Diani Beach Safari Planning Checklist 2025
December 4, 2025 3 min read By Dream Kenya Team

Diani Beach Safari Planning Checklist 2025

Don't miss a thing for your dream Kenyan adventure! Grab the Diani Beach Safari Planning Checklist 2025 now and start on your unforgettable journey.

Plan your perfect Kenyan safari adventure with confidence


1. SAFARI DURATION

Select your preferred length:

  • [ ] Day Trip (~$250+ per person)

    • Quick wildlife taste, back for beach sunset

  • [ ] 2-Day Safari ($400–$600 per person)

    • Full day + night in the bush

  • [ ] 3-Day Safari - Sweet Spot! ($600–$1,000 per person)

    • Perfect for first-timers, real immersion

  • [ ] Extended Safari (4+ days) ($1,000–$4,760 per person)

    • Epic multi-park adventure

    • Number of days: ___


2. ACCOMMODATION STYLE

Choose your comfort level:

  • [ ] Budget/Basic Camp (Under $200 per person/night)

    • Rustic & authentic bush experience

  • [ ] Mid-Range Lodge/Tented Camp ($200–$300 per person/night)

    • Real beds, private bathrooms, hot water, hearty meals

  • [ ] Luxury Lodge ($300+ per person/night)

    • Swimming pools, fine dining, premium service


3. TRANSPORTATION

How will you travel?

  • [ ] Shared Safari Vehicle

    • Most affordable option

    • Fixed schedule, shared with other travelers

  • [ ] Private Safari Jeep

    • +30–50% additional cost

    • Total flexibility, privacy, custom timing

  • [ ] Fly-in Safari to Maasai Mara

    • $1,570–$1,760 per person (3 days)

    • Fast, scenic, saves driving time

Additional Transport Needs:

  • [ ] Domestic Flight Required

    • [ ] One-way ($200–$250)

    • [ ] Return ($300–$400)

  • [ ] Airport Transfers (~$25 per transfer)

    • Number of transfers needed: ___


4. GROUP SIZE & TYPE

Who's traveling?

  • [ ] Join Group Safari

    • Best value, shared costs, fixed itinerary

  • [ ] Private Safari

    • +30–50% cost, custom itinerary

    • Number in your group: ___

    • Reduced rates are often available

    • Number of children: ___

  • [ ] Traveling with Children


5. TRAVEL SEASON

When will you go?

  • [ ] Peak Season (July–October & December–February)

    • Highest prices

    • Best wildlife viewing & weather

    • More crowds

  • [ ] Low Season (April–June & November)

    • Significant discounts (20-40% off)

    • Occasional rain showers

    • Fewer tourists, more intimate experience


6. PARK ENTRANCE FEES

  • [ ] Non-Resident Park Fees ($50+ per person/day)

    • Required for Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Amboseli, etc.

    • Number of park days: ___

    • Estimated cost: $___


7. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES & EXTRAS

Enhance your experience:

  • [ ] Hot Air Balloon Safari ($450–$500 per person)

    • Sunrise over Maasai Mara, once-in-a-lifetime views

  • [ ] Cultural Village Visit ($20–$50 per person)

    • Connect with local Maasai communities

  • [ ] Guided Bush Walk ($20–$30 per person)

    • Experience wilderness on foot

  • [ ] Night Game Drive ($50–$100 per person)

    • See nocturnal predators and wildlife


8. FOOD & BEVERAGE

Meal plan included:

  • [ ] Full Board (All meals included)

    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  • [ ] Half Board (Breakfast & dinner only)

    • Need to budget for lunch separately

Additional beverage budget:

  • [ ] Alcoholic Beverages (wine, beer, cocktails not usually included)

    • [ ] $50–$100 total

    • [ ] $100–$200 total

    • [ ] $200+ total

    • [ ] Not needed


9. TIPPING BUDGET

Service recognition (highly recommended):

  • [ ] Driver-Guide Tips ($10–$20 per person/day)

    • Number of days: ___

    • Estimated amount: $___

    • Number of days: ___

    • Estimated amount: $___

  • [ ] Lodge/Camp Staff Tips ($5–$10 per person/day, pooled)

Total Tipping Budget: $___


10. OTHER ESSENTIALS

Don't forget these:

  • [ ] Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)

    • Covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost equipment

    • Estimated cost: $ ___

  • [ ] Souvenir Shopping

    • Maasai beadwork, wood carvings, gifts

    • [ ] $50–$100

    • [ ] $100–$200

    • [ ] $200+

    • [ ] None planned

  • [ ] Laundry Services

    • Available at most lodges for dusty safari gear

  • [ ] Communication/Data Costs

    • Stay connected or share on social media

    • Estimated: $___


BUDGET SUMMARY

Calculate your total estimated cost:

Category

Cost per Person

Total Cost

Safari package (duration × daily rate)

$

___

$

___

Flights/transfers

$

___

$

___

Park fees

$

___

$

___

Optional activities

$

___

$

___

Drinks & extras

$

___

$

___

Tipping

$

___

$

___

Miscellaneous

$

___

$

___

TOTAL

$

___

$

___


✅ FINAL CHECKLIST

Before you book:

  • [ ] Safari duration confirmed

  • [ ] Accommodation level selected

  • [ ] Transportation arranged

  • [ ] Group size finalized

  • [ ] Season chosen (peak vs. low)

  • [ ] Park fees calculated

  • [ ] Optional activities selected

  • [ ] Meal plan confirmed

  • [ ] Tipping budget set aside

  • [ ] Travel insurance purchased

  • [ ] Total budget approved

  • [ ] Passport valid (6+ months)

  • [ ] Visas arranged (if required)

  • [ ] Vaccinations checked

  • [ ] Camera/binoculars ready


Remember: Safari costs are investments in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Spend wisely, not just less, to create memories that justify every dollar invested in your Kenyan adventure!