5 Days in Kenya - 3 Safari Itinerary Ideas

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

This well-rounded Kenya highlights tour is perfect for travelers wanting a fast-paced introduction to the country's best safari destinations. Starting in Nairobi, you'll witness thousands of flamingoes turn the water pink at Lake Nakuru, then spot Big Five animals like lions and elephants and enjoy the best views of Masai Mara from the basket of a hot-air balloon. Take a boat safari on Lake Naivasha to see crocs and hippos, and finish with a trip to Hell's Gate National Park to learn about the area's geothermal activity. 

Your safari adventure begins in Nairobi, where a driver will be waiting to take you three hours northwest to Lake Nakuru National Park, located within the Great Rift Valley. Here, you can spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and waterbucks, plus marvel at large colonies of flamingoes turning the lake pink. Next, transfer southwest to Masai Mara National Reserve for afternoon game drives. Be prepared to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, and bush elephants. You also have the exciting option of a hot-air balloon ride over the park for a bird's-eye view of the plains and migrating wildlife.

The following day, another transfer whisks you northeast to Lake Naivasha. Enjoy a water safari by boat and get up close to the lake's birdlife and hippos. You can also take a walking safari at Crescent Island, a private game sanctuary where numerous animals roam freely. On your final day, explore Hell's Gate National Park, known for its geothermal features and interesting rock formations, with a nature hike or bike ride. Afterward, it's a two-hour transfer back to Nairobi to catch your flight home. Learn more

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

Travelers interested in going on safari in lesser-known destinations will enjoy this off-the-beaten-path adventure. Discover the hidden gems in parks and reserves of northern Kenya as you spot elephants from the terrace of your safari lodge in Aberdare National Park, venture out on game drives with sightings of the "Special Five" at Samburu National Reserve, and visit a local village to meet the Indigenous Samburu people.

Land in Nairobi and set out on a transfer north to Aberdare National Park. Its distinctive montane forest ecosystem hosts rare and endangered species like the black rhinoceros and bongo antelope, while its high altitude offers panoramic vistas. You'll stay at The Ark, a luxury safari lodge next to a watering hole that attracts wildlife, including elephant herds. During your stay, enjoy afternoon and morning game drives, where you'll have a chance to spot elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, and many other animals.

Next, you'll transfer northeast to Samburu National Reserve, known for its acacia woodlands. Stay at the Ashnil Samburu Camp, a luxury tented camp overlooking the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Your afternoon and morning game drives bring opportunities to spot the "Samburu Special Five," which includes the reticulated giraffe, Grévy's zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and the gerenuk, a long-necked antelope. You'll also visit Buffalo Springs, home to elephants, and a Samburu village, where you'll learn about local life. Your trip concludes with a transfer back to Nairobi for departure. Learn more

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

Wildlife enthusiasts and bird-watchers will enjoy this compact southern Kenya itinerary that goes beyond the classic big game animals to introduce you to some of the country's smaller but no less magnificent creatures. With each day bringing a new safari adventure in Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks, you'll spot some of Kenya's 1,000-plus bird species, glimpse Big Five wildlife like Tsavo's red elephants, and stay at a luxury lodge with Kilimanjaro as the backdrop. 

After arriving in Nairobi, you'll immediately begin discovering Kenya's wildlife with a transfer to Amboseli National Park for an afternoon game drive. You'll stay at the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, a luxurious complex with traditional Maasai-inspired architecture. From your accommodation, you can spot herds of elephants and other Big Five animals that freely roam the snowcapped foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The following day, experience prime bird-watching conditions during more safari game drives while also having the opportunity for a cultural visit to a nearby Maasai community.

Then, you'll transfer south to Tsavo West National Park, known for its otherworldly landscapes and "red" elephants tinged with volcanic soil. After settling into the Kilguna Serena Safari Lodge, spend the rest of the day exploring Tsavo on an afternoon game drive. Bird-watchers will have the opportunity to spot rare specimens like the threatened corncrake and Basra reed warbler. Then, gear up for a full day of safari expeditions, exploring the park's acacia woodlands and freshwater springs as you spot lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and hippos. Finally, return to Nairobi to catch your departing flight. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Kenya Itineraries

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