Your Trip, Your Way
Pick from our curated packages for an easy start, or work with our specialists to design a custom itinerary that fits your group perfectly.
If you’re dreaming of an African safari, Kenya is one of the best places to start. The sweet spot for most travelers is 7–10 days, focusing on just a few parks rather than trying to see the whole country at once. This way, you actually experience the magic of Kenya instead of rushing through long drives and border crossings.
A well-planned itinerary usually includes:
The goal is simple: pick 2–3 destinations and do them well. You’ll see more, stress less, and come home with stories worth sharing.
Here’s a simple snapshot of the itinerary options before we get into the details.
| Trip Length | Focus (Direct Answer) | Sample Route |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Days |
Quick taste of Kenya—keep it tight with 2 parks to avoid long drives.
|
Nairobi (arrival/overnight) → Maasai Mara (2–3N) → Amboseli (1–2N) → Nairobi.
Tiptime-saving Consider a fly-in to Mara if arrival is late.
|
| 7 Days |
Balanced safari—2–3 parks, enough time for multiple game drives.
|
Nairobi (1N) → Maasai Mara (3N) → Amboseli (2N) → Nairobi.
Alt: Swap Amboseli for Lake Naivasha/Lake Nakuru if you prefer shorter transfers.
|
| 10 Days |
Deeper circuit—add a northern park or lake region for variety.
|
Nairobi → Samburu (2N) → Maasai Mara (3N) → Naivasha/Nakuru (1N) → Amboseli (2N) → Nairobi.
Alt: Tsavo East/West instead of Samburu for big landscapes.
|
| 14 Days |
Safari + beach—finish with downtime on the coast.
|
Safari: Mara (3N) → Amboseli (2N) → Samburu or Tsavo (2N) → Coast: Diani or Lamu (4–5N) → Nairobi.
Fly the coast legs to avoid long road transfers.
|
Reviewed with our Kenya specialist to add authentic knowledge of wildlife and traditions.
Most travelers do best with 7–10 days in Kenya. That gives you enough time to enjoy 2–3 safari destinations at a relaxed pace, without feeling like you’re living out of a suitcase or spending half your trip on the road.
Here’s how the timing usually breaks down:
If it’s your first trip, aim for at least a week. Anything less feels rushed, and anything more opens up room for cultural add-ons or coastal escapes.
When people ask “how should I plan my Kenya trip?” the answer really depends on two things: time and travel style. Do you want a short safari fix, a classic first-timer’s loop, or a deeper mix of culture, wildlife, and relaxation?
Below are expanded outlines most travelers find useful, with extra detail to help you picture the journey.
Day 1 and 2: Begin in Nairobi with a taste of both culture and wildlife. Visit the Giraffe Centre, meet orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and, if time allows, go on a game drive in Nairobi National Park where lions and rhinos live against the city skyline.
Day 3 to 5: Travel to the Maasai Mara, Kenya’s most famous reserve. Spend your days on morning and afternoon game drives in search of lions, elephants, and, if you visit between July and October, the Great Migration. Evenings can be enjoyed around a campfire under the stars.
This short itinerary is best for travelers who want a snapshot of Kenya in less than a week. Road transfers take five to six hours, but flights from Nairobi to the Mara save time and give you more hours on safari.
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi and explore a cultural highlight such as the Karen Blixen Museum or Bomas of Kenya.
Day 2 to 4: Head to the Maasai Mara for three days of safari. Multiple game drives give you a chance to see the Big Five, and a sunrise hot-air balloon ride offers unforgettable views across the savannah.
Day 5 and 6: Continue to Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 7: Return to Nairobi for departure.
This plan is a well-rounded introduction to Kenya, combining the thrill of the Mara with the landscapes of Amboseli at a pace that feels comfortable and unrushed.
Day 1: Begin in Nairobi with cultural visits and perhaps a short safari in Nairobi National Park.
Day 2 to 4: Spend three days in the Maasai Mara, with time for game drives, sundowners overlooking the plains, and a possible cultural visit with the Maasai community.
Day 5 and 6: Break the safari routine with Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate. Cycle among zebra and giraffes, take a boat ride to see hippos, or hike Menengai Crater for Rift Valley views.
Day 7 and 8: Travel to Amboseli or Tsavo West. Amboseli is known for elephants against the Kilimanjaro backdrop, while Tsavo West offers volcanic scenery and fewer crowds.
Day 9 and 10: End your trip with a choice. Stay inland for more safari, or take a short flight to Diani Beach or Lamu for relaxation by the ocean.
This is the sweet spot for travelers who want variety without constant travel. It balances wildlife, activity, and downtime.
Day 1 to 3: Start in Nairobi and continue to the Maasai Mara. Three days here give you a deeper safari experience with time to follow animal movements and enjoy slower evenings.
Day 4 to 6: Move on to Amboseli or Lake Naivasha. Amboseli is ideal for elephant encounters, while Naivasha offers active adventures such as cycling and hiking.
Day 7 to 9: Explore Samburu or Laikipia Plateau in northern Kenya. These regions offer cultural connections with the Samburu people and sightings of rare wildlife such as reticulated giraffes and Grevy’s zebra.
Day 10 to 12: Visit Tsavo East or Tsavo West, vast landscapes with red-dusted elephants and remote wilderness.
Day 13 and 14: Finish with a coastal escape at Diani, Malindi, or Lamu. Spend your final days enjoying white sand beaches, snorkeling, or exploring Swahili culture in historic towns.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to see Kenya in depth. It blends Big Five safaris with cultural immersion, off-the-beaten-path regions, and time to relax on the coast. With two weeks, you can also add experiences such as helicopter flights over Lake Turkana or stays in private conservancies.
If you have extra time or want to create a bucket-list journey, here are popular extensions to consider:
The trick is to resist the urge to cover too much. Kenya’s beauty lies in lingering at a waterhole, watching elephants march past, or waiting quietly as lions stir at sunset — moments you can’t experience if you’re rushing.
Pick from our curated packages for an easy start, or work with our specialists to design a custom itinerary that fits your group perfectly.
Kenya has more than 50 national parks and reserves, but you don’t need to see them all. A smart itinerary mixes a couple of headline parks with one or two unique stops. Here are the destinations most travelers include:
Most trips start here, and it’s worth at least a day. Visit the Giraffe Centre, meet baby elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and take a quick safari in Nairobi National Park, where lions and rhinos roam just beyond the city skyline
The Maasai Mara is the heart of Kenya safari. Expect year-round Big Five encounters, and from July to October, the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. Many visitors also splurge on a hot-air balloon ride for sunrise views across the savannah.
Amboseli is unbeatable for elephant sightings. Herds often gather with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, making it one of the most photographed parks in Africa. The park is compact, so two days are usually enough.
For something different, try cycling among zebra and giraffes in Hell’s Gate, taking a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippos, or hiking Menengai Crater for sweeping Rift Valley views.
Head north to explore Samburu conservancies. Beyond game drives, you’ll meet the Samburu people and spot wildlife you won’t find in the Mara, such as reticulated giraffes and Grevy’s zebra.
The Indian Ocean coast offers a perfect ending to safari. Diani Beach is all about palm/-fringed sand and water sports, while Lamu adds rich Swahili history and culture. Malindi is quieter but equally beautiful.
Although technically in Tanzania, Zanzibar is one of the most popular add-ons to a Kenya itinerary. After a week of game drives, many travelers fly directly to Zanzibar for turquoise waters, spice tours, and historic Stone Town. It’s the ideal way to blend adventure with relaxation, and you can even explore it through our African Adventure with Zanzibar Island Escape package
The best time to visit Kenya is generally June through October, during the long dry season. This is when wildlife is easiest to spot, roads are in better condition, and the famous Great Migration crosses into the Maasai Mara.
That said, Kenya is a year-round destination. Each season has its own character:
The cost of a Kenya itinerary varies widely depending on how you like to travel. On average, you can expect anywhere from $150 to over $1,000 per person per day.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Other factors that shape the cost:
Bottom line: A realistic budget for most travelers is around $200–$500 per day for a comfortable private safari. If you add a beach escape in Diani or Zanzibar, plan for a bit extra depending on your choice of resort.
A good itinerary is only half the story — the details you plan around it will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essentials to keep in mind:
Most travelers book through local tour operators who handle lodging, permits, and transfers. This often provides better value than going through overseas agencies since local operators get discounted rates and up-to-date wildlife information.
But if you prefer more ease, you can also work with a Destination Management Company (DMC), such as US Group Travel, which partners closely with trusted local operators so you still get insider access and on-the-ground expertise without having to manage the details yourself.
Bring neutral-colored clothing, a good pair of binoculars, a camera with extra batteries, and a power bank. A light jacket is useful for early morning drives, and sunscreen is a must.
Consult your doctor for vaccines and malaria prevention. Always carry travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, as some safari areas are remote.
Most lodges offer Wi-Fi, but coverage can be patchy in remote areas. An eSIM or local SIM card helps if you want reliable access during transfers or city stays.
Pro tip: Build in a “buffer day” at the start or end of your trip in Nairobi or Mombasa to cushion against flight delays and long transfers.
A Kenya itinerary is most rewarding when you keep it simple. Instead of racing across the country, focus on a few destinations and give yourself time to enjoy them.
Here’s what to remember:
In short, the best Kenya itineraries strike a balance: a mix of iconic safari parks, one or two unique experiences, and a chance to relax at the end. That combination delivers the magic of Kenya without the stress of doing too much.
Yes, but it will be tight. Most travelers pair Nairobi with the Maasai Mara for a quick safari snapshot.
Both are excellent. Kenya is often better for first-timers because the parks are closer together, while Tanzania offers larger reserves but longer travel times.
Yes, as long as you travel with a reputable operator, follow local guidance, and take normal travel precautions. Safari destinations are generally very safe.
Most visitors require an e-visa, which can be applied for online before arrival.
Yes. Many travelers pair Kenya with Tanzania for a cross-border safari or add a beach escape in Zanzibar. Regional flights make these combinations straightforward.
Absolutely. They are more expensive than a standard game drive, but the experience of floating above the savannah at sunrise is unforgettable and gives you a unique perspective of the wildlife below.
Yes, many lodges and operators welcome families. Some parks, like Amboseli and Lake Naivasha, are especially family-friendly with shorter drives and plenty of visible wildlife.
