Kenya is a land of breathtaking landscapes, culture, and incredible wildlife. From the sweeping savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the vibrant streets of Nairobi and the stunning coast beaches, Kenya offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation that I knew would be the perfect way to spend my birthday trip this year.
I spent one relaxing week in Kenya, with a few days in Nairobi and ending on the serene coast of Watamu.
In this Kenya itinerary, I will recount and share my blended trip in case you want to duplicate mine in hopes of helping you plan your trip to Kenya.
Disclaimer: Views are of my own accord.
This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book one of these activities using my link (and I know you will because you loved how helpful this blog post is 🙂, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting BCJ!
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Day One: Nairobi City Day Highlights Tour and Spa Night
Feed giraffes at the Giraffe Center
Start your time in Kenya with a visit to the Giraffe Center, one of Nairobi’s most popular attractions. At the center, you are given a small bowl of food and can interact with giraffes as they walk up to a raised platform.
Established to protect the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, the center offers a unique opportunity to get up close.
I enjoyed how natural this experience was, as it’s not guaranteed that the giraffes will come up to the platform.
- Cost for a Non-Resident Adult: 1500 KSH ($11.58)
Learn more about conservation efforts at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
While you’re still in the spirit of observing animals, head to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust next to learn about the work the organization has been doing to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants and rhinos.
Every day, the center opens from 11am to 12pm for visitors to observe baby elephants at their midday mud bath and milk feed at the orphanage inside the Nairobi National Park.
While guests are not allowed to interact with the elephants except to lightly touch them if they come along the barrier, it is a great way to learn more about the elephants on site and the conservation work the center is doing.
- Adults (Aged 12 years and above): $20
- KWS Park Fee: $44
Planning Tip: The daily crowd is large, and people travel from all over the world to visit the Trust. When waiting to be led to the open area just before 11am, try to stand toward the front of the crowd/line so you can go inside first and select a spot with a great front-row view of the elephants!
Shop for souvenirs at the Maasai Market
The Maasai Market is an open-air market where local artisans showcase and sell traditional Maasai crafts and handmade goods.
It’s the perfect place to find colorful beaded jewelry, hand-carved wooden sculptures, painted artwork, woven baskets, and beautifully patterned fabrics.
The market rotates between locations throughout the week, including popular spots like the Village Market, Galleria Mall, and City Hall.
I found the market relatively calm compared to a few other markets I’ve been to and easy to navigate, making engaging with Kenya’s rich artistic culture even easier.
Planning Tip: Bring cash or be prepared with a Mpesa account, as many vendors mainly take those two payments at the market.
Have lunch at a middle eastern restaurant inside of the Kempinski
After working up an appetite, head to Tambourin, a Middle Eastern restaurant on the rooftop of Villa Rosa Kempinski.
The restaurant is known for its traditional Majilis-inspired cabanas, where you can relax with friends and loved ones.
Serving a variety of authentic Middle Eastern dishes, such as mezze platters, shish taowk, lamb kofta, tandoori paneer, and biryani, the restaurant offers guests panoramic views of the city skyline.
End your first night in Nairobi with a spa treatment
While you’re already at the Kempinski, pay the on-site spa a visit to relax and unwind during your day in the city.
The spa offers various treatments, such as massages, facials, body scrubs, and holistic wellness therapies. It also features steam rooms, a sauna, and a relaxation lounge, providing a tranquil escape from the city.
I booked an 80-minute relaxation massage at the spa. I arrived about an hour before my appointment to enjoy the amenities, which included a sauna, jacuzzi, and time for locker room lounging.
- 80-minute Aroma Massage: 9500KSH ($73.36)
Planning Tip: Sign up for GHA Discovery to save or receive special deals at the spa. I booked through the platform and received a complimentary foot scrub with my massage!
Day Two: Spend the Day at a Family-Owned Tea Farm
Indulge in the breakfast buffet at Glee Nairobi
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at Glee Nairobi, one of the newest hotels in the city.
I stayed at Glee Nairobi and can personally vouch for its incredible breakfast spread, which includes a wide range of delicious options.
A live pancake and waffle station, fresh eggs, assorted bread and pastries, cheeses, and cereals are beautifully laid out in a stylish dining room for your enjoyment.
It’s the perfect way to fuel yourself for a day of exploration.
- Breakfast Buffet: 4000 KSH ($30.91)
Spend the day at the Kiambethu Tea Farm
Drive an hour from the heart of Nairobi to the Kiambethu Tea Farm for a detailed day tour of this farm.
Tours start at 11 am on certain days. Visitors are seated under a tent, and the tour begins with a recount of the farm’s history and an explanation of the process of making tea.
We were then taken to the tea fields, walked through the forest, and ended the tour with a three-course lunch prepared with fresh vegetables from the onsite garden.
The tour is well done and provides an immersive experience outside of Nairobi. You will be back in the city by 5pm.
- Kiambethu Day Tour: 4700KSH ($36.29)
Planning Tip: Finding an Uber can be difficult since the tea farm is a bit out of the way, so it is best to schedule transportation for the ride back into the city.
Take a dip in Glee Nairobi’s pool
End the day by spending some time at Glee Nairobi swimming hotel.
The pool at Glee Nairobi is set in a chic outdoor space with comfortable loungers, providing a refreshing retreat.
Inclusive of a poolside bar, attentive service, and well-maintained facilities enhance the overall experience, making it a great spot to relax, recharge, read, or just be.
Day Three : Experience Kenya’s Diverse Wildlife on a Safari Trip
Spend the day at the Amboseli National Park
On this day you’ll wake up super early to leave Nairobi at 5am for the 4-hour drive to the Amboseli National Park.
The Park is one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife reserves, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, which you will enjoy incredible views of as you approach the entrance of the Park.
As someone who loves early morning drives, I found the journey to Ambsolli to be calm for the most part until you reach the point of a bit of offroading, adding a touch of excitement.
At the Park’s entrance, I had to pay a Park fee, and my guide transformed the van by opening the roof so I could stand and get a clear view of the wildlife while staying protected from the sun.
As the only person on this tour, I had the safari van to myself, and I was super excited to get started and see all the animals.
I thought we would have to drive a lot further to see animals, but within 10 minutes of driving past the entrance, we came across some beautiful zebras.
At one point during the tour we came across a pack of hyenas, unfortunately feeding on a baby elephant. During this, a lion actually came and scared them all away, and it was quite the sight to see!
This trip was my first official safari, and I have to say that it was an incredible experience. I am happy to include this activity in this Kenya itinerary and would say it is a must if you are not able to dedicate more time to a safari experience.
Due to splitting my time in Kenya between different cities, I didn’t have time to stay overnight at a safari property like originally planned. However, I did get to see every animal I wanted besides giraffes, and even with the limited time, I enjoyed it.
The tour includes a stop at the Maasai Village, which is an additional fee. If I’m being honest, I would skip it if you are able to. In my humble opinion, this stop aids in poverty tourism, where the local community’s culture and living conditions are showcased for entertainment or personal enrichment.
The visit is a great way to directly support the Maasai, but that can also be done through a donation.
You can book the exact tour I did here.
- Amboseli National Park Day Tour: $259.00
- Park Entry Fee for Non-Resident Adults: $60
- Maasai Village Fee: $30
Have dinner at a local Kenyan restaurant
The tour included a stop at a local Kenyan restaurant on the way back to Nairobi, which turned out to be one of the highlights of the day for me.
The outdoor restaurant offered a mini buffet, and I made sure to sample a little bit of most of the items, opting for a meat-free selection.
My dish consisted of brown rice, white rice, bean stew, and a salad-like dish with a sparkling refresher.
This was the most authentic meal I had during my entire trip, and I was grateful for what felt like a home-cooked meal.
- Buffet Meal + Drink: $10
Day Four: Travel to Watamu and See Common Sights
Fly from the Nairobi International Airport to Malindi
I began the journey to Watamu with a 40-minute flight on Jambojet, which turned out to be smooth and quick.
The check-in process at the airport went by fast, considering that it was around 5am and there weren’t many people traveling at this time.
Once on board, the flight was comfortable for a quick ride, with clear skies and hardly any turbulence.
- Jambojet Flight from Nairobi to Malindi: 11400 KSH ($88.03)
Planning Tip: For domestic flights, aim to arrive about 1.5 hours early, as there may be a queue for scanning checked bags at the entrance before checking in for your flight. You will also have to exit the car and walk through a security checkpoint before being allowed into the airport dropoff area.
Take a 20-minute taxi from Malindi to Watamu
Once you land at the Malindi International Airport, you will grab your bags and exit the airport, where you will leave for the short journey into Watamu.
There will be plenty of taxi drivers waiting to offer you a ride at the airport, but I pre-booked a ride through my accommodation, Watamu Treehouse, and arranged a taxi ride for me directly to their facility.
- Taxi from Malindi to Watamu: 3000 KSH ($23.17)
- Watamu Taxi Driver: Gabriel +254 726 403 905
Disclaimer: Due to inflation and other circumstances, please understand that the price I paid may not be the price you pay, especially if you are reading this years after it has been published. While you can negotiate rates most of the time, please do not give local tour operators and transporters a difficult time about pricing based on someone else’s past experience.
Planning Tip: Withdraw cash from an ATM before boarding your flight to Malindi so you have money ready to pay for a taxi if needed.
Check into and tour the Watamu Treehouse
During my time in Watamu, I stayed at the Watamu Treehouse, one of the town’s most popular lodgings.
Watamu Treehouse is an eco-friendly boutique stay nestled among the coastal trees. It has breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and peaceful surroundings that are perfect for relaxation, which is exactly what I needed on this trip.
One of the staff members greeted me with a hug, gave me a welcome drink, signed some paperwork, informed me about certain rules and regulations, and eventually escorted me to my room.
I will be writing an entirely separate blog post about my time at the Watamu Treehouse because it truly deserves a dedicated post, but for now, I’ll say that if you get the chance to stay at this hotel, please take it!
- Lower Level Half Board Room Non-Resident Rate: $218/night
Attend a turtle release on the beach
Watamu is home to the Local Ocean Conservation, a marine conservation organization that works to conserve sea turtles and their habitats.
The organization’s turtle watch program collaborates with local fishermen to ensure that turtles accidentally caught in fishing nets are safely released back into the ocean.
You can take a tour of the main facility to learn more about the efforts and see if any sea turtles have been treated before being released back into the ocean.
When I visited, there were no sea turtles at the facility, but one of the staff members was kind enough to contact their other team members who were out at the beach and found out there would be a turtle release!
A highlight of my time in Watamu was that I was able to assist with bringing the sea turtle to the beach and releasing it into the ocean.
- Local Ocean Conservation One Hour Education Tour: 1000 KSH ($7.72)
Planning Tip: It is best to call ahead and see if there are any turtles at the facility or any turtle releases scheduled for the day to add to your experience!
Receive a massage in an open-air treehouse
Even if you’re not staying at Watamu Treehouse, I highly recommend booking a massage at the property.
The massage room is located in an open-air treehouse with open windows. It is truly a magical experience that combines relaxation with the soothing sounds of nature.
Perched high among the trees, the room offers views of the lush forest and even the Indian Ocean in the distance.
The setting quickly made it one of the best massages I’ve ever had and is something you won’t regret adding to your Kenya itinerary.
- One Hour Massage: 5600 KSH ($43.31)
Have dinner at the Palm Garden Boutique Hotel
The Palm Garden Hotel is a boho-themed boutique hotel in Watamu whose food I found delicious. I actually spent one night here, and while I would not stay again because I was overwhelmed by my room, I did enjoy my meals.
At night, the hotel prepares for its dinner service and transforms its pool area into a restaurant with clothed tables surrounding the pool.
It has absolutely beautiful scenery that allows you to enjoy dinner, and I would recommend spending time there for dinner, but not an overnight stay.
Meal Ticket:
- Prawn Tacos: 1800 KSH ($13.90)
- Fries: 600 KSH ($4.63)
Planning Tip: Book a reservation as it does get packed!
Day Five: Set Sail on the Indian Ocean for a Dolphin Encounter
Embark on an early morning dolphin watching tour
As the sun rises over the Indian Ocean, set off on an early morning dolphin-watching tour in Watamu.
The morning is said to be the best and quietest time to see dolphins as they glide effortlessly through the waves and leap from the water.
Arranged by Watamu Treehouse, an experienced guide and captain led me to the best spots, and I saw plenty of dolphins riding alongside the boat.
Snacks, refreshing juice, and chai tea were even included in the tour, and I could not have asked for a better start to my birthday.
Toward the end of the tour, I went into the clear water to go snorkeling and saw beautiful fish and coral beneath me.
I was excited to include this in my Kenya itinerary and I’m so happy the team at the Treehouse made it happen for me!
- Solo Dolphin Watching Tour: 11500 ($88.80)
Have lunch at LichtHaus Restaurant
LichtHaus is a floating bar and restaurant at the Temple Point Resort above the waters of Mida Creek.
The restaurant is popular and known for its sunset views, relaxed Afro-house music, and innovative design. It features cozy seating areas and netted lounges suspended over the water.
The menu includes daily barbecues grilled right before your eyes, accompanied by fresh salads, feta cheese, hummus, and chapati. The bar serves cocktails and other beverages.
- Frozen Mango Cocktail
- Grilled Fish Skewer with Sides
Planning Tip: At Lichthaus, there is no traditional table service. Instead, guests are expected to get up, place their orders at the counter, and pick them up when ready. So don’t expect anyone to come take your order!
Take a dip inside of the pool Watamu Treehouse
End the day with pure relaxation at the pool at Watamu Treehouse.
Surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature, the pool is both a sight and an experience.
Its peaceful setting makes it the perfect spot to cool off, with sun loungers and shaded areas around the pool.
Day Six: Explore More of Watamu
Greet the morning with a sunrise drink and yoga class
One of my favorite parts about staying at the Watamu Treehouse is that every morning, you can request a sunrise drink. A staff member will bring you a refreshing smoothie, freshly brewed coffee, or hot drink as you relax and watch the sunrise over the Indian Ocean.
This morning, I took full advantage of this offer and ordered a hot detox tea while reading and watching the sunrise from one of the rooftop rooms.
Afterward, you can take time for self-guided meditation or join a one-hour yoga class led by one of the yoga instructors.
- One-Hour Yoga Class: 1500 KSH ($11.58)
Have a three-course organic breakfast
While you are at the treehouse, continue the start of your day with an organic three-course meal in one of the dining areas on the property.
The menu focuses on healthy, plant-based dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Meal Ticket:
- Fresh juice and fruit with home-made muesli and coconut yogurt
- Eggs as you like them and toast with home-made peanut butter and other spreads
- A hot drink of your choice: Choice of coffee, tea, masala tea, ginger tea, detox tea, tulsi chai or neem tea
The meals at Watamu Treehouse are very filling, and I assure you you will be full until lunch or dinnertime!
- Three-course breakfast at Watamu Treehouse: Varies
Planning Tip: The hotel accepts outside breakfast/lunch/dinner reservations if they are not fully booked. They ask that you inform them 1-2 days before, as all meals are prepared fresh.
Attend a snake milking demonstration at the Watamu Snake Farm
The Watamu Snake Farm is an educational center dedicated to conserving and understanding snakes and other reptiles.
The farm is home to over 50 species of snakes, including cobras, pythons, and vipers. It provides a safe environment for visitors to learn about the snakes, which are stored in tanks.
A guide will take you to each of the snakes and animals and explain the different levels of venom they possess.
- Entry Fee/Tour: 1500 KSH ($11.58)
Planning Tip: The milking demonstration happens Monday to Friday at 11 am, and handling on those same days at 3 pm. I recommend going about an hour before the demonstrations so you can get a tour as well. You don’t have to book ahead and will pay using a card only upon arrival.
Grab a refreshing cup of gelato
Stop for a flavorful cup of gelato at Non Solo Gelato, an authentic Italian restaurant and ice cream parlor in a cozy plaza in Watamu.
The outdoor seating, shaded by umbrellas, is a relaxing spot to savor gelato and a variety of Italian treats.
- Small Cup of Mango Gelato: $2.32
Dine at the Crab Shack Restaurant
Finish the night with a dinner at the Crab Shack, where you’ll enjoy a dining experience that combines fresh seafood with environmental conservation.
Operated by the Dabaso Creek Conservation Group, the restaurant is community-run and is accessible via a boardwalk.
The menu features locally sourced seafood, including signature dishes like crab samosas accompanied by refreshing tomato and mango salad, grilled lobster, and spiced vegetarian curries.
Beyond the food, the Crab Shack promotes eco-tourism and hosts tours to educate visitors about the importance of mangrove conservation while providing economic support to the local community.
Day Seven: Travel Back to Nairobi With a Scenic Route
Take a taxi to the Mombasa train station
Prepare to head back to Nairobi via train for a longer but more scenic route to the nation’s capital.
I decided to try out Kenya’s train system, which meant taking a two-hour taxi ride to Mombasa from Watamu.
Using the same taxi driver who picked me up from the Malindi Airport, I negotiated a fee and left Watamu at 4:30am, arriving in Mombasa at 6:30am to board the 8am train.
Once you arrive at the Mombasa station, you will have to go through security and wait in a queue to get a printed ticket if it isn’t already printed, so keep that in mind when you decide when you want to arrive.
- Taxi Ride from Watamu to Mombasa: 6500 KSH ($50.19)
Planning Tip: Try arriving at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time in case of any delays.
Board the train to Nairobi
The train ride from Mombasa to Nairobi is 6 hours.
Once I checked in for my ride, I was escorted to the train’s waiting area. A staff member asked me if I needed assistance with my bags since I had a checked bag and came to help me when it was time to board.
There isn’t a designated spot to keep large luggage in the First Class car, so I would keep that in mind. Thankfully, I was able to store mine in a little area behind all of the seats.
Seating was not assigned, so I sat anywhere.
I made a mistake when booking this train. I planned and thought I would be taking the Premium Class train (left), so I was a bit surprised when this is what I received instead (right):
I booked First Class, as this was the highest option available online. I don’t know if Premium has to be booked in person, but it is a mistake I won’t make again.
First Class isn’t anything special besides more comfortable seats and outlets.
However, the ride was still good. If you choose this route, the train passes through the Nairobi National Park, so you will see elephants on the way, which is exciting!
- First Class Train Ride : 4500 KSH ($34.75)
Planning Tip: Staff members at the station’s entrance will offer to assist with your bags in exchange for a tip, and they will bring you onboard a bit earlier than the rest of the passengers.
Shop for last minute items and rest before heading home
Spend your final moments shopping for some last-minute items to remember your time in Nairobi.
I did go back to the Maasai Market to grab some artwork for one of my coworkers. It was wrapped for me, which made transporting it home a breeze.
I spent the rest of the night resting up before my flight at this cozy Airbnb. I spent a few hours in that I can vouch for:
Travel Tips for Visiting Kenya
Hire a driver to save time and energy
I booked a driver during my entire time in Nairobi and was so glad I did.
Between the traffic, wait times at certain locations, and needing to leave my hotel super early for activities, it was very helpful to have a driver who would wait for me and be on time.
I booked a driver through Travel Plug Kenya. After sharing my desired Kenya itinerary, I was provided with a fair quote and a breakdown of the cost, which I appreciated.
My driver was very professional, and I would book again with this company.
Email: info@travelplugkenya.co.ke
Know that you can purchase a SIM card and withdraw cash at the airport
You will need a SIM card to navigate Kenya efficiently if you don’t have international phone service.
At the airport, two phone carriers were selling SIM cards: Safaricom and Telkom.
The Safaricom line was very long, and there was no one in the Telkom line, which was why I thought it was closed.
It turns out Safaricom is just said to be the best carrier, and Telkom isn’t. However, I did not have the patience to wait and find out, so I went with Telkom and got a 4500 KSH ($34.75) unlimited data bundle with about 100 minutes.
I am happy to share that I had great service during my time in Kenya, both in Watamu and Nairobi.
My signal was always reasonably strong except for about 20 minutes on the way to and from Amboseli National Park.
Pay for any applicable park fees ahead of time
Visiting the parks in Kenya comes with various fees that can add up quickly. Registering and paying for them can also be a bit time-consuming since you have to sign up for portals online, and sometimes, this involves using MPesa.
Once you arrive, staff members will ask for your registration numbers and confirmation, so it’s great to have that on hand to avoid delays and last-minute complications and ensure a smooth entry process.
Always have cash on you and download MPesa
Cash is widely used in Kenya, and you should always have some on you, as you will eventually need it.
ATMs are available, but I would withdraw cash before traveling to remote regions if that is part of your Kenya itinerary.
Digital payments through M-Pesa are used for most things as well, even smaller vendors so if you can get it it will make your life easier.
Kenya Itinerary Final Thoughts
This trip was different, as I canceled half of my itinerary once I arrived in Watamu.
The relaxing nature of staying at Watamu Treehouse inspired me to, for once, go at my own pace and not aim to see a lot in a limited amount of time.
This trip was beautiful in many ways, but mainly because I was able to be for the first time in a while, and I hope this Kenya itinerary reflects that.
