This Kenya safari itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience the country’s wildlife and coastline in one seamless journey. Kenya is one of those rare destinations where a single trip can feel like several worlds stitched together. Vast savannahs alive with wildlife, dramatic escarpments and lakes, misty mornings beneath Africa’s tallest mountain, and finally the slow rhythm of the Indian Ocean. This journey traces that arc, moving from Nairobi into the heart of Kenya’s most iconic national parks, then ending with barefoot days on the coast.

Below is a detailed day by day Kenya safari itinerary, designed for travelers who want a classic group safari followed by a relaxed beach finale.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Kenya Safari Itinerary Begins

Touching down in Nairobi in the early afternoon feels like stepping into a gateway city for all of East Africa. After clearing immigration, the drive into town offers the first glimpse of Kenya’s contrasts, modern office blocks rising beside green spaces and distant hills.

The rest of the day is best kept light. A relaxed hotel check in, a short walk around the neighborhood, and an early dinner help you recover from the flight. If energy allows, a visit to a local restaurant serving nyama choma or Swahili inspired dishes is a gentle cultural introduction before the safari adventure begins.

Day 2: Into the Wild – Nairobi to Maasai Mara

An early start marks the real beginning of the safari. Leaving Nairobi, the road descends through the Great Rift Valley, with viewpoints that offer sweeping panoramas perfect for a quick photo stop.

By afternoon, the landscape opens into the legendary Maasai Mara. Rolling grasslands stretch endlessly, dotted with acacia trees and wildlife that seems almost unreal on a first encounter. After lunch and check in at camp, the first game drive introduces elephants, giraffes, zebras, and often big cats lounging in the golden light.

As night falls, dinner at camp and the distant sounds of the bush create a sense of being completely immersed in nature.

Day 3: Full Day in Maasai Mara

A full day in the Mara is the highlight for many travelers. Morning and afternoon game drives maximize the chances of spotting lions, cheetahs, leopards, and large herds of herbivores.

Between drives, there is time to relax at camp, watch animals pass by in the distance, or chat with fellow travelers over tea. Optional activities can include a visit to a Maasai village to learn about traditional life, or for the adventurous, a sunrise hot air balloon safari followed by breakfast on the plains.

As the sun sets, the savannah glows in warm hues, a reminder of why the Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s most photographed landscapes.

Day 4: Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru

After breakfast, the journey continues north toward Lake Nakuru. The scenery gradually changes from open plains to greener farmland and wooded areas.

Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its birdlife and its population of rhinos. A game drive around the lake often reveals flamingos, pelicans, buffalo, and both black and white rhinos grazing near the water. The park’s compact size makes wildlife viewing rewarding even in a short visit.

The evening is spent resting at a lodge near Nakuru, reflecting on how different each park feels despite being part of the same ecosystem.

Day 5: Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate to Amboseli

The day begins with a drive to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake known for its calm beauty. A boat ride across the lake brings you close to hippos and a remarkable variety of birds, while the surrounding shores feel peaceful and unhurried.

Nearby Hell’s Gate National Park adds a dramatic twist. Walking or cycling through towering gorges and geothermal features offers a rare chance to experience a national park on foot.

In the afternoon, the road leads south toward Amboseli, with the landscape becoming drier and more open as Mount Kilimanjaro looms closer.

Day 6: Amboseli National Park

Amboseli is all about scale. Vast plains, enormous elephant herds, and the snow capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro dominating the horizon.

A full day of game drives reveals elephants moving in family groups, lions resting in the shade, and flocks of birds around seasonal swamps. When clouds clear, Kilimanjaro provides one of the most iconic backdrops in Africa, especially during early morning and late afternoon light.

The evening at camp is calm, often spent watching the mountain fade into silhouette as stars appear overhead.

Day 7: Kilimanjaro Sunrise and Return to Nairobi

An early morning offers the best chance to see Mount Kilimanjaro clearly before clouds roll in. The soft light, elephants crossing the plains, and the distant peak create a final, unforgettable safari scene.

After breakfast, the journey returns to Nairobi. The evening is free for rest, souvenir shopping, or a final Kenyan meal before heading to the coast the next day.

Day 8: From Nairobi to Diani Beach

A short domestic flight shifts the mood entirely. From the air, the landscape changes from savannah to turquoise coastline.

Diani Beach welcomes visitors with white sand, palm trees, and warm Indian Ocean waters. The afternoon is best spent unwinding, swimming, or simply enjoying the slower pace after days of early safari starts.

Day 9: Diani Beach Leisure Day

This day is all about choice. Relax on the beach, enjoy a spa treatment, or try activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, or a dhow cruise at sunset.

For those curious about local culture, a short trip to nearby villages or a visit to the Colobus Conservation center adds depth to the coastal experience.

Day 10: Transfer to Mombasa

The journey continues north to Mombasa, Kenya’s historic coastal city. Here, beach time blends with culture.

A walk through Fort Jesus and the narrow streets of Old Town reveals centuries of Swahili, Arab, and Portuguese influence. Evening dinners by the ocean, with fresh seafood and gentle sea breezes, round out the day.

Day 11: Mombasa Beach Day

A final full day by the sea is perfect for slowing down. Whether lounging by the pool, swimming in the ocean, or shopping for souvenirs, this day provides a relaxed conclusion to an otherwise adventure packed itinerary.

Day 12: Departure

After breakfast, it is time to head to the airport and say goodbye to Kenya. From wildlife rich plains to coral fringed beaches, the journey leaves a lasting impression of a country with extraordinary diversity. My suggestion would be to take a flight from Mombasa to Nairobi at the early morning and take the flight out of Nairobi on the same day.

Planning Your Safari

If you are considering a similar group safari experience, the following curated options cover the core highlights described above and work well for first time visitors to Kenya.

Option 1: 6 Days Group Safari to Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli Explore Kenya’s most famous parks with a balanced itinerary that combines wildlife viewing and comfortable lodge stays. You can book this tour online from GetYourGuide, a trusted name worldwide.

Option 2: 7 Days Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli Safari A slightly extended route that adds Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate for more landscape variety and activities beyond game drives. This tour can be booked online with Viator.

Both options are suitable for travelers who want a guided group safari with logistics handled, leaving you free to focus on the experience.

Recommended Hotels in Nairobi, Diani Beach and Mombasa

Choosing the right hotel can make a big difference, especially on a trip that combines safari logistics with beach relaxation. Below are a few well located and reliable hotel options that fit nicely into this itinerary.

Nairobi Hotel Suggestions

Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel
A centrally located hotel in Nairobi CBD, ideal for short stays before or after safari. It offers comfortable rooms, reliable service, and easy access to restaurants, shops, and airport transfers.

Swiss Lenana Mount Hotel
Located near Uhuru Park and central Nairobi, this hotel is known for spacious rooms, good security, and a relaxed atmosphere. A solid option for travelers wanting comfort without being too far from the city.

Diani Beach Hotel Suggestion

Borabora Luxury Tented Camp
A unique stay combining beach access with a nature inspired setting. Ideal for travelers looking for something more intimate and boutique style while still enjoying the beauty of Diani Beach.

Mombasa Hotel Suggestion

Cowrie Shell Beach Apartments
Beachfront serviced apartments offering space, privacy, and direct ocean views. Well suited for a relaxed coastal stay in Mombasa, especially for travelers who prefer apartment style accommodation over large resorts.

Final Thoughts

Kenya rewards travelers who give it time. Combining safari and coast in one trip creates a rhythm of adventure followed by rest, making the journey both exciting and restorative. Whether it is your first time in Africa or a return visit, this route offers a timeless introduction to the country’s natural and cultural richness.

If you are still deciding when to go, how many days to allocate, or whether to choose a group or private safari, this Kenya safari planning guide will help you plan the trip more confidently.

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