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Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, these five safari itineraries offer immersive wildlife experiences, however, if you have more time this itinerary can be extended to a 7-Day itinerary. Each itinerary showcases Kenya’s diverse landscapes, from the iconic Maasai Mara to the coastal gems of Diani, allowing you to savor the rich biodiversity and breathtaking views the country has to offer.
1. Nairobi – Maasai Mara – Amboseli – Nairobi
This itinerary combines the Maasai Mara, known for its vast savannahs and famous Big Five, with Amboseli National Park, famous for its elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara
- Travel time: Approx. 5-6 hours drive
- Activities: Afternoon game drive in Maasai Mara
- Highlights: Spot lions, elephants, and possibly the annual wildebeest migration.
Day 2: Full Day at Maasai Mara
- Activities: Full-day game drive, optional hot air balloon safari
- Highlights: Early morning game drive for predator sightings, visit the Mara River for wildlife action.
Day 3: Maasai Mara to Amboseli
- Travel time: Approx. 6 hours (via Nairobi)
- Activities: Evening drive in Amboseli
- Highlights: View elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro as the backdrop.
Day 4: Amboseli
- Activities: Game drive, visit observation hill for panoramic views
- Highlights: Elephants, views of Mount Kilimanjaro, bird-watching.
Day 5: Amboseli to Nairobi
- Travel time: Approx. 4-5 hours drive
- Activities: Early morning drive in Amboseli, return to Nairobi.
2. Nairobi – Maasai Mara – Lake Nakuru – Lake Naivasha – Nairobi
This option gives you a blend of the Maasai Mara’s big game, Lake Nakuru’s flamingos, and Lake Naivasha’s serene beauty.
Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara
- Travel time: Approx. 5-6 hours drive
- Activities: Afternoon game drive
- Highlights: Big cats, elephants, and cheetahs.
Day 2: Maasai Mara
- Activities: Full-day game drive
- Highlights: Possible wildebeest migration, visit the Mara River.
Day 3: Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru
- Travel time: Approx. 5 hours
- Activities: Game drive around Lake Nakuru
- Highlights: Flamingos, rhinos, Rothschild giraffes.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
- Travel time: Approx. 1-2 hours
- Activities: Boat ride in Lake Naivasha, walking safari at Crescent Island
- Highlights: Hippos, waterbirds, giraffes, and zebras.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi
- Travel time: Approx. 2 hours
- Activities: Stopover at Hell's Gate for cycling or a scenic walk, return to Nairobi.
3. Nairobi – Amboseli – Tsavo – Diani – Nairobi
For those who want to combine wildlife and beach, this itinerary takes you from Amboseli’s elephants to Tsavo’s rugged wilderness, ending with a relaxing beach experience in Diani.
Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli
- Travel time: Approx. 4 hours
- Activities: Afternoon game drive
- Highlights: Elephant herds, Mount Kilimanjaro views.
Day 2: Amboseli
- Travel time: Approx. 3-4 hours
- Activities: Game drive
- Highlights: Lava flows, rhinos, leopards.
Day 3: Tsavo West
- Travel time: Approx. 6-7 hours
- Activities: Relax at the beach, optional water sports
- Highlights: White sandy beaches, coral reefs.
Day 4: Diani Beach
- Activities: Beach relaxation, snorkelling, dhow sailing
- Highlights: Marine life, sunset cruises.
Day 5: Diani to Nairobi
- Travel time: Approx. 1-hour flight or 7-hour drive
- Activities: Depart from Diani, return to Nairobi.
4. Nairobi – Ol Pejeta – Samburu – Nakuru/Naivasha – Nairobi
This itinerary highlights the conservation efforts at Ol Pejeta, the unique wildlife of Samburu, and the beautiful Rift Valley lakes.
Day 1: Nairobi to Ol Pejeta
- Travel time: Approx. 3-4 hours
- Activities: Afternoon game drive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Highlights: Rhinos, chimpanzee sanctuary.
Day 2: Ol Pejeta
- Travel time: Approx. 2-3 hours
- Activities: Game drive in Samburu
- Highlights: Grevy’s zebras, Somali ostriches, and reticulated giraffes.
Day 3: Samburu Full Day
- Activities: Game drive, visit Samburu villages
- Highlights: Samburu warriors, cultural immersion, wildlife.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru or Naivasha
- Travel time: Approx. 6 hours
- Activities: Game drive, optional boat ride in Lake Naivasha
- Highlights: Rift Valley escarpments, flamingos, hippos.
Day 5: Nakuru/Naivasha to Nairobi
- Travel time: Approx. 2-3 hours
- Activities: Return to Nairobi with stopovers for scenic photography.
5. Nairobi – Kisumu – Ndere Island National Park – Ruma National Park – Kakamega Forest – Nairobi
This itinerary is perfect for those looking for a less-travelled route with diverse landscapes ranging from lakeside views to lush forests.
Day 1: Nairobi to Kisumu
- Travel time: Approx. 1-hour flight or 6-hour drive
- Activities: Evening boat ride on Lake Victoria
- Highlights: Beautiful sunset views, hippos, bird-watching.
Day 2: Ndere Island National Park
- Travel time: Approx. 1-hour drive to Ndere Island
- Activities: Hiking and exploring the island
- Highlights: Nile crocodiles, impalas, birdlife, scenic views of Lake Victoria.
Day 3: Ruma National Park
- Travel time: Approx. 2 hours
- Activities: Full-day game drive at Ruma National Park
- Highlights: Rare roan antelopes, Rothschild giraffes, panoramic hill views.
Day 4: Kakamega Forest
- Travel time: Approx. 3-4 hours
- Activities: Nature walk, bird watching
- Highlights: Unique rainforest species, primates, butterflies.
Day 5: Kakamega to Nairobi
- Travel time: Approx. 1-hour flight or 6-hour drive
- Activities: Guided forest walk in the morning, return to Nairobi
These itineraries offer unique perspectives on Kenya's rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a beach lover, or a culture seeker, these plans cater to diverse travel preferences and ensure an unforgettable safari experience.