Karibu Kenya! Welcome to Kenya, one of the most popular countries for an African safari. After spending ten days on a road trip through this diverse country, I can completely see why it attracts so many travelers. Kenya feels safe, the people are warm and welcoming, and the mix of landscapes and wildlife makes it a special place to explore.
I went on an unforgettable road trip through this incredible part of Africa. The route takes you from Nairobi to Mombasa, passing famous national parks full of wildlife, views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and ending at the white sands of Diani Beach. In this article, I share our complete road trip itinerary, with practical tips, activities worth doing, and everything you need to plan your own trip. Hakuna Matata. Wacha ubebwe na nchi hii nzuri! – or in other words, take it easy and let this beautiful country show you the way.
Practical Information for Kenya
Best time to visit Kenya: The best months to travel through Kenya are from June to October. This is the dry season, which makes it easier to spot wildlife and keeps the roads in better condition. Another dry, but hotter, period runs from late December to February. If you want to witness the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, when over a million wildebeests and thousands of zebras and gazelles cross the plains, plan your visit between late July or early August and the end of October. Keep in mind this is also the high season.
Safety: In some parts of Kenya, there is a higher risk of terrorism, kidnappings, and (armed) robberies. The eastern part of Kenya should be avoided! You should also stay alert in major cities. That said, most areas are safe for travel. Personally, I never felt unsafe during my trip. The people are friendly and willing to help.
Currency: The local currency is the Kenyan shilling. In most places, you can easily pay by card. It’s best not to carry large amounts of cash. If you need to withdraw money, use a reliable ATM, such as one at the airport. Avoid changing money on the street for safety reasons.
Cheap flights to Kenya: We traveled to Kenya during the Belgian fall break and paid €870 per person for a return flight. You can easily compare airlines and ticket prices via Kiwi.com.
Kenya Roadtrip: with or without guide?
Kenya is a great place to travel independently, perfect for adventurous travelers who want to choose their own route and pace. With a rental car, preferably a 4×4, you can explore national parks, cities, and the coast on your own. We recommend using RentalCars to book your car rental.
Prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride? Then an organized tour might be the better option. It’s often the more comfortable choice, especially if it’s your first time in Kenya or if you’re traveling with (young) children. Distances can be long and tiring, so it’s a relief not to have to drive yourself. Exploring Kenya with a guide is also a great experience – they know the routes well and are often much quicker at spotting wildlife. No matter which option you go for, both give you a special way to experience Kenya’s nature, culture, and hospitality.
We explored Kenya with Africa Safari and can wholeheartedly recommend this travel agency. We had a say in planning the route, and they really listened to what we wanted. Everything was well-organized and taken care of down to the last detail. Communication was smooth, and our guide Omar was the kindest, most helpful person we could have hoped for. He truly made the trip unforgettable – our Kenyan father who gave us so many laughs and meaningful conversations along the way.
The start of your Kenya roadtrip: Nairobi (1 night)
After a long flight, you’ll land in Nairobi, Kenya’s sprawling capital city. We stayed just one night, but there’s more than enough to do here to fill a few days. The neighborhoods of CBD and Karen are safe and well developed. After the long journey, we mostly took it easy and treated ourselves to a relaxing massage at Manama Spa. We stayed at the cozy Fair Acres Boutique Hotel and had a great experience. Planning to stay in Nairobi a bit longer or looking to explore the city for a day? Don’t miss these activities:
- Join a walking tour with a local and see Nairobi’s highlights in just a few hours
- Visit the Nairobi National Museum to learn about the country’s culture, nature, and history
- Browse for souvenirs at the vibrant Masai Market
- Visit Kibera, the largest slum in East Africa. If you decide to visit, always go with a local guide
- Book a day trip to Nairobi National Park, including a visit to an elephant sanctuary and giraffe center for animals that can no longer live in the wild
- In the mood for a night out? Head to Westlands, Nairobi’s nightlife hub with plenty of bars and clubs. Twerk it!
Masai Mara National Park (2 nights)
Nairobi to Masai Mara: approx. 6 hours by car
Masai Mara is Kenya’s most famous national park and will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip! Here, endless savannahs stretch out like a golden carpet, dotted with acacia trees against a wide, open sky. The park is known for its big cats, giraffes, zebras, and of course, the Great Migration – one of the most incredible natural events on Earth. Each year, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move through the area, followed closely by predators. The Masai Mara is a powerful reminder of both the beauty and fragility of nature’s cycle.
Read our complete travel guide to visiting the Masai Mara
But it’s not just the wildlife that makes an impression. Be sure to visit the colorful Maasai community to get a glimpse of a rich culture that lives closely connected to nature. The Maasai are known for their striking ceremonies, like the initiation of boys into warriors. One of the most memorable rituals is the Adumu, or “jumping dance”, where young men leap high into the air to show their strength and skill.
We stayed two nights at Zebra Plains Mara Camp, a boutique tented camp that perfectly balances luxury and adventure. It’s located right in the heart of the Masai Mara. Cool off in the pool while watching zebras and impalas grazing nearby, enjoy generous buffet meals, and unwind in spacious, comfortable tents. The staff are incredibly warm and attentive, everything here is taken care of so you can fully relax.
Lake Naivasha (1 night)
Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha: approx. 6 hours by car
We only spent one night at Lake Naivasha, but I’d definitely recommend staying at least two. This freshwater lake is home to over 400 bird species and plenty of hippos that float lazily in the water. One of the best things to do is take a boat trip across the lake and visit Crescent Island. This crescent-shaped island became internationally known in the 1980s as one of the filming locations for the iconic movie Out of Africa. To create an authentic African setting, several animals were brought to the island during filming. Many of them are still there today, creating a unique mix of wildlife you can observe up close. It’s one of the few places where you can literally walk among wild animals while taking in the stunning scenery.
Discover our ultimate guide to visit Lake Naivasha
Another experience you shouldn’t miss is horseback riding at Lake Naivasha. It’s a special way to connect with nature. You move quietly through the landscape, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and often get surprisingly close to wild animals. While on horseback, we passed gazelles, zebras, hippos, and even a giraffe calmly nibbling leaves from a tree.
We stayed at Simba Lodge, a charming place right on the edge of the lake. It’s quiet and surrounded by wildlife – zebras graze just outside, and you can even walk among them. A truly stunning location!
Amboseli National Park (2 nights)
Lake Naivasha to Amboseli: approx. 5 hours by car
Amboseli National Park is located in southeastern Kenya, near the border with Tanzania. It’s home to the largest population of elephants at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. Here, wild nature and dramatic landscapes come together. The park is also a true paradise for birdwatchers, with thousands of water birds gathering around its lakes and marshes.
Discover our complete Amboseli Travel Guide
We arrived at Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp around noon. Just a short drive from the park entrance, this luxurious and intimate camp quickly became our favorite stay during the entire trip. We spent two amazing nights here. The tents are spacious and equipped with every comfort, including our own plunge pool overlooking the waterhole, with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background like a painting on the horizon. While I was taking a shower, I watched a group of zebras drinking at the waterhole. A truly magical moment!
We spent one full day in Amboseli National Park. Since it’s one of the smaller parks, we felt that one day was enough to experience it well. We started early, with a hot air balloon safari over the park. Before the sun even reached the horizon, we were already floating above the savannah. Slowly, the morning light revealed the landscape below, and the first animals began to appear.
After landing, we were treated to a champagne breakfast, before heading back into the park for more wildlife sightings.
Tsavo West National Park (1 night)
Amboseli to Tsavo West: approx. 3 hours by car
From the red earth glowing in the morning light to the dramatic rock formations and wide-open savannahs, Tsavo West is a visual highlight. One place you shouldn’t miss is Mzima Springs, where you can watch hippos, crocodiles, and fish in their natural habitat from a unique underwater viewing hut. Also worth a stop is the Shetani Lava Flow, a vast, dark field of solidified lava that tells the story of the region’s volcanic past.
Tsavo West National Park is one of the largest and most diverse parks in Kenya. Wildlife is a bit harder to spot because of the dense vegetation, but the scenery alone made it my favorite. I’d even go so far as to say this might be the most beautiful park in Kenya, and it’s still relatively quiet when it comes to tourism. With rolling green hills, lakes, rivers, and stretches of black lava, the landscape here is incredibly varied. It’s also the perfect place to spot one of the savannah’s most adorable animals: the dik-dik. With its big eyes and tiny trunk-like nose, this small antelope looks like it walked straight out of a Disney movie.
Check out our Tsavo West Travel Guide
We spent the night at the luxurious Severin Safari Camp, a serene stay in the heart of Tsavo West. The camp isn’t fenced, so wildlife can move freely across the grounds. Thanks to several nearby waterholes, you’re often treated to up-close sightings of animals. Our tent overlooked one of these waterholes, where we watched a crocodile silently glide into the water. Severin Safari Camp offers all the comforts you could want: a beautiful swimming pool, a relaxing spa, and even a fitness room for those who like to stay active. Dinner ended up being one of the highlights. We only stayed one night in Tsavo West, which wasn’t long enough. I’d recommend staying at least two nights.
Diani Beach (2 nights)
Tsavo West to Diani Beach: approx. 6 hours by car or 2 hours by train + 1 hour by car
After Tsavo West, it was time to say goodbye to our fantastic guide Omar and boarded the express train to Mombasa. At the impressive train station, another driver was waiting for us to take us to Diani Beach, about an hour away.
Diani is known for its white sandy beaches and many all-inclusive resorts. The nearby coral reefs make it a great place for snorkeling and diving. You can spot colorful coral, tropical fish, sea turtles, and sometimes even dolphins. Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, not far from Diani, is the place to be for underwater activities.
Around Diani Beach, you can enjoy not only the beach and water sports but also nearby wildlife. The Shimba Hills National Reserve offers a chance to see elephants, giraffes, and rare sable antelopes. On top of that, Diani has a lively nightlife with plenty of beach bars and clubs to choose from.
That said, while Diani Beach looks like paradise on paper, it was a disappointing end to our trip. We stayed at the Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel, a large all-inclusive resort that didn’t live up to our expectations. The atmosphere was often overwhelmed by tourists drinking heavily early in the day, and the buffet left much to be desired. Unfortunately, I found a worm in my vegetables and ended up with a severe stomach infection that made me very ill on the flight home – an experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
The staff, on the other hand, were incredibly friendly, and we really enjoyed the aqua gym class. The beach itself is truly stunning, but the constant presence of pushy locals, who hover around like hyenas trying to sell tours and souvenirs, made it hard to relax and fully enjoy the surroundings. Despite all my travels, I’ve rarely felt as uncomfortable and harassed as I did here.
If you still want to end your trip with some beach time, be sure to pick one of the better resorts, like the world-class Swahili Beach or the charming Ocean Village Club.
If we were to do this trip again, we’d skip Diani Beach and instead spend more time at Lake Naivasha and Tsavo West. Our visits there felt rushed, and we’d like to spend more time appreciating the area. That said, we’re very happy with this organized Kenya trip through Africa Safari and all the amazing experiences we had. We can wholeheartedly recommend them!
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