Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Kenya's vibrant capital and ease into your adventure with a peaceful forest sanctuary walk, perfect for recovering from your flight while spotting urban wildlife.
Morning
Airport arrival and hotel check-in
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Nairobi's Westlands or Karen suburbs. Rest and refresh after your international flight, organizing your safari gear and acclimatizing to the East African climate. Meet with your driver or tour coordinator to confirm the next two weeks' arrangements.
3-4 hours
$30-50 (airport transfer)
Arrange airport pickup in advance through your accommodation for safety and convenience
Lunch
A garden restaurant in Karen serving contemporary Kenyan cuisine with international options
Kenyan fusion
Mid-range
Afternoon
Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary
Explore this urban oasis featuring indigenous forest trails, wooden boardwalks, and diverse birdlife. The sanctuary offers peaceful walking paths through fig trees and bamboo groves, with excellent opportunities to spot Colobus monkeys, bushbucks, and over 80 bird species. The elevated canopy walkway provides unique forest perspectives and is particularly beautiful in afternoon light.
2-3 hours
$10-15 (entrance fee)
Evening
Welcome dinner and early rest
Dine at a traditional nyama choma restaurant in Westlands, sampling grilled meats with ugali and sukuma wiki, then retire early to prepare for tomorrow's early safari departure
Where to Stay Tonight
Westlands or Karen, Nairobi (Mid-range hotel or guesthouse with secure parking)
These neighborhoods offer safe, comfortable accommodations with easy access to both the forest sanctuary and tomorrow's route toward Mount Kenya
Exchange currency at the airport or major banks rather than small bureaus for better rates, and always carry small denominations for park entrance fees
Day 1 Budget: $180-220
Drive north through the central highlands to Africa's second-highest peak, exploring the dramatic alpine landscapes and unique high-altitude ecosystems of Mount Kenya.
Morning
Scenic drive to Mount Kenya National Park
Depart Nairobi early for the 180-kilometer journey through coffee and tea plantations of the central highlands. Stop at the equator crossing marker for photos and demonstrations of the Coriolis effect. The landscape transforms as you approach Mount Kenya, with views of the snow-capped peaks emerging through morning clouds. Enter the park through Sirimon or Naro Moru gate.
4-5 hours including stops
$80-100 (transport and park entrance)
Book park entrance and accommodation at least one week ahead during peak season
Lunch
A mountain lodge restaurant with panoramic views of the peaks, serving hearty soups and grilled trout
Mountain lodge fare
Mid-range
Afternoon
Mount Kenya National Park lower slopes exploration
Trek through the montane forest zone, encountering giant podocarpus trees, bamboo forests, and unique alpine flora. Wildlife includes elephants, buffalo, various antelope species, and if fortunate, the rare bongo antelope. The park's lower trails offer stunning views of the twin peaks Batian and Nelion. Afternoon light creates spectacular photography opportunities with the mountain's glaciers visible above the moorland.
3-4 hours
Included in park entrance
Hire a local guide at the park gate for enhanced wildlife spotting and safety
Evening
Lodge dinner and stargazing
Enjoy a fireside dinner at your mountain lodge, followed by stargazing in the exceptionally clear high-altitude air, with minimal light pollution revealing the Milky Way
Where to Stay Tonight
Mount Kenya National Park or Nanyuki town (Mountain lodge or eco-camp with fireplace)
High-altitude lodges provide warmth, comfort, and proximity to morning trails, with many offering stunning sunrise views of the mountain
Temperatures drop significantly at night near Mount Kenya; bring warm layers even if Nairobi was hot, as it can reach near-freezing at higher elevations
Day 2 Budget: $220-280
Explore the Aberdare mountain range with its spectacular waterfalls, dense forests, and unique moorland landscapes, home to elephants, leopards, and the rare bongo antelope.
Morning
Transfer to Aberdare National Park via Chania Falls
Drive west toward the Aberdare Range, stopping at Chania Falls, a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall cascading through lush vegetation. The falls offer excellent photo opportunities and a refreshing break. Continue to Aberdare National Park, entering through Mutubio or Ark gate. The park features dramatic elevation changes from bamboo forest to high moorland with giant heather and tussock grass.
3-4 hours including waterfall stop
$60-80 (transport and park entrance)
Aberdare requires 4WD vehicles; ensure your safari vehicle is properly equipped for muddy mountain roads
Lunch
A picnic lunch at a designated site within the park, surrounded by mountain scenery and forest sounds
Packed lunch
Budget
Afternoon
Aberdare National Park game drive and forest exploration
Navigate the park's network of tracks through bamboo forests and open moorland. The Aberdares are known for black rhinos, leopards, elephants, and endemic species like the giant forest hog. Visit viewpoints overlooking the dramatic Karuru and Gura waterfalls, among Kenya's highest. The afternoon mist often creates atmospheric conditions, and the diverse habitats support over 250 bird species including the rare Aberdare cisticola.
4-5 hours
Included in park entrance
Evening
Famous waterhole viewing
If staying at one of the park's ark-style lodges, spend the evening watching wildlife visit the floodlit waterhole, often including elephants, buffalo, and occasionally rhinos or leopards
Where to Stay Tonight
Aberdare National Park (Tree lodge or ark-style hotel with waterhole viewing)
These unique accommodations offer 24-hour wildlife viewing from your room, maximizing your chances of seeing nocturnal and shy species
The Aberdares can be very wet and muddy; waterproof boots and rain gear are essential, and game drives may be limited during heavy rains
Day 3 Budget: $240-300
Descend into the Great Rift Valley to witness millions of flamingos painting Lake Nakuru pink, while tracking rhinos in one of Kenya's most successful conservation areas.
Morning
Scenic drive to Lake Nakuru via The Great Rift Valley View Point
Journey southwest with a spectacular stop at The Great Rift Valley View Point, offering panoramic vistas of this geological wonder stretching across East Africa. The viewpoint provides breathtaking perspectives of the valley floor 450 meters below, with multiple volcanic hills visible. Descend the dramatic escarpment to Lake Nakuru, entering this compact but wildlife-rich national park surrounded by yellow-barked acacia forests.
3-4 hours including viewpoint stop
$70-90 (transport and park entrance)
Visit the viewpoint early for clearest visibility before afternoon clouds form
Lunch
A lakeside lodge restaurant with views over the flamingo-dotted waters, serving fresh tilapia and Kenyan staples
Kenyan and international
Mid-range
Afternoon
Lake Nakuru National Park game drive
Explore this rhino sanctuary, home to both black and white rhinos in a protected environment. The lake's alkaline waters attract massive flocks of lesser and greater flamingos, creating spectacular pink shorelines. Game drives around the lake reveal lions, leopards, Rothschild's giraffes, waterbucks, and over 450 bird species. Visit Baboon Cliff for elevated lake views and explore the euphorbia forest with its distinctive candelabra trees.
4-5 hours
Included in park entrance
Evening
Sunset at the lake
Position yourself at a lakeside viewpoint for sunset, when the flamingos are most active and the light creates magical reflections on the water, followed by dinner at your lodge
Where to Stay Tonight
Lake Nakuru National Park or Nakuru town (Lodge within the park or hotel in nearby Nakuru)
Staying inside the park allows for early morning game drives when wildlife is most active, while Nakuru town offers more budget-friendly options
Flamingo numbers fluctuate based on water levels and algae availability; they're typically most abundant during the rainy seasons, but the park offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round
Day 4 Budget: $200-260
Challenge yourself with a hike up this dormant volcano, circling the dramatic crater rim for 360-degree views of the Rift Valley and surrounding landscapes.
Morning
Mount Longonot National Park crater rim hike
Start early for the challenging but rewarding climb up Mount Longonot, a dormant stratovolcano rising 2,776 meters above sea level. The steep ascent through scrubland takes 45-60 minutes to reach the crater rim. Once at the top, trek around the dramatic 12-kilometer crater circumference, with views into the 500-foot-deep crater and panoramas extending to Lake Naivasha and across the Rift Valley floor. Wildlife includes zebras, buffaloes, and various antelope species on the lower slopes.
4-5 hours for full rim circuit
$30-40 (park entrance and guide)
Start no later than 7:00 AM to avoid midday heat; the hike is strenuous and requires good fitness
Lunch
A lakeside restaurant near Lake Naivasha, enjoying fresh fish and cold drinks after your morning climb
Kenyan and grilled fish
Budget
Afternoon
Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Take a boat across Lake Naivasha to Crescent Island, a unique sanctuary where you can walk freely among wildlife without predators present. The peninsula offers close encounters with giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, and numerous waterbirds. The walking safari provides excellent photography opportunities in golden afternoon light, with Mount Longonot as a backdrop. The island's acacia woodland and open grassland create a peaceful, intimate wildlife experience.
2-3 hours
$40-50 (boat transfer and island entrance)
Arrange boat transport from any of the lakeside hotels or public beaches; boats typically depart when full
Evening
Relaxation by Lake Naivasha
Unwind at your lakeside accommodation, watching hippos emerge from the water at dusk and enjoying the tranquil lake atmosphere with dinner featuring fresh-caught fish
Where to Stay Tonight
Lake Naivasha shoreline (Lakeside camp or lodge with hippo-viewing opportunities)
Naivasha's accommodation offers serene settings between Mount Longonot and tomorrow's journey north, with unique hippo encounters right from your lodge
Bring plenty of water and sun protection for the Longonot hike; the exposed crater rim offers no shade, and the climb is more demanding than it appears from below
Day 5 Budget: $190-240
Travel north to Kenya's arid northern frontier, entering the distinctive landscapes of Samburu where unique desert-adapted wildlife awaits in this remote and spectacular reserve.
Morning
Scenic drive to Samburu National Reserve
Embark on a full-day journey north through changing landscapes, passing through the agricultural highlands before descending into the arid northern frontier district. The route crosses the equator again and follows the dramatic escarpments. As you approach Samburu, the vegetation transforms to thorny acacia scrubland and doum palms along the Ewaso Ng'iro River. The drive itself is an adventure, with roadside views of traditional Samburu villages and dramatic geological formations.
6-7 hours
$120-150 (transport)
Depart early to arrive at Samburu with time for an afternoon game drive; pack snacks and water for the journey
Lunch
A roadside stop in Isiolo town, the gateway to northern Kenya, sampling local grilled meats and chapati
Local Kenyan
Budget
Afternoon
Samburu National Reserve first game drive
Enter this distinctive reserve and begin exploring its arid beauty along the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Samburu is famous for its 'Special Five': Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich, found nowhere else in Kenya. The reserve's red earth, doum palms, and acacia woodlands create stunning photographic backdrops. Spot elephants along the river, and watch for the reserve's healthy leopard population in the riverine forests.
3-4 hours
$70-90 (park entrance)
Book Samburu accommodations well in advance as the reserve has limited lodges and camps
Evening
Riverside sundowners and cultural performance
Enjoy drinks overlooking the Ewaso Ng'iro River as elephants come to drink, followed by dinner and optional traditional Samburu dancing and singing by local warriors
Where to Stay Tonight
Samburu National Reserve (Tented camp or lodge along the Ewaso Ng'iro River)
Riverside locations offer constant wildlife viewing, with elephants and other animals visiting the water throughout the day and evening
Samburu's temperatures can exceed 35°C (95°F); bring lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and stay hydrated throughout your stay
Day 6 Budget: $250-320
Explore the interconnected Buffalo Springs reserve, discovering natural springs in the desert and tracking more unique northern species across this dramatic arid landscape.
Morning
Buffalo Springs National Reserve game drive
Cross into the adjacent Buffalo Springs National Reserve, separated from Samburu only by the river. This reserve features natural springs creating oases in the arid landscape, attracting concentrations of wildlife. The open plains offer excellent predator viewing, with lions and cheetahs hunting the abundant Beisa oryx and Grant's gazelles. The reserve's flat terrain provides different perspectives than Samburu's hillier landscape, and the springs themselves are beautiful spots with doum palms and birdlife.
4-5 hours
$70-90 (separate park entrance)
A combined ticket for Samburu and Buffalo Springs offers better value if planning multiple days
Lunch
Return to your lodge for a midday meal and siesta during the hottest hours, conserving energy for afternoon activities
International buffet
Mid-range
Afternoon
Samburu National Reserve afternoon game drive
Return to Samburu for afternoon wildlife viewing when animals become active again after midday heat. Focus on the riverine forest where leopards rest in trees and elephants come to drink. The late afternoon light beautifully illuminates the red earth and acacia trees. Watch for the endangered African wild dogs occasionally spotted in the reserve, and enjoy the abundant birdlife including vulturine guineafowl and golden-breasted starlings.
3-4 hours
Included in park entrance
Evening
Night game drive
Join an optional night drive to spot nocturnal species including aardwolves, genets, civets, and potentially leopards hunting, experiencing the reserve's completely different nighttime character
Where to Stay Tonight
Samburu National Reserve (Same tented camp or lodge as previous night)
Staying two nights eliminates packing/unpacking and allows deeper exploration of the Samburu-Buffalo Springs ecosystem
The Ewaso Ng'iro River is the lifeline of these reserves; position yourself near the river in late afternoon for the best wildlife concentrations and photography opportunities
Day 7 Budget: $240-300
Journey to the remote and beautiful Meru National Park, made famous by the book 'Born Free,' where pristine wilderness and diverse habitats support abundant wildlife.
Morning
Transfer to Meru National Park
Drive south and east to Meru National Park, one of Kenya's least visited but most rewarding parks. The journey takes you through rural landscapes and small trading centers. Meru's remoteness means fewer tourists and a genuine wilderness experience. Enter the park and begin exploring its varied terrain of riverine forest, swamps, grasslands, and woodlands. The park is bisected by 13 rivers and streams, creating lush vegetation corridors.
4-5 hours
$100-130 (transport and park entrance)
Meru requires advance booking for accommodation as options are limited; self-sufficient camping is also available
Lunch
A picnic lunch at a designated site near one of Meru's rivers, surrounded by pristine wilderness
Packed lunch
Budget
Afternoon
Meru National Park game drive
Explore this 870-square-kilometer wilderness where Elsa the lioness from 'Born Free' was raised and released. Meru supports all of Kenya's big cats, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and both black and white rhinos in a protected sanctuary. The park's diverse habitats attract over 400 bird species. Drive through the tall grasslands and acacia woodlands, visiting the Tana River boundary where hippos and crocodiles are abundant. The park's remoteness creates an exclusive safari experience.
4-5 hours
Included in park entrance
Evening
Bush dinner under the stars
Experience an authentic bush dinner at your camp, dining outdoors with the sounds of the African night surrounding you, far from any other tourist groups
Where to Stay Tonight
Meru National Park (Tented camp or bandas within the park)
Meru's remote camps offer an authentic wilderness experience with excellent wildlife access and true safari atmosphere
Meru's rhino sanctuary requires special permission and a ranger escort to visit; arrange this through your accommodation if you're particularly interested in rhino viewing
Day 8 Budget: $220-280
Spend your morning exploring more of Meru's hidden corners before traveling to the dramatic Thompson Falls, one of Kenya's most spectacular waterfalls.
Morning
Meru National Park morning game drive
Rise early for prime wildlife viewing when animals are most active. Focus on areas not covered yesterday, perhaps visiting Adamson's Falls, a beautiful waterfall within the park named after George Adamson of 'Born Free' fame. The morning light is perfect for photography, and you may spot lions returning from night hunts or leopards still active before the heat. Bird watching is exceptional in the early hours along the riverine areas.
3-4 hours
Included in park entrance
Lunch
An early lunch at your camp before departing Meru, or a packed lunch for the journey
Camp cuisine or packed lunch
Budget
Afternoon
Thompson Falls Nyahururu
Travel to Nyahururu town to visit Thompson Falls, a spectacular 74-meter waterfall plunging into a dramatic gorge. Named after Joseph Thompson, the first European to walk from Mombasa to Lake Victoria, the falls are surrounded by lush vegetation and offer viewing platforms at multiple levels. Walk the trail down to the base of the falls for impressive perspectives and photo opportunities. The mist creates rainbows in afternoon sun, and the surrounding forest supports various bird species.
2-3 hours including travel and exploration
$40-50 (transport and entrance)
Evening
Highland town experience
Explore Nyahururu town, Kenya's highest town at 2,360 meters, sampling local cuisine at a casual eatery and experiencing authentic small-town Kenyan life away from tourist areas
Where to Stay Tonight
Nyahururu or Nanyuki (Simple hotel or guesthouse)
These highland towns offer convenient stopping points between Meru and tomorrow's destination, with authentic local atmosphere and budget-friendly options
The trail to the base of Thompson Falls can be slippery, especially after rain; wear shoes with good grip and take your time on the steep sections
Day 9 Budget: $180-230
Visit the world-renowned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a model for community-based conservation and home to the largest population of Grevy's zebras and numerous rhinos.
Morning
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy game drive
Enter this 62,000-acre private conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's most successful conservation projects. Lewa protects over 170 rhinos (both black and white), making it one of the best places in Africa to see these endangered animals. The conservancy also supports the world's largest population of endangered Grevy's zebras, along with lions, leopards, elephants, and wild dogs. The varied landscape includes open grasslands, acacia woodlands, and spectacular views of Mount Kenya.
4-5 hours
$90-120 (conservancy entrance)
Book Lewa entrance in advance; visitor numbers are limited to minimize environmental impact
Lunch
A conservancy lodge restaurant with panoramic views across the plains toward Mount Kenya, serving farm-to-table cuisine
Contemporary Kenyan and international
Upscale
Afternoon
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy afternoon exploration
Continue exploring Lewa's diverse habitats with your experienced guide. The conservancy's anti-poaching efforts and community programs have created a thriving ecosystem. Visit the rhino sanctuary for close encounters with these magnificent animals, and watch for the rare Sitatunga antelope in swampy areas. The conservancy supports over 440 bird species. Learn about Lewa's conservation education programs and how tourism directly benefits surrounding communities through employment and development projects.
3-4 hours
Included in conservancy entrance
Evening
Sundowners with Mount Kenya views
Enjoy drinks at a scenic viewpoint with Mount Kenya's peaks visible in the distance, followed by a gourmet dinner featuring locally-sourced ingredients and perhaps a conservation talk by Lewa staff
Where to Stay Tonight
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (Luxury conservancy lodge or upscale tented camp)
Staying within Lewa supports conservation efforts directly and offers exclusive wildlife experiences with exceptional service and cuisine
Lewa offers horseback safaris and camel rides as alternative ways to experience the conservancy; book these unique activities in advance through your lodge
Day 10 Budget: $300-400
Travel to the world-famous Maasai Mara, entering through the Mara Triangle conservancy for your first glimpse of Africa's greatest wildlife spectacle.
Morning
Drive to Maasai Mara via the Great Rift Valley
Depart early for the scenic journey southwest to the Maasai Mara, retracing part of the Rift Valley route with different perspectives. The long drive passes through diverse landscapes including highland forests, agricultural areas, and eventually the open savannah approaching the Mara. Stop for photos at scenic viewpoints and stretch breaks in small towns. The anticipation builds as you approach Kenya's most famous wildlife reserve.
6-7 hours
$150-180 (transport)
Break up the journey with an overnight in Narok town if preferred, though most travelers complete it in one day
Lunch
A roadside restaurant in Narok town, the last major settlement before the Mara, serving hearty Kenyan meals
Local Kenyan
Budget
Afternoon
Mara Triangle first game drive
Enter the Maasai Mara through the Mara Triangle, the western section managed by the Mara Conservancy. This less-crowded area offers exceptional game viewing with better road maintenance and stricter vehicle limits than the main reserve. Your first drive reveals the Mara's incredible wildlife density, with herds of elephants, buffalo, zebras, and wildebeest grazing the endless plains. Lions are frequently spotted, and the Mara River forms the Triangle's eastern boundary.
3-4 hours
$80-100 (conservancy entrance)
The Mara Triangle requires separate entrance fees from the main reserve; ensure your booking is clear about which areas you'll visit
Evening
Welcome to the Mara dinner
Settle into your camp with a celebratory dinner, listening to the sounds of hyenas and lions calling across the plains, marking your arrival in one of Africa's most iconic destinations
Where to Stay Tonight
Mara Triangle (Tented camp with views over the plains)
The Triangle offers quieter, more exclusive safari experiences with excellent wildlife access and proximity to the Mara River crossing points
If visiting during the Great Migration (July-October), the Mara Triangle offers front-row seats to dramatic river crossings where wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters
Day 11 Budget: $280-360
Dedicate an entire day to exploring the Mara Triangle's spectacular wildlife, from dawn game drives to sunset on the savannah, maximizing your time in this wildlife paradise.
Morning
Dawn game drive in Mara Triangle
Depart before sunrise for the most productive game viewing hours when predators are still active from night hunts. The Mara Triangle's open plains allow excellent visibility for spotting lions, leopards, and cheetahs. During migration season, witness massive herds of wildebeest and zebras stretching to the horizon. Visit the Mara River to observe hippos and crocodiles, and if fortunate, witness the dramatic crossings. The morning light creates perfect photography conditions across the golden grasslands.
4-5 hours
Included in conservancy entrance
Lunch
A bush breakfast or picnic lunch at a scenic spot in the Triangle, enjoying meals surrounded by wildlife and vast landscapes
Bush picnic
Mid-range
Afternoon
Mara Triangle afternoon game drive
After a midday rest at camp, return to the plains for afternoon wildlife viewing. The Triangle's diverse habitats include riverine forest, acacia woodlands, and open grassland, each supporting different species. Focus on areas not covered in the morning, perhaps visiting the escarpment for panoramic views or tracking the resident lion prides. The Mara's bird diversity exceeds 450 species, with spectacular raptors including martial eagles and tawny eagles.
4-5 hours until sunset
Included in conservancy entrance
Evening
Sundowner on the plains
Stop at a scenic location for drinks as the sun sets over the Mara, watching the landscape transform in golden light before returning to camp for dinner and evening relaxation
Where to Stay Tonight
Mara Triangle (Same tented camp as previous night)
Multiple nights in one location maximize game viewing time and allow for deeper exploration of the Triangle's different areas
Ask your guide about hot air balloon safaris, which launch at dawn and offer breathtaking aerial views of the Mara's wildlife and landscapes, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush
Day 12 Budget: $260-340
Journey southeast to Kenya's largest national park, famous for its red elephants, dramatic landscapes, and the legendary man-eating lions of Tsavo.
Morning
Long drive to Tsavo East National Park
Depart the Mara for the extensive journey to Tsavo East, Kenya's oldest and largest national park covering 13,747 square kilometers. The route takes you through varied terrain, eventually entering the park through Mtito Andei or Voi gate. Tsavo East's landscape is dramatically different from the Mara, featuring semi-arid plains, volcanic hills, and distinctive red laterite soil that gives the park's famous elephants their red coloring as they dust-bathe.
7-8 hours
$180-220 (transport and park entrance)
This is a long travel day; consider flying from the Mara to Tsavo if budget allows, saving 6-7 hours
Lunch
A rest stop in Voi town or packed lunch during the journey, depending on timing
Local Kenyan or packed lunch
Budget
Afternoon
Tsavo East National Park game drive
Begin exploring Tsavo East's vast wilderness, known for large elephant herds that appear red from the park's distinctive soil. Visit the Galana River, a lifeline attracting hippos, crocodiles, and diverse wildlife. The park's openness makes wildlife spotting easier, with lions, leopards, cheetahs, and numerous antelope species. Tsavo's history includes the famous man-eating lions that terrorized railway workers in 1898. The landscape's stark beauty and sense of wilderness create a unique safari atmosphere.
3-4 hours
Included in park entrance
Evening
Riverside dinner and relaxation
Dine at your lodge overlooking the Galana River or a waterhole, watching elephants and other wildlife come to drink as evening falls over the vast Tsavo landscape
Where to Stay Tonight
Tsavo East National Park (Safari lodge or tented camp near the Galana River)
Riverside locations in Tsavo offer constant wildlife viewing and the soothing sounds of the river, with elephants often visible from your room
Tsavo East can be extremely hot, especially November-March; early morning and late afternoon game drives are most comfortable, with midday best spent at your lodge's pool
Day 13 Budget: $220-280
Explore the more varied landscapes of Tsavo West with its volcanic features and springs before returning to Nairobi, completing your comprehensive Kenya safari adventure.
Morning
Tsavo West National Park exploration
Cross into neighboring Tsavo West, which offers more diverse topography than Tsavo East. Visit Mzima Springs, where 50 million gallons of crystal-clear water flow daily from underground streams originating in the Chyulu Hills. An underwater viewing chamber allows you to watch hippos and fish swimming. The park features volcanic hills, lava flows, and the dramatic Shetani lava flow. Wildlife includes elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and the rare fringe-eared oryx. The varied landscape provides excellent photography opportunities.
4-5 hours
$70-90 (park entrance)
Tsavo West requires separate entrance fees from Tsavo East despite their proximity
Lunch
A final safari lunch at a lodge in Tsavo West, savoring your last views of Kenya's wilderness
International buffet
Mid-range
Afternoon
Return journey to Nairobi
Begin the drive back to Nairobi, reflecting on two weeks of incredible wildlife encounters and diverse landscapes. The journey follows the Mombasa-Nairobi highway through changing scenery. Depending on your flight time, you may have opportunity for last-minute souvenir shopping at Nairobi markets or simply transfer directly to the airport. The return to the capital marks the end of your comprehensive Kenya safari adventure.
5-6 hours
$100-130 (transport to Nairobi/airport)
Schedule your departure flight for evening to allow comfortable travel time from Tsavo
Evening
Departure
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your evening departure flight, carrying memories of Kenya's extraordinary wildlife, landscapes, and wilderness experiences
Where to Stay Tonight
Not applicable (Departure day)
Most travelers depart this evening; if you have a morning flight, consider staying near the airport the previous night
If you have extra time before your flight, the Giraffe Centre or David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage near Nairobi offer wonderful final wildlife encounters close to the city
Day 14 Budget: $180-230