Ultimate 2-Week Kenya Safari Itinerary & Costs

Day 1: Nairobi

Total drive time (excluding game drives): dependent on what activities you do

Welcome to Nairobi! Your first day in Kenya is the perfect time to get acquainted with your new environment. 

Nairobi is not only the capital of Kenya but it’s also the gateway to some of the world’s best nature reserves. Many tour operators are based here and your tour package is likely to include airport pick-up. 

Depending on what time your flight arrives (and how tired you will be when you get there!) you can choose to schedule some activities or simply head to the hotel and relax. There is plenty to do in Nairobi but we certainly wouldn’t blame you if you prefer to get a good night’s sleep to prepare for the exciting two weeks that lie ahead!

About Nairobi

Interestingly, the name Nairobi comes from the Maasai phrase ‘Enkare Nairobi’ which translates to ‘place of cool waters’. This is a reminder that this land was originally uninhabited swampland until the British decided to build a railroad supply depot here in 1899. 

Today, Nairobi is home to more than four million people. It’s a bustling city full of colourful neighbourhoods, interesting attractions that you’re unlikely to find in any other major city, and a handful of charming colonial buildings. 

Nairobi is also home to some of Africa’s most delicious cuisine, unique shopping, and exciting nightlife. Depending on what your interests are, you may want to consider adding a day or two at the end of your safari to spend more time exploring Nairobi!

Where to Spend the Night

If you booked your tour through a local operator, your accommodation in Nairobi will likely be included in the tour package. 

If not, you are in luck as Nairobi has an extensive array of accommodations on offer, many of which are very affordable. These range between quiet Airbnbs in the city suburbs, small hotels or guest houses in Nairobi’s downtown, in sprawling resorts. 

I personally prefer to stay in Airbnbs. Nairobi can be a bit rough around the edges and I find that an Airbnb in the city suburbs provides the perfect place to chill after a day of exploring. 

There are many Airbnb options for studios and one-bedroom apartments or you can rent a room in someone’s house, which gives you the added benefit of being able to see what day-to-day life is like for Nairobi residents. 

Many of these Airbnbs tend to be a little outside of the city centre but rideshare services like Uber are readily available and surprisingly inexpensive, which makes getting back to your accommodation very easy. I personally love this one. It has great reviews and is very popular so make sure that you book it well in advance!

Things to Do in Nairobi

As I mentioned earlier, Nairobi is a treasure trove of interesting things to do. Below are some of my favourite places to visit in the city. Again, some of these may be included in your safari package. If not, I highly, highly recommend checking them out!

1. Giraffe Centre

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through travel photos from Africa on social media, there is a high chance that you have stumbled across photos of Giraffe Manor. You know the ones….a woman is nonchalantly eating her breakfast while an enormous giraffe pokes its head through the window above her? 

For many visitors, the chance to hang out with some of Africa’s favourite long-legged friends is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For many others, the eye-watering price tag means that this is one experience that is going to stay firmly on their bucket list. 

However, did you know that you can get up close and personal with these very same giraffes at a fraction of the price? 

Located 20 kilometres outside of Nairobi city centre and just across a field from Giraffe Manor, the Giraffe Center is a sanctuary for the rare Rothschild giraffe. 

While I am usually a bit sceptical about recommending wildlife sanctuaries, the Giraffe Center stands head and shoulders above the others. The centre has a proven track record of creating a positive impact on Kenya’s population of Rothschild giraffes and has even been able to introduce breeding pairs to some of the biggest parks across Kenya. 

This hard work has enabled the number of Rothschild giraffes in Kenya to increase from 120 to over 300 individuals! The centre offers a great way for visitors to learn more about this rare breed of giraffe and it’s a ton of fun too! 

When you arrive, you are given a coconut shell full of pellets that you can then feed to the sanctuary’s resident giraffes. The giraffes seemingly can’t get enough of these tasty morsels and you may find yourself covered in giraffe slobber by the end of feeding time – trust me, it’s worth it!

Most people stay at the Giraffe Center for about 1-2 hours. If you want to stay a little longer, there is a nature trail that you can follow on the other side of the road.

2. Nairobi National Park

It’s not often that you can go on a safari surrounded by skyscrapers, but Nairobi is full of surprises! 

Although small compared to the other parks in Kenya, Nairobi National Park provides the ultimate juxtaposition between the natural world and the one built by humans. It is the only national park that exists within a capital city. 

Easily explored in one day, Nairobi National Park is definitely worth a visit if you have the time to spare. The park is home to the Big Five (elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos), along with cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and more. You can go on a game drive or walk along one of the nature trails near the hippo pools. 

Although it is possible to self-drive through the park, I suggest booking a tour. These often include pick up and drop off from your accommodation, and the guide will help you spot wildlife that you may miss on your own.

3. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage

Another must-see attraction in Nairobi is the David Sheldrick Trust Elephant Orphanage, which rescues and rehabilitates baby elephants from around Kenya that were the victims of poaching or human-wildlife conflict. 

Founded in 1977, the orphanage cares for these oversized goofballs with the goal of releasing the elephants back into the wild. They also fund many of the anti-poaching units found throughout the country. 

It’s possible to visit the elephant nursery located within Nairobi National Park. The centre is open to visitors from 11 a.m. to noon every day except for December 25th. It is mandatory to pay the Nairobi National Park entry fees to visit the nursery so this is something to keep in mind when you’re planning your sightseeing activities. 

Bookings can be made up to 90 days in advance and you must make them at least one day before you plan on visiting the nursery. You can find all of the details on making a booking on the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust website. 

If you want to learn more about the history of the orphanage and the people behind it, make sure to read Daphne Shedrick’s book ‘Love, Life, and Elephants’. The book gives a great inside look into the lives of Daphne and her late husband, as well as heart-warming stories of raising her children surrounded by a menagerie of African wildlife. 

4. Eat at One of Nairobi’s Delicious Restaurants

Unless you’ve travelled extensively throughout Africa, you might feel overwhelmed by all the food options here. Nairobi truly is a world-class city when it comes to culinary delights! From Swahili cuisine to international fare, there is something for everyone here. 

Some of the most popular eateries in central Nairobi include Kilimanjaro Jamia, a halal restaurant serving up enormous portions, and Thorn Tree Restaurant, an open-air cafe located within Sarova Stanley, Nairobi’s oldest hotel. 

My favourite restaurant is the Talisman Restaurant in Karen. They serve Asian-inspired cuisine such as delectable sushi, alongside international favourites. Arrive hungry because they also have an extensive dessert menu!

Tips for Visiting Nairobi

After travelling extensively throughout Africa, Nairobi is one of my favourite cities. Although it sometimes gets a bad rap, I have found the city to feel relatively safe, especially compared to some other big cities in Africa. 

In my experience, the people here are very friendly and helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask for directions. I usually ask women or families for help when I need it, which has led to some wonderful and memorable interactions with Kenyans. 

A good rule of thumb is to just follow the same ‘common sense’ safety precautions that you would in any other big city; keep your valuables at the hotel, take Ubers at night, and avoid sketchy neighbourhoods.

My Experience Visiting Nairobi

Nairobi is one of those cities that is impossible to imagine without visiting! While it might have a ‘rough around the edges’ reputation, I loved Kenya’s energetic capital city.

While I always travel with caution, I found that I always felt safe here, largely because of how friendly and personable the people were. If safety is a worry for you, I recommend staying in the Karen district. You’ll have a ton of restaurants and modern shops on your doorstep. 

A couple of downsides to Nairobi is that the city is not pedestrian-friendly! Like most major cities, traffic is an issue, but I also got hassled quite a bit when I tried to walk anywhere. 

This was easily fixed by taking Uber rides everywhere, even short distances. Uber is really convenient to use and reasonably priced here. 

That said, I would recommend organising a private transfer for longer journeys (such as to and from the airport), especially if travelling at night. The Uber driver who took me to the airport drove way too fast and it was really uncomfortable! Your hotel or Airbnb should be able to recommend good, safe taxi drivers!

Overall, I think Nairobi is a brilliant city. I loved the people, and the excellent food (whether eating in at restaurants or getting Uber Eats when you don’t feel like going out at night), and found it to be a good base for getting my bearings at the beginning of my trip.

Day 3 – 4: Masai Mara National Reserve

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 0 hours

Over the next two days, you will experience the many sides of the Masai Mara and I am sure that by the end of your stay, you will understand why it is Kenya’s most famous attraction. Be prepared for some early mornings (and early evenings!). 

Itinerary

The best time to go on safari is the early morning when the animals are most active, so make sure that you’re up and at ‘em when the sun comes up! The reserve gates open at 6 a.m. so I recommend setting your alarm for around 5 a.m. depending on how far your lodge is from the gate. 

If you can, try to stay in the park until the gates close again at 6 p.m. This helps optimise the amount of time spent in the park, thus increasing your chances of some unforgettable sightings. 

Although this means spending long hours in a safari jeep, I promise it’s worth it! I once saw a lion take down a wildebeest right before sunset. It was incredible to see something so powerful and I am very glad we stayed in the park that day!

The Masai Mara charges entry fees every time you enter the park, so if you went back to your lodge for lunch, you’d need to pay the entry fee again when you return. Instead, grab a packed breakfast and lunch from your lodge before you leave, so you can spend the entire day in the park.

Almost every safari goer requires packed lunches, so your lodge should have no trouble preparing this. Just make sure to let them know if you have any dietary preferences (i.e. vegetarian, vegan, etc) the night before. 

Although it may be pricey if you have to pay for the packed lunch separately, there is generally quite a lot of food provided. Trust me, don’t skimp out on this one as you’ll regret it later when you can’t hear a lion roaring over your stomach grumbling!

You’ll finish off the day with another great meal from your lodge. It truly is amazing the variety of food that can be whipped up in the middle of the Masai Mara!

About The Masai Mara

The Masai Mara truly does live up to its reputation. Part of the Serengeti ecosystem, this massive expanse of grasslands boasts an incredible array of wildlife including the Big Five, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and more. 

Since there are sizable populations of many of these animals living here, the Masai Mara is considered one of the best places for animal spotting in the world. 

From mid-July to mid-September, the reserve is also the stomping grounds (literally) for millions of wildebeest as they cross over from the nearby Serengeti National Park. 

As the adorably awkward wildebeests search for fresh grazing, they have to cross the Mara River where dozens of hungry crocodiles are waiting for their next meal. It’s certainly a harrowing journey but an incredible one to witness. 

Tips for Visiting The Masai Mara

A safari through the Masai Mara is a spellbinding experience. If this is your first safari, you may be overwhelmed at seeing so many breathtaking animals all around you. Meanwhile, if you have done safaris before, you may be floored by the sheer volume of wildlife on display. 

While the experience is very special, there are a few things that you can do to make it even better!

The first tip is to wear layers of clothing. The grasslands can be very chilly in the morning but become scorching hot in the late morning and afternoon. Wearing a lot of layers that you can take off throughout the day gives you the chance to add or take away clothes as the temperature changes. 

Don’t forget to bring a sweatshirt or jacket as well. It may not feel very cold when you first leave the lodge but the morning air can start to feel quite cold when you are zooming around in a vehicle. 

You should also wear light neutral-coloured clothing. Not only does this help reflect the sun but it’s also a good way to deter tsetse flies. These annoying little insects are attracted to dark-coloured clothing and can leave you with some pretty nasty bites. 

I also recommend staying covered and slathering on some insect repellent before you head out for any afternoon or evening trips in Kenya.

My Experience Visiting The Masai Mara

Just to warn you, I’m very biassed, as the Masai Mara is my absolute favourite safari destination in Kenya!

I just had so many incredible wildlife sightings here, from seeing a mother cheetah tussling with her four cubs to a leopard in a tree with her gazelle kill. Both felt magical to witness up close. 

One of my favourite lion sightings (I’ve had so many great lion sightings here!) was of a massive male lion beside a buffalo kill. Again, I couldn’t believe how close we were to this huge predator, as he guarded his kill to ensure it would be safe from scavengers as his pride slept in the bushes nearby. 

My drives here were dawn-till-dusk, so we always took packed breakfasts and lunches with us. It was worth it as we got to see so much wildlife, including tons of baby animals. My most recent trip took place during November which brought short rains and the arrival of lots of new-born herbivores. We saw baby gazelles, topis, giraffes, and zebras!

I also saw a few elephants, including a breeding herd with cute young calves, crocodiles, many hippos, and a whole clan of hyenas. I even saw a black rhino, which is rare here!

I stayed at two different camps here – Enkorok Mara Camp near Ololaimutiek Village, and the Little Zebra Rivers Camp in Talek. The latter was my favourite, as it felt more central and was close to two separate gates into the park.

You can watch a video of my experience visiting the Masai Mara below.

Day 6: Lake Nakuru National Park

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 2 hours

Today, we are exchanging Lake Naivasha with Lake Nakuru, one of Kenya’s most ecologically diverse destinations. 

Although these lakes are only a few hours apart, they offer very different experiences. If you need to get some exercise after spending so much time in the car, this is the place to do it thanks to the unique activities on offer here. 

Itinerary

After another early start, you will make the short, two-hour drive to Lake Nakuru, arriving just in time for a late morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. 

After taking your first quick look at the area, it’s time to grab some lunch and decide what activities you want to do in the afternoon! Some of the options include horse riding or a cycling safari in the afternoon. Alternatively, you can do another game drive if you prefer something a little more relaxing. 

About Lake Nakuru

Home to more than 450 bird species and 83 mammal species, including the Big Five, Lake Nakuru has the greatest amount of biodiversity of all of Kenya’s Great Lakes. 

Created in 1961, the park was made a rhino sanctuary in 1984 and has been considered one of the best-conserved places in the country for decades. 

While it is home to some of Kenya’s most magnificent mammals, Lake Nakuru is most famous for its population of flamingos. Although the number of flamingos has decreased over the past decade due to heavy flooding, their numbers are on the rebound.

Where to Spend the Night

Lake Nakuru has a wide array of accommodations ranging from cost-effective cottages to luxurious game lodges, and some of the higher-end spots are located within the park itself. 

Most of the other accommodation is located just off Highway A104. You can also stay in downtown Nakuru, the biggest city in the Rift Valley. 

Most of the accommodation is located just a short drive from one of the park’s three main gates. Note that Baboon Cliffs is located closest to the Main Gate so you may want to keep this in mind when you are choosing your accommodation!

Tips for Visiting Lake Nakuru

If you want to get sweeping views of Lake Nakuru, head to Baboon Cliffs in the early morning, one of the best spots to view the park’s breathtaking vistas. 

The cliffs are named after the mischievous baboons that live here but if you go early enough, you should miss them and all the mayhem that they cause! 

Lake Nakuru’s location right by the equator means that it doesn’t receive the extreme heat that other parks do, which is a relief to any travellers who struggle with Kenya’s scorching temperatures.

Day 8: Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Amboseli National Park

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 8 hours

Get ready for a huge day of driving, as today you’ll cover over 400 kilometres! Amboseli National Park is located right by the border of Kenya and Tanzania, so you’ll need to get an early start to avoid driving at night. 

Itinerary

The drive should take anywhere between 8-10 hours, so you can expect to spend the entire day on the road. You’ll pass through Nairobi during the drive, so I recommend squeezing in a lunch break when you pass through. 

Once you arrive in Amboseli, you’ll likely want to grab a quick dinner and head straight to bed! 

Where to Spend the Night

There are three safari lodges located inside Amboseli National Park. Generally speaking, staying within any of the national parks allows you to save on driving time between your lodge to the park gates. However, this convenience often comes with a pretty high price tag.

But things are a little different at Amboseli. 

Here, there are many different safari lodges to choose from and most are located within spitting distance of Kimana Gate. The gate is close to one of the park’s major elephant crossings so in actuality, you won’t lose too much time if you stay in one of these non-park lodges.

Day 10: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 5 hours

It’s time to venture out to the last “big” nature reserve on this itinerary; Tsavo West,

Part of the much larger Tsavo National Park, this park is famous for its wildlife and stunning scenery. While you’re there, you have a good chance of seeing elephants, hippos, cheetahs, rhinos, leopards, and much more. 

Itinerary

Today, you’ll make your way to another one of Kenya’s most beloved parks along the border of Tanzania. Although the drive is fairly lengthy, you may be lucky enough to have some great views of Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Coming from Amboseli, you’ll enter the Tsavo West through the Chyulu Gate, arriving just in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive.

About Tsavo West National Park

Opening in 1948, Tsavo is Kenya’s oldest national park. And since it stretches an impressive 9,065 square kilometres, it also wins the title of Kenya’s largest park!

This sprawling safari destination is divided into Tsavo West and Tsavo East, separated by the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. Most visitors tend to stick to Tsavo West, which boasts a myriad of activities and some incredible scenery ranging from desolate lava landscapes to tropical forests.

You can see all of the Big Five in Tsavo West and it’s particularly good for spotting leopards who like the woodland habitat.

Some of the most prominent natural landmarks in Tsavo West include the central Mzima Spring, the Shetani lava flow in the west, and Lake Jipe and Chala in the southwest. 

These diverse landscapes support more than 1,000 different plant species, which become the food, shelter, and nesting sites for Tsavo’s diverse wildlife.

Where to Spend the Night

There are many places to stay both in and near Tsavo West. As there are camps on all sides of the park, try to pick one that is closest to a gate while still being within your budget and preferences. 

You’ll be spending the following afternoon and evening hanging out at the lodge, so you may want to splurge a bit on this one or book something a little special for your last few nights on safari. 

Tips for Visiting Tsavo West National Park

The best, and only, time to visit Tsavo West is during the dry season, particularly between June and October. Once the rainy season begins, the road can become impassable. This can happen surprisingly quickly. 

If you are visiting at the tail end of the dry season, make sure to call the park yourself or have your guide do it to ask about road closures. If too many roads are closed, you may not be able to have a safari there and you’ll need to remove it from your itinerary. I found this out the hard way so don’t make the same mistake!

Day 12: Tsavo West to Diani Beach

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 5 hours

Are you ready to trade in savannahs for glittering beaches and palm trees? 

After spending the past 10 days discovering Kenya’s spectacular wildlife, it’s time to go and see a very different side of the country! 

Hopefully, this final stop will give you the chance to kick back and relax before you start making the long journey back home. 

Itinerary

Today, you’ll drive around 5-hours from Tsavo West to Diani, located at Kenya’s southeastern tip. 

If you leave early enough, you can spend the afternoon in Diani reconnecting with your inner beach bum, going snorkelling in the crystal clear water, or simply grabbing a few cocktails at one of the beach bars. 

After following this itinerary, you are likely in need of a break so take some time to enjoy the laid-back charm of this quintessential beach town – you’ve earned it!

Alternatively, if you consider yourself more of a city slicker, you can always go check out Mombasa instead, Kenya’s second-largest city. 

Mombasa is also an interesting stop for history lovers; it was once an important trading post for the Indian Ocean trade and served as the capital of Kenya during the British occupation. You can see vestiges of this long history around every corner.

About Diani

Diani is the top tourism destination along Kenya’s South Coast thanks to its white sand beaches, and warm, calm water. It’s the perfect spot for water sports such as jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling, scuba diving, and kitesurfing. 

Diana is considered to be one of the best beaches in Kenya and is located just 30 km south of the port city of Mombasa. 

Where to Spend the Night

Diani Beach is backed by a line of resorts, guest houses, and restaurants. There are many different options for accommodation including boutique hotels, vacation homes, and sprawling beach resorts. You can find a wide range of prices up and down the beach so I am sure that you’ll find something that’s perfect for you. 

If possible, I recommend staying in one of the beachfront properties so that you can enjoy the gorgeous beach views.

Tips for Visiting Diani

The sun is strong and the insects can be brutal in Diani. Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent to protect yourself unless you fancy taking home bug bites and sunburn as souvenirs!

Although Diani is a safe destination during the day, like most beach towns, things can get a bit different at night. Try to avoid walking along the beach after sunset and leave all of your valuables at the hotel.

Day 14: Diani Beach to Nairobi

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 10 hours or a 1-hour flight

Today will be your last day in Kenya and I am sure that you have had a blast so far! 

There are two options for getting back to Nairobi, both of which have some pros and cons. I have listed both options here, so choose the option that works best for you!

Itinerary

To finish off your trip, you can either do a full-day drive back to Nairobi or hop on a one-hour-long flight. 

If you go for the flying option, you can spend the morning relaxing in Diani before taking an afternoon flight, or take a morning flight and spend the afternoon exploring Nairobi.

If you decide to drive back to Nairobi instead, you will retrace your steps back up the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway towards Chyulu Hills National Park. 

It’s pretty much a straight-shot drive from Mombasa to Nairobi on a paved highway, making it a relatively easy, but very long, drive.  As always, leave as early as possible so that you can avoid driving in the dark.