8 days · Safari + coast lite
Kenya in 8 days
Kenya in 8 days: safari (Maasai Mara or Amboseli) + Nairobi and coast lite. Big Five and a breather without transfer overload.
Safari leads; coast is the bonus
In 8 days: Nairobi (1) + safari (4–5) in the Maasai Mara or Amboseli, and coast lite (1–2) if it fits. Don’t stack Mara + Amboseli + Samburu + Lamu + full Magical Kenya — you’ll bleed days on dirt roads.
When
Jul–Oct (migration)
Great Migration in the Mara (dates vary). Peak demand and prices — book early.
Jan–Mar
Good viewing; calves in some reserves; pleasant coast.
Apr–May (rains)
Cheaper; rough roads; some lodges close. Possible with flexibility.
Budget / day
US$150–400
Safari lodge
US$30–60
Food (city)
US$80–200
Game drives*
US$250–650
Safari total
8 days
Day 1Nairobi
Arrival, rest, and if jet lag allows: Giraffe Centre or half-day Nairobi National Park. Don’t force a full city tour.
- Sleep near the airport or in a safe area known to your operator.
Days 2–6Safari (Mara or Amboseli)
Transfer or light flight to the park. Morning and afternoon game drives; midday siesta. One ecosystem well > two express parks.
- Amboseli = elephants + Kilimanjaro (if clouds allow). Mara = vastness and migration in season.
Days 7–8Coast lite or Nairobi exit
Fly to Diani/Mombasa for beach and soft rhythm, or return to Nairobi with buffer for the international. Don’t force both if safari was already intense.
- Coast lite = 1–2 nights. Lamu deserves more time — save it for another trip.
Practical
Flights & transfers
Light flights to the Mara save road hours. Include park fees in the lodge budget.
Where to stay
Nairobi: recommended safe area · Safari: all-inclusive lodge/camp is usually easier · Coast: Diani beach.
Health & visa
Check yellow fever/malaria and current eTA/visa. Medical insurance with evacuation. Repellent and long sleeves at dusk.
Food
At lodge: included meals usually enough. Nairobi: nyama choma and cafés. Bottled water.
Tips
One park, well
4–5 nights in one ecosystem > hop-on hop-off three reserves.
Only “Big Five checklist”
Enjoy light, silence and birds. Checklist pressure ruins the game drive.
Binoculars & layers
Cold mornings in open vehicles; binoculars change the safari.
Coast + two safaris in 8 days
Choose: deep safari OR short safari + beach. Not both ambitious.
Checklist
Kenya on TripMatches
Build Nairobi + safari (+ coast lite), share lodge nights and align migration vs beach with your group.
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