Exclusive Safaris · Kenya

8-Day Kenya Odyssey: Nairobi to the Mombasa Coast

8 daysScheduled group safari

About this journey

The Kenya Odyssey is an 8-day overland safari from Nairobi to the Mombasa coast that strings together the Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Tsavo West and the Taita Hills. It is the most complete road safari we run, and it finishes at your beach resort.

You start with two nights at Pride Inn Mara Camp for big cats and, between July and October, the migration herds. A night at the Naivasha Country Club includes a boat excursion on the lake, before you continue via Nairobi to Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge for elephants and Kilimanjaro.

From Amboseli the route crosses the Shetani lava fields to Kilaguni Serena in Tsavo West, with a visit to Mzima Springs, and then on to the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. There you lunch at Taita Hills Safari Resort and spend the final night at Salt Lick Safari Lodge, watching wildlife at the waterhole from its underground hide. Tree planting and a World War I museum visit are included.

Best time to go: June to October and January to March. Because the safari ends on the coast, it pairs naturally with a few days on the beach at Diani, Nyali or Watamu.

Who it suits: travellers who want to see as much of Kenya as possible in one trip and finish on the beach, without any internal flights. It suits couples and friends travelling together who are happy with a few longer driving days.

Some travellers join the safari in Nairobi on day five, which makes it easy to combine with a shorter itinerary if your group has different amounts of time. The boat excursion on Lake Naivasha, Mzima Springs in Tsavo West and the Salt Lick hide add variety between the game drives.

Highlights

  • Five parks from Nairobi to the coast
  • Two nights in the Maasai Mara
  • Lake Naivasha boat ride included
  • Mzima Springs and Shetani lava fields in Tsavo West
  • Salt Lick waterhole lodge, tree planting and WWI museum

What's included

Included

  • Nairobi airport arrival transfer
  • Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Game drives as per itinerary
  • Park and sanctuary entry fees
  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • Lake Naivasha boat ride
  • Tree planting and World War I museum visit
  • Drop-off at your Mombasa coastal resort

Not included

  • International flights
  • Kenya eTA and visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses
  • Hot-air balloon safari (optional, at additional cost)

Day by day

  • Pick-up at the airport and transfer to your hotel
  • Accommodation: Eka Hotel, Nairobi

Where you stay

LocationAccommodation
NairobiEka Hotel
Masai Mara (2 nights)Pride Inn Mara Camp
Lake NaivashaNaivasha Country Club
AmboseliAmboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Tsavo WestKilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Taita HillsSalt Lick Safari Lodge

Questions about this safari

How long is the 8-Day Kenya Odyssey?

8 days and 7 nights. It starts in Nairobi and ends in Mombasa.

Is this a private or a shared safari?

It runs as a scheduled safari: you share the vehicle and game drives with other travellers on the same departure, which keeps the price down. We can also run it as a private safari on your own dates.

How do you travel?

By road in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing and photography.

Where will I stay?

Nairobi: Eka Hotel. Masai Mara (2 nights): Pride Inn Mara Camp. Lake Naivasha: Naivasha Country Club. Amboseli: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge. Tsavo West: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge. Taita Hills: Salt Lick Safari Lodge.

What is included in the price?

Nairobi airport arrival transfer, Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, Professional English-speaking driver-guide, Game drives as per itinerary, Park and sanctuary entry fees, Accommodation and meals as per itinerary, Lake Naivasha boat ride, Tree planting and World War I museum visit and Drop-off at your Mombasa coastal resort.

Are park fees included?

Yes. Park, reserve and conservancy entry fees for every day of the itinerary are included in the price.

How far is the Maasai Mara from Nairobi?

The Maasai Mara is about 270 km west of Nairobi: five to six hours by road through the Great Rift Valley, or about 45 minutes by scheduled flight from Wilson Airport.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard are seen regularly in the Maasai Mara. Black rhino are few and shy, so all five are possible but never guaranteed.

When is the best time for this safari?

The Mara is good all year. July to October brings the Great Migration and Mara River crossings; January to March is quieter with excellent resident wildlife; April and May are green and the best value.

Can I add a hot-air balloon safari?

Yes. A sunrise balloon flight over the Maasai Mara with a champagne bush breakfast can be added at an extra cost. It needs booking in advance, as places are limited.

Can I customise this itinerary or upgrade the accommodation?

Yes. We can change lodges, add nights or extra parks, and arrange a private version on your own dates.

What should I pack for this safari?

Pack neutral-coloured layers, a warm fleece or jacket for early-morning drives, a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars and your camera with spare batteries. A soft-sided bag is best, and required on light-aircraft flights.

Do I need a visa for Kenya?

Most visitors need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before travel. Check the requirements for your passport well before you fly.

Does this safari end at the beach?

Yes. After the final night at Salt Lick Safari Lodge in the Taita Hills, you drive down to Mombasa and are dropped at your coastal resort.

Destinations on this safari

Kenya’s crown jewelMaasai MaraElephants beneath KilimanjaroAmboseliThe Rift Valley’s gentle heartLake NaivashaKenya’s greatest wildernessTsavo

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