1 Week in Kenya - 3 Safari Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Kenya National Parks & Wildlife Safari

See the area's best wildlife viewing locations on this classic Kenyan safari itinerary, which is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking a quintessential African safari experience. You'll kick off in Nairobi with visits to the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre before heading out to Lake Nakuru, renowned for its flamingo flocks. Embark on game drives in Masai Mara, soar over the African savanna in a hot-air balloon, and conclude with a scenic water safari at Lake Naivasha. 

Your adventure begins in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, where you'll interact with rescued elephants at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and feed Rothschild's giraffes at the Giraffe Centre. The following day, explore Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its pink flamingoes and wildlife, including lions, leopards, and both black and white rhinos. Afterward, head to Masai Mara National Reserve. Here, you'll attend game drives to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African bush elephants. You can also ride a hot-air balloon over the park, giving you a bird's-eye view of the migrating wildebeests and gazelles.

On Day 5, transfer to Lake Naivasha, another wildlife haven known for birdlife and aquatic animals like hippos. Here, you can choose from many activities, including a water safari by boat or a bush walk on Crescent Island, where you'll see giraffes, wildebeests, and zebras. Afterward, you'll embark on a day trip to Hell's Gate National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes and geothermal features. Finally, on your last day, you'll return to Nairobi, where you can choose to tour an elementary school for a cultural experience before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Kenya Off-the-Beaten-Path Safari: Nairobi, Aberdare, Samburu & Ol Pejeta

Discover Kenya's lesser-visited wildlife areas with this off-the-beaten-path adventure that takes you from Nairobi to Aberdare National Park, Samburu National Reserve, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This itinerary is for wildlife enthusiasts who want to experience the best of Kenya's wildlife and landscapes while learning about conservation work. Highlights include spotting the rare "Special Five" in Samburu, engaging with rescued chimps and white rhinos at Ol Pejeta, and learning about conservation at giraffe and elephant sanctuaries in Nairobi.

While learning about conservation efforts in Nairobi, you'll become acquainted with endangered Rothschild's giraffes at the Giraffe Centre and rescued elephants at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Next, head north to Aberdare National Park for an afternoon game drive. Spend the following day exploring Aberdare and spotting the famous Big Five animals: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. From Aberdare, you'll travel to Samburu National Reserve, renowned for its endemic wildlife known as the "Samburu Special Five."

Afterward, you'll take a trip to nearby Buffalo Springs to see its abundance of elephant herds, partake in game drives, and visit a local Samburu village. The next day takes you to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and a refuge for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. Here, you can view the world's last two remaining northern white rhinos. After encountering these incredible creatures, you'll head back to Nairobi. If time allows, you'll visit the Nairobi National Museum for a final dose of Kenyan culture before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Kenya Wildlife & Bird-Watching Safari: Amboseli, Tsavo & Taita

Experience some of the country's best wildlife and bird-watching on this southern Kenya-focused trip through Amboseli, Tsavo, and Taita. Ideal for birders and nature enthusiasts, this tour takes you on exhilarating game drives in renowned national parks, where you'll spot giraffes, red elephant herds, and a plethora of bird species. Highlights include birding adventures to see exotic secretary birds and vulturine guineafowl and cultural encounters to experience the Kenyan way of life.

Upon arrival in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, you'll transfer straight to Amboseli National Park. Here, you'll enjoy an afternoon safari to spot some of Africa's Big Five and other wildlife. The next day, you'll set off at dawn for a sunrise game drive across wetland landscapes and open plains, with opportunities to view diverse birdlife and a chance to interact with the local Maasai community. Afterward, head south to Tsavo West National Park to see the Verreaux's eagle-owl, which hunts the park's dry savannas, and enjoy an afternoon game drive, spotting zebras, leopards, giraffes, and red-tinted elephants.

Your next stop is Taita Wildlife Conservancy, nestled in the lush Taita Hills. On arrival, check into the luxury safari lodge, Salt Lick, with views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Spend your afternoon on a game drive, guided walk, or birding excursion, spotting exotic avian species. Following this, you'll head north to Tsavo East National Park, home to large elephant herds, big cats, and exotic birdlife like raptors, waterfowl, hornbills, and the vulturine guineafowl. Afterward, return to Nairobi for your flight home. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Kenya Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Kenya? Check out these other one-week Kenya itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.