A Two-Week Safari and Beach Itinerary by Car and Train
Enjoy the flexibility of a road vacation while having the ease of a carefully thought-out itinerary! This renowned one-way self-drive roadtrip transports you from Kenya’s famous savannah to the relaxing, sandy beachfront. It is concise, enjoyable, and filled with outstanding characteristics.
Discover Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, and the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Proceed to Mombasa by train by boarding the renowned Madaraka Express from Emali. The journey traverses Tsavo National Park, allowing you to observe elephants, giraffes, and zebras directly from your window.
Savor a mix of tranquil beach life in Kenya and thrilling safari experiences.
Included in this self-drive tour are airport pickup and drop-off, a rented 4×4 vehicle, a train ticket from Emali to Mombasa, a useful road map, and carefully chosen lodging. Refer below for our daily itinerary, encompassing accurate driving duration, route instructions, and travel advice for Kenya
A Detailed 13 Days Car & Train Bush and Beach Safari.
Day 1: Greetings and welcome to Kenya!
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be transported to your accommodation. Nairobi is recognized as the Green City in the Sun. It is a vibrant locale where contemporary Africa intersects with safari heritage. There are lots of cozy cafés and restaurants here, along with bustling markets and green neighborhoods. The city is vibrant and an excellent beginning ground for your self-drive expedition!
Day 2 of 13: Lake Nakuru National Park
First stop: Nairobi
Destination: Lake Nakuru
Distance: 160 km |
Estimated travel time: approximately 4 hours
The ride from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park is picturesque, featuring sweeping landscapes with expansive vistas of the Masai plains.
Lake Nakuru is a small yet attractive park, perfect for an introduction initiation into self-driving in Kenya. The park hosts most major safari animals, excluding elephants, and is renowned for its robust populations of black and white rhinos, as well as the uncommon Rothschild’s giraffe. With some fortune, you may even observe tree-climbing lions, as Nakuru is the ideal location in Kenya for their sighting.
Based on our experience, one afternoon and one morning game drive suffices to thoroughly visit the park.
Day 3: Drive To Masai Mara National Reserve
Beginning: Lake Nakuru
Destination: Masai Mara
Distance: 200 km |
Estimated duration: approximately 5 hours
Today, you are traveling to the renowned Masai Mara. En route, pause at Lake Elementaita for a break and stretching your legs and appreciate the scenery.
The expansive plains of the Mara teem with animals, increasing the likelihood of encountering elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and potentially one of the large felines. Return to your lodge in time for sunset and relish a tranquil evening beneath the beautiful African sky.
Day 4. Explore the Masai Mara
In the Mara, it is enjoyable to having a wildlife journal and document all observations. We additionally suggest a bush breakfast or bush picnic. Turn off the engine and just take in the sounds of the savannah—or the stillness.
Day 5: Drive To Lake Naivasha
Beginning: Masai Mara
Destination: Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate
Distance: 230 km |
Approximately 4.5 hours from Sekenani Gate
Lake Naivasha is an ideal location to unwind following the exhilaration of the Mara. It is a tranquil environment for rejuvenation and restoration.
Day 6: Discover: Hell’s Gate National Park
In Hell’s Gate National Park, one may cycle amidst giraffes, zebras, and gazelles or traverse the picturesque valley.
Day 7: Travel to Amboseli
Beginning at Lake Naivasha
Destination: Amboseli
Distance: 350 km |
Estimated Duration: approximately 8 hours
Begin your journey early; today entails much driving. Initially, return to Nairobi and utilize the city bypass to connect with the Nairobi – Mombasa route. From Emali, proceed south on the C102 towards Amboseli.
Day 8 : Discover The National Park of Amboseli
Amboseli National Park is frequently referred to as the ‘Land of Giants’ because of the remarkable elephants with their enormous tusks. The animals are positioned against the stunning vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, creating a memorable background for the little park.
In addition to large herds of elephants, several plains creatures are readily observable at Amboseli. Buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, and lions are prevalent.
Day 9:Transfer To Mombasa
Begin with Amboseli
Destination: Mombasa
Travel Duration: 2 hours by road and 4.5 hours by train
A thrilling day of travel awaits! Travel to Emali train station, where you will drop the car and board the Madaraka Express to Mombasa, a luxurious, air-conditioned journey that transports you directly to the seaside without the hassle of traffic. The route traverses Tsavo National Park, so remain vigilant for elephants, giraffes, and zebras en route.
Upon your arrival at the Mombasa SGR station in Miritini, a cab service from your lodge will greet you and transport you via the Likoni Ferry to your beach resort in Diani. Relax and appreciate the scenery; you will reach the ocean sooner than anticipated.
Day 10: Experience Diani Beach
Diani is the most renowned coastal town in Kenya. It features a 15-kilometer expanse of beautiful sandy beaches, replete with several cafés, restaurants, and pubs. Diani continues to preserve its relaxed, barefoot atmosphere.
Day 11:Discover Diani Beach
During weekends, a vibrant assembly of Nairobians, expatriates, travelers, digital nomads, and kitesurfers congregates along the Kenyan coast. Galu Beach is renowned globally for kitesurfing, attributed to its consistent afternoon winds, temperate waters, and perpetual sunshine.
Specify the duration of your desired vacation near the ocean, and we will customize your schedule appropriately.
Day 12: Explore Diani Beach
Enjoy another day immersing yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of Diani. Explore Galu Beach’s infinite white sand beach, unwind among the palm trees, or give kitesurfing another go. Enjoy the leisurely seaside pace that makes Diani so popular by stopping by one of the many cafés or beach bars in between.
Day 13: Departure
If your trip concludes in Mombasa, Moi International Airport is around 50 km (a 90-minute drive) from Diani, and the hotel you choose will facilitate the transfer. Departing from Nairobi instead? One may board a domestic flight from Moi or Diani, or choose for the Madaraka Express train, which offers a comfortable six-hour journey back to the city.
