomad’s Beachwear & Art Galler
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• DAY 11;Goodbye and Farewell
  

Your safari ends… but Kenya stays with you forever

The final morning is for soaking up those last precious coastal moments. Maybe your choice could be; a slow swim in the warm Indian Ocean, a refreshing sip of fresh coconut water, and a lingering stroll along the endless stretch of Diani Beach, committing every detail to memory. As midday approaches, it's time to leave the beach behind and head to Mombasa Airport with a proper farewell as your board your international flight back to your home.

With hearts full and minds already drifting to the next adventure, you board your flight, knowing that another adventure awaits.

TOUR DETAILS

• Tour Duration: 11 Days, 10 Nights
• Languages Offered: English, Other languages available upon request at additional cost.
• Cut-Off Time: Bookings must be confirmed at least 30 days in advance to secure accommodations and exclusive experiences.
• Meeting Point: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi
• Drop off point: Mombasa International Airport
• Start Time: The tour officially begins upon your arrival in Nairobi. Recommended arrival time: Morning or early afternoon for a seamless transition to your luxury accommodation.
• Note: Hot Air Balloon Safari is weather-dependent and must be pre-booked due to limited availability.

Participant Suitability

• Ideal for couples, honeymooners, or small private groups
• Suitable for travellers aged 12 and above (younger children on request)
• Requires moderate mobility for bush walks and safari vehicles

• Not suitable for pregnant women, travellers with mobility issues

• Customizable for special occasions, anniversaries, or milestone celebrations

Key Logistics

• Arrival Airport: Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport – NBO)
• Departure Airport: Nairobi (after return flight from Diani)
• Internal Flights: All included, via private charter or premium class bush flights
• Ground Transfers: Fully chauffeured luxury vehicles with English-speaking guides
• Luggage Allowance: Soft-sided bags only, max 15kg per person for bush flights (custom charter upgrades available)

🎒What to Pack for Your Journey

• Light, breathable clothing in neutral safari tones (think linens and cottons)
• Designer swimwear, wide-brimmed sunhat, and luxury beachwear
• Comfortable, stylish walking shoes for game drives and cultural visits
• High-quality binoculars and a professional camera to capture unforg

  Inclusions & Exclusions

  Inclusions

  ✅What’s Included

  • 10 nights luxury accommodation in top-tier properties
  • Internal air transfers with scheduled flights
  • All meals and drinks (including select fine wines and spirits)
  • Private ground transport with luxury 4x4 safari vehicles
  • All Park and conservancy fees
  • Private safari activities and guided excursions with water onboard
  • All airport meet-and-greet and VIP transfers

  Exclusions

  🚫What’s Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Kenya
  • Visa fees (if applicable)
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Gratuities for staff and guides
  • Optional excursions not listed as included
  • Premium wines, champagnes, and spirits beyond standard inclusions