11-Day Kenya Budget Safari

Experience the ultimate bush to beach safari, where the wild beauty of Africa meets the serene shores of the Indian Ocean. This 11-day adventure takes you from the sweeping savannahs of Tsavo East National Park, where you’ll witness elephants, lions, and other iconic wildlife, to the soft sands of Diani Beach. Explore the history of Fort Jesus in Mombasa and the enchanting ruins of Gedi, all while savouring the comfort of your carefully selected lodges and beach resorts. Whether you’re watching elephants roam the plains or unwinding by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, each day offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation.

By day, embark on thrilling game drives and discover the untamed beauty of Tsavo’s landscapes, home to the legendary man-eaters of Tsavo, made famous in the film The Ghost and the Darkness. By night, enjoy lavish dinners and starlit skies, soaking in the romantic ambiance of the African wilderness. With dramatic wildlife encounters and indulgent beachside luxury, this safari promises an unforgettable journey from the heart of Kenya’s bush to the dazzling coast.

Our 11-day itinerary for this Kenya tour is an example and fully customisable. Contact us directly if you are interested in a personalised Kenya Safari or other East Africa tour packages(opens in a new tab).

All of our tours can be personalised. For most safari itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions upon request. To find out more, contact us directly(opens in a new tab).

• SSL Land Cruiser per day $60
• Extension beach at Jacaranda IOBR $57 per person / SSL $57 per person

Day 1: Arrival in Mombasa/Diani Beach
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our customer service representative, who will assist with your transfer to the beach hotel. On arrival, enjoy a refreshing non-alcoholic welcome drink and a brief orientation about your vacation.

Dinner and overnight at Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort.

Day 2: Explore Mombasa
Wake up to the soothing sounds of the Indian Ocean and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, embark on an excursion to Mombasa’s Old Town and the historic Fort Jesus.

Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596. Designed by Italian architect Cairati, it stands as an impressive example of 16th-century Portuguese military architecture, even though parts of it are damaged. The fort, strategically located on a coral ridge at the entrance of the harbour, has witnessed numerous battles for control. Over the years, it has served as soldier barracks, a prison, and now houses a museum showcasing an extensive collection of ceramics and pottery, reflecting the diverse cultures that once traded along the coast.

You’ll also explore the Old Town, renowned for its architectural gems like filigree timber balconies, carved wooden doors, and colonial and Indian designs. Old Town is home to more than 20 mosques and was granted protected status in 1985 to preserve its historical significance.

Day 3: Relax at Diani Beach
Spend the day unwinding at your hotel or lounging on the beach.

Day 4: Mombasa to Tsavo East
After a hearty breakfast, depart for Tsavo East National Park, arriving in time for lunch. In the evening, enjoy a game drive before returning to the lodge or camp as the sun sets.

Tsavo East is famous for its abundant wildlife. Witness the iconic dust-red elephants of Tsavo, along with rhinos, buffalo, lions, leopards, hippos, and crocodiles. The park also features the 300-kilometre-long Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world, making it a one-of-a-kind destination.

Dinner and overnight at Voi Wildlife Lodge / Manyatta Camp (Full board).

Day 5: Tsavo West National Park
After breakfast, head to Tsavo West National Park for a full day of exploration, with a picnic lunch along the way.

Tsavo West is known for its stunning volcanic features, including Mzima Springs, where 50 million gallons of crystal-clear water emerge from beneath lava rocks. Another highlight is the Shetani Lava Flows, part of the world’s longest lava flow. The park’s rugged wilderness is home to open grasslands, scrublands, Acacia woodlands, and belts of riverine vegetation. Game viewing here is exceptional, with the chance to spot elephants, rhinos, hippos, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and a wide variety of bird species.

Dinner and overnight at Voi Wildlife Lodge / Manyatta Camp (Full board)

Day 6: Tsavo East
After breakfast, enjoy a day of game drives in Tsavo East National Park.

Dinner and overnight at Voi Wildlife Lodge / Man-eaters Camp (Full board)

Day 7 & 8: Amboseli National Park
Depart from Tsavo and head to Amboseli National Park, famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its rich wildlife. Here, you’ll find large herds of elephants with some of the largest tusks in Kenya. Other wildlife includes zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, impalas, lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The park is also home to over 400 bird species, such as bee-eaters, kingfishers, and African fish eagles.

Dinner and overnight at AA Lodge (Full board)

Day 9: Return to Diani Beach
After breakfast, return to Diani Beach for a day of relaxation at your hotel.

Dinner and overnight at Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort

Day 10: Discover Gedi Ruins
After breakfast, drive north across the iconic Nyali Bridge to Kilifi and on to the village of Gede in Watamu. Spend the day exploring the Gedi Ruins, a 12th-century Swahili settlement that once thrived along the East African coast. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of wealth and prosperity within Gedi, with intricate mosques, palaces, and homes built before the town’s mysterious abandonment in the 15th century. The site is surrounded by an ancient forest, adding to its allure.

Dinner and overnight at Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort

Day 11: Departure
Check out and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

1. Prices are valid for 2024, 2025 and 2026.
2. The itinerary mentioned for this tour is an example which can be tailored to your wishes.
3. The Gorilla Tracking included in this safari depends on the availability of gorilla trekking permits at the time of booking. These permits are strictly limited and sold out in advance, especially during peak seasons of Christmas and school holidays. We therefore strongly recommend booking early.
4. The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travellers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavour to stick as closely as possible to this programme. For most itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions of this safari upon request.
5. Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organisational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.
6. By booking this safari, the client accepts Manya Africa Tours Terms and Conditions(opens in a new tab) of business.