Here's Your Ultimate 7-Day Kenya Itinerary

Waquar Habib

Kenya

Kenya in East Africa is a popular destination for adventure seekers. It offers diverse fauna in the Maasai Mara Reserve, modernity mixed with tradition in Nairobi, trekking opportunities in Mount Kenya, and Swahili culture and beaches in Mombasa.

A shot from Kenya | Shutterstock

Day 1: Nairobi

Morning

Begin your trip with David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see rescued orphaned elephants. Founded in 1977 by Dame Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her late husband, the trust is now run by their daughter, Angela Sheldrick.

An orphaned elephant calf at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Visit the Giraffe Centre to interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes, and have lunch at a local restaurant like Jakoni or Daisy's Cafe.

A giraffe at the Giraffe Centre | Shutterstock

Evening

Head for dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant and indulge in a unique meat-eating experience. It is an open-air restaurant in the Langata suburb of Nairobi.

Chefs at work in the Carnivore Restaurant | Shutterstock

Day 2: Nairobi

Morning

Visit the Nairobi National Museum to learn about Kenya's cultural and natural heritage. Explore the Kazuri Beads Women's Cooperative for handmade pottery and jewellery, and then head for lunch at a local restaurant.

Nairobi National Museum | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Explore the Karen Blixen Museum, the famous Danish author's former residence, and relax at the Nairobi National Park, a unique wildlife reserve bordering the city. He authored the book Out of Africa which was made into a film.

Karen Blixen Museum | Shutterstock

Evening

Stroll till late at the Nairobi National Park and then head for a hearty dinner. You can check out the Camp David Bush for delectable vegan affairs.

Zebra at Nairobi National Park | Shutterstock

Day 3: Amboseli National Park

Morning

Drive for approximately four hours to reach Amboseli National Park, known for its large elephant herds and views of immense Mount Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania. Check in at your lodge or camp and enjoy lunch.

Lion at Amboseli National Park | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Enjoy an afternoon game drive in Amboseli National Park to see elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Later, visit a Maasai village to learn about the local culture.

Elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro behind them at Amboseli National Park | Shutterstock

Evening

Stargaze or attend cultural performances at the lodge while camping in Amboseli National Park, where you can view the Milky Way galaxy.

Milky Way at Amboseli National Park | Shutterstock

Day 4: Amboseli National Park

Morning

Start your day with an early morning game drive to witness the sunrise views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Afterwards, head to Observation Hill for panoramic views of the park and return to the lodge for breakfast.

Amboseli National Park | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Relax at the lodge or take a nature walk; the place has several hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints and waterfalls. Later, have lunch and go on an afternoon game drive.

Rhino standing with the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro | Shutterstock

Evening

Take a stroll and spend quality time alone before leaving Amboseli ruminating on your experience. Later, have dinner at the lodge and then stay overnight in Amboseli.

Giraffe at Mount Kilimanjaro | Shutterstock

Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park

Morning

Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, which is approximately a 6-hour drive. Check in to your lodge or camp and go for a fulfilling breakfast. There are places like Java House and Merica Hotel you can check out.

Flamingos at Lake Nakuru National Park | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Take an afternoon game drive around Lake Nakuru to spot rhinos, flamingos, and other wildlife. Later, visit Baboon Cliff for panoramic views of the lake.

Rhino at the park | Shutterstock

Evening

For your leisure, you can relax at the lodge or take a nature walk if available. You can also check out the secluded Nderit Gate in Lake Nakuru, on the western side of the premises. Spend the night at Lake Nakuru.

Blue-eared Starling in Lake Nakuru National Park | Shutterstock

Day 6: Maasai Mara

Morning

Drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve, which is approximately a 5-hour drive. Check in at your lodge or camp and have lunch there. You can check out places like the Isokon Restaurant or The Gazelle Coffee House.

Maasai Mara National Reserve | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Enjoy an exciting afternoon game drive in the Maasai Mara. Experience the traditional way of life of the Maasai people with a visit to a local village. Return to the lodge for dinner.

A traditional dance of the Maasai people | Shutterstock

Evening

Towards the evening, you can experience a Maasai Mara overnight stay and enjoy cultural performances and bonfires at the lodge, or go for a hot air balloon safari.

Masai Mara | Shutterstock

Day 7: Maasai Mara

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge. Late, head on to experience the Mara like explorers of old, without the hum of a safari vehicle. Gallop past zebras, giraffes, and the Great Migration.

The Great Migration at Masai Mara | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Indulge in an elaborate lunch at the lunch and go on a trail of "Out of Africa" (1985) as you trail across the exact locations of the film.

Hot air balloon at Masai Mara | Shutterstock

Evening

Enjoy a farewell dinner at the lodge, followed by a leisurely stroll to reminisce and prepare for the next day's trip. Stay overnight in Maasai Mara before departure.

Silhouette of a African elephant, Masai Mara | Shutterstock

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