Safaris
Two safaris organised around the wedding, before or after, depending on when you arrive. If you arrive through Nairobi, you can go on safari before heading to the coast. If you are already in Diani, you can leave on safari after the celebration.
Sands & Serenades organises each safari from start to finish. Prices shown are starting prices, per person per night, confirmed at booking.
Safari after the wedding: plan to leave as early as Monday 2 August. We recommend leaving Kenya before the presidential election on 10 August 2027.
Safari 1
Five days in Tsavo West, by train
Mzima Springs, volcanic hills and Kilimanjaro on the horizon, with the journey on board the Madaraka Express. The train links Nairobi and Mombasa every day and stops at Mtito Andei.
Duration
5 days, 4 nights, all in Tsavo West
Access
By train to Mtito Andei, the gateway to Tsavo West
Ideal for
Varied landscapes, natural springs and a beautiful train ride
Ngulia Safari Lodge$125
Severin Safari Lodge$165
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge$190
Salt Lick Safari Lodge$250
Voyager Ziwani$260
Hildana Lodge$450
Soroi Lions Bluff$1,590
Finch Hattons$1,600
See details, day by day
Before the wedding, from Nairobi
Train from Nairobi to Mtito Andei, about 3.5 to 4 hours. Welcome and drive to the park. After the safari, train from Mtito Andei to Mombasa, then transfer to Diani for the wedding.
After the wedding, from Diani
Transfer from Diani to Mombasa, then train to Mtito Andei, about 2 hours. After the safari, train from Mtito Andei to Nairobi for your flight home.
Day by day
Day 1
Arrival in Tsavo West
Arrive by train at Mtito Andei, welcome and drive to the park. Afternoon game drive to the black Shetani lava flows, near Chyulu Gate. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 2
Mzima Springs
Morning at Mzima Springs, where you watch hippos and fish from an underwater viewing chamber, in clear water from the Chyulu Hills. Game drives, then Poacher's Lookout for views over the plains and, on a clear day, Kilimanjaro.
Day 3
Rhinos and rocks
The Ngulia sanctuary and its black rhinos, then Chaimu Crater and the Roaring Rocks. Game drives in the morning and late afternoon, pool time in the heat of the day.
Day 4
The south of the park
Explore the quieter south of the park, with an optional excursion to Lake Jipe, on the Tanzanian border, for elephants and birds. Sundowners on the plains.
Day 5
Departure
Final morning game drive, then Mtito Andei station to catch the train, to the coast for the wedding or to Nairobi for your journey home.
Included
- First-class train on the journeys shown
- Accommodation in Tsavo or a conservancy, full board
- Park entry fees
- Game drives with a professional guide and transfers from the station
Not included
- International flights, visas and travel insurance
- Lake Jipe excursion, tips, premium drinks and personal expenses
Based on a shared double room. Prices in US dollars (USD). Tsavo park entry fee: $80. Conservancy fees for lodges in a private reserve: $60. Single supplement and children's rates on request. Timetables, availability and final prices confirmed at booking.
Safari 2
Six days in the Maasai Mara
The great migration and big cats, by road or by air, at the best time to see them.
Access
By air via Nairobi, or by road from Nairobi
Season
July and August, at the height of the migration, when the herds cross the Mara River
Mara Sidai$160
Sankale Camp$300
Keekorok$350
Mara Serena Safari Lodge$430
Sarova Mara$690
Governors' Camp$700
Rekero$950
See details, day by day
Before the wedding, from Nairobi
Flight from Nairobi Wilson to a Mara airstrip, about 45 minutes, or by road through the Rift Valley and Narok, about 5 to 6 hours. After the safari, flight to the coast for the wedding.
After the wedding, from Diani
Flight from Mombasa to Nairobi, then a connection to the Mara. This is the simplest option and the only sensible one from the coast. After the safari, flight back to Nairobi for your journey home.
Day by day
Day 1
Arrival in the Maasai Mara
Journey by road or air and settle into camp, with wildlife already in sight. Afternoon game drive and dinner under the stars.
Day 2
The reserve
A full day in the Mara: lions, cheetahs, elephants and giraffes on the savannah, with a bush picnic.
Day 3
The Mara River
Head to the Mara River, where wildebeest gather to cross in July and August. Hot-air balloon safari at dawn with champagne breakfast, optional and on request.
Day 4
People and plains
Visit a Maasai village in the morning, then an afternoon game drive. Time to slow down and take it all in.
Day 5
Private conservancy
A day in a private conservancy, where walking safaris and night drives are allowed and there are fewer people.
Day 6
Departure
Final morning game drive, then flight or road to Nairobi, and on to the coast or home.
Included
- Transfer between Nairobi and the Mara: by air ($650) or by road ($150)
- Accommodation, full board
- Game drives with a professional guide, airstrip transfers and a Maasai village visit
Not included
- International flights and flight from the coast to Nairobi, unless stated
- Hot-air balloon safari, optional
- Park entry and conservancy fees
- Visas, travel insurance, tips and personal expenses
Based on a shared double room. Prices in US dollars (USD). Park entry fee: $200 per person per night. Single supplement and children's rates on request. The hot-air balloon safari is optional. Availability and final prices confirmed at booking.
Good to know
- Allow a day's margin around the wedding, especially for the Mara, which depends on connecting flights.
- Travel light with neutral-coloured clothes, a warm layer for early morning game drives, sun protection and your personal medication.
- Children are welcome. Some lodges set a minimum age, which we check at booking.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate and other formalities may be required. We send you the up-to-date list before departure.
Book
Tell us which safari you have chosen, whether you are leaving before or after the wedding, and your budget or preferred lodge. Sands & Serenades books the lodges, train or flights, transfers and guide. Booking conditions are set out in the Sands & Serenades terms and conditions.