1 Week in Kenya — 4 Time-efficient Itineraries

By Ruru Zhou | Updated Aug. 31, 2023

One week may seem a bit short for a Kenya safari tour, but if you are looking for a quick yet fulfilling vacation, get ready to be surprised at how many 1-week Kenya trips are possible!

Kenya is brimming with safari game reserves. For a 7-day timeline, we advise concentrating on two or three game reserves to make the most of your time. After all, you probably won't want to spend too much of your time on the road, right?

In this article, we offer our four most popular 1-week Kenya itineraries ranging from bucket list safari experiences, such as Maasai Mara's, to luxurious safari adventures, such as in Laikipia. Are you excited? Read on to discover the very best 7-day Kenya trip itineraries!

1. 7-Day Classic Kenya Safari and Wildlife Adventure for First-Time Travelers

Kenya one week itinerary for first time travelers

This is the most classic Kenya safari trip for a first-time visit. During the trip, you would encounter diverse wildlife across three game reserves, take part in some outdoor activities, and learn a bit about its people. Here is the itinerary for your inspiration.

Days City/Area Activity
Day 1 Nairobi Relax on your own
Day 2 Lake Nakuru See flamingos and a variety of animals
Day 3-4 Maasai Mara Game-viewing and a visit to a tribal village
Day 5 Lake Naivasha Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
Day 6 Hell's Gate National Park Biking /hiking to get close to an-dangerous animals
Day 7 Nairobi Departure
Kenya 7 days itinerary map

At Lake Nakuru, you could enjoy an engaging bird safari. Marvel at the vibrant flamingos dotting the lake and flying across the sky. 

Get to be excited by the thrilling wildlife you would see in Maasai Mara while game viewing. If you are lucky enough, you may see the Big Five in the park. For a unique cultural experience, we could arrange a visit to a tribal village. You will learn a bit about the local people and their different cultures.

Engage in a thrilling boat ride on Lake Naivasha. Picture yourselves marveling at the hippos and various wildlife up close.

 Enjoy a walking or biking trip in Hell's Gate National Park to see the non-dangerous animals up close in their natural habitat.

We believe you have your own way of travel. Our Kenya experts are ready to tailor a personal trip for you.

2. One Week Kenya Safari Adventure and Beach Holiday

7 days Kenya itinerary for safari and beach

With its beautiful landscapes, abundant wildlife, and world-class beaches, Kenya offers travelers a diverse range of experiences to create innumerable memories. Here is a 1-week itinerary that combines Kenya's popular safari destinations with relaxation on the white sandy beaches:

Days City/Area Activity
Day 1 Nairobi Relax on your own
Days 2-4 Maasai Mara Game-viewing, a visit to a tribal village, and a hot air balloon ride
Days 5-6 Mombasa relaxing on the beach and snorkeling trip on a traditional dhow
Day 7 Nairobi Departure
Kenya 7 days classic itinerary map

You would have 3 days of game drives in Maasai Mara, including morning and afternoon safaris, to enjoy the excitement of spotting animals together.

For a special and memorable experience, we would arrange bush dinners in the evenings for you. You would enjoy the delicious food and happy times together under the stars in the wild, with the sounds of wildlife in the background.

To make your visit even more special, we would arrange a hot-air balloon ride over Maasai Mara. Enjoy a memorable time spotting giraffes among the bushes and antelope on the plains.

You could spend 2 days relaxing on the beach or indulging in spa treatments in Diani. For a unique experience, we would arrange for you to take a snorkeling trip on a traditional dhow. You would sail out over the turquoise waters and explore the colorful marine life on the coral reefs just off the shore.

We believe every traveler has unique preferences for their Kenyan adventure. Consider our itinerary as inspiration, and allow us to create a bespoke journey just for you.

3. One-Week Exclusive Safari Experience

7 days Kenya Itinerary for family and couple

This itinerary offers unique and exclusive safari experiences, such as walking, camel or horseback safaris on the wide-open plains of the Laikipia Plateau. It is perfect for families and couples seeking engaging wildlife encounters. See the simple itinerary below:

  • Day 1: Nairobi
  • Days 2–3: Laikipia
  • Days 4–6: Maasai Mara
  • Day 7: Nairobi
7 day trip map for kenya

Enjoy 2 days of exclusive game drives in Laikipia. You would see lions, elephants, and hyenas in the vast expanse. Experience the thrill of searching for the Big Five with your family or partner.

Are you looking for something beyond the usual safari? We could arrange a camel or horseback safari for you. Whether you're traveling as a family or as a couple, you would love the exhilarating ride toward the horizon in pursuit of wildlife.

Relish two thrilling days in Maasai Mara, which is home to diverse wildlife. During your stay, you would have a memorable opportunity to glide over the stunning landscapes of Maasai Mara in a hot-air balloon. Cherish magical moments together.

We would also arrange short nature walks in Maasai Mara with your guide. What could be more memorable than spending a few hours on foot, exploring the African plains together, and keeping an eye out for amazing wildlife encounters? Your guide will also share extensive knowledge about the local wildlife with you.

Interested in this itinerary? Contact us to customize it to your personal journey, tailored perfectly to fit your preferences and travel desires

4. One-Week Grand Kenya and Tanzania Safari Adventure

One week Kenya and Tanzania itinerary

Are you looking to blend the best of Kenya and Tanzania for a diverse wildlife experience in a single trip? This itinerary, tailored for such an adventure, takes you through three of Africa's most renowned national parks: Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

  • Day 1: Nairobi
  • Days 2–3: Maasai Mara
  • Days 4–5: Serengeti National Park
  • Day 6: The Ngorongoro Crater
  • Day 7: Nairobi
One week Kenya and Tanzania itinerary map

Enjoy two exhilarating days of game drives in both the Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Park. These adjoining parks teem with an impressive variety of wildlife, such as wildebeest, elephants, rhinoceroses, leopards, and lions.

The adventure would continue as you journey to the Ngorongoro Crater, which hosts the most concentrated population of lions in Africa. Embark on an unforgettable hunt for these majestic predators in their natural habitat.

The ideal time for this itinerary is from July to October during the migration season. During this time, you would see vast herds of zebras and wildebeest moving across the plains between Serengeti and Mara. You might also have the unique chance to see the dramatic river crossings.

We understand that you are seeking more than just a standard 7-day itinerary. You desire a unique and memorable experience in Kenya. Treat our itinerary only as an inspiration. We can help you create a personalized itinerary that caters specifically to your preferences. 

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