Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Kenya's active capital, acclimatize, and enjoy a taste of the city's famous carnivore cuisine.
Morning
Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Clear immigration, collect luggage, and meet your pre-arranged driver for transfer to your hotel. Use the morning to settle in, relax by the pool, and recover from your journey.
2-3 hours (airport to hotel)
$40-60 (private transfer)
Pre-book your airport transfer through your hotel or a reputable tour company like Perfect Wilderness Tours & Safaris for a smooth arrival.
Lunch
The Talisman Restaurant
Global fusion with Kenyan influences
Mid-range
Afternoon
Nairobi National Museum & Snake Park
Visit this excellent museum to gain foundational knowledge on Kenya's culture, history, and natural heritage. The adjacent Snake Park showcases local reptiles.
2-3 hours
$10 (entrance fee)
Evening
Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant
Experience the famous 'Beast of a Feast' at this iconic restaurant, sampling a variety of game meats roasted over charcoal.
Where to Stay Tonight
Karen/Langata area (Hemingways Nairobi)
A luxurious and serene base away from the city center's hustle, close to tomorrow's destinations.
Change a small amount of money at the airport for immediate expenses, but get a better rate at a Forex bureau in town tomorrow.
Day 1 Budget: $300
A heartwarming day dedicated to Kenya's iconic wildlife conservation, visiting elephant and giraffe sanctuaries.
Morning
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Visit during the public building hour (11am-12pm) to see orphaned baby elephants being fed and playing in the mud. You can build an elephant online in advance for a special private evening visit.
1-2 hours
$7 (donation entry)
Building an elephant ($50) guarantees a private visit at 5pm. Book this well in advance on their website.
Lunch
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden
International & Kenyan
Mid-range
Afternoon
Giraffe Centre
Get up close and personal with the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. Feed them pellets and, if you're brave, receive a 'kiss' from their long, dark tongues. Learn about their conservation.
1-2 hours
$15 (entrance fee)
Evening
Dinner at Tamambo Karen Blixen
Dine in the beautiful gardens of Karen Blixen's former estate, enjoying a sophisticated meal in a historic setting.
Where to Stay Tonight
Karen/Langata area (Hemingways Nairobi)
Consistent base for two nights, minimizing packing and unpacking.
Wear clothes you don't mind getting a little muddy or slobbery on for the giraffe feeding!
Day 2 Budget: $150
Fly to the world-famous Maasai Mara and start your first thrilling afternoon game drive.
Morning
Scenic Flight to the Maasai Mara
Take a scheduled 45-minute flight from Wilson Airport (
Nairobi) to a Mara airstrip. Enjoy impressive aerial views of the Great Rift Valley and the vast savannah.
1-2 hours (including transfer and flight)
$250-350 (one-way flight)
Flights are often included in safari package bookings. Ensure your lodge/camp knows your arrival details.
Lunch
Lunch at your Safari Lodge/Camp
Lodge buffet or plated meal
Included
Afternoon
Afternoon Game Drive in the Maasai Mara
Meet your guide and set out in a 4x4 safari vehicle. Your first drive will introduce you to the Mara's landscapes and wildlife—look out for elephants, lions, giraffes, and countless antelope.
3-4 hours
Included in safari package
Safari packages (accommodation, meals, drives) should be booked months in advance, for peak season.
Evening
Sundowner & Campfire Stories
Enjoy a classic 'sundowner' drink overlooking the plains, followed by a delicious dinner and stories around the campfire under a blanket of stars.
Where to Stay Tonight
Maasai Mara National Reserve (Olare Motorogi Conservancy) (Mara Plains Camp)
Located in a private conservancy with low vehicle density, offering exclusive game viewing and night drives.
Pack a small overnight bag for the Mara; store your main luggage at your
Nairobi hotel.
Day 3 Budget: $500
Spend time in a full day of game viewing, searching for the Big Five and the dramatic scenes of the Great Migration (seasonal).
Morning
Early Morning Game Drive
Depart at dawn when predators are most active. The soft morning light is perfect for photography. Your guide will track animals based on fresh signs from the night.
3-4 hours
Included
Request a packed breakfast to enjoy in the bush, extending your drive time.
Lunch
Bush Breakfast or Lunch at Lodge
Picnic or lodge buffet
Included
Afternoon
Afternoon Game Drive & River Crossing Spot (Seasonal)
Head towards the Mara River to potentially witness the dramatic crossing of thousands of wildebeest and zebra (July-Oct). Even off-season, the river is a hotspot for hippos and crocodiles.
3-4 hours
Included
Be patient at river crossing points; the animals' decision to cross can take hours.
Evening
Night Drive (in Conservancies)
If staying in a private conservancy, enjoy a rare night drive with a spotlight to see nocturnal creatures like bushbabies, genets, and hunting predators.
Where to Stay Tonight
Maasai Mara National Reserve (Olare Motorogi Conservancy) (Mara Plains Camp)
Continuity at a luxury camp with exceptional guiding.
A good pair of binoculars (10x42) is essential for spotting distant wildlife and birding.
Day 4 Budget: $500
Bid farewell to the Mara, visit a Maasai village, and drive to the freshwater Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley.
Morning
Visit a Maasai Village
Take a guided visit to an authentic Maasai manyatta (homestead). Learn about their traditional way of life, customs, dance, and crafts. This is a direct cultural exchange that supports the community.
1-2 hours
$20-30 (per person village fee)
Your safari camp can arrange a visit to a reputable village. Ensure your visit is respectful and that photography permissions are clear.
Lunch
Lunch at a stopover in Narok town
Simple Kenyan fare (chicken, rice, vegetables)
Budget
Afternoon
Scenic Drive to Lake Naivasha
A 4-5 hour drive eastwards, climbing out of the Mara ecosystem and into the highlands of the Great Rift Valley. Stop at the viewpoint for impressive valley vistas.
4-5 hours (drive)
$150-200 (private transfer)
Pre-book a driver/guide for the inter-safari transfer; they can provide commentary along the way.
Evening
Dinner by the Lake
Enjoy dinner at your lakeside lodge, listening to the sounds of hippos grunting from the water.
Where to Stay Tonight
Lake Naivasha (Loldia House)
A charming, historic farmhouse on the shores of the lake, offering a peaceful and elegant Rift Valley retreat.
Carry small bills (USD or KES) to purchase directly from Maasai artisans if you wish to buy beadwork.
Day 5 Budget: $350
A day of active adventure, cycling through Hell's Gate National Park and walking among wildlife on Crescent Island.
Morning
Hell's Gate National Park Bike Safari
Rent a bike at the park gate and cycle through this unique park, where wildlife like zebra, giraffe, and buffalo roam freely without major predators. See dramatic cliffs and geothermal steam vents.
2-3 hours
$30 (bike rental + park fees)
Hire a guide at the gate for a small fee; they enhance safety and spotting. Wear closed-toe shoes.
Lunch
Fisherman's Camp
Grilled fish (Tilapia), burgers, salads
Budget
Afternoon
Boat Ride & Walking Safari on Crescent Island
Take a serene boat ride across Lake Naivasha to Crescent Island Sanctuary. Here, you can disembark for a guided walking safari among giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, and countless birds.
2-3 hours
$40 (boat + guide fee)
Book the boat through your lodge or directly at the Lake Naivasha Marina.
Evening
Relax at the Lodge
Enjoy a quiet evening, perhaps with a sundowner cruise on the lake (optional extra), followed by a farm-to-table dinner at Loldia House.
Where to Stay Tonight
Lake Naivasha (Loldia House)
Perfect base for Naivasha activities with superb hospitality.
At Hell's Gate, cycle early to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds.
Day 6 Budget: $200
A short drive to Lake Nakuru National Park for a classic game drive famous for rhinos and flamingos, then settle into a highland farm.
Morning
Game Drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
Enter the park for a morning drive. While flamingo numbers fluctuate, the park is a well-known rhino sanctuary (both black and white) and is excellent for seeing lions, leopards, and the rare Rothschild's giraffe.
3-4 hours
$80 (park fees)
Your driver/guide will handle park entry. Ensure your vehicle is allowed in the park (they need a permit).
Lunch
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge buffet
Lodge buffet
Mid-range
Afternoon
Transfer to the Aberdare Highlands
Drive north (approx 2.5 hours) into the lush, cool highlands, arriving at your unique accommodation located on the slopes of the Aberdare Mountains.
2.5 hours
$100 (transfer cost portion)
Evening
Highland Farm Experience
Enjoy the cozy, fireplace atmosphere of your lodge. The Mendi is known for its colonial-era charm and hearty meals.
Where to Stay Tonight
Aberdare Highlands (near Mweiga) (The Mendi)
A historic farmhouse offering a completely different, cooler climate experience and a taste of Kenya's colonial history.
Lake Nakuru's water levels greatly affect flamingo populations. Focus on the park's incredible rhino and other wildlife; consider flamingos a bonus.
Day 7 Budget: $300
Explore the foothills of Mount Kenya, visiting a coffee plantation and enjoying the serene highland landscape.
Morning
Visit Karatina Market
Experience one of East Africa's largest open-air markets. It's a dynamic, crowded scene where you can find fresh produce, spices, and local crafts. It's authentic and photogenic.
1-2 hours
Free (shopping extra)
Go with a guide from your lodge for context and navigation. Keep valuables secure.
Lunch
The Trout Tree Restaurant
Fresh trout
Mid-range
Afternoon
Coffee Farm Tour at The Kigio
Take a guided tour of a local coffee plantation. Learn about the process from bean to cup, participate in a tasting session, and enjoy the beautiful garden setting with views of Mount Kenya.
2 hours
$25 (tour & tasting)
Book the tour directly through The Kigio in advance.
Evening
Relax at the Farm
Enjoy the tranquil grounds of The Mendi, perhaps with a walk through the gardens or simply relaxing with a book by the fire.
Where to Stay Tonight
Aberdare Highlands (near Mweiga) (The Mendi)
Continuity in this peaceful region, minimizing travel.
If Mount Kenya is clear in the morning, ask your guide for the best photo spot. The peaks are often shrouded in cloud by afternoon.
Day 8 Budget: $150
Fly from the central highlands to the tropical Indian Ocean coast and feel the sand between your toes.
Morning
A 2.5-hour drive back to
Nairobi's Wilson Airport, passing through Thika's pineapple plantations.
2.5-3 hours
$80-100 (private transfer)
Coordinate flight and transfer times carefully; Wilson is for domestic flights.
Lunch
Quick bite at Wilson Airport
Sandwiches, coffee
Budget
Afternoon
Flight to Ukunda/Diani
Take a 1.5-hour scheduled flight from
Nairobi to Ukunda Airstrip, right next to Diani Beach. Enjoy views of the arid Tsavo parks giving way to the turquoise coastline.
1.5 hours (flight)
$150-200 (one-way flight)
Book flights on airlines like SafariLink or AirKenya. Pack swimwear in your carry-on.
Evening
Befront Bliss & Seafood Dinner
Check into your beach resort, take your first dip in the Indian Ocean, and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at the resort or at Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant.
Where to Stay Tonight
Diani Beach (The Sands at Nomad)
A beautiful, mid-range boutique hotel right on a pristine stretch of beach, offering excellent service and a relaxed vibe.
The flight to the coast often has incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day. Request a window seat on the left side (A).
Day 9 Budget: $400
A day to unwind on the famous white-sand beach and visit a unique local conservation project.
Morning
Beach Relaxation & Water Sports
Enjoy the impressive 10km stretch of Diani Beach. Swim in the warm ocean, try kite-surfing (lessons available), or simply relax on a sun lounger with a book.
2-3 hours
$0-$100 (for water sports)
For kite-surfing, book lessons with Kite Diani, a reputable school.
Lunch
Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant
Seafood, pizzas, salads
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit the Colobus Conservation
Take a short taxi ride to this sanctuary dedicated to the endangered Angolan black-and-white colobus monkey. Take a guided walk through the forest to see these charismatic primates up close.
1-2 hours
$10 (donation entry)
Visit in the late afternoon when the monkeys are most active. Wear insect repellent.
Evening
Dinner at Kinondo Kwetu
For a special treat, arrange dinner at this exclusive, off-the-grid lodge known for its exceptional cuisine and romantic, lantern-lit setting (transport required).
Where to Stay Tonight
Diani Beach (The Sands at Nomad)
Perfect beachfront location for a relaxed coastal stay.
Beware of beach boys selling souvenirs; a polite but firm 'no thank you' is best. Stick to your hotel's beach section for hassle-free lounging.
Day 10 Budget: $200
A full-day marine adventure to the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park for snorkeling, dolphin watching, and a Swahili seafood feast.
Morning
Boat Trip to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park
Depart from Shimoni jetty on a traditional dhow. Cruise through the channel, often spotting dolphins (common, spinner, and bottlenose) along the way to the pristine coral reef.
1 hour (boat to reef)
$80-120 (full day tour)
Book a tour with a reputable operator like Pilli Pipa Dhow. Ensure the fee includes park fees.
Lunch
Swahili Lunch on Wasini Island
Freshly grilled fish, crab, lobster, coconut rice, and tropical fruit.
Included in tour
Afternoon
Snorkeling in the Marine Park
Anchor at the protected coral garden. Spend time snorkeling among lively tropical fish, sea turtles, and beautiful hard and soft corals. Equipment is provided.
1-2 hours
Included in tour
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the fragile coral ecosystem.
Evening
Return & Relax
Return to Diani by late afternoon, tired but happy. Enjoy a casual dinner at your resort or at nearby Sails Beach Bar & Restaurant.
Where to Stay Tonight
Diani Beach (The Sands at Nomad)
Return to your comfortable base after a long day on the water.
The dolphin sighting is not guaranteed, but the snorkeling is spectacular regardless. Seas can be choppy; consider seasickness medication if prone.
Day 11 Budget: $150
Explore the historical Swahili ruins of Gedi and walk among ancient baobab trees.
Morning
Visit Gedi Ruins
Explore the mysterious 13th-century Swahili-Arab ruins hidden in a forest. Wander through the remains of mosques, palaces, and houses, learning about this sophisticated but abandoned trading town.
2 hours
$12 (entrance fee + guide)
Hire a guide at the entrance; their stories bring the ruins to life.
Lunch
Lunch at The Old Man and The Sea
Swahili coastal cuisine
Mid-range
Afternoon
Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest Walk
Take a guided walk through this sacred Digo forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See giant ancient trees, including massive baobabs, and learn about the local community's traditions and conservation efforts.
1.5 hours
$20 (guide fee)
Book through Kaya Kinondo Ecotourism Project. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) as it's a sacred site.
Evening
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Book a traditional dhow sunset cruise from Diani Beach. Sail along the coast with a drink in hand as the sun dips below the horizon.
Where to Stay Tonight
Diani Beach (The Sands at Nomad)
Central location for exploring both north (Gedi) and south (Kaya) of Diani.
At Gedi, look for the 'House of the Venetian Bead'—evidence of trade with Europe centuries ago.
Day 12 Budget: $180
A free day to enjoy Diani as you wish—more beach time, a spa treatment, or optional adventures.
Morning
Optional: Deep Sea Fishing or Scuba Diving
For the active, book a half-day deep-sea fishing trip targeting marlin and sailfish, or go for a scuba dive with one of the local PADI centers to explore deeper reefs.
4 hours
$150-$250
For diving, book with Diving The Crab, a highly professional operation.
Lunch
Salty Squid
Casual beachfront grill
Mid-range
Afternoon
Spa & Relaxation
Indulge in a well-deserved massage or treatment at the award-winning Satori Spa at The Sands at Nomad or the Afro-Disiac Spa at Baobab Beach Resort.
1-2 hours
$80-$120
Book spa treatments a day in advance, during high season.
Evening
Farewell Dinner on the Beach
Arrange a private or group beach dinner through your hotel—a magical way to celebrate your final night with your feet in the sand.
Where to Stay Tonight
Diani Beach (The Sands at Nomad)
Final night enjoying the iconic Kenyan coast.
Visit the Diani Beach Art Gallery for unique souvenirs like soapstone carvings and Tinga Tinga paintings.
Day 13 Budget: $250
Enjoy a final morning by the ocean before flying back to
Nairobi and connecting to your international flight home.
Morning
Final Beach Walk & Swim
Take one last stroll along the dazzling white sand, have a final swim in the warm Indian Ocean, and soak up the coastal atmosphere.
1-2 hours
$0
Lunch
Lunch at your hotel or a nearby cafe
Light fare
Budget
Afternoon
Transfer to Ukunda Airstrip & Fly to
NairobiTransfer to Ukunda airstrip for your scheduled flight back to
Nairobi Wilson Airport. Connect with a pre-booked transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your evening departure.
4-5 hours total (transfer+flight+transfer)
$150-200 (flight + transfer)
Ensure there is ample time (at least 4-5 hours) between your domestic flight landing in Wilson and your international flight departure from NBO.
Evening
International Departure
Check in for your onward flight, reflecting on an incredible two-week Kenyan journey.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
Buy any last-minute souvenirs (coffee, spices) at the duty-free shop in NBO after security.
Day 14 Budget: $200