Kenya is a country of big skies and bigger stories. From Nairobi’s contemporary art and coffee culture to the savannahs of the Maasai Mara, where lions lounge under acacias, to the Indian Ocean’s turquoise glow on Diani Beach—this 10-day itinerary balances wildlife, culture, and coast.

Modern Kenya was shaped by centuries of trade routes running from the Swahili Coast into the interior. The Maasai Mara hosts part of the Great Migration (July–October), while Nairobi surprises with a national park at its doorstep. Expect warm hospitality, serious coffee, and food that blends East African staples with global influence.

Practical notes: Most travelers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before arrival. M-Pesa mobile money is widely used; cards work in cities and lodges. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for safari and coast. Dry seasons (June–October, January–February) are ideal, but wildlife viewing is strong year-round.

Nairobi

Nairobi is dynamic—think indie design shops, serious roasteries, and open-air markets—yet it’s the only capital city with a national park inside its borders. In Karen, you’ll meet giraffes eye-to-eye; in Westlands, you’ll find modern Kenyan cuisine and spirited nightlife.

• Top sights: Nairobi National Park (dawn game drive), David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (elephant orphanage), Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi National Museum, Kazuri Beads.
• Where to stay: Browse stays on VRBO Nairobi and Hotels.com Nairobi—look in Karen for leafy retreats or Westlands/Riverside for dining and nightlife.
• Getting in: Fly into NBO (Jomo Kenyatta). Search fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Airport to city is ~30–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Arrive at NBO and transfer to your hotel. Shake off jet lag with a gentle walk in Karura Forest’s shaded trails or a quick coffee at Spring Valley Coffee (locally roasted; try their nutty house blend).

Evening: Dinner at The Talisman (Karen): an atmospheric bungalow with a garden and a menu blending Kenyan ingredients with Asian-Mediterranean flair—order the panko goat cheese salad and Swahili fish curry. Nightcap options: Hero Restaurant (Trademark Hotel; playful, design-forward cocktails) or The Alchemist (Westlands; food trucks, DJs, and an easygoing vibe).

Day 2: Wildlife and Heritage in the City

Morning: Sunrise game drive in Nairobi National Park (gates open around 6:00 a.m.). You can spot rhino, lion, giraffe, and buffalo with city skyscrapers in the distance—surreal and spectacular. Brunch afterwards at Artcaffé (reliable pastries, shakshuka, and fresh juices).

Afternoon: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. public visiting hour at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to meet baby elephants and learn about anti-poaching work. Continue to the Giraffe Centre to hand-feed endangered Rothschild giraffes and then tour the Karen Blixen Museum for colonial-era history and sweeping Ngong Hills views. Pause for a flat white at Connect Coffee (precision brews, minimalist space).

Evening: Try Mama Oliech (simple, beloved spot famed for whole fried tilapia, ugali, and kachumbari) or Carnivore for classic nyama choma (roasted meats) and a lively atmosphere. If it’s Sunday, swing by K1 Klub House’s market for live music and local designers.

Maasai Mara

The Mara is safari legend: golden grasslands, the meandering Mara River, and the drama of predators and massive herds. Even outside the Great Migration, daily sightings of the Big Five are common, and dawns here feel cinematic.

• Top experiences: Sunrise and late-afternoon game drives, hot-air balloon ride with champagne breakfast, Maasai village visit, sundowners on the savannah.
• Where to stay: Pick a camp near the Talek or Mara River or on private conservancies for fewer vehicles. Browse options on VRBO Maasai Mara and Hotels.com Maasai Mara.
• Getting there: Morning flight from Nairobi Wilson (WIL) to Mara airstrips takes ~45–60 minutes; typical one-way fares are $180–$250 per person. Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 3: Fly to the Mara and First Game Drive

Morning: Depart Nairobi Wilson on a 45–60 minute flight to your Mara airstrip (bags often limited to soft-sided, ~15 kg). Enjoy the aerial views of the Rift Valley.

Afternoon: Settle into camp and lunch overlooking a waterhole if you’re lucky. Rest by the pool or veranda; your first game drive usually sets out around 4:00 p.m.

Evening: Golden-hour game drive for elephants, giraffes, and lion prides waking from siestas. Sundowner G&Ts on a kopje, then a fireside dinner back at camp—many lodges feature farm-to-table menus with Kenyan produce.

Day 4: Big Five and Maasai Culture

Morning: Dawn game drive to catch predators on the move. Your guide may serve a bush breakfast under an acacia—fresh fruit, mandazi (East African doughnuts), and eggs cooked over coals.

Afternoon: Midday siesta. Optional visit to a nearby Maasai village to learn about beadwork, traditional bomas, and age-set ceremonies—an insightful cultural exchange that supports community projects.

Evening: Another game drive focusing on the Mara River and hippo pods. Back at camp, swap sightings over a Kenyan coffee or Tusker. Some conservancies offer short, guided night drives for nocturnal species (ask your lodge).

Day 5: Balloon Morning and Riverbanks

Morning: Hot-air balloon safari at sunrise (typically $450–$550 per person). Drift over herds, then land for a champagne bush breakfast—one of Africa’s classic experiences.

Afternoon: Leisure time: photograph weaver birds near camp, browse the camp boutique for beadwork, or take a guided nature walk in buffer zones.

Evening: Sunset drive with a lookout for cheetahs scanning the plains. Dinner might feature grilled Nile perch or goat stew with sukuma wiki. Early night—tomorrow, the coast calls.

Diani Beach

Diani’s palm-fringed shoreline stretches for miles, with powdery sand and water so clear it looks lit from beneath. Beyond sunbathing, this is one of East Africa’s best kitesurfing and diving hubs.

• Top experiences: Snorkeling or diving at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, dhow trips, kitesurfing at Galu, yoga by the sea, and a candlelit dinner in a coral cave.
• Where to stay: Beach villas and boutique hotels along Diani and Galu. See VRBO Diani Beach and Hotels.com Diani Beach.
• Getting there: From the Mara, most flights route via Nairobi to Ukunda (UKA) near Diani; total travel time ~3–4.5 hours including connection; fares often $250–$350 per person. Alternatives include flying to Mombasa (MBA, ~55 minutes from Nairobi, $40–$90), then a 1.5–2.5 hour road transfer to Diani. Compare air options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 6: Mara to the Indian Ocean

Morning: Fly Mara → Nairobi → Ukunda (or Mara → Nairobi → Mombasa + road). Expect ~3–4.5 hours total travel. Arrange a hotel pickup to streamline the Ukunda airstrip transfer.

Afternoon: Check in and hit the beach. For a late lunch, Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant serves stellar seafood pizzas, sashimi, and homemade gelato—feet-in-the-sand casual with fast Wi‑Fi.

Evening: Dine at Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant—tables tucked inside an ancient coral cave lit by lanterns; go for the pepper crab or grilled lobster. After, sip a passionfruit daiquiri under the stars at Nomad’s beach bar.

Day 7: Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park

Morning: Snorkel or dive at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park (full-day dhow trips usually include gear and seafood lunch). Expect coral gardens, reef fish, and frequent dolphin sightings on the channel crossing.

Afternoon: Return to Diani for smoothies at Kokkos Café (great espresso, pancakes, and mezze plates). Relax by the pool or schedule a Swahili massage with coconut oil.

Evening: Dinner at Sails (Almanara): a graceful, tented beachfront restaurant; try the tuna tataki and coconut prawn curry. For a low-key alternative, Leonardo’s offers wood-fired pizzas and rich gelato on a lively terrace.

Day 8: Kites, Colobus Monkeys, and Coastal Flavors

Morning: Kitesurfing lesson at Galu Beach (steady trade winds, shallow lagoon ideal for beginners). Non-kiters can take a yoga class or a guided stand-up paddle session on the creek.

Afternoon: Visit Colobus Conservation to learn about primate rescue and the iconic black-and-white colobus monkeys. Late lunch at The Salty Squid (sea-to-table plates; grilled octopus and zesty salads).

Evening: Sunset stroll along powdery sands, then a Swahili-inspired dinner: look for coconut-based curries, pilau, and fresh chapati. Two Grapes Wine Bar & Bistro is great for a glass of South African Chenin and small plates.

Nairobi (Return and Departure)

• Diani → Nairobi: Direct Ukunda (UKA) → Wilson (WIL) flights are ~1h10 and typically $80–$140 per person. If sold out, Mombasa (MBA) → Nairobi (NBO) has frequent options. Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. The Nairobi–Mombasa SGR train is another scenic option (about 5–6 hours), then transfer to Diani, but flying saves time on a 10-day itinerary.
• Final night stays: Consider Karen for leafy calm before a flight, or Westlands for last-minute dining and shopping. Check VRBO Nairobi and Hotels.com Nairobi.

Day 9: Fly Back to Nairobi + Markets

Morning: Fly Ukunda → Wilson. Transfer to your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Browse beadwork at Kazuri Beads (factory shop) or explore Nairobi National Museum for a concise overview of Kenya’s culture and paleontology. Coffee stop at Spring Valley Coffee or a cold brew at Java House.

Evening: Final dinner picks: About Thyme (leafy courtyard; peri-peri prawns, indulgent desserts) or Ankole Grill (Kitisuru; well-executed steaks with Kenyan sides). For a last toast, head to The Alchemist for live music or Hero for inventive, Japanese-leaning bites and cocktails.

Day 10: Easy Morning and Departure

Morning: Brunch at Wasp & Sprout (Lavington; excellent eggs Benedict, shakshuka, and baked goods). Pick up souvenirs— Kenyan coffee beans and handwoven baskets—at a curated shop in Karen or Westlands.

Afternoon: Transfer to NBO for your flight home. If time allows, stop for one last espresso and mandazi; you’ll miss them.

Practical Tips

• Money: M-Pesa is ubiquitous; keep some cash for tips and markets.
• Health: Bring malaria prophylaxis, sunscreen, and a light scarf for dust and sun. Yellow fever proof may be required if arriving from certain countries.
• Packing: Neutral layers for safari, a light jacket for cool mornings, reef-safe sunscreen for the coast.
• Seasons: Great Migration typically July–October; dry months (Jun–Oct, Jan–Feb) see thinner grass and easier wildlife spotting.
• Power & SIM: Type G plugs, 240V. Safaricom eSIM/Prepaid works well across cities, parks, and the coast.

Getting There and Around (Booking Links): For international and domestic flights, compare options on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. For stays, start with VRBO Nairobi, VRBO Maasai Mara, VRBO Diani Beach and their counterparts on Hotels.com Nairobi, Hotels.com Maasai Mara, and Hotels.com Diani Beach.

In 10 days, you’ll experience Kenya’s full spectrum: Nairobi’s creative heartbeat, the Mara’s wildlife theater, and Diani’s salt-tinged serenity. Come for the Big Five and beaches; leave with new tastes, stories, and a camera roll full of golden light.