A 10-days self-drive itinerary to Kenya gives you a perfect balance of adventure, wildlife, culture and breathtaking landscapes from Nairobi’s bustling city life to the serene beaches of the Indian Ocean and through the incredible game reserves and national parks. Get a chance to experience the best of Kenya at your own pace.

Here is a detailed day-by-day itinerary for your road trip through Kenya:

Highlights on 10 day Kenya adventure

1st Day: Arrival in Nairobi

2nd Day: visit Amboseli national park

3rd Day: full day in Amboseli national park

4th Day: drive to lake Naivasha

5th Day: drive to Masai Mara national park

Day 6-7: spend a full day in Masai Mara

Day 8: drive to lake Nakuru

9th Day: drive to Nairobi

Day 10: departure

Detailed itinerary on 10 days Kenya adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Most international flights land in Nairobi which is Kenya’s vibrant capital. After clearing immigration, head to your hotel to rest from your long flight. If you arrive early, explore Nairobi in the afternoon while considering  to visit the Giraffe Centre to feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes or the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for a chance to see orphaned elephants.

For dinner, Nairobi offers a range of restaurants from local Kenyan fare to international cuisine, and you can choose to try Carnivore for a traditional Kenyan Nyama Choma (grilled meat) experience.

Day 2: Amboseli National Park (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

Pick up your rental car in Nairobi and proceed for your adventure to Amboseli national park which takes about 4-5 hours while enjoying the scenic journey through the Kenyan countryside. The park is known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and vast elephant herds making Kenya one of the top safari destinations. Spend the rest of the day exploring the park’s iconic landscapes. Late afternoon game drive is perfect for excellent wildlife sightings including elephants, lions, cheetahs and diverse birdlife.

For accommodation, stay at a lodge or camp inside the park of your choice such as Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge or Tortilis Camp where you will enjoy luxury with stunning views of Kilimanjaro.

Day 3: Full Day in Amboseli National Park

Begin the day early with a game drive to catch the animals at their most active time, and also explore the park’s different ecosystems from the swampy wetlands to the dry plains. For panoramic views of Amboseli and its wildlife, visit the Observation Hill to have the perfect scenic views and photography.

Later, consider visiting a nearby Maasai village to learn about the local Maasai people’s traditions and lifestyle with different activities like craft making and others. Have an overnight at your lodge or camp in Amboseli that you booked.

Day 4: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha (Approx. 6-7 hours drive)

After breakfast, drive towards Lake Naivasha where the journey takes around 6-7 hours which calls for a lunch stop along the way (Nakuru is a good place to stop and stretch). Arrive at lake Naivasha which is a freshwater lake surrounded by lush green vegetation and it acts as a home to a large population of hippos and birdlife.

Go for the afternoon boat ride on the lake to see hippos, flamingos with other waterfowl. You can also visit Crescent Island for a walking safari where you can spot giraffes, wildebeests and other animals.

For your night, stay at Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp or Enashipai Resort & Spa which both offer great views and easy access to the lake.

Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

After breakfast, embark on the journey to Masai Mara which is Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve and the drive takes about 5-6 hours on a combination of tarmacked and gravel roads. After arriving at the park, check-in to the lodge or camp and then you can head out for an evening game drive where you will experience a large number of the big five as well as the annual wildebeest migration if you are in between July and October.

For accommodation, there are several luxury options like Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara Intrepids, or Angama Mara but you can alternatively opt for a more budget-friendly camp like Mara Sidai Camp.

wildebeest at masai mara kenya

Day 6-7: Full Days in Masai Mara

Wake up early for the best chance to see predators on the hunt and your day can also include visits to famous areas like the Mara River where you might witness dramatic river crossings during the migration season or the Savanna. For a truly unique experience, go for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Mara which will give you a bird’s-eye view of the landscape and its wildlife.

Visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the local Maasai people. Later for the night, stay another night at your Mara lodge or camp.

Day 8: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

After an early breakfast, head towards Lake Nakuru National Park which is about 5-6 hours away. The lake is famous for its large flocks of flamingos but also boasts a rich diversity of wildlife including rhinos, lions, and giraffes. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive where you can drive in the park’s landscape of acacia woodlands and the surrounding escarpment which will offer you fantastic photography opportunities.

Stay at a lodge such as; Lake Nakuru Lodge or Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge for your night.

Day 9: Lake Nakuru to Nairobi (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

After an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru, head back to Nairobi and it is a short drive of about 2-3 hours giving you enough time to get back and relax. Return your rental vehicle and check into a hotel for your last night in Nairobi. If time permits, visit the Karen Blixen Museum, the Gikambura Coffee Plantations, or go shopping at Kazuri Beads and Maasai Market for souvenirs.

Treat yourself to a farewell dinner at Talisman or The Palms restaurant.

Day 10: Departure from Nairobi

Depending on your flight time, you can visit a local attraction like the Nairobi National Museum or take a short walk around Gikambura. You will drive to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to catch your flight home.

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