Kenya Multi-Day Trips: Mara to the Coast
The drive from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara takes 5 to 6 hours each way, with the last stretch beyond Narok on rough unpaved track, so the reserve rewards nights rather than hours. Four multi-day routes cover most of what travellers want from Kenya, each with different costs and a different pace.
Route one: the Mara in 2 to 3 nights
Two nights is the minimum, and three gives time for a dawn and dusk drive on each of two days. You can go by road or fly from Wilson Airport to a Mara airstrip in about 45 minutes. Park fees are set by Narok County: US$100 per adult per day from January to June, US$200 from July to December, US$50 for ages 9 to 17 and free for younger children. A ticket covers roughly 6am to 6pm, and conservancies charge separately. A three-day package from an operator commonly runs US$400 to US$750 per person, depending on the lodge, so compare what is included.
Herds arrive from late July, and crossings of the Mara River are most likely from mid-August to September. They depend on rain, so never plan an itinerary around one.
Route two: Amboseli and Lake Nakuru
Amboseli is known for elephant herds with Kilimanjaro, 5,895 m, behind them on clear mornings. Lake Nakuru, in the Rift Valley, has lesser flamingos along the shore and southern white rhinos in the woodland. Non-resident adult fees are US$90 per day at each, with children at US$45. Pay in advance on the KWS eCitizen portal , as gate payment is discouraged. Allow 2 nights at each park, and plan the drive between them over a full day.
Route three: Mount Kenya
Point Lenana, at 4,985 m, is the trekking summit, and a 5-day route climbs through bamboo forest, moorland with giant groundsel and rocky moraine to a sunrise summit. Licensed guides are required, and a trek package typically sits between US$650 and US$1,100 per person including park fees, porters and huts. Park fees and camping are paid separately if you organise it yourself, so confirm costs on kws.go.ke . Altitude is the main risk, so spend a night or two high before the summit push.
Route four: Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani
The Madaraka Express train leaves Nairobi at 08:00, 15:00 and 22:00 and takes about 5.5 to 6 hours. The morning train arrives around 14:00. Fares are KES 1,500 economy, KES 4,500 first class and KES 12,000 premium, bookable at metickets.krc.co.ke . From Mombasa, continue south to Diani for beach days and a dhow trip to Wasini Island.
Planning the whole trip
- Apply for the eTA at etakenya.go.ke before you fly. It costs about US$30, and most African and Caribbean passports are exempt.
- Check your government’s current advice and stay out of the northern and Somali-border counties.
- Pack cloth bags, since plastic carrier bags are banned, and bring a refillable bottle.
- Carry some cash for Mara gates and tips.
A loop of Nairobi, the Mara and the coast needs about 7 to 10 days. For a shorter plan, use the 4 day itinerary . To compare operators, see Mara safari packages on GetYourGuide , and for rooms near the park check stays on Booking.com .
Verdict: book the Mara for 3 nights in August or September, and add the Madaraka Express to the coast to finish with sand.