12-Day Kenya Self-Drive Safari & Beach Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day self-drive adventure through Kenya, where freedom meets discovery. Experience the thrill of navigating your own journey across breathtaking landscapes — from the rugged plains of Samburu and the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Nakuru, to the iconic savannah of the Maasai Mara and the elephant-studded views of Amboseli, set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. After days of safari excitement, unwind on the pristine white sands of Diani Beach, soaking in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. This carefully crafted route blends wildlife, culture, and coastal relaxation, offering travelers an authentic taste of Kenya at their own pace — a perfect balance of adventure, independence, and comfort.
Highlights
- Samburu National ReserveSpot rare northern wildlife including Grevy's zebras, reticulated giraffes, Somali ostriches, and elephants by the Ewaso Nyiro River.
- Lake NakuruFlamingos & rhinos against Rift Valley vistas in this iconic national park.
- Lake NaivashaHippo boat rides & cycling adventures in this scenic freshwater lake.
- Maasai MaraBig Five safaris on endless savannahs with opportunities for hot-air balloon rides and Maasai village visits.
- AmboseliElephants with majestic Kilimanjaro views on the backdrop.
- Diani BeachWhite sands, turquoise waters, and total relaxation with optional snorkeling, diving, and sunset cruises.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Pick up your rental mid-range 4×4 SUV. Optional visits to Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Karen Blixen Museum or Nairobi National Park.
- Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
- Pick up rental vehicle
- Optional: Giraffe Centre
- Optional: David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
- Optional: Karen Blixen Museum or Nairobi National Park
Day 2: Nairobi ➜ Samburu National Reserve
Drive north via Nanyuki (stop at the Equator marker). Arrive at Samburu National Reserve — unique wildlife and arid landscapes.
- Drive via Nanyuki with Equator stop
- Arrival at Samburu National Reserve
Day 3: Full Day in Samburu
Morning and afternoon self-drive safaris. Look for Grevy's zebras, reticulated giraffes, Somali ostriches, and elephants by the Ewaso Nyiro River.
- Morning self-drive safari
- Afternoon self-drive safari
- Wildlife viewing along Ewaso Nyiro River
Day 4: Samburu ➜ Lake Nakuru National Park
Drive south through Nanyuki and descend into the Great Rift Valley. Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Highlights: rhinos, flamingos, leopards, and Rothschild giraffes.
- Drive through Great Rift Valley
- Afternoon game drive
- Wildlife viewing
Day 5: Lake Nakuru ➜ Lake Naivasha
Optional early game drive in Nakuru. Short drive to Lake Naivasha. Boat ride among hippos. Optional cycling at Hell's Gate National Park.
- Optional early game drive
- Drive to Lake Naivasha
- Boat ride among hippos
- Optional: Cycling at Hell's Gate National Park
Day 6: Lake Naivasha ➜ Maasai Mara National Reserve
Scenic drive via Narok to the Maasai Mara. Afternoon game drive on arrival.
- Scenic drive to Maasai Mara
- Afternoon game drive
Day 7: Full Day in the Maasai Mara
Full-day safari in the Mara — look for lions, cheetahs, elephants, leopards, and buffalo. Optional: Hot-air balloon safari or Maasai village visit.
- Full-day safari
- Optional: Hot-air balloon safari
- Optional: Maasai village visit
Day 8: Maasai Mara ➜ Amboseli National Park
Drive or break your journey with a stop in Nairobi. Arrive at Amboseli National Park, famous for elephants and Kilimanjaro views.
- Drive to Amboseli National Park
- Optional stop in Nairobi
Day 9: Amboseli National Park
Early morning safari for the best Kilimanjaro views. Visit Observation Hill and nearby Maasai villages.
- Early morning safari
- Kilimanjaro views
- Visit Observation Hill
- Visit Maasai villages
Day 10: Amboseli ➜ Diani Beach (via Nairobi flight)
Morning drive to Nairobi's Wilson Airport (about 4–5 hrs). Drop off your rental 4×4. Fly to Ukunda (Diani Beach) (1 hour flight). On arrival, optional pick-up of a smaller rental car for local use.
- Morning drive to Wilson Airport
- Drop off rental vehicle
- Flight to Diani Beach
- Optional rental car pickup
Day 11: Full Day at Diani Beach
Relax by the white sand beaches. Optional activities: Snorkeling or diving at Kisite Marine Park, Dhow sunset cruise, Visit Wasini Island or Shimba Hills National Reserve.
- Beach relaxation
- Optional: Snorkeling or diving at Kisite Marine Park
- Optional: Dhow sunset cruise
- Optional: Visit Wasini Island or Shimba Hills National Reserve
Day 12: Diani Beach ➜ Nairobi (Departure)
Morning swim or beach walk. Fly back to Nairobi (~1 hr). Optional last-minute shopping at Village Market or Maasai Market.
- Morning swim or beach walk
- Flight back to Nairobi
- Optional: Shopping at Village Market or Maasai Market
What's Included
- A comfortable rental vehicle with GPS, super cover insurance, and unlimited kilometers
- 11 nights of comfortable accommodations (Nairobi, Samburu National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Park, Amboseli National Park, Diani Beach)
- Bed and Breakfast at all locations
- Dinner included at Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Maasai Mara
- Exciting activities as detailed in the itinerary
- Personalized day-to-day itinerary
- All bookings and booking fees
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Tour Costs
For quotes, inquiries, or customization options, contact us today! Your adventure of a lifetime awaits!
Don't miss out on this chance to experience the beauty and diversity of Kenya!
