2 Weeks in Kenya - 3 Safari Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Kenya Safari Highlights: Nakuru, Masai Mara, Naivasha, Amboseli & Tsavo

This classic safari highlights itinerary covers Kenya's best wildlife viewing spots from outside the bustling streets of Nairobi to the vast plains of the Masai Mara. Witness the pink-tinged waters of Lake Nakuru, see Big Five safari animals roaming the Masai Mara, catch views of Kilimanjaro from Amboseli National Park, and spot the red elephants of Tsavo West. In between exploring the country's most diverse ecosystems, you'll enjoy game drives, visit a giraffe rescue center, meet orphaned elephant calves, and spend time with local Maasai warriors. 

Your Kenya safari adventure begins in the capital city of Nairobi. After settling into your hotel, explore Nairobi National Park, home to four of the famous Big Five animals and over 400 species of birds. More wildlife encounters await at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where you'll meet young rescued elephants, and at the Giraffe Centre, where you'll get up close with endangered Rothschild's giraffes. After leaving Nairobi, you'll discover Lake Nakuru National Park, a wildlife refuge renowned for its birdlife and successful rhino conservation efforts.

At the halfway point, head to Masai Mara National Reserve to watch as millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate across the plains. In addition to daily game drives, you can choose to see the plains from above on a hot-air balloon ride. Next, visit Hell's Gate National Park, home to dramatic cliffs, plains, and deep gorges, before continuing to Amboseli National Park, famous for its large herds of elephants and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Visit Tsavo West National Park to spot its famous red elephants, ancient lava flows, and diverse birdlife, then return to Nairobi for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Kenya Off-the-Beaten-Path Safari: Aberdare, Samburu, Loisaba & More

This alternative Kenya safari itinerary takes you through the country's lesser-known wildlife-spotting destinations, including Aberdare, Samburu, and Loisaba. Adventurous travelers looking to explore hidden gem national parks and conservancies will enjoy highlights such as meeting endangered white rhinos, hiking to Nyahururu, one of the tallest waterfalls in Kenya, visiting flamingo-filled soda lakes, and numerous game drives to spot the Big Five safari animals.

Settle into your Nairobi hotel and visit the Nairobi National Museum, with exhibits on Kenya's dozens of ethnic groups. Over the next two days at Aberdare National Park, watch for elephants, black rhinos, leopards, and spotted hyenas during multiple game drives. Then, spend the next three days at Samburu National Reserve, searching for the endemic "Samburu Special Five" and visiting local villages. Then, head to Ol Pejeta Conservancy to meet the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world before a guided bush walk at Loisaba Conservancy.

On Day 11, you'll transfer to Nyahururu, also known as Thomson Falls, for a nature hike to "hippo pools" dotting the Ewaso Ng'iro River before heading to Lake Elmenteita in Kenya's Great Rift Valley. Spend an afternoon game drive spotting flamingoes, zebras, buffalo, giraffes, monkeys, leopards, gazelles, impalas, and warthogs, then enjoy nature walks or horseback rides the following day. On the final morning of your adventure, you'll transfer back to Nairobi for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Kenya Wildlife & Bird-Watching Safari

Glimpse avian species alongside iconic African big game on this wildlife and bird-watching trip through Kenya's national parks and the Diani coast. As you visit elephant sanctuaries and go on birding excursions and game drives, you'll see colorful feathered specimens, from secretary birds to the African crowned eagle, and glimpse Big Five animals, like Tsavo's red elephants. You'll also get a taste of Swahili cuisine, explore Mombasa's landmarks, and unwind on Kenya's only private island. 

In Nairobi, spend two days touring the National Museum's Birds of Kenya Exhibit, followed by a safari and visit to the Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Sanctuary. Transfer to Amboseli National Park to see elephants grazing in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro and visit a nearby Maasai community for a cultural exchange on the following day. You'll also get the chance to glimpse a few of the 400 avian species here on multiple game drives. Next, it's on to Tsavo West National Park to see elephants tinged red from volcanic soil and numerous bird species from the threatened corncrake to flocks of flamingoes.

The following couple of days at Taita Wildlife Conservancy bring guided walks, game drives, and birding excursions, where you can spy endemic African fowl, including the grey crowned crane. Afterward, transfer to Tsavo East National Park, home to over 500 bird species, for game drives and safari activities. Here, you can spot colorful Tsavo birdlife like the pygmy kingfisher. Transfer to Diani via Mombasa for a two-day stay on Chale Island, relaxing and snorkeling in the turquoise waters, then transfer back to Mombasa for a guided food and city tour before your departure. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Kenya Itineraries

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