Amboseli, the Mara and Lamu in 11 days (10 nights)

11 days · Kenya · Nairobi → Lamu · best 7, 8, 9, 10

Amboseli, the Mara and Lamu in 11 days (10 nights)
Photo: Ninaras, CC-BY, via Wikimedia Commons

The trip opens with one night in Nairobi, which absorbs an overnight arrival and leaves the domestic terminal close for the morning bush flight. A flight south then gives two nights in Amboseli, under Kilimanjaro, followed by three nights on the Mara plains. Both bush legs are reached by light aircraft rather than road. The coast comes last: a flight to Lamu and four nights there, spent walking the old town, sailing and little else. Holding the Mara nights between July and October puts the migration herds within reach.

The route, stop by stop

1. Nairobi, Kenya · 1 night

Arrive by fly — Flight into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, then a transfer to the hotel

One night near the airport takes the edge off an overnight arrival and leaves the domestic terminal close at hand for the morning bush flight.

Nairobi
Photo: Alexmbogo, CC-BY-SA, via Wikimedia Commons

2. Amboseli, Kenya · 2 nights

Arrive by fly — Flight from Nairobi into Amboseli

Two nights gives four game drives in elephant country below Kilimanjaro, where the swamps and the big herds are the draw rather than cat sightings.

Amboseli
Photo: Ninaras, CC-BY, via Wikimedia Commons

3. Masai Mara, Kenya · 3 nights

Arrive by fly — Flight on to the Masai Mara

Three nights covers two full days of driving plus dawn and dusk runs, roughly the minimum for a fair chance at a river crossing in season.

Masai Mara
Photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC-BY-SA, via Wikimedia Commons

4. Lamu, Kenya · 4 nights

Arrive by fly — Flight from the Mara on to Lamu

Four nights lets the island set the pace, with time for the old town, an afternoon on the water, and enough slack that a late flight does not cost a beach day.

Lamu
Photo: Bingar1234, CC-BY-SA, via Wikimedia Commons

Places to stay: Wimbi House

Experts who can arrange this trip

More trip ideas · Kenya