Kenya Coffee, Culture & Wildlife Tour - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi, Free Time

Welcome to the capital of Kenya! If you have a window seat on the flight, you'll likely see Nairobi National Park before touching down on the runway. One of the many aspects of what makes this city unique is the closeness of its 73-square-mile (117 km) park. This area is not a zoo, but rather a vast protected space where animals roam happily and free. 

Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you'll be picked up by a private driver and transferred to your hotel. Nairobi is the largest city in Kenya, with over six million residents, and it was founded in the late 19th century by colonial authorities in British East Africa as a rail depot on the Uganda Railway. The name originated from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi (cold water), referring to the Nairobi River, which flows through the city. 

The rest of the day is free time to explore any way you'd like. You might want to rest after the journey or visit some of the city's produce and flea markets. Cap off the day by eating a meal at an authentic Kenyan restaurant. 

Day 2: Nairobi National Park, Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Center

Today is an exciting full day in the capital that gets you up close to some of Kenya's best wildlife. It starts with an early pick-up to skip the traffic as you head to Nairobi National Park's main gate. Enjoy breakfast at one of the picnic areas before you continue into the actual park. Once inside, no one is allowed to get out of the car due to the unpredictability of wild animals. On a lucky day, you will spot lions, buffaloes, zebras, rhinoceros, giraffes, gazelles, ostriches, and many more, from the safety of your car. 

By mid-morning, you will drive outside of the city and visit the Elephant Orphanage—a project that rescues and takes care of orphaned elephants from potential poachers when their mother dies. When they're old enough, the elephants return to the jungle. You'll also visit the Giraffe Center, which protects the highly endangered Rothschild's giraffe. Watch and feed these charming animals while learning more about the center's conservation successes. If there's time, make sure to check out the walking trail through the nearby Gogo River Bird Sanctuary. 

In the late afternoon, return to your hotel for the evening. 

Day 3: Coffee Plantation Tour, Transfer to Lake Naivasha

After breakfast in Nairobi, you'll be picked up for a 45-minute drive to one of the finest coffee-growing areas in the world. Your destination is the Fairview Estate, a beautiful coffee farm located across approximately 100 acres. 

Situated 5,741 feet (1,750 m) above sea level, Fairview Estate is irrigated by the Riara River, which, in turn, is fed by streams from the Kenyan highlands. Since the early 1900s, Fairview Estate's fertile soils have produced high-quality coffee through the use of holistic production methods that take customers' concerns for a healthy environment seriously. The two-hour guided tour will teach you all about the estate's production methods, starting with how coffee is grown and processed. You'll also be able to taste at least a few renowned brands from the estate. Of course, you'll have the opportunity to buy your own fresh coffee to take home.

Following the tour, continue the drive to the heart of Kenya's central highlands where you'll stay overnight near Lake Naivasha (54 miles/88 km). You'll have the rest of the day free to enjoy the town of Naivasha and its freshwater lake with birds, rhinos, and an island boasting non-predatory wildlife at your own pace.

Day 4: Elsamere Conservation Center & Hell's Gate National Park

This morning, you'll pay a special visit to Elsamere, a center that honors the life of George and Joy Adamson and their lifelong commitment to the wildlife of Kenya.

While the couple is renowned for their conservation efforts, they are perhaps best known for their story of raising an orphaned lioness and returning it to the wild. The story of Elsa became a book and later a famous movie, Born Free, released in 1966. Today, the couple's home, Elsamere, is now a conservation and field study center, as well as a museum that caters to study groups and tourists alike. This is your chance to gain insight into the Adamsons and their work in relocating animals back to the wild during this visit. 

After a buffet lunch at Elsamere, you will drive to Hell's Gate National Park, known for its scenery and variety of wildlife. Within the park is the Maasai Cultural Center, where you can learn about the Kenyan Maasai tribe's culture and traditions.

Following the day's adventures, return to your hotel in Naivasha for the evening.

Day 5: Boat Tour, Transfer to Nairobi & Depart Kenya

After breakfast, you'll take a one-hour boat tour in Lake Naivasha, one of the freshwater lakes of the Kenyan Rift Valley. The area is known as a birdwatcher's paradise with many different species. The probability is also high of spotting hippos as they make their way in and out of the water for numerous swims.

Then, it's time to say goodbye to Kenya! Following the tour, you'll drive to Nairobi (65 miles/104 km) for a potential visit to the Nairobi National Museum, which offers a great wealth of African history (time permitting). At the designated hour, you'll transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Safe travels!

More Great 5-Day Kenya Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Kenya trip? Check out these other 5-day Kenya itineraries, with outdoor adventures, beach vacations, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.