10 Days in Kenya - 3 Safari Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Kenya Safari Highlights: Nairobi, Masai Mara & Lake Naivasha

This compact safari highlights itinerary is perfect for travelers wanting to see the best of Kenya's wildlife within a few hours of Nairobi. First, meet locals during a cultural exchange in the capital before heading on safari in Masai Mara National Reserve. Then, explore Lake Nakuru's wetland ecosystem, a haven for birdlife and black and white rhinos. Enjoy close encounters with crocs and hippos on Lake Naivasha and conclude with a day trip to discover the geothermal features of Hell's Gate National Park. 

Begin in Nairobi, where you'll meet locals, visit Nairobi National Park, and tour the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre to see dedicated keepers caring for elephant calves and learn about their rescue stories and rehabilitation process. From there, transfer northwest to Lake Nakuru for safari activities and the chance to see over 450 species of birds and various safari animals. Continue southwest to Masai Mara National Reserve, where you'll spend a few days on safari viewing the Big Five from the plains, on a boat, and above, in the basket of a hot-air balloon.

Leaving Masai Mara, you'll head southeast toward Lake Naivasha for a water safari, where you can see hippos and pelicans up close. You'll also have the chance to visit Crescent Island, a private game sanctuary on the lake and home to roaming giraffes, wildebeests, and zebras. The following day, take a day trip to Hell's Gate National Park to bike, hike, and watch for plains animals like giraffes, zebras, impalas, and (if you're lucky) rhinos amid its dramatic landscapes, geothermal features, and otherworldly rock formations. Your trip concludes with a transfer back to Nairobi for your departure. Learn more

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

Travelers wanting to explore quieter destinations and spot rare species will enjoy this adventure through Kenya's lesser-visited treasures, which include places like Aberdare, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, and Elmenteita. Though these parks are off the beaten track, there's no shortage of wildlife experiences. You'll encounter rescued elephants and witness herds right in front of your lodge, spot the "Special Five" on game drives, visit with the world's last white rhinos, and see flamingo flocks at the soda lakes of the Great Rift Valley. 

After landing in Nairobi, you'll visit the Elephant Rescue Center to witness the care of elephants and learn about the center's sponsorship program. Next, head north to Aberdare National Park. During your game drives here, you'll likely spot elephants, black rhinos, leopards, and spotted hyenas. Your next journey takes you north to Samburu National Reserve, where the Ewaso Ng'iro River attracts wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, and hippos, and offers excellent opportunities for bird-watching. Here, you'll partake in game drives and visit a Samburu village to learn about the local way of life.

Next, your driver will take you south to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where you can see the last northern white rhinos in the world and accompany a guide to track resident lions by their prints or visit the chimps during feeding time. The following day, it's off to Lake Elmenteita, part of the Soysambu Conservancy. Here, you can spot over 400 species of birds, including the massive flamingo colonies that call this soda lake home. Return to Nairobi and, if time permits, visit the Nairobi National Museum before catching your flight home. Learn more

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

Avian enthusiasts will delight in this wildlife and bird-watching safari through southern Kenya, visiting Nairobi, Amboseli, Tsavo, and Taita. You'll spot classic Big Five animals in Nairobi National Park, see orphaned baby elephants at a local sanctuary, witness exotic birdlife from secretary birds to the African crowned eagle, and marvel at the red elephants of Tsavo. Explore Taita Wildlife Conservancy via game drives or guided walks, and pull out your binoculars to see some of Tsavo East's 500 species of birds.

After settling into your Nairobi hotel, go on a safari in Nairobi National Park before visiting the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded here, including cranes, fish eagles, and secretary birds. From there, drive four hours south to Amboseli National Park, known for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. During a game drive, search for Africa's famous Big Five and keep your eyes peeled for Marabou storks, Lanner falcons, and the endemic golden weaver. Afterward, spend another day exploring the park and interacting with the local Maasai community.

Next, travel to Tsavo West National Park to spot elephants tinged red from the volcanic soil. Discover birdlife like the threatened corncrake, colorful vulturine guineafowl, and iridescent Tsavo sunbirds. The following day, you're off to experience game drives, bush walks, and bird-watching at Taita Wildlife Conservancy. Then, head northeast to Tsavo East National Park for an afternoon game drive. Spend the penultimate day among 500 bird species, including raptors, waterfowl, and hornbills, before the return to Nairobi to catch your departing flight. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Kenya Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Kenya? Check out these other 10-day Kenya itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.