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.

SafariNairobiCoastSavannah

Adapt this guide

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 1

Nairobi

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 2–6

Safari (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 7–8

Coast 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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