The PERFECT 3-week Kenya itinerary - for nomads and vacationers

Kenya is a country of breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether you're dreaming of going on safari in the legendary Maasai Mara, unwinding on pristine beaches, or immersing yourself in Swahili culture, this 3-week itinerary offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. I have recently spent 2,5 months in this beautiful country and here I share my best finds with you. I spent 1, 5 month here solo traveling, and 1 month traveling with my friend Isabel - and both experiences was amazing!

Your journey begins in Nairobi, where you'll experience Kenya’s vibrant capital before heading on an unforgettable Big Five safari in Maasai Mara. Next, you'll take the scenic train ride to Mombasa, followed by a coastal adventure through Diani Beach, Watamu, and the magical island of Lamu—each offering stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back vibes perfect for digital nomads and travelers alike.

From the thrill of spotting lions on the savanna to sailing on a traditional dhow at sunset, this itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of Kenya stress-free. You will also find everything you need to know about visa, health, and payment.

Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Let’s dive into the ultimate Kenya travel guide!

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Day 1-3: Nairobi

📍 Stay in: Westlands or Karen (safe areas, vibrant, with great cafes and WiFi)

Things to do:

✔ Giraffe Centre & Elephant Orphanage – Meet rescued wildlife.

✔ Nairobi National Park – A unique city safari experience.

✔ Karen Blixen Museum & Kazuri Beads – Explore colonial history & local crafts.

✔ Food & Nightlife: Nairobi Street Kitchen on thursdays, Crafty Chameleon, Geco Cafe, Alchemist on fridays and Inti for the views! Check out the extended list made by locals and visitors here.

✔ Co-Working Spots: Ikigai Nairobi or The Foundry.

✔ Karura Forest is a serene urban oasis in Nairobi, offering lush walking trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots, perfect for a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Safety tips for Nairobi

✅ Use Uber/Bolt for Transport – Always opt for door-to-door rides instead of walking, especially at night. Avoid matatus (local minibuses) unless you're familiar with the routes and an experienced traveler.

✅ Security checks are common – Most malls, cafes, hotels, and public places have security checkpoints, bag scans, and sometimes sniffer dogs at entrances—this is normal and for safety.

✅ Avoid flashing valuables – Keep your phone, camera, and jewelry discreet in crowded areas to avoid petty theft.

✅ Stay in safe areas – Westlands, Karen, Kilimani, and Lavington are good areas for accommodation. Avoid walking alone in downtown Nairobi after dark.

✅ ATMs & payments – Use ATMs inside banks or malls for safety. Most places accept M-Pesa (mobile money) or card payments, so carrying a lot of cash isn’t necessary.

✅ Be cautious with strangers – Friendly locals are common, but be wary of scams or overly persistent “guides” offering help.

🚙 Day 3: Drive or Fly to Maasai Mara (5-6 hours by road or 1-hour flight)

Day 3-6: Maasai Mara safari

📍 Stay in: A luxury tented camp or budget-friendly safari lodge inside or near the park.

Things to do:

✔ Game drives – Spot the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffalo).

✔ Maasai village visit – Learn about the Maasai culture & traditions.

✔ Hot air balloon safari – A breathtaking sunrise view over the savanna with a luxurious champagne breakfast in the park.

✈️ Day 6: Fly or drive back to Nairobi

🚆 Day 7: SGR Train from Nairobi to Mombasa (5-6 hours, First Class recommended, you need the MPesa app to book online)

Day 7-10: Mombasa

📍 Stay in: Nyali Beach (relaxed) or Mombasa Old Town (historic charm).

Things to do:

✔ Explore Fort Jesus & old town – Walk through the historical streets.

✔ Haller park & Mombasa Marine Park – Wildlife sanctuary & snorkeling paradise.

✔ Beaches: Relax at Nyali, Bamburi, or Pirates Beach.

✔ Street food tour: Try viazi karai, mahamri, sugarcane juice and visit the spice markets: I can highly recommend booking a tour with Chaqula!

🚗 Day 10: Take an uber to Diani Beach

Day 10-14: Diani Beach

📍 Stay in: Galu Beach (quieter) or Central Diani (closer to nightlife). I stayed in Casa Hera and it is such a gem, a perfect budget stay! Another accomodation perfect for nomads is Skippers Coliving where I met a bunch of nice people. 🛺 Get around: Tuktuks, boda boda, or rent a scooter from Diani Scooters

Things to do:

✔ Kite surfing & snorkeling – Galu Beach is the best spot for water sports.

✔ Shimba hills safari – A lesser-known wildlife reserve near Diani.

✔ Nomad Beach Bar & Soul Breeze: Great beachfront cafes with fast WiFi.

✔ Day trip to Wasini Island: Take a day trip to Wasini Island for an unforgettable experience of dolphin watching, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, and indulging in a fresh Swahili seafood feast by the ocean. 

✔ Natural pools: The African Pool Map in Diani is a unique and vibrant landmark, where the pools resemble the shape of the African continent, offering a fun and visually stunning spot to swim and snorkle. There are also caves nearby.

✔ Try scuba diving! I tried for the first time and had great instructors from Ocean Tribe.

✔ Go kayaking on Kongo River at sunset. Such a serene and fun activity!

✔ Food and drinks: Nomad Cafe, Wine + Cheese, Estuary, Tropical Tide, Salty Squid, Kokkos cafe, and Funky Monkey. For a luxury evening, go to Ali Barbours Cave restaurant. It is not the best for food, bud definitely the most magical vibe!

🚗 Day 14: Drive to Watamu (5-6 hours)✈️

Alternative: Fly from Ukunda (Diani) to Malindi (1 hour) & drive to Watamu (30 min).

Day 14-18: Watamu - The Italian vibe!

📍 Stay in: Turtle Bay or Watamu Beach.

Things to do:

✔ Snorkeling & dolphin watching – Visit Watamu Marine National Park. ✔ Mida Creek canoeing & sunset drinks – Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through the mangroves and have drinks and dinner at Crabshack restaurant.

✔ Visit the snake farm – For those who love reptiles & conservation.

✔ Co-Working & cafes: Lichthaus and Pilipan Restaurant offer great beachfront WiFi.

✔ Pizza, gelato and pasta! Italians has huge influence here as they have bought property and traveled here for years. The locals even speak Italian! You will find amazing pizza at Sunset Lab and the best gelato at Isla Cafe.

✈️ Day 18: Flight from Malindi to Lamu (45 min)

Day 18-21: Lamu

📍 Stay in: Shela Beach (quiet, luxurious) or Lamu Town (cultural and lively). Get in touch with Africa Nomads for the best guidance around accomodation and activities!

Lamu is known for its donkeys, which are the primary mode of transport on the island due to the absence of cars, and the island has a rich Muslim population, with a vibrant blend of Swahili culture and traditions. The food in Lamu is heavily influenced by Omani and Middle Eastern cuisines, resulting in spicy, flavorful dishes that combine aromatic spices, coconut milk, and fresh seafood, offering a unique twist on traditional Swahili food.

Things to Do:

✔ Dhow sailing at sunset – A magical experience on a traditional boat. A MUST! Opt to have dinner onboard, definitely some of the best meals I have ever had. ✔ Lamu old town walk – A UNESCO-listed town filled with history.

✔ Beach days at Shela – Pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters.

✔ Visit the Floating Bar – One of Kenya’s most unique spots for drinks.

✔ Day trip to Manda Island – A secluded beach getaway.

Food and drinks: Peponi has an incredible menu and beautiful view. In Old Town some of my favorite food spots was Lamu Palace (try the chapati), Seafront Cafe, Whispers Coffee shop and Lamu House Hotel.

✈️ Day 21: Flight from Lamu to Nairobi (1.5 hours)

Final day in Nairobi

✔ Shopping at Maasai Market – Pick up souvenirs before your flight. ✔ Final Relaxation at Hemingways Nairobi or Tribe Hotel – Enjoy luxury before departure. The sunday brunch at Hemingways is divine!

✈️ Fly out from Nairobi!

Travel tips & logistics:

✅ Best time to visit: July-October (Great Migration in Maasai Mara) or January-March (dry season, fewer crowds).

✅ Currency and payment: Kenyan Shilling (KES) – Most places accept card payments, but cash is useful in remote areas. You can also use their app MPesa to pay everywhere! It connects with the local sim card from Safaricom.

✅ Transportation:

• Bolt/Uber for Nairobi & Mombasa.

• Tuktuks & Boda Bodas for short coastal trips.

• SGR train & domestic flights for long distances.

• It's best to fly between Watamu (Malindi) and Lamu rather than drive, as the road passes near the Somali border and has a history of security concerns. Direct domestic flights from Malindi to Lamu are safe, fast (about 45 minutes), and more convenient than the long, risky overland route.
  

Health & safety

✅ Malaria: Kenya is a malaria-risk country, especially in coastal and safari areas. Consider taking antimalarial medication ( I chose not to because of side effects, consult your doctor), use mosquito repellent (with DEET), and sleep under a mosquito net where necessary. ✅ Vaccinations: Check if you need yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A/B vaccinations before traveling.

✅ Drinking water: Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues.

✅ Travel insurance: Essential for medical emergencies, especially if you plan to do adventure activities like safaris or diving.

✅ Sun protection: The sun is strong, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

Visa & entry requirements for Kenya

✅ Electronic travel authorization (eTA): As of 2024, all travelers (except East African citizens) must apply for an eTA before arriving in Kenya. You can apply online at www.etakenya.go.ke at least a few days before your trip.

✅ Cost: Around $30 USD, payable online.

✅ Processing time: Usually 1-3 business days, but apply early to be safe.

✅ Passport requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

✅ Yellow fever certificate: Required if you’re coming from (or transiting through) a Yellow Fever-risk country.

Kenya is a place that captures your heart and leaves you longing for more—the warmth of its people, the breathtaking landscapes, and the rich culture make it a destination unlike any other. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for an epic journey through one of Africa’s most incredible countries.

Have you been to Kenya already, or is it on your bucket list?

See more of my Kenya adventures on my latest Instagram posts and story highlights!

xx Julie B. Christensen