GENERAL INFO
This itinerary starts and ends in Nairobi and takes you through some of Kenya's best National Parks and Reserves, places such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo. These are some of the best safari destinations in the world and you can expect to see a lot of wildlife here.
Its perfect for those who want to combine a safari holiday with a beach holiday, since the includes two days in Diani Beach, one of Kenya's best beach destinations with beautiful white sand and turquoise water. If you would rather skip Diani Beach I have included alternative itineraries at the end that take that into consideration.
I have included a description of each National Park and destination below, but you can also watch the following YouTube video about Kenya's National Parks:
For more travel information about Kenya regarding visas, vaccination requirements, health recommendations, safety, etc please watch the following YouTube video:
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
If you're arriving in Kenya by plane you will land in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Nairobi Wilson Airport. I recommend you take a taxi to your accommodation or you book private transportation to get there.
Day 2: Nairobi to Ol Pejeta
On day 2 drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Nanyuki. During this road trip you will cross the equator, where you can stop for photos.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
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The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is located between the slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares Mountain range in Laikipia county.
Its a non-profit wildlife conservancy and it houses the largest black rhinocerous sanctuary in East Africa. Black rhinos are highly endangered and they are very difficult to see in the wild. There are very few parks in Kenya where you can see them. Ol Pejeta also housed the last two remaining northern white rhinocerous in the world.
You can see all of the big 5 here (rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, lions and leopards) which makes it one of the best safari parks in the country.
There is also a chimpanzee sanctuary in Ol Pejeta. Even though chimpanzees are not native to Kenya the conservancy provides a haven for rescued chimps and its the only place in Kenya where you can see these animals.
Details
Day 3: Ol Pejeta - Lake Nakuru
Leave Ol Pejeta after breakfast and depart for Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive there in time for lunch and a game drive in the afternoon.
Lake Nakuru National Park
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Lake Nakuru National Park is a wooded and bushy grassland best known for it's wildlife, particularly it's large number of flamingos that nest in the lakes shore, and for being one of the best places in Kenya to see white rhinos (not to be confused with northern white rhinos)
The park is also a great spot for game drives, since it has over 50 species of mammals, such as zebras, warthogs, buffalo, lions, cheetahs, leopards, waterbuck and impala. Rothschilds giraffes (a highly endangered type of giraffe) can also be found in the park.
Details
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara
After breakfast drive south to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
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The Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in Narok county, in Southern Kenya, and it is contiguous with Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. The Maasai Mara's main attraction is wildlife and it is well known for the great migration, which is one of the seven natural wonders of Africa.
The Maasai Mara is one of the best places in the world to go on a game drive. All members of the big five - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo - can be found here.
Besides the big 5, there are lots of other animals you can see in the Mara, such as: zebra, wildebeest, topi, Maasai giraffe, Thomson's gazelle, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, cheetahs, African wolves, elands, Grant's gazelles, impalas, duikers, hartebeests, roan antelope and much more.
Birdlife is also prominent within the park. Some bird species that can be found here are: vultures, marabou storks, secretary birds, hornbills, crowned cranes, ostriches and long-crested eagles.
The great migration consists of a circular migration of some of the parks hervibores that occurs due to the availability of grazing land. It begins in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and ends across the border in the Maasai Mara. Seeing the animals cross the Grumeti and Mara rivers is particularly impressive and its a popular tourist attraction. The crossings begin in the month of July.
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The Maasai Mara also offers the possibility of doing cultural tours to the local Maasai villages. This is an activity I highly recommend you do.
Day 5: Full day in the Maasai Mara
Spend a full day in the Maasai Mara.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
@lauraabornstein
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in Narok county, in Southern Kenya, and it is contiguous with Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. The Maasai Mara's main attraction is wildlife and it is well known for the great migration, which is one of the seven natural wonders of Africa.
The Maasai Mara is one of the best places in the world to go on a game drive. All members of the big five - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo - can be found here.
Besides the big 5, there are lots of other animals you can see in the Mara, such as: zebra, wildebeest, topi, Maasai giraffe, Thomson's gazelle, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, cheetahs, African wolves, elands, Grant's gazelles, impalas, duikers, hartebeests, roan antelope and much more.
Birdlife is also prominent within the park. Some bird species that can be found here are: vultures, marabou storks, secretary birds, hornbills, crowned cranes, ostriches and long-crested eagles.
The great migration consists of a circular migration of some of the parks hervibores that occurs due to the availability of grazing land. It begins in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and ends across the border in the Maasai Mara. Seeing the animals cross the Grumeti and Mara rivers is particularly impressive and its a popular tourist attraction. The crossings begin in the month of July.
Details
Day 6: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha
Go on an early morning game drive in the Maasai Mara and leave for Lake Naivasha.
Lake Naivasha
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Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake with incredible views of Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano that can be seen in the distance.
The best views of Mt Longonot can be seen from Crescent Island. In the Island you can also see animals like zebra, impala, wildebeest, buffalo, waterbuck and monkeys. There are no predators in the island which makes it a perfect place for a short walking safari.
Lake Naivasha is one of the best places in Kenya to see birdlife and it is well known for its hippos. If you can, I recommend you go on a boat ride in the lake.
Details
Day 7: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli
After breakfast check out of your accommodation and drive to Amboseli National Park.
Amboseli National Park
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Amboseli National Park is located in Kajiado county, southern Kenya. The park surrounds Lake Amboseli, which dries up during the dry season. It is one of the best places in the world to see wildlife and one of the best places in the African Continent to see large herds of African Elephants. It also has a spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is Africa's highest mountain.
Amboseli's main attraction is wildlife. As stated before, this is one of the best places to see African elephants in large numbers, however, there are many more species that can be found here: Giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetas, buffalo, wild dogs, hyrax, lesser kudu, dik-dik, mongoose, crocodiles, hippos and nocturnal porcupines among others.
Bird watching is also a popular activity since the park has more than 600 bird species.
The landscapes in Amboseli National Park are undeniably stunning and by all accounts some of the best in Kenya. The views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is located across the border in Tanzania, are breathtaking.
Details
Day 8: Full day in Amboseli
Spend the day in Amboseli National Park.
Amboseli National Park
@lauraabornstein
Amboseli National Park is located in Kajiado county, southern Kenya. The park surrounds Lake Amboseli, which dries up during the dry season. It is one of the best places in the world to see wildlife and one of the best places in the African Continent to see large herds of African Elephants. It also has a spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is Africa's highest mountain.
Amboseli's main attraction is wildlife. As stated before, this is one of the best places to see African elephants in large numbers, however, there are many more species that can be found here: Giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetas, buffalo, wild dogs, hyrax, lesser kudu, dik-dik, mongoose, crocodiles, hippos and nocturnal porcupines among others.
Bird watching is also a popular activity since the park has more than 600 bird species.
The landscapes in Amboseli National Park are undeniably stunning and by all accounts some of the best in Kenya. The views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is located across the border in Tanzania, are breathtaking.
Details
Day 9: Amboseli to Tsavo West
Drive from Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park.
Tsavo West National Park
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Tsavo West National Park is one if Kenya's most well known parks and here you can find animals such as African elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs, leopards, gazelles, impalas, several species of antelopes such as elands, hartebeest, kudus, and much more.
However, Tsavo is most famous for its lions, whose adult males often lack manes, and it is a good place to spot black rhinos.
Details
Day 10: Tsavo West to Diani Beach
Go on a morning drive in Tsavo West before driving to Diani Beach Kenya's South Coast.
Diani Beach
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Diani beach is one of Kenya's best beaches, and it has magnificent white sand and cristal clesr blue water.
Besides exploring its beautiful coastline, you can also go scuba diving or snorkeling in the nearby Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, sail on a traditional dhow to Wasini Island, go on a sunset canoe ride on the Kongo River, explore the Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest or take a day trip to Mombasa city.
Whether you want to relax in the beach or pack your holiday with activities, Diani is a great destination either way.
Details
Days 11-13: Diani Beach
Spend these days enjoying Diani Beach, exploring the nearby city of Mombasa and doing water sports.
Diani Beach
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Diani beach is one of Kenya's best beaches, and it has magnificent white sand and cristal clesr blue water.
Besides exploring its beautiful coastline, you can also go scuba diving or snorkeling in the nearby Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, sail on a traditional dhow to Wasini Island, go on a sunset canoe ride on the Kongo River, explore the Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest or take a day trip to Mombasa city.
Whether you want to relax in the beach or pack your holiday with activities, Diani is a great destination either way.
Details
Day 14: Return to Nairobi
Take a domestic flight from the airport at Diani Beach to Nairobi Wilson Airport. End your holiday here.
WHERE TO BOOK THIS SAFARI
If you want to do this exact itinerary, you can find it on GetYourGuide. It is called: "14-Day Best of Kenya Wildlife Safari & Beach Holiday". I will leave a link to it below:
This safari is an all-inclusive, so all accommodation, national park entrance fees, meals as per itinerary, professional driver, hotel pickup and drop-off and transport in a 4x4 land cruiser are included in the price.
The reason I recommend GetYourGuide to book your safari and not other places is because they have a flexible payent option that allows you to reserve now and pay later.
But more importantly, most of their activities (including all the safaris mentioned here) have a 24 hour free cancellation policy, so you can cancel your safari up to 24 hours in advance and get a FULL REFUND!
This is great for any activity, but because safaris are expensive it is specially great to have. Its also worth noting that because most safaris include accommodation, transport, park fees, etc, you can also get a refund of those expenses if you have to cancel your trip for some reason. Personally, that gives me a lot of peace if mind when I travel.
BUDGET OPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES
While I think that this itinerary is one of the best itineraries out there for a Kenyan safari, I understand that not everyone can afford the price of that itinerary, some of you may not have 14 days available to travel and some may want to skip the beach holiday in Diani Beach.
So in this section I will quickly go through other similar itineraries and I will link them in GetYourGuide so you can see all of the details.
All of the following safaris are all-inclusives, have flexible payment options and have a 24 hour free cancelation policy.
11 Days Best of Kenya Wildlife Jeep Safari
This itinerary is at a similar pricepoint to the previously mentioned "14-Day Best of Kenya Wildlife Safari & Beach Holiday". However, it is shorter, lasting 11 days, and it doesn't include a beach holiday in Diani.
The parks visited in this itinerary are Tsavo West, Amboseli, Ol Pejeta, Lake Naivasha and the Maasai Mara. Additionally, you also visit two parks not mentioned previously: Tsavo East and Aberdare National Park.
8-Days Kenya Best Wildlife Safari and Diani Beach Holiday
This safari is cheaper and shorter than the previous two safaris, but it includes a beach holiday in Diani Beach.
As for safari parks, with this itinerary you visit Amboseli, Tsavo East and Tsavo West
From Nairobi: 7-day Masai Mara, Nakuru and Amboseli Safari
This safari is considerably cheaper than the other safaris mentioned in this list, and in my opinion it is very well priced. It is a budget safari, and it is a good itinerary if you're on a budget.
This itinerary doesn't include a beach holiday, but it is great to see Kenya's highlights. It includes the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli.
GetYourGuide has many more safari activities in Kenya, so I will also leave a link to their home page in case you want to see what else they have to offer:
FOLLOW MY JOURNEY
Last but not least, thank you for reading this guide! I hope you found it useful and you have an unforgettable experience in Kenya.
Happy travels!
If you don't follow me on my socials already, check them out to receive more travel information and updates:
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