Traveling from Amboseli National Park to the white-sand shores of Diani Beach involves a scenic transition from Kenya’s wildlife-rich savannahs to its laid-back coastal paradise. Diani is part of the coastal region of Kenya, with Mombasa being the nearest major coastal city. Whether you're wrapping up your safari or planning a beachside extension to your adventure, there are several travel options to consider, each with its own mix of convenience, cost, and adventure. Let us explore all of these options in detail:

By Road:

Travelling to Diani from Amboseli by road is a long and arduous journey, and it is usually not recommended by us. There are 3 options to go by road from Amboseli to Diani:

Option1: Directly from Amboseli to Diani

Total Travel Time: 9 hours

Cost estimate:

Safari Van - USD 125-250

Safari Land Cruiser: USD 200-400

(Exact cost depends on itinerary for rest of the safari, and season)

Option2: Overnight Stopover at Tsavo East with game drives

Transfer Time from Amboseli to Tsavo East: 4.5-5 hours

Transfer Time from Tsavo East to Diani: 4-4.5 hours

Cost: Contact sales consultant for a free quote

Option3: Overnight Stopover at Tsavo West with game drives

Transfer Time from Amboseli to Tsavo West: 2-2.5 hours

Transfer Time from Tsavo West to Diani: 5-5.5 hours

Cost: Contact sales consultant for a free quote

By Rail:

Travelling from Amboseli to Diani by Rail offers a comfortable and scenic experience. However, this option requires travelling partially by road. You will board the Madaraka Express at SGR Emali Station (the closest station to Amboseli), and arrive at Mombasa Terminus. Madaraka Express is operated once a day through this route with fixed timings. After arriving at Mombasa Terminus, you can either travel to Diani by Road or Air.

Amboseli to Mombasa:

Transfer Time from Amboseli to Emali by Road: 1.5-2 hours

Madaraka Express Ticket Cost: USD 30-35 per person

Boarding Station: SGR Emali Station

Departure Time: 0930 hrs

Arrival Station: Mombasa Terminus

Arrival Time: 1400 hrs

Mombasa to Diani:

• By Road:

Transfer Time from Mombasa Terminus to Diani: 1-1.5 hours

Vehicle Cost: USD 80 per vehicle (up to 4 people in 1 vehicle)

• By Bush Flight:

Departure: Mombasa

Arrival: Ukunda (Diani)

Flight Time: 15 mins

Flight Fare: USD 35 per person

By Air:

Travelling by flights is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Diani from Amboseli. There are 2 options through this travel mode:

Option1: Bush Flight

Your bush flight will takeoff from Amboseli and land at Ukunda (the nearest airport to Diani), with possible stopovers at Tsavo and Mombasa. You must reach the airstrip at least 30 minutes before departure to check-in. Furthermore, for the bush flight to operate, there must be a minimum of 4 passengers travelling to Ukunda (Diani).

Departure: Amboseli

Departure Time: 1245 hrs

Transfer Time from Accommodation to Airstrip: 45 mins-1.5 hrs

Arrival: Ukunda (Diani)

Arrival Time: 1345 hrs

Transfer Time from Airstrip to Accommodation: 15-30 mins

Flight Time: 1 hour

Fare Cost: USD 420 per person

Total Travel Time: 2-3 hrs

Option 2: Commercial Flight from Nairobi to Mombasa

This option requires you to first travel back to Nairobi from Amboseli by road, and then take a commercial flight to Mombasa, after which you can either travel to Diani by road or by air. The journey by road from Amboseli to Nairobi will not cost extra since the safari vehicle will have to return to Nairobi altogether. Furthermore, commercial flights offer cheaper prices and variable timings than bush flights.

Amboseli to Nairobi Transfer Time by road: 4-4.5 hours

• Commercial Flight from Nairobi to Mombasa:

Departure: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi or Wilson Airport, Nairobi

Arrival: Moi International Airport, Mombasa

Flight Cost: 60-150 USD per person

Flight Time: 1-1.5 hours

Note: We suggest clients to book flights between Nairobi to Mombasa themselves to get more affordable options

Mombasa to Diani:

• By Bush Flight:

Departure: Mombasa

Arrival: Ukunda (Diani)

Flight Time: 15 mins

Flight Fare: USD 35 per person

• By Road:

Travel Time: 1-1.5 hours

Vehicle Cost: USD 80 per vehicle (up to 4 people per vehicle)

Conclusion:

Each travel option from Amboseli to Diani offers a unique experience, depending on your budget, time, and preferences. A road trip with a stopover at Tsavo East can be an adventurous two-day journey, while the train provides a comfortable ride with scenic views. If speed and convenience are your priority, flying is the best way to get straight to the beach. You can contact our professional sales team for assistance and to get a free quote.

Note: All travel times and fare/vehicle costs are estimated and not exact. Actual drive times may vary because of the traffic, location of the accommodations, and several other factors. Driving distances are approximate and do not account for exact places. Prices may vary depending on season, duration, number of passengers etc.