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With its long-standing reputation as a premier safari destination, Kenya is not short on choices, offering everything from horseback to walking safaris and from fly-in to balloon safaris, all either with or without an added beach holiday.
There are even options to combine East Africa’s great national parks in Kenya and Tanzania, and end the trip on the pristine white beaches of Zanzibar – the choices are seemingly endless and thanks to customisable itineraries, your imagination and the time you can spare are the only limits.
In this guide, we’ll outline sample Kenya itineraries tailored to a range of timeframes and interests. Learn how you can customise your dream safari with Kenya Experience.
How many days do you need? Tailored Kenya Itineraries
With the incredible variety of safari experiences that Kenya has to offer, it is crucial to understanding the country’s two main safari regions when starting to plan your trip: The national parks can be roughly divided between the so-called southern and northern circuits, with the southern circuit featuring well-known parks such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo.
These destinations are known for classic game viewing and dramatic landscapes while the northern circuit, by contrast, offers a more off-the-beaten-path adventure.
It includes highlights such as Samburu, Laikipia, and the remote Matthews Range, which is not only home to rare wildlife but also offers unique cultural experiences.
Which region to choose and the best places to visit mainly depends on your primary interests as well as the duration of your holiday: A 5- to 8-day itinerary for example often focuses on a combination of Savannah and sea, while the northern parks let you explore Kenya’s remoteness.
You have 10 to 14 days to spare? Perfect! This allows you to experience a truly immersive journey by exploring both the north and south in a tailor-made safari. Find some ideas below:
Kenya 7 Days Itinerary – Classic Highlights on Customized Fly-in Safari
As a perfect introduction to the country for first-time visitors, a 1 week Kenya itinerary offers a seamless introduction to the country’s most iconic experiences.
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi. Visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Nairobi National Park. Spend the afternoon at the Giraffe Centre.
Day 2: Fly to Ol Pejeta Conservancy and enjoy a first afternoon game drive.
Day 3: Enjoy the solitude and an intimate safari experience during a morning and afternoon game drive in Ol Pejeta.
Day 4: Fly to Masai Mara in time for an afternoon game drive.
Day 5: Go on a full-day game drive in the Masai Mara and enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush.
Day 6: Enjoy an optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise before you fly back to Nairobi.
Day 7: Visit the Karen Blixen Museum and other cultural sites. Fly to Diani Beach, if you have opted for an extension to recharge your batteries on a beach break.
Kenya 14 Days Itinerary – Ultimate Kenya Adventure (200)
A 2 week Kenya itinerary allows you to explore Kenya in all its extraordinary diversity – from dramatic landscapes to Big Five encounters and coastal relaxation.
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi. Visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Nairobi National Park. Spend the afternoon at the Giraffe Centre.
Day 2: Depart for Amboseli National Park and your first afternoon game drive.
Day 3: Enjoy unobstructed views of Mount Kilimanjaro during an optional hot air balloon ride before heading out again for an afternoon game drive.
Day 4: Enjoy a morning drive before heading on to Lake Naivasha.
Day 5: Revel in the unique experience of a boat safari and guided walk on Crescent Island.
Day 6: Visit Hell’s Gate National Park as you make your way to Lake Nakuru.
Day 7: Enjoy the abundant birdlife on a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, which is known for its healthy population of rhinos.
Day 8: Travel to the Masai Mara and arrive in time for your first afternoon game drive.
Day 9: Enjoy a full-day safari and a picnic-style lunch in the Masai Mara.
Day 10: Go on your final morning game drive before flying to Diani Beach for some well-earned time out by the Indian Ocean.
Days 11–14: Unwind on the coast with optional water sports or cultural excursions during your stay in Diani Beach.
Tours you might enjoy:
Mara in Style – Fly-In Safari
Places Mara North Conservancy
from 3,785 USD (based on 2 persons)
Kenya – Savannah and Sea
Places Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo West National Park, ends in Diani Beach
from 2,790 USD per person sharing
Customizing Your Kenya Itinerary
No two travellers are the same and at Kenya Experience we believe that your safari should reflect your unique interests and travel style, irrespective of whether it is a day-trip out of Nairobi or a 1 or 2 week Kenya itinerary.
Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, culture, or adventure, the East African country offers something for everyone. Use this section to explore how to tailor your safari and choose from the tour types on offer for your perfect journey.
Tailor to Your Interests
Catering to a wide range of traveller interests, Kenya makes it easy to create a bespoke Kenya itinerary.
Wildlife enthusiasts and those keen on sightings of the big five should focus on game drives in the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Ol Pejeta.
Nature lovers may enjoy exploring the less-travelled northern circuit, including Samburu and Laikipia, known for striking landscapes, rare species and a good level of solitude.
Cultural explorers can enrich their experience with visits to traditional Maasai villages as well as Nairobi’s museums and historic sites.
Adventure seekers might consider adding a walking safari, a sunrise balloon safari or a trek on Mount Kenya.
Choosing the Right Tour Type
Choosing the right type of safari can make all the difference to your experience in Kenya. Let your adventure be guided by your passion – and contact our team to design the perfect tailor-made safari.
At Kenya Experience, we offer flexible options to suit your travel preferences, budget, and group size, including private and family safaris.
Private safaris like the 1 week Kenya Classic allow you to set your own pace, decide on daily activities, and stay in carefully selected lodges or camps. These experiences provide personalised journeys with a dedicated vehicle and guide, offering maximum flexibility and comfort.
Small group tours are ideal for sociable travellers looking to share their adventure with like-minded people. These tours follow a set itinerary and offer great value without compromising on quality.
Tailor-made safaris allow you to co-create your dream itinerary be it travelling by road or fly-in connections. The Kenya Experience team will help you design a journey that matches your requirements – taking into account everything from your interests to your timeframe to your preferred types of travel, comfort level and budget.
No matter which option you choose, every safari is designed to offer unforgettable memories and a deep connection with Kenya’s landscapes, wildlife, and people.
Best Time to Travel
Kenya is a year-round destination, but your experience can vary depending on the season.
While each season has its charm, the dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, with animals congregating around water sources and the spectacle of the Great Migration in the Masai Mara.
The so-called green season (November to May) on the other hand comes with lush landscapes, migratory birds, and fewer visitors – perfect for photographers and those seeking quieter parks.
For detailed advice, visit our guide on the best time to visit Kenya and find the perfect window for your safari adventure.
Sample Itineraries and Tour Options
Explore some of our most popular safari itineraries and combinations, from adventure camping and luxury tented camps on classic routes to cross-border adventures or take advantage of our tailor-made options to suit your interests, pace, and travel style.
Kenya – Savannah and Sea
The popular Savannah and Sea itinerary blends the thrill of the savannah with an optional beach holiday on Kenya’s coast. Start with game drives in world-renowned parks such as the Masai Mara and Amboseli before you unwind on the white sandy beaches of Diani Beach or the north coast beaches that combine turquoise waters with Swahili culture and the joy of endless days spent by the water.
This tour is especially suitable for first-time visitors who want to see all the classic safari animals. Seasoned Kenya travellers might consider preceding it with the Northern Kenya Tour.
Northern Kenya Safari
Choose the Northern Kenya Safari to explore the country’s wilder, more remote side, from the arid beauty of Samburu and its unique wildlife species to the rugged landscapes of Laikipia and the Mathews Range.
This Kenya itinerary is ideal for return travellers or those seeking an off-the-beaten-track experience, with opportunities for cultural immersion and conservation-focused lodges.
If you are not strapped for time, you could combine this tour with the above Savannah and Sea tour and create the ultimate Kenya safari itinerary ending at the beautiful Swahili beaches.
Kenya & Tanzania Safari Package
Want to experience the best of East Africa while you are in the area? Then choose the Kenya & Tanzania Safari Package – and time it to follow the Great Migration to witness nature on a grand scale.
Taking in Kenya’s Masai Mara, and following the wildlife trails into Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, this itinerary, which takes in three of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, offers a real cross-border adventure.
Feeling inspired? – Create your own Tour
Are you ready to move from the screen to real life and get on a plane to Kenya? Contact our experienced travel experts for a personal and in-depth consultation.
They’ll design a tailor-made Kenya itinerary based on your interests, travel style, and schedule – whether it’s your first safari or your fifth. No two journeys are alike, and that’s exactly how we like it.
Conclusion
From iconic highlights to remote northern gems and coastal escapes, Kenya offers a wealth of safari experiences – choose from private safaris, small group tours, or tailor-made journeys, irrespective of the time you have.
By customizing your itinerary and booking a safari tour with an experienced tour operator, you can create a safari to suit your interests.
Our expert team is on the ground in Kenya, and they are here to help you design an unforgettable safari, crafted entirely around your ideas and requirements.
Author: Christina Leitner
