From bush to beach in Kenya | 2-week roadtrip

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

It's a lovely drive from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park. You'll climb up and down the escarpment, with endless views across the low-laying Masai plains.

Nakuru is a small but scenic park and provides a gentle introduction to self-driving in Kenya. Most big safari animals - except elephants - are present in Lake Nakuru. The park is known for its populations of black and white rhinos and the rare Rothschild's giraffe. If you’re lucky enough, you can spot tree-climbing lions – Lake Nakuru is the best place in Kenya to see them. 

We find that one afternoon and a morning game drive is sufficient to explore the park. 

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

Today, you'll drive to the famous Masai Mara. En route, stop at Lake Elementaita to spot flamingos (June - August; check with a nearby lodge for their presence).

Explore: Masai Mara

In the 'Mara' it's great fun to keep track of all the wildlife you have spotted and note it in your journal. We also recommend doing a bush breakfast or bush picnic. Turn off that engine and 'hear'' the silence.  

Roadtrippers sometimes ask us: "How do we spot wildlife? We don't have a walky-talky to communicate with other drivers - like the drivers from tour companies do." Well, what Peter will say, and we genuinely agree,  the word game drive, derives from hide and seek. It's a game between you and the animal. It's so rewarding and fun if you're not surrounded by other safari vehicles and have spotted an animal yourself. And don't worry; on a self-drive safari, you will see plenty of wildlife in the Mara. 

Start: Masai Mara
Destination: Lake Naivasha & Hells Gate 
Drive: 230km | From Sekanani gate appr. 4,5 hours. 

Lake Naivasha and Hells Gate National Parks border each other. Foremost, Lake Naivasha is a great place to relax and unwind. After a few days of game driving, it's nice to be in another environment. 

Hells Gate National Park is not a big wildlife destination. You go there for the scenery and the ability to get active. You can go mountain biking amidst the giraffes, zebras, and gazelles and do a scenic hike through the gorge. For more info, check our travel blog on the most beautiful parks in Kenya.

Explore: Lake Naivasha

We recommend a 2-night stay at Lake Naivasha so you also have time to explore nearby Hells Gate National Park and simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. 

Start: Lake Naivasha
Destination: Amboseli
Drive: 350 km | 7-8 hours

Wake up early, as you have a long driving day ahead. You first return to Nairobi. Then take the city bypass, leading you to the Nairobi - Mombasa highway.

Google Maps gives you two options: either branch off at Athi River, follow the road towards the Namanga - the Tanzania border - and take the C103, entering Amboseli from the west. Don't take this route. The C103 is in a very bad state. It damages the car and greatly increases your travel time. Instead, continue on the Nairobi - Mombasa highway and branch off at Emali town. Then follow the C102 to Kimana town and Kimana gate. This route is the fastest, and the entire road is tarmacked and in good condition. 

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. Buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and lions are common. 

Start: Amboseli
Destination: Tsavo West
Drive: 140 km | 4 hours

The journey from Amboseli to Tsavo West takes around 4 - 5 hours and is a scenic drive through classic Kenyan landscapes. As you enter the park, you'll notice the big shift from Amboseli’s open plains to Tsavo West’s rugged terrain, volcanic hills, and dense vegetation.

Explore: Tsavo West

Keep an eye out today for elephants, leopards, and the park’s famous Mzima Springs, where hippos and crocodiles can often be spotted in the crystal-clear water.

Start: Tsavo West
Destination: Diani
Drive: 270 km | 6 hours

An exciting day today: we're going to the beach!

We’ll collect your car in Diani. A charming town that, together with its neighbouring beaches Tiwi and Galu, offers 15 km of developed beach stretch. You'll also find plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars and accommodations here.

Still, Diani maintains a relaxed and laid-back vibe and attracts a nice blended crowd of Nairobians and expats over the weekends, fly-in tourists from all over the world, digital nomads, and kitesurfers. Galu Beach offers one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world with consistent conditions (a steady afternoon breeze, warm water, and sunshine).