Kenya by car and train | 2-week safari & beach itinerary

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!

Start: Nairobi
Destination: Lake Nakuru
Drive: 160 km | approx. 4 hours

The drive from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park is a scenic one, taking you up and down the escarpment with sweeping views over the Masai plains.

Lake Nakuru is a small but beautiful park, ideal for a gentle introduction to self-driving in Kenya. Most of the big safari animals are here, except elephants, and the park is famous for its healthy populations of black and white rhinos and the rare Rothschild’s giraffe. With some luck, you might even spot tree-climbing lions, since Nakuru is the best place in Kenya to see them.

In our experience, one afternoon- and one morning game drive is enough to explore the park.

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

Today, you’re heading to the world-famous Masai Mara. On the way, make a stop at Lake Elementaita to stretch your legs and enjoy the view.

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

Explore: Masai Mara

In the Mara, it’s great fun to keep a wildlife journal and note down everything you spot. We also recommend a bush breakfast or bush picnic. Switch off the engine and simply listen to the sounds (or the silence) of the savannah.

Start: Masai Mara
Destination: Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate
Drive: 230 km | approx. 4.5 hours from Sekenani Gate

Lake Naivasha is the perfect place to slow down after the excitement of the Mara. It’s a peaceful setting to relax and recharge.

Explore: Hell's Gate National Park

In nearby Hell’s Gate National Park, you can cycle among giraffes, zebras, and gazelles or hike through the scenic gorge. For more inspiration, see our blog on the most beautiful parks in Kenya.

Start: Lake Naivasha
Destination: Amboseli
Drive: 350 km | approx. 8 hours

Get an early start; today is a long driving day. First, return to Nairobi and take the city bypass to join the Nairobi - Mombasa highway. At Emali, take the C102 south to Amboseli.  

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.

Start: Amboseli
Destination: Mombasa
Drive: 2 hours by road + 4.5 hours by train

An exciting travel day ahead! Drive to Emali train station and hop aboard the Madaraka Express to Mombasa, a comfortable, air-conditioned ride that takes you straight to the coast without any traffic stress. The journey cuts right through Tsavo National Park, so keep your eyes peeled for elephants, giraffes, and zebras along the way.

Once you arrive at Mombasa SGR station in Miritini, your lodge’s taxi service will meet you and take you via the Likoni Ferry to your beach resort in Diani. Sit back and enjoy the views, you’ll be by the ocean before you know it.

Enjoy: Diani Beach 

Diani is Kenya’s most famous coastal town. It has a 15-km stretch of white beaches, where you’ll find plenty of cafés, restaurants, and bars. Yet Diani still maintains its laid-back, barefoot vibe.

Explore: Diani Beach

On weekends, you’ll find a lively mix of Nairobians, expats, travellers, digital nomads, and kitesurfers enjoying the coast of Kenya. Galu Beach is world-famous for kitesurfing, thanks to its steady afternoon breeze, warm waters, and year-round sunshine.

Just tell us how long you’d like to stay by the ocean, and we’ll tailor your itinerary accordingly!

Explore: Diani Beach

Spend another day soaking up the laid-back vibe of Diani. Stroll along the endless white-sand beach, relax under the palm trees, or try your hand at kitesurfing once more on Galu Beach. In between, stop by one of the many cafés or beach bars and enjoy the slow coastal rhythm that makes Diani so loved.

Departure day

If your journey ends in Mombasa, Moi International Airport is about 50 km (a 90-minute drive) from Diani, and your resort will arrange the transfer. Flying out of Nairobi instead? You can hop on a domestic flight from Moi or Diani, or take the Madaraka Express train - a comfortable six-hour ride back to the capital.