7 day Kenya itinerary: The Ultimate Guide

Kenya is a dream destination as it offers a range of incredible safari options, beach holidays, amazing food and so much more. I just spent a week in this country and I was honestly blown away by it. If you are planning your first ever trip to Kenya, or if you have already visited and are planning another trip, then you have come to the right place. This 7 day Kenya itinerary will cover everything from what you need to know before visiting, where to stay, best beaches to visit, activities, and lots more.

A lot of people think of Kenya as just the destination for safari and the famous Maasai Mara National Park. However, there is so much more to the country that many people don’t talk about, such as the different variations of safari you can do and the range of activities, as well as the different National Parks you can visit. In this itinerary you will find details about all of those things as well as my honest opinions and must do options.

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Plan for your trip to Kenya:
✈️ Find cheap flights here
🚗 Book your rental car here
🧳 Plan ahead and book best tours here
🏩 Book your hotels in advance
🛟 Stay safe with travel insurance wherever you go

How to get to Kenya

Depending on your Kenya itinerary, there are a couple airports in the country that you can fly into:

✈️  You can fly into Nairobi, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). This is the easiest way to get to Kenya and where I would recommend to fly for this Kenya itinerary. The airport here has connections with major cities around Middle East, Europe and Africa. We flew with Kenya Airways directly here from London and it was an easy 9 hour flight.

✈️ ALternatively, you can start your 7 day Kenya itinerary in Mombasa and fly into Moi International Airport (MBA). This is a lot easier if you want to go straight to the coast.

When to visit Kenya

Know before you go

There are a few things that are worth knowing before you first trip to Kenya, from vaccines to the language and plugs.

💙 You need an e-visa to enter the country. You need to apply for it online at least 3 days before arrival. It is a very easy process and the visa is usually granted immediately. It costs $30 and you can apply for it here.

💙 Most people speak English so you do not need to worry about having to translate or learning local phrases. However, if you want to, here are a couple Swahili phrases that are worth knowing:

Jambo! – Hello! (touristy but still used)

Habari? – How are you?

Nzuri / Poa – I’m fine / Cool

Asante (sana) – Thank you (very much)

Karibu – Welcome

💙 There are a couple vaccines that are recommended for entry, and these are Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B and Tetanus. You may also need Yellowfever if you are traveling to/from or trasiting in any of the yellow fever–endemic countries. However this is a lifetime vaccine so you only need to get it one time in your life and Kenya specifically does not require it.

💙 It is important to research the areas you are visiting in terms of having to take Malaria medication. This itinerary includes the coast and Mount Kenya which are both malaria zones so I would strongly suggest taking anti-malaria medication while you are traveling and bring some mosquito repellent with you too.

💙 The currency in Kenya is Kenyan Shilling (KES). Card is accepted in most places but I would recommend to take a small amount of cash out if you want some souvenirs or if you want to give tips to the locals.

💙 Pack neutral coloured toned clothes for the safari and make sure to bring layers as it tends to get cool in the mornings and the evenings.

💙Plugs are type G so if you are from the UK you are in luck as they are the same. I even took my Dyson and it worked in all the hotels we stayed in!

Getting around Kenya

During your 7 day Kenya itinerary, is important to know how to get around Kenya once you are there. It is not one of those countries where you can rely on public transport so knowing these tips is important.

✈️ Domestic flights: the quickest and easiest way to get between places in Kenya is to fly. Airlines like Safarilink, AirKenya, and Jambojet are reliable and fly to major places such as Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Diani Beach, Lamu and more. This is the best way to get from the mainland to the coast and vice versa.

Important tip: When flying one of these domestic airlines, you are usually only allowed a soft shell 15 kg bag! So if you brought a carry on you might need to leave it at your hotel to collect when you go back.

🚐 Private transfers & safari vehicles: I highly recommend hiring one of these especially if you want to explore multiple places around the country. There are a lot of companies and local tour operators in Kenya that can take you around, depending on the itinerary that you want. We traveled with Southern Cross Safaris and they took us around Nairobi, drove us to Mount Kenya and greeted us in Watamu when we flew there. Their cars are also safari cars so you don’t need to change cars for safari. They have wifi, plugs, and water so they are super comfortable for long journeys.

🚌 Local tours: If you choose to self-drive or the budget does not allow to hire an all inclusive company, then I would recommend taking part in some local tours. This way you can familiarise yourself with the local tour guides, and meet like minded travellers while feeling safe.

🚖 Taxis: If you are staying in Nairobi, you can order Uber, Bolt or LittleCab to get around the city. In smaller towns you will also find tuk tuks which are a fun way to get around.

🚂 Trains: There is a train that goes from Nairobi to Mombasa and is an affordable way to reach the coast from the city. It is a scenic ride and takes around 5 hours.

Where to stay in Kenya

Nairobi

The Giraffe Manor

This has to be one of the most famous hotels in the world, as it has gone viral on social media over and over again. It is also a hotel that offers the most unique, one of a kind experience you can find in Kenya. As the hotel is located in a giraffe sanctuary, the giraffes often come to the hotel at breakfast time.

The rooms are designed in a traditional 1930s style, blending timeless luxury and elegance. This hotel is by far the most popular one in Nairobi so make sure to book 6 months or more in advance to get a spot here.

Novotel

This is the hotel we stayed in and it offered everything you might want from a city hotel.

The rooms were comfortable, there is a rooftop restaurant and bar, where an Indian chef prepared some of the best butter chicken I probably ever had. The hotel also has a pool, a gym, and other facilities. The location is great in the Westlands, very close to the centre and the main attractions.

Mount Kenya

Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club

Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club is a luxury hotel located near Mount Kenya National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I have to say that staying here was definitely one of the highlights of my trip. Firstly, the hotel is absolutely beautiful, with spacious rooms and stunning grounds. It is located on a conservancy, where you can see giraffes, zebras and even GOLDEN zebras. 

The hotel also offers horseback safari which was my favorite activity of the entire trip and walking safari options around the conservancy. 

But one of the top highlights for me was the staff and the unique experiences you can have here. We had a breakfast with the bongos, a stunning lunch prepared for us privately by a chef, and sundowner drinks prepared with so much care and detail. 

I highly recommend this hotel for the experience and it definitely is an option that won’t break the bank.

Watamu

Medina Palms

This hotel feels like entering a tropical paradise in the middle of Kenya. Filled with palm trees, the hotel has multiple pools too, including one infinity pool overlooking the sea. There is plenty of space here if you want to unwind with by the pool.

It is worth bearing in mind as well that this hotel is made up of apartments – most of them are two bedroom, some are three. They are equipped with a washing machine, a dish washer, kettle, toaster, and pretty much everything needed for an apartment.

There is also a restaurant here serving Italian food.

Hemingway’s

This is another stunning hotel in Watamu. If you are looking for a more luxurious stay that feels like you are somewhere like Sri Lanka or Bali, then this hotel is definitely the right pick for you. Located right on the beach, this hotel has multiple pools sea-view rooms and an incredible palm tree lines beach front area.

There are also multiple restaurants here, including one on the beach, a water sports centre, a boutique, a coffee shop, and more. It feels a lot bigger than Medina Palms although it is located not too far from it.

7 day Kenya itinerary

Day 1 – Nairobi

You will most likely land in Nairobi, so on your very first day of your 7 day Kenya itinerary, take the time to check in to your hotel and rest a little bit after your flight before the big adventure begins. If you fly overnight and arrive on the early morning flight like we did, you might be able to have time to rest before continuing on to explore Nairobi for the day.

Giraffe Centre

Start your day at the Giraffe Centre. This is a conservation centre, established in 1983 in order to protect the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. The giraffes roam around freely and the best part of this visit is that you get given some snacks which you can feed to them. While doing this you will get very close to the giraffes so it is the perfect photo opportunity too!

The centre is open daily between 9 AM and 5 PM, and it is best to go early as it gets very crowded with tourists later in the day.

This is where I witnessed the sweetest moment between a momma and a baby giraffe – it was so wholesome!

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

After spending a few hours here, head over to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Located inside the Nairobi National Park, this orphanage was founded in 1977 with the aim of rescuing orphaned elephants, such as those left behind due to poaching, natural disasters, or human wildlife conflicts. The aim of the orphanage is to train the elephants to reintegrate back into the wild.

The orphanage is only open daily between 11-12, when the elephants are being fed. You will get to see as the elephants as milk fed (this is the cutest thing ever!!), followed by mud baths where they roll around and play with each other in the mud. Meanwhile, there is also a keeper who talks about each elephant’s background, their name, their personality and many more details. This is followed by a Q&A where you can ask more specific questions.

Advance booking is required – you can book it here.

Lunch

After a morning of activities, go for lunch at Cave à Manger in The Wine Box. This trendy restaurant is decorated with plant pots and flowers, and it really does not feel like you are still in Kenya. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant has a lot of space but advance booking is recommended. The food here is delicious – you will find everything from local specialties, to pasta and chicken dishes. It is also recommended to try the wine pairings – they have wines from all over the world, including Spain, Italy, Australia and South Africa.

Game drive at Nairobi National Park

Did you know that Nairobi is the only capital city in the world where you can do a game drive and spot 4 of the Big 5? Located only within 30 minutes of the city centre, this park is a great opportunity to spot some wildlife without even leaving the city. This is a nice activity to warm up for the real safari, and spend a day seeing which animals you can spot. We managed to spot lions, rhinos, zebras, giraffes ostriches and more. It was a really fun way to get to see what a game drive is like before heading to the bigger park.

You can choose to go with a local guide (we went with Southern Safaris) or self drive if you have a capable vehicle. Safaris usually last around 2-4 hours and usually you have a better chance of spotting wildlife in the early morning. However, you will still see a lot of animals on the afternoon game drive.

Hotel dinner

End your first day of your 7 day Kenya itinerary by enjoying a dinner at your hotel. We stayed at the Novotel Westlands and had dinner at their rooftop restaurant. The Indian food scene in Kenya is great so we enjoyed some delicious butter chicken here prepared by an Indian chef.

Day 2 – Drive to Mount Kenya

On your second day of your 7 day Kenya itinerary, check out of your hotel in Nairobi and drive towards Mount Kenya, which will be your next destination.

Rafting with Savage Wilderness

If you enjoy adventure and want to try something different other than safari, I would recommend going rafting with a company called Savage Wilderness, which is Kenya’s most established rafting company.

This is a unique experience to do in Kenya as you will get to go rafting through the longest river in Kenya. I was quite surprised by this experience as the rapids are a mixture of calm stretches and quite thrilling rapids. Be prepared to get wet – I would suggest wearing a swimsuit and some clothes on top to protect yourself from the sun.

While rafting, you will get to see some beautiful lush vegetation around, admire the birds and some more wildlife. The experience is usually followed by a buffet style lunch which is prepared at the base, with things like BBQ meats and delicious salads to enjoy.

It is also worth noting that the best time to do rafting is during the rainy season as this is when the tide is highest. Make sure to check with the company beforehand if the conditions are right for rafting as if the tide is not high enough, the activity may not go ahead.

Nanuyki equator line

After driving for a few more hours, you will reach a place called Nanyuki, which is located right on the equator. You can make a quick stop here and the locals will show you a very unique trick. The water flushes a different direction depending on which side of the equator you are standing on! After paying some money you can also receive a certificate that tells you that you have visited this place, which makes a very unique souvenir.

Check in to Fairmont Mount Kenya

After another 20 minute drive, you will arrive at the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club. Set on 100+ acres of ponds, fields, and lush gardens, the hotel is an iconic 5 star resort which is an experience in itself. Once you arrive here, you are greeted in the reception by the friendly staff, who offer you a refreshing drink and a towel while you check in. The lush green area of the hotel can be seen immediately – it feels like arriving to a very high end golf course.

The hotel has different types of rooms. Some are in the main hotel building, overlooking the pool and the gardens, but other are a short buggy ride away, by the lake. I stayed in a lake house that felt like I had my own cottage.

The hotel is also known for its one of a kind activities that it offers around the property and the conservancy. When you arrive, you can arrange sundowner drinks after settling in to your room.

This includes a romantic candle lit set up in the conservancy, where the staff prepare you drinks by the fireplace as you watch a tribe performance. This is the perfect way to wrap up your day after the long drive. You can follow this by a delicious dinner at one of the restaurants at the hotel. Tusks offers a mix of buffet and a la carte dining options, whereas Colobus has a more upscale fine dining feel.

Day 3 – Safari at Ol Pejeta Conservancy

On this day of your Kenya safari itinerary, get up early and start the day by doing a Ol Pejeta Conservancy. We started the day around 6 am in order to be able to see as much wildlife as possible when we got there.

Once in the park, you can spot the big five – lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and black & white rhinos. We also saw hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and many more animals. The most unforgettable encounter was when a huge herd of elephants came our way – they came so close and we managed to get some amazing shots!

White Rhinos Encounter

One of the activities that makes the Ol Pejeta Conservancy so unique is that you can experience a wildlife encounter with the last remaining White Rhinos on earth. This is a once in a lifetime, truly unique experience that you cannot do anywhere else. We were given permission to drive into a space where the white rhinos are kept with our safari vehicles. After this, the keeper brought out the food for the rhinos and they came to eat right outside our vehicles! We were then able to get very unique photos and videos as the rhinos came very close to the cars.

We were also told about the conservation efforts to breed the white rhinos and IVF to prevent extinction.

Feeding of the Chimps

The chimpanzee sanctuary here houses trafficked chimps and creates a natural environment for them to live. Chimpanzees that are held here are nursed to health before they are reintegrated back into the wild.

It is possible to witness the feeding of the chimps from 8:30 until 12:30 & 14:30 until 16:30. They play with each other which is really fun to watch as they act so human like in many ways!

Sweetwaters Tented Camp

This is a unique property that is located inside the Ol Pejeta National Park. We did not stay here but we were able to have a tour of the property. With luxury tents located around a watering hole, this is the ideal place to spend a couple of nights if you want to get up close and personal with the animals.

We were told that elephants, giraffes and zebras come here a lot especially in the dry season and the guests can wake up to animals outside their tents.

The camp offers 56 tents, ranging from mid range to luxury. They all have WIFI, plugs, and en suite bathrooms. There are also unique dining experiences offered here: from dinners in the restaurant serving a mix of African and Asian food, to sundowners and options to have candlelit dinners under the stars.

The camp can also help arrange experiences and game drives around the park so it is a really unique place to stay as well.

Lunch at The Fairmont

After spending the morning at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, get back to your hotel for a lovely meal prepared by the chefs of the Fairmont Mount Kenya. This experience is one of the add ons that can be purchased with your stay and it is something I highly recommend adding to your Kenya itinerary.

The chefs will prepare you a meal at the golf course, laying out a beautiful spread of delicious food they have prepared right in front of you. Unfortunately it was raining when we were supposed to have this experience but the staff moved our lunch to a covered space. Here you get to enjoy the meal as you watch the monkeys running around in the stunning grounds of the hotel.

Alternatively, you can also have lunch at the hotel restaurant which is open daily.

Horseback Safari

Another unique activity offered at the Fairmount Mount Kenya Safari Club is a horseback safari around their conservancy, which was one of my favourite activities of the trip. I would highly encourage you to add this to your Kenya itinerary.

The tour starts at the stables, where you get to meet the horses and ride them to the Conservancy. Here you will get to spot lots of amazing animals such as giraffes, golden zebras, buffalos, and maybe even elephants if you get lucky. Riding on the horse gives you an opportunity to get much closer to the animals than you would by car, making this a truly unique experience.

The horses are very well trained when it comes to interacting with the animals and the guides are very knowledgable and can tell you lots of information regarding the animals you are seeing. As you ride through the fields you will also get to witness the most unbelievable views of Mount Kenya. If you have time, I would recommend doing this activity in the morning as you get the best possible light and catch the animals as soon as they wake up.

Walking Safari

You can combine horse riding safari with walking safari to make the most of your experience. It is another opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals. However, the guides will always ensure your safety as the animals you will see here are wild.

In this way, you are also able to connect more closely with the nature and the landscapes as the guides will show you the hidden gems in the nature.

Sundowners

In the evening before dinner, enjoy the sunset views at the hotel as you warm up by the fireplace. We also watched the Samburu tribe perform their traditional dance for us. We were given the opportunity to learn about their cultures and traditions, while also getting involved with the dance.

The staff at the Fairmont can also arrange for you a private afternoon tea before dinner where you can enjoy the calm atmosphere of the hotel.

End the day by having dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 – Travel to Watamu

On day 4 of your 7 day Kenya itinerary, check out of the Fairmont Mount Kenya and continue your Kenya itinerary to the next destination, which is the beach!

Animal Orphanage

Before checking out of the hotel, make sure to take a trip to their animals orphanage. Here you will find a huge range of animals, such as leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, llamas, totroises and more. This is a great place to see the animals you may not have been able to see in the wild and learn more about the animal conservation efforts.

Guests can buy tickets at the hotel front desk or gift shop, and all proceeds directly supporting rehabilitation efforts for injured, orphaned, or distressed wildlife.

The guides here are great and very knowledgeable – they are able to guide you through and tell you a lot of interesting information you may not know about the animals. They can also tel you the story of each animal as well as their behaviour and how they ended up here. It is a really lovely place to visit, one that surprised me in the best way.

Brekfast with the Bongos

Another activity you can do before checking out, is to have a delicious breakfast spread in the cconservancy while watching the wild African antelopes (bongos) in the distance. This is an activity which is really unique to the Fairmont Mount Kenya. The care and detail that the staff put into preparing this breakfast makes this a one-of-a-kind experience.

On a clear day, you can see Mount Kenya in the distance while you also watch the staff make you eggs, pancakes, serve you coffee, juice and so much more. It is definitely one of the most beautiful experiences we had while in Kenya.

Flight to Watamu

To get from Mount Kenya to Watamu, you will need to take a connecting flight via Nairobi. Bear in mind that for this flight you can only take a small 15 kg soft shell bag. If you have a big check in luggage make sure to leave it in Nairobi. I brought a carry on and a backpack and this was totally fine.

We flew with Safari Link which are a domestic airline in Kenya. The flights are very quick and easy. Before you know it you will arrive in Malindi and take the car to your hotel.

Check in to Medina Palms

Here we stayed in Medina Palms Resort. This hotel feels like a tropical paradise – it has multiple pools, including an infinity pool which overlooks the beach. The rooms in this hotel are apartments and have two bedrooms each. Watamu offers a lot of very nice beach front resorts so there is a choice of where to stay. If you are looking for a more upscale hotel, check out Hemingways which is also a stunning beach front resort. The beach here is also lined with palm trees and the rooms offer breathtaking sea views.

Sunset yoga

When you arrive and settle in to your hotel, head straight to the Watamu Treehouse for sunset yoga. Being here feels like you have transported to Bali or Sri Lanka. This is also a hotel which is usually used to host retreats. However, they also offer activities such as sunset yoga and stand up paddle boarding which can be booked by non-guests.

The unique shape of the treehouse means that you get 360 views of the sea and the lush greenery all around. When we were here it rained and we ended up seeing an amazing sunset followed by a double rainbow!

The yoga itself is a very relaxing session and the perfect way to wave goodbye to another day. The instructor who teaches it is also the founder of the treehouse and he is a very experienced yoga teacher himself.

Hotel Dinner

End the day by having dinner at your hotel. We enjoyed dinner at Medina Palms hotel, where they serve a mixture of African and European cuisines. The setting is a lovely one outside in the courtyard but make sure to bring bug spray as there are lots of mosquitoes here!

Day 5 – Watamu

On day 5 of your 7 day Kenya itinerary, you can take the time to spend a full day in Watamu, explore the beaches and do a couple of activities that are unique to this area. You can also spread out the day to enjoy some relaxation time at the pool or the beach.

Snorkelling

In the morning, head out for a snorkelling adventure with Tribe Watersports, a local tour operator. This company can arrange any water activities of your choice for you. They also offer kite surfing, stand up paddleboarding, wake boarding and water skiing. We chose to do snorkelling as we wanted to see the marine life in the crystal clear waters of Watamu.

We were brought to a beach which had a white sand beach and stunning clear water. I had no idea that Kenya had beaches like this! We rented the snorkelling equipment and then we were taken on a small boat out towards the snorkelling spot in the sea. Once underwater, we were able to see some fish – and some people also saw small sharks and turtles. It is a nice activity to do if you enjoy snorkelling and love the marine life.

We were also able to take some pictures on the beach and watch someone else wind surfing.

Lunch at Crab Shack

After the morning spent snorkelling, go for lunch at Crab Shack. This is a really unique restaurant tucked away in the mangroves and a must add to your Kenya itinerary.

As you walk through the green lush pathway, you feel like you have entered a different world. Once you follow the signs and arrive at the restaurant, you will see stunning views over the water and rustic style tables and chairs.

However, don’t be fooled to think that you can only eat crab here. There is a huge variety of options to be had from the menu. Having said that, they also do serve fresh seafood, including crab.

It is also an affordable spot as a meal costs $10 on average and it is a really unique setting.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

In the afternoon, hire out the necessary equipment and head over to the Mida Creek for a session of kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. You can do this again with Tribe Watersports. They arrange the tour for you and it is a great way to get acquainted with the nature.

The Mida Creek is a lush rainforest which makes the perfect setting for a session of stand up paddle boarding or kayaking.

Sunset at Lichthaus

For the best sunset spot in Watamu, you will not want to miss the opportunity to have a sunset cocktail at Lichthaus. The way I would describe this place is a mix of Bali and Sri Lanka vibes. There is a cute boutique selling clothes and soivenirs, neon lights, hammocks and nets to lie in with the most perfect sunset view.

The cocktails here were excellent, ranging from timeless classics to inventive blends with a local twist. You can also enjoy dinner here. We had their BBQ selection with some sides. All the products offered here are sourced locally and it was all very delicious.

This is the most perfect day to end your day as you will definitely not want to leave for a while. We enjoyed watching the stars when it got dark while having conversations about life.

Day 6 – Watamu

On your penultimate day of your 7 day Kenya itinerary, will be your chance to explore some more beaches in the area. Alternatively, take it easy and simply relax by the pool or the beach.

Relaxing morning

Start your day in a slow way, and enjoy breakfast at your hotel. If your hotel has a spa, get a relaxing massage. Medina Palms offers great massages if you do choose to stay there.

You can also choose to relax by the beach or the pool. Most hotels in Watamu have access to the beach and have their own pools with sunbeds. Medina Palms has an infinity pool which is ideal for a day of relaxation.

Gede Ruins

After a morning spent relaxing, you can go and do some more exploring in the afternoon.

Gede Ruins is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Watamu, hidden within a dense coastal forest. These are the ruins of a Swahili town, which was established in the 12th century. It was home to around 3,000+ inhabitants and featured impressive architecture. This includes mosques, a palace, residential houses, and intricate pillar tombs.

Walking through the ruins gives you a good idea of what live must have been like here centuries ago. You can also spot some wildlife, such as monkeys and birds, which adds a mystical feel to the experience.

There are guided tours available which you can take to learn more about the history of this place.

Optional trip to Marafa (Hell’s Kitchen)

Known for its vibrant sandstone formations, this is a very unique place in Kenya located about an hour’s drive from Watamu. Consisting of deep gorges and towering pillars, this place looks like it could be the Grand Canyon. The colours are really striking as they range from red to orange to yellow, creating stark contrasts in the sunlght.

According to an ancient legend, the canyon was formed after a wealthy family who acted arrogant and did not respect the nature, were swallowed by the ground. Today, the site has a cultural significance with the residents and the Giriama community, who treat it as a sacred place.

The canyon offers very unique photo opportunities and is a way to familiarise yourself with Kenyan cultures and traditions.

Sunset Dhow Cruise

To end the day, you can do a sunset cruise on a traditional wooden boat. These boat rides usually last 3 hours and are very cheap, around £29 per person. During the ride you will get to enjoy snacks, refreshments and get great pictures as you watch the sun roll down beyond the horizon. It is the perfect way to wind up your 7 day Kenya itinerary.

You can book this tour here.

Explore Watamu Village

If you want to experience some of the local food scene and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the town, then you might want to take a stroll along Watamu Beach Road. When the sun sets, this street transforms into a lively street market. You will find local food spots. Make sure to try viazi karai, kuku choma (roast chicken), samosas, fresh fruits, and Bhajias, all cooked fresh on the spot.

If you are looking to end your day with some nightlife, head to Come Back Club. This beach front hotspot is very popular with visitors. It is the best place to meet other travelers or have a couple drinks.From 10 pm to 3 am, this place is buzzing. On Fridays they host a white party where guests are encouraged to dress in white and they invite guest DJs. On Saturdays it is also a great vibe but it is great to visit any day of the week.

You can also grab some food here – they have a mix of Italian, Swahili, and Mediterranean cuisines.

Day 7 – Back to Nairobi

On the last day of your 7 day Kenya itinerary, you can spend the morning relaxing by the beach and the pool before catching your flight back to Nairobi in the afternoon. On the drive back to the airport, there are a couple places that you can make a stop at if you want to explore more of the surrounding area.

Mambrui Sand Dunes

Referred to by the locals the the “Dubai of Kenya”, this place will really blow you away. Located an hour’s drive from Watamu, It is very different from what you are used to in Kenya. The landscape really looks like you have arrived to the desert.

Once you arrive, you will be greeted by locals who will ask you to pay a small entry fee and offer to sell you a headscarf to protect the sand from getting everywhere. We did not get the scarf, and days later I was still finding bits of sand in every part of my body…

However, the landscape is really impressive – you can see where the sea meets with the dune. Activities offered include quad biking and sand boarding. We chose not to do those activities due to limited time. The dune also offers great photo opportunities that will make your friends say “I can’t believe this is Kenya!”.

Flight to Nairobi

After visiting the Mambrui Sand Dunes, conclude your 7 day Kenya itinerary by flying back to Nairobi. It is very easy to fly there from Malindi as you can find many direct flight options. The flight takes about an hour.

Nairobi Street Kitchen

To end your trip, head to Nairobi Street Kitchen for dinner. Located in the heart of Westlands, this is one of Nairobi’s most fun and vibrant places. Located inside a repurposed industrial garage, this is the hot spot in the city. Whether you visit during the day for a relaxed meal or in the evening to experience the nightlife and the buzzing atmosphere, you are in for a treat.

You can find multiple food spots here – from Italian to burgers, cocktails and beers, you will find anything and everything to satisfy your food cravings. This place particularly comes alive on the weekends, when the locals and tourists gather here. The venue hosts multiple events, inviting different DJs, salsa nights, pop ups and more.

However, if you come here on a weekend don’t expect to find it busy immediately – the locals start their night very late, so if you do want to experience some of that Nairobi nightlife, you may have to wait until midnight.

Flight home

After this, catch a late night or an early morning flight back home.

Other places to visit in Kenya

Of course this 7 day Kenya itinerary does not cover all there is to see in Kenya. If you want to extend your trip or want to change up the itinerary to visit other places such as the Maasari Mara, then here are some ideas and suggestions to help with planning.

The Maasari Mara National Reserve

As you may already know, the Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. It is the most famous for the Great Migration, which takes place between July and October. In this time period, 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move from the Serengeti into the Mara and you have the best opportunity to spot big herds of animals during your game drives.

Outside of those months, however, it is also a great place to visit and spot the Big 5. You can also visit the Maasai village to learn more about Kenya’s most famous indigenous cultures.

Amboseli National Park

This is another popular park to visit in Kenya, It is most known for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. This is the best place to spot big herds of elephants and get up close with them. However, the park is also home to lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 bird species. Game drives during sunrise or sunset are best to experience the beautiful scenery.

Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo National Park is the largest national park in Kenya and is spplit into two parts – Tsavo East and Tsavo West.

The Tsavo West National Park is a favourite among photographers and visitors looking for a more off grid safari experience. Spanning over 9,000 square kilometers, the park is made up from a mixture of volcanic terrain and thick bushes, set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro,

The animals you will find here include lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and hyenas, as well as over 600 species of birds.

Lamu island

Lamu island is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kenya. It is a fascinating place as there are no cars allowed here at all. The only way to get around is either by car, donkey or dhow.

This is a great alternative for Watamu if you are looking for something more unique to add to your 7 day Kenya itinerary. Things to do here include visiting the Old Town, discovering the markets and visiting the beautiful Shela Beach.

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I hope this blog post has been helpful with planning your 7 day Kenya itinerary. Leave a comment with your thoughts below, or feel free to send me a message if you still have some questions about your trip.

Happy travels!