The Kenya self-drive circuit classic northern triangle — Nairobi, Amboseli, Tsavo East, and Masai Mara as the fourth park destination — is the most popular Kenya self-drive route for first-time visitors. At 10 days, the Kenya self-drive circuit classic northern triangle covers the three parks most associated with Kenya’s international wildlife reputation (Amboseli for elephant with Kilimanjaro backdrop, Tsavo East for the red elephants and enormous land area, Masai Mara for big cats and the wildebeest migration) within a circuit that begins and ends in Nairobi with daily driving distances of 150 to 280km — manageable on Kenya’s A-road tarmac highway network. This guide provides the complete day-by-day plan for the Kenya self-drive circuit northern triangle in 2027/2028.
Circuit Distances and Drive Times
- Nairobi to Amboseli (via Emali, C103): 230km — approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Tarmac to Emali, then C103 murram to Amboseli gate (45km, 1 to 1.5 hours on murram).
- Amboseli to Tsavo East (via Tsavo town, A109): 215km — approximately 3.5 hours. Mostly tarmac on the A109.
- Tsavo East to Nairobi (A109, passing Nairobi): 260km — 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Returning to Nairobi via A109 for re-provisioning and Masai Mara departure.
- Nairobi to Masai Mara (via Narok, C12): 265km — approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours including the C12 murram from Narok to Sekenani gate (70km, 1.5 to 2 hours).
- Masai Mara to Nairobi (return): Same as above.
Day-by-Day Plan: Kenya Self-Drive Northern Triangle (10 Days)
- Day 1: Nairobi arrival, hire vehicle collection, overnight Nairobi (supermarket provisioning for full circuit cooler box)
- Day 2: Drive to Amboseli. Afternoon game drive in Amboseli.
- Day 3: Full day Amboseli — dawn and afternoon game drives. Elephant, Kilimanjaro views, Observation Hill viewpoint.
- Day 4: Drive to Tsavo East (Voi gate). Afternoon game drive on the Voi-Mudanda Rock circuit.
- Day 5: Full day Tsavo East — Mzima Springs circuit and north bank game drive.
- Day 6: Return to Nairobi (overnight). Re-provisioning, laundry, rest day before Masai Mara.
- Day 7: Drive to Masai Mara. Arrival and afternoon game drive.
- Day 8: Full day Masai Mara — dawn drive, Mara River crossing point check, afternoon drive.
- Day 9: Morning Masai Mara drive, depart midday for Nairobi.
- Day 10: Nairobi. Vehicle return. Flight.
