Safari Overview
This 8-day fly-in safari combines Mara North Conservancy and Chale Island in Diani Beach.
It starts with a direct flight from Nairobi into the Maasai Mara ecosystem for three nights of exclusive game viewing in a private conservancy known for excellent Big Five and predator sightings.
The journey then continues to the Kenyan coast for four nights at Chale Island, a private beach paradise near Diani.
Here you relax on white sandy beaches with optional marine activities such as snorkeling and dhow cruises, offering the perfect mix of safari adventure and tropical beach relaxation.
Itinerary
Your journey begins in Nairobi with a transfer to Wilson Airport for your scheduled morning flight to the Masai Mara ecosystem.
The scenic bush flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Great Rift Valley, escarpments, and endless savannah plains before landing at a private airstrip within or near Mara North Conservancy.
Upon arrival, you will be met by your safari guide and transferred to your luxury tented camp with an en-route game drive.
Mara North Conservancy is part of the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem but offers a more exclusive and less crowded safari experience, with excellent wildlife density.
After check-in and lunch, enjoy your first afternoon game drive, where you may encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and large herds of herbivores.
Return to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Fairmont Mara Safari Club
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
After an early breakfast, depart for a full day of game viewing in Mara North Conservancy.
The conservancy is renowned for excellent predator sightings, particularly lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as large elephant herds and abundant plains game.
The landscape features open savannahs, river systems, and acacia woodlands, providing diverse wildlife habitats.
An optional hot air balloon safari is available at sunrise, offering a breathtaking aerial perspective of the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
The experience includes a scenic flight over wildlife herds followed by a champagne bush breakfast upon landing.
After the balloon safari or morning game drive, continue exploring different sections of the conservancy with a picnic lunch or return to camp for relaxation before an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight stay at camp.
Accommodation: Fairmont Mara Safari Club
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Spend another full day exploring the rich wildlife of Mara North Conservancy with morning and afternoon game drives.
Early morning hours are ideal for spotting predators in action or returning from nighttime hunts. Your guide will track wildlife movements across the conservancy to maximize sightings.
In the afternoon or between game drives, enjoy a guided visit to a traditional Maasai village.
Here you will interact with the Maasai community, learn about their semi-nomadic lifestyle, traditional housing (manyattas), beadwork, ceremonies, and warrior culture.
Cultural dances and storytelling provide deeper insight into one of Africa’s most iconic communities.
After the visit, return to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Fairmont Mara Safari Club
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After breakfast in Mara North Conservancy, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your scheduled direct flight from the Maasai Mara to Ukunda Airstrip at Diani Beach.
The flight offers spectacular aerial views of the Mara ecosystem, the Rift Valley, and Kenya’s coastline as you descend toward the Indian Ocean.
Upon arrival at Ukunda Airstrip, you will be met and transferred by road, and a short boat ride to The Sands at Chale Island.
After check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure.
You may relax on the beach, enjoy the swimming pool, or take in the peaceful island atmosphere surrounded by turquoise waters and mangrove forests.
Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.
Accommodation: Chale Island Resort
Meals: All Inclusive
Enjoy a full day at leisure on The Sands at Chale Island.
The island offers a perfect blend of white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and lush tropical vegetation.
You can relax by the ocean, enjoy spa treatments, or swim in the warm Indian Ocean waters.
Optional activities include snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, or guided nature walks around the island’s mangrove ecosystem.
Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.
Accommodation: Chale Island Resort
Meals: All Inclusive
Another relaxing day in paradise with optional marine and coastal experiences around Diani Beach. You may choose to go on a dhow sailing trip, snorkeling excursion, or visit nearby coral reefs rich with marine life.
Dolphin-watching trips can also be arranged depending on ocean conditions.
Alternatively, you can simply relax at the beach or pool and enjoy the tranquil island atmosphere.
Dinner and overnight stay at Chale Island.
Accommodation: Chale Island Resort
Meals: All Inclusive
Spend your final full day in complete relaxation at The Sands at Chale Island.
This is a perfect day to unwind, enjoy sunset views over the Indian Ocean, and take in the peaceful surroundings of the private island.
Optional excursions can still be arranged, including deep-sea fishing or spa wellness treatments. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.
Accommodation: Chale Island Resort
Meals: All Inclusive
After breakfast at The Sands at Chale Island, you will be transferred by boat and road to Ukunda Airstrip.
From here, you will take your scheduled flight either to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your international connection, or to Moi International Airport (MIA), depending on your onward travel arrangements.
Upon arrival at either airport, you will be assisted with your onward connection, marking the end of your Mara North fly-in safari and Chale Island beach holiday.