12 Day Kenya Wildlife and Beach self-drive safari

12-Day Kenya Wildlife and Beach Self-Drive Safari

Day 1: Karibu Kenya (Welcome to Kenya)

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Monumental Expeditions and Safaris. A short drive will take you to Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Experience the vibrant life of East Africa’s largest city on your 12-day wildlife and beach self-drive safari.

Destination: Nairobi
Drive: 25 km | 1-2 hours

Day 2: Transfer to Amboseli National Park
Begin your self-drive safari by getting familiar with your safari vehicle. Local driving tips will be useful as you navigate Nairobi’s traffic. A late start (9 am) is recommended to avoid the morning rush. Take your time on the Nairobi-Mombasa road, which can be challenging.

Start: Nairobi
Destination: Amboseli National Park
Drive: 160 km | 4 hours

Day 3: Explore Amboseli National Park
Explore the diverse landscapes of Amboseli National Park. The park’s marshlands and savanna plains, paired with dramatic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, create stunning scenery. Amboseli is home to vast herds of elephants, wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras, while predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas are also frequently spotted. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the wildlife for a memorable experience.

Day 4: Transfer to Tsavo West National Park
After your adventure in Amboseli, head to Tsavo West National Park. Depending on road conditions (consult your lodge or rangers), you can take the C103 or A104 highway. Tsavo West is vast, with key attractions including the Tsavo Gate, Andei Gate, and Chyulu Gate.

Start: Amboseli National Park
Destination: Tsavo West National Park
Drive: 130 km | 3-5 hours

Day 5: Explore Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West offers an incredible wildlife experience with its rocky terrain, bushland, and volcanic remnants. The park is home to black rhinos, elephants, hippos, buffalo, lions, leopards, giraffes, and herds of antelope. A guided safari will enhance your experience as you explore the park.

Day 6: Transfer to Tsavo East National Park
Like Tsavo West, Tsavo East is a true wilderness. The vast, dusty plains, scrubby bushes, and rocky outcrops provide an overwhelming sense of space. The drive from Tsavo West to Tsavo East is scenic and offers spectacular views.

Start: Tsavo West National Park
Destination: Tsavo East National Park
Drive: 120 km | 5 hours

Day 7: Explore Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East offers excellent game viewing opportunities, particularly along the Galana River, home to hippos and crocodiles. The large herds of elephants frequently gather to drink, while Mudanda Rock offers a great vantage point overlooking a watering hole. Leopards are often spotted here as well. The roads are slow, so be sure to give yourself ample time to reach the gate.

Start: Tsavo East National Park (Voi side)
Destination: Tsavo East National Park (Sala gate)
Drive: 60 km | 4 hours

Day 8: Transfer to the Beach
Leave the wilderness behind and head to the beautiful beaches of Malindi. While the road from Sala Gate is rough, the promise of fresh seafood, pristine beaches in Watamu, and the scent of the sea await.

Start: Tsavo East (Sala gate)
Destination: Malindi
Drive: 180 km | 5 hours

Day 9: Explore Malindi
Every safari needs time to unwind, and Malindi is the perfect place for relaxation. Enjoy a peaceful day at the beach, explore historic relics from Vasco da Gama’s exploration, or sip a drink by the ocean.

Day 10: Discover Watamu
Explore more of Watamu, with its stunning beaches and fascinating nature walks. Visit the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, home to the golden-rumped elephant shrew, and take a tour of the Bio-Ken Snake Farm, where experts will guide you through the facility.

Start: Malindi
Destination: Watamu
Drive: 42 km | 1 hour

Day 11: Enjoy Watamu
Watamu offers a thriving beach life and is an ideal stopover for self-drive tourists. Budget-friendly accommodations and a variety of activities make for memorable experiences. Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, fishing, or diving in the ocean, and watch as Watamu Turtle Watch works to protect the local turtle population.

Day 12: Transfer to Malindi
Drive back to Malindi where you will meet our driver at the airport. Return your safari vehicle and catch a local flight to your next destination.

This marks the end of your 12-Day Kenya Wildlife and Beach Self-Drive Safari.

Want to continue the adventure? Consider joining another self-drive safari in Uganda or Rwanda for a truly unforgettable experience.