How long should you spend in Kenya? Well, there is no fixed answer to this question. It all depends on what you are looking for from your trip.
For an unrushed and fulfilling Kenya trip, we suggest allowing 10 to 14 days to experience Kenya's exciting wildlife, immerse yourself in the local culture, and relax on pristine beaches.
However, if you are short on time, we can still help to arrange a thrilling and time-efficient safari trip in about 5 days. If you want to explore more of the country and have a comprehensive experience, you should ideally allow 2 to 3 weeks.
In this article, we will provide ideas and options to plan your Kenya itinerary based on different durations: 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks.
Kenya in 5 Days
With our carefully planned itinerary, you could have a thrilling safari adventure in Kenya in 5 days. We suggest you concentrate on safari parks near Nairobi, such as Amboseli National Park, to make the most of your limited time.
Parks, such as Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, or Lake Naivasha, offer a great variety of wildlife and would maximize your safari experience.
Here is a time-smart itinerary, for inspiration:
- Day 1: Nairobi
- Day 2: Naivasha
- Days 3–4: Maasai Mara
- Day 5: Nairobi, departure
In Naivasha, you would enjoy a memorable boat ride among hippos on Lake Naivasha. Do you want to get closer to animals? We could arrange a visit to Crescent Island and an unforgettable experience walking among zebras and giraffes.
You would spend 2 thrilling days in Maasai Mara for some private game viewing. With the help of your experienced driver and guide, you will spot a wide variety of wildlife and, if you're lucky, witness the Big Five in their natural habitat.
We understand that you have your own preferences and requirements, so our intention is that you use our itineraries for inspiration. Our Kenya experts are ready to tailor an itinerary specifically for you.
Kenya in 7 Days
For most travelers, 7 days may seem a bit short for a full safari adventure in Kenya. However, if you are looking for a quick trip, we would arrange visits to the most iconic national parks and wildlife reserves around Nairobi in your itinerary to make the most of your tight time. Also, we would incorporate unique cultural experiences, such as a visit to a Maasai village, to enrich your experience.
Below is a classic 7-day Kenya itinerary that's suitable for families and couples:
- Day 1: Nairobi
- Day 2: Nakuru
- Days 3–4: Maasai Mara
- Days 5–6: Lake Naivasha
- Day 7: Nairobi
At Lake Nakuru, you could enjoy an engaging bird safari. You would marvel at the vibrant flamingos dotting the lake and flying across the sky.
Then, spend two exciting days in Maasai Mara. Your skillful driver would help you to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) among other fascinating wildlife.
You would encounter hippos and diverse wildlife up close on Lake Naivasha.
Finally, enjoy a unique walking or biking trip in Hell's Gate National Park to see the non-dangerous animals up close in their natural habitat on the way back to Nairobi.
Kenya in 10 Days
10 days is a perfect duration for a truly remarkable Kenya adventure. With 10 days, you could explore a great variety of the country's thrilling wildlife, relax on its pristine beaches, and get insights into the local culture and life.
Here is a classic itinerary that's suitable for families and couples. Please consider it as inspiration and let us tailor a personal itinerary to suit your preferences:
- Days 1–2: Nairobi
- Days 3–4: Lake Naivasha
- Days 5–7: Maasai Mara
- Days 8–9: Diani Beach
- Day 10: Nairobi
In Nairobi's Elephant Orphanage, you would witness adorable elephant calves up close. Families or couples would then have the unique opportunity to feed towering, magnificent giraffes face-to-face at the Giraffe Center.
You would have an exciting boat ride on Lake Naivasha and could marvel at the sight of hippos popping their heads out of the water. Would you want to explore the wilderness on foot or by bike? We could arrange a walking or biking safari for you and your family. This would provide a unique and up-close experience with the remarkable wildlife in the area.
Then, venture into Maasai Mara for a few days of thrilling game-viewing activities. You would enjoy a great time together searching for the Big Five in the park. For a special experience, we could arrange a visit to a local Maasai tribe, where you could learn a bit about the local people and their lifestyle.
After the safari adventures, you would enjoy 2 days relaxing on the stunning white sands of Diani Beach. 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.
We understand that you are looking for more than just an itinerary; you desire a unique and personalized experience. At Global Highlights, we highly value your individual preferences. Contact us to create a customized itinerary that caters specifically to your interests and desires
Kenya in 2 Weeks
If you have 14 days, you will have plenty of time for several exciting itineraries in Kenya. You could combine a wilderness safari with a relaxing beach vacation or embark on an off-the-beaten-path safari experience at an undeveloped park. For a more diverse experience, you could extend your trip to Tanzania, Uganda, or South Africa.
Here is an exclusive 2-week itinerary for families and couples, combining a safari adventure with a beach vacation:
- Day 1: Nairobi
- Days 2–3: Amboseli National Park
- Days 4–5: Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Days 6–7: Lake Naivasha
- Days 8–10: Maasai Mara
- Days 11–13: Diani Beach
- Day 14: Nairobi Departure
In Amboseli National Park, you would have the unique opportunity to observe elephants up close, with the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. To enhance your experience, we could arrange accommodation with picturesque views of the iconic mountain, providing memorable sunset sightings of the elephant herds.
You would spend two exclusive days in Ol Pejeta Conservancy for wildlife encounters. You could try a highly-cherishable once-in-a-lifetime experience searching for the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world. Your experienced guide would share extensive knowledge about wildlife and conservation efforts.
Lake Naivasha offers the chance to enjoy interesting boat rides among hippos. As part of this itinerary, we would arrange a visit to Crescent Island where you could walk among zebras and giraffes.
In Maasai Mara, you should brace yourself for thrilling game drives and witnessing diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Additionally, we could arrange a visit to a local Maasai village, providing an insight into their unique lifestyles, vibrant culture, and traditional way of life.
Are you interested in this itinerary? We could help you to customize it into your own personal Kenya adventure.
Kenya in 3 Weeks
With 3 weeks available, you would have the opportunity to embark on an extensive exploration of three of the most famous countries in Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. This would allow you to enjoy thrilling safari adventures, immerse yourself in local culture, and enjoy the pristine islands of the Indian Ocean, such as Lamu or Watamu in Kenya or Zanzibar in Tanzania.
For adventurous travelers, you may also consider extending your trip to Uganda for a gorilla trekking experience. Whatever you are looking for, our Africa experts are ready to help you create a personal journey that's designed especially for you.
Explore Kenya Your Way
We understand that everyone has their own unique way of exploring Kenya and Africa. We appreciate and value your personal travel experiences and preferences. At Global Highlights, we aim to create a personalized journey that reflects your interests, desires, and aspirations.