Safaris and beaches in Kenya | 3-week roadtrip

Want to experience the best of Kenya? Our Bush-to-Beach route combines classic safari experiences with relaxing days on Kenya’s stunning beaches.

  • Start in Nairobi and end your journey in Watamu
  • Combine exciting game drives with laid-back beach days
  • Explore the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Laikipia, Amboseli, and Tsavo
  • Spend a night at an authentic Maasai camp
  • Get your adrenaline pumping in Sagana with rafting, kayaking, or ziplining

This self-drive tour includes airport pick-up & drop-off, 4x4 car rental, a practical roadbook and hand-picked accommodations. Scroll below to view our day-to-day itinerary, including realistic driving times, route directions, and travel tips for Kenya.

This itinerary is for you if...

  • ...you love safari, adventure ánd beaches
  • ...you have time to fully experience Kenya

You'll also love this if...

  • ...you want to learn more about Kenyan culture
  • ...you're looking for an authentic stay at a Masai Camp

Day-to-day itinerary | Kenya Bush to Beach

Day 1

Day 1 of 20

Welcome to Kenya!

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be brought to your hotel. Nairobi is known as the Green City in the Sun. It’s a lively place where modern Africa meets safari tradition. You’ll find green neighbourhoods here, but also busy markets and plenty of cosy cafés and restaurants. The city is full of excitement, and a great starting point for your self-drive adventure!

Day 2

Day 2 of 20

Start: Nairobi
Destination: Maji Moto Eco Camp
Drive: 200 km | approx. 5 hours

Your self-drive adventure starts today! Set off towards Narok town - about a 5-hour drive depending on traffic at Mai Mahiu. The route takes you up and down the escarpment with wide views over the Masai plains. Roads are smooth tarmac all the way to Narok, where you can fuel up for the next leg.

By the afternoon, you’ll arrive at Maji Moto, ready to enjoy your first night in the Kenyan bush.

Day 3

Day 3 of 20

Explore: Maji Moto Eco Camp

Maji Moto is a natural hot spring about an hour from the Masai Mara’s Sekenani Gate. It's an essential water source for the Maasai and their cattle.

The camp is run by Maasai hosts and is set on a hilltop with sweeping savannah views. Your stay includes guided nature walks, a visit to the hot springs, and engaging Maasai warrior training. End the day by the campfire. Many roadtrippers say a stay at this camp was a true highlight of their trip.

Day 4

Day 4 of 20

Start: Maji Moto Eco Camp
Destination: Masai Mara
Drive: 65 km | 1 hour to Sekenani entrance gate. 

Today is your first day in the Masai Mara! The Mara’s vast plains are alive with wildlife, so chances are high you’ll spot zebras, giraffes, and maybe even one of the big cats. Return to your lodge in time for sunset and a quiet night under the starry African sky.

Day 5

Day 5 of 20

Explore: Masai Mara

In the Mara, every game drive brings new surprises. Keep a wildlife journal to note your sightings; it makes the experience even more fun. We recommend planning a bush breakfast or picnic. Switch off the engine, take it all in, and enjoy the silence of the wilderness.

Day 6

Day 6 of 20

Start: Masai Mara
Destination: Lake Nakuru
Drive: 200 km | approx. 5 hours

Lake Nakuru is a small but scenic park. You’ll find most of the big safari animals here, except elephants, including black and white rhinos and the rare Rothschild’s giraffe. In our experience, one afternoon- and one morning game drive is enough to explore the park.

Day 7

Day 7 of 20

Start: Lake Nakuru
Destination: Laikipia
Drive: 140 km | approx. 3.5 hours

Start your day with a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru before continuing to Laikipia. You’ll be staying at Ol Maisor Farm - a working cattle ranch full of character and alive with wildlife.

Day 8

Day 8 of 20

Explore: Laikipia

Life on this ranch is anything but ordinary. Join the crew for a morning run, cool off with a swim in the dam (no crocs here!), or head out on a guided walking safari. Buffalo, elephants, giraffes – even lions – all roam these lands.

What makes Ol Maisor truly special are the people. Watching the ranch team move with ease through the wilderness is as fascinating as the wildlife itself.

For something different, join a tracking dog training session. It’s part of the ranch’s important work against wildlife poaching.

Day 9

Day 9 of 20

Start: Laikipia
Destination: Nanyuki
Drive: 100 km | approx. 4 hours

Continue your journey to Nanyuki, the gateway to Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Mount Kenya. This lively town has a well-stocked supermarket, a selection of good restaurants, and comfortable hotels – a convenient stop before your next safari adventure.

Day 10

Day 10 of 20

Start: Nanyuki
Destination: Ol Pejeta – Rongai Gate
Drive: 15 km | approx. 15 min

Once a colonial cattle ranch, Ol Pejeta is now one of Africa’s most successful private conservancies. It’s home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, and offers well-marked game-viewing tracks that are easy to navigate year-round.

At Ol Pejeta, you can join unique conservation experiences such as lion tracking, night game drives, horse riding among rhinos, or even running in the wild. These activities make it a fun and family-friendly safari destination. All can be booked directly through the conservancy’s excellent website.

Day 11

Day 11 of 20

Start: Nanyuki
Destination: Sagana – Rapids Camp
Drive: 100 km | approx. 3 hours

Today you’re heading to Sagana for some fun and exciting water-based adventure. 

Day 12

Day 12 of 20

Explore: Sagana

At Rapids Camp, you can go rafting, kayaking, or ziplining, and try out other exciting water activities. It’s the perfect stop for thrill-seekers and outdoor lovers.

Day 13

Day 13 of 20

Start: Sagana
Destination: Amboseli
Drive: 325 km | approx. 7 hours

You have a long driving day ahead, so depart early. The drive takes you through classic Kenyan scenery with wide open landscapes and glimpses of rural life and, on a clear day, the first views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

Day 14

Day 14 of 20

Explore: Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is often called the ‘Land of Giants’ due to the impressive elephants with their massive tusks. The animals are set against breathtaking Mount Kilimanjaro vistas, forming an iconic backdrop to the small park. 

Aside from big herds of elephants, many plains animals are easy to spot at Amboseli. Buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and lions are common.

Day 15

Day 15 of 20

Start: Amboseli
Destination: Tsavo East
Drive: 310 km | approx. 7 hours

Today is a long but scenic drive as you make your way to Tsavo East National Park. From Amboseli, head to Emali town and join the Nairobi–Mombasa highway. Follow it all the way to Voi, where you’ll branch off towards the park entrance.

Voi is a convenient stop to refuel and stock up on supplies before you head into the wilderness again.

Day 16

Day 16 of 20

Explore: Tsavo East

Vast open landscapes, iconic red-dust elephants, and towering baobab trees: Tsavo East is Kenya at its wildest. 

The park’s network of tracks leads you through savannah, bush, and along the Galana River, where you might spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife. With its raw beauty and sense of space, Tsavo East offers a true wilderness experience that feels worlds away from the busier parks.

Day 17

Day 17 of 20

Start: Tsavo East
Destination: Watamu
Drive: 115 km | approx. 3 hours

An exciting day: it’s time to swap the bush for the turquoise waters of the coast!

Watamu is a lively resort town with stunning white-sand beaches spread across several bays. It’s the perfect place to unwind after your road trip, with excellent restaurants and accommodation to suit every budget.

Getting around in Watamu is easy - tuk-tuks are everywhere - and we’ll collect your car directly from your resort, so you can simply settle in and enjoy the seaside.

Day 18

Day 18 of 20

Enjoy: Watamu

Settle into Watamu’s easy-going rhythm. Spend your morning on one of the beautiful bays, swim in the turquoise water, and stroll the soft white sands. In the afternoon, explore the lively village, with its small shops, cafés, and relaxed coastal vibe.

Day 19

Day 19 of 20

Enjoy: Watamu

Watamu Marine National Park is great for snorkelling or a boat trip to spot colourful fish and turtles. You can also head out to the Gede Ruins, an ancient Swahili town hidden in the forest. End your day with fresh seafood and a sundowner overlooking the ocean.

Day 20

Day 20 of 20

Departure day

Flying out of Mombasa? Moi International Airport is about 125 km from Watamu (a 2.5-hour drive), and your resort will arrange the transfer. If your flight departs from Nairobi, you can take a domestic flight from Watamu, Moi or Diani, or board the Madaraka Express train - a comfortable six-hour ride from Diani back to the capital.

Kenya Bush to Beach | Indicative prices

The prices below are per person, based on two people sharing a car. Our Kenya Bush to Beach tour includes 19 hotel nights with a meal plan and 16 car rental days.

  Rest of year Peak*
Luxury  €6,080 €7,340
Mid-range €4,440 €5,350
Combo - campsites & lodges  €3,670 €4,500

*Peak season: July – September. 

Easy & secure payment
You can safely pay through our Roadtrip Africa Bookings office in the Netherlands.

Prefer a private guided road trip?
Add a professional driver-guide to your booking. Simply select this option in the online booking form.

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Included in your Kenya itinerary

Included

  • Handpicked lodges (a mix of full board and bed & breakfast)
  • 4x4 car rental with unlimited mileage
  • Electrical fridge
  • 2x airport transfers
  • Car delivery to and pick up from your hotel
  • Car insurance
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Kenya roadbook and day-to-day travel notes

Optional

  • Driver - guide

Plan your 3-week adventure in Kenya

Book your 4x4 self-drive tour with stays in campsites, mid-range lodges or luxury retreats, or tailor the trip completely to your wishes.

Let's go!
Experiences from fellow Roadtrippers
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Great 4x4 car

Annemiek from the Netherlands

We rented an amazing 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser for 16 days, which took us through the beautiful landscapes of Kenya. Great car, excellent service, and valuable advice.
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We had enjoyed an amazing trip!

Cristina from Spain

Robert has been so kind, flexible and he has looked after us so well. I can’t thank him enough. He has helped us to choose the best places to eat, spend the nights and enjoy our time in this incredible country. We have done so many different activ...
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We can absolutely recommend Roadtrip Africa!

Alwin (family) from Germany

We had a great roadtrip with our family of 5. Our driver, Ken, was an absolute legend. He is very knowledgeable and experienced. Driving through Kenya is really not easy. Although the Toyota Land Cruiser was quite old, it was very reliable.
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3 weeks in Kenya | This is what you need to know

Travel time and road conditions

We recommend 20 days for this Bush to Beach itinerary. Want to spend more or less time at the beach in Watamu? Just let us know and we’ll adjust the itinerary to fit your plans.

Road conditions
Most main roads, especially those to and from Nairobi, are smooth tarmac and in good condition. The A109 highway between Nairobi and Mombasa is the exception: ongoing construction and heavy traffic from buses, cars, and slow trucks can make overtaking unsafe. It’s best to relax, keep your distance, and go with the flow.

For more tips, see our Driving in Kenya blog.

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Best time to visit Kenya

Bush
Kenya is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re after. The dry seasons (June to October & January to February) offer prime wildlife viewing, while the rains from March to May & November give you lush landscapes and fewer tourists. 

Beach
Most travellers visit Watamu from December to March and July to October, when it’s dry and sunny. The rainy seasons (April to June and November) bring higher humidity and occasional overcast skies, but that can actually be a relief - giving you a break from the intense coastal heat. Fewer visitors during this time also means a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.

Check out our blog 'The best time to visit Kenya' for more details. 

Masai Mara: when to go?
Wildlife viewing in the Mara is excellent all year. Your choice depends on the experience you want:

  • June–Sept: The wildebeest migration is in full swing. An unforgettable sight, but expect crowds and pricey camps.
  • Oct–Feb: Plenty of wildlife and a steady flow of visitors.
  • Mar–May: The wettest months. Roads can be muddy, but the scenery is lush, with fewer tourists and better lodge rates.

Tip: The Mara uses seasonal pricing. From January to June, rates are about USD100 per person per day. From July to December, rates rise to USD200 per person per day.

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Where do I sleep?

Kenya is the birthplace of safari, and hospitality here is an art. We work with small-scale, eco-friendly lodges that offer good value and a warm welcome. Our team knows Kenya well - we’ve worked and travelled here for years, so we make sure you’ll stay in places we genuinely recommend.

Nature, atmosphere and hospitality
From tented camps in the Maasai Mara to boutique lodges on the Indian Ocean, every stay combines comfort with nature and local craftsmanship. And then there’s the food. Bush breakfasts, sundowners, and dinners by the campfire; meals here are just as memorable as any game drive.

What our travellers love most? The diversity, the atmosphere and the famously warm Kenyan hospitality. Many lodges are community-run, so your stay directly supports conservation and local people.

Curious? Click the orange arrow to browse photos of some of the lodges you’ll stay in.

Find your budget and travel style

Our Bush to Beach tour is available in three styles and price ranges:

  • Luxury
    Stay in barefoot luxury resorts offering intimacy, top-notch service, and great attention to detail.
  • Mid-range
    Enjoy comfortable, en-suite accommodations in beautiful locations. Great value without breaking the bank.
  • Combo: Campsites & lodges
    Get the best of both worlds. Switch between camping in the bush (with provided rooftop tent and gear) and relaxing in charming, comfortable lodges.
Book your self-drive in Kenya
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