We have come up with a 2 weeks Kenya safari itinerary below which highlights Most of Kenya’s beloved national parks and game reserves. In those parks, you are guaranteed to have the best safari experience.
These itineraries have been customized based on my personal safari experiences as well as the feedback received from other travelers. This is deep research into the topic so that I can bring in the ultimate of what Kenya can offer.
Day 1: Nairobi
Welcome to Nairobi! The first day in Nairobi is for you to be acquainted with Nairobi just before embarking on your safari.
Nairobi is not only the capital city but it also has a lot to offer as it is the gateway to some of world’s best nature reserves. Majority of safari agencies are located in Kenya and you are most likely your will start in Nairobi with pickup from Airport.
Depending with your set time of arrival in Nairobi, you may opt to have some activities or just go directly to your hotel to relax.
There is a lot which Nairobi city has to offer, either during the day or even night and it will solely depend with you. You may choose to relax in your lodge as you wait for your next day 2 week Kenya Safari Tour.
Nairobi at Glance
Nairobi is the largest capital city in Kenya and is a vibrant with the only National Park in Kenya. There are many activities that can be done in Nairobi for a day or even if you would want to stay some more days.
If you are just landing from short flight and would like to spend your time exploring Nairobi, I have highlighted some of the key things which you can do or where you can visit in Nairobi.
Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara
On this second day, you will depart early in the Morning after breakfast for Masai Mara National Reserve, one of the best parks to visit in Kenya.
This is a 6 hours’ drive and you will pass through amazing views of Great Rift Valley. This is the best place to stretch your legs and have some memorable pics before you proceed with your journey.
The Great Rift Valley is one of the largest valleys in the world and is ever changing thanks to the ongoing tectonic shifts.
Most likely you will stop over at Narok Town for fueling and few minutes stretching up. Narok is just 3.5hrs away from Nairobi and the closes town to Masai Mara National Reserve. In case you had forgotten to buy something while in Nairobi then this is the best chance you may have to do it.
Thereafter proceed to your lodge or camp, arriving in Masai Mara for check in and late lunch before proceeding for the afternoon game drive.
It normally takes approximately 5-6 hours from Nairobi to Masai Mara’s Talek gate, one of the main entry gates for Masai Mara.I highly recommend that your safari from Nairobi should start early enough.
This will allow you to spend more time for the afternoon game drives and evade having to reach the park when the night falls.
Accommodation options at Masai Mara
The Talek gate is strategically located in Masai Mara and it is closer to most of safari lodges and tented camps. This makes it the best place to stay as the lodges are just few kilometers from the main gate.
Another great place that one can stay is closer to Ololaimutiek Village and is much more closer to South of Talek. If you really would like to splurge, then it would be much better if you can have accommodations that are inside the park.
These types of lodges are always ideal for your safaris because of their proximity to wildlife. In these lodges, especially the ones along river banks, you may even spot some wild animals coming to drink water.
With this option, you must have your park entry fees paid in advance since you will be passing by the main gate for your Kenya Safari Holiday.
Day 3-4: The Masai Mara National Reserve Stay.
In your next two days, you will enjoy your Kenya Safari Holiday while at Masai Mara National Reserve. During your stay here, you will understand as to why it is the Most visited park in Kenya for your Africa Safari Holidays.
While in Masai Mara, the best time to start your safari is early in the morning when the animals are still very active. This ensures that you meet them at the right point in time.
Normally the reserve gate opens at 6 am and because of this, I recommend that you set up your alarm to wake you up at 5 am depending on your accommodation location from the gate.
You can plan for a packed lunch prior to your safari and have early morning breakfast as well. This will allow you to go and have a full day safari until when gate closes at 6pm
This will go along way in ensuring that you maximize your safari experience therefore increasing your chances of sightseeing in the park.
Although this would mean that most of your time would be spend in the safari jeep, I can attest to the fact that it is worth it. I once saw lion right Infront of me taking down wildebeest just before sunset. This was one of the best experience and unforgettable one and I still cherish that moment. So, what if I had left the park earlier?
Masai Mara park entry fees is always payable every time one enters the gate and if you could have gone back for lunch, it means that you could have paid for park fees twice.
After the full day game drive, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Most lodges offers amazing meals and I can attest to the fact that this experience is truly unforgettable for your Kenya safari holidays.
Tips for Visiting Masai Mara
Anyone who has gone for safari to Masai Mara can attest to the fact that one gets unforgettable experience there. If it is your first safari trip to Kenya, then you might be overwhelmed with the number of animals just within your sight. I’ve seen travelers cry seeing large herds of elephants. It is an experience not worthy to be told but to be felt.
Whereas this experience is quite special, there are few tips I can give from my experience that can even make your Kenya safari holiday more special.
The first thing you need to understand is the type of clothing that you may require to park for your Kenya Safari holiday.
The savanna grassland might be quite chilly in the morning then weather becomes hotter in the afternoons. You can opt to pack light layers of clothing so that you can always adjust with temperature change.
Nevertheless, do not forget to carry a sweatshirt or a jacket with you. This is because by the time you are leaving your lodge, it might not be cold but once you go in search of animals, then it becomes chilly.
Another thing also to not is the clothing colors that you may need to pack for your safari. Neutral-colored option is mostly recommended as it not only reflects the sun light but also deters mosquito bites.
I also suggest that you should not forget to carry a mosquito repellant before going for any afternoon or evening game drive.
Day 5:Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha(Approx. 5hrs)
Today’s safari would take you approximately 6 hours and you will be driven through variety of roads from all weather to marram.
An early wake up will ensure that you get to Naivasha just in time for lunch and afternoon relaxation. This will also go in handy to ensure that you arrive before the night falls.
Once you arrive at your lodge, check in and thereafter have lunch before proceeding with the planned afternoon activities. There are many activities that can be undertaken in Naivasha including boat riding, a visit to crescent island, for walking safari experience whereby you can see wide variety of wild animals including wildebeest, gazelles and giraffes.
Accommodation Options in Lake Naivasha
There are many places in Naivasha that you can have a relaxing stay after your Masai Mara safari. This will Soley depend on your budget, whether you would wish to stay just by the lake or not.
I would suggest that you book hotel that is just by the lake side so that you can admire lake view and even capture birds as they are chirping close by.
Day 6:Lake Nakuru National Park
From lake Naivasha, proceed to Lake Nakuru for another Kenya safari holiday awaiting.
Lake Naivasha and Nakuru are not far apart but they offer amazing experiences.
Itinerary
Today, wake up early enough and have breakfast before checking out for another safari to Lake Nakuru.
Arrive in Nakuru just in time for another game drive.After your first game drive, proceed for afternoon lunch and thereafter activities of your choice.
Alternatively, proceed for another late afternoon game drive to have some more sightings.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru National Park is home to over 450 bird species, 83 mammal species which includes the big five.
This therefore make Lake Nakuru the best option to visit and have wildlife diversity at thesame time.
While it is famous for other species, Lake Nakuru National Park is well known for its flamingoes which makes the Lake to look pink.
Accommodation Options in Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru offers wide range of accommodation options which suits every budgets, whether it is a simple cottage or a luxurius lodge inside the park.
Majority of lodges found in Lake Nakuru are located along the highway, or you can opt to even stay within the town, which have great accommodation options as well.
If you enjoy nightlife, then you will never go wrong while at Nakuru.
There are many lounges along the highway that you can have relaxing evening as you unwind you Lake Nakuru safari.
Some of the best and safe places you can relax for nightlife in Nakuru includes 7D Lounge,Space next door or Ole Ken lounges.
Please note to be careful and be in company of local or your guide while enjoying Nightlife.
Some of the most reknown accommodation options includes The Cliff,Lake Nakuru Lodge,Flamingo Hill Resort,Lake Nakuru Sopa, Mid land hotel and Merica Hotels.
Day 7:Ol Pejeta Conservancy(4hrs drive)
Today, you will wake up early enough for the next adventure awaiting to Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of the projects that showcase success of conservancy and also one of the best gateway for Kenya Safari holiday.
At glance, Ol Pejeta offers great view of Mount Kenya from distance, has wide variety of wildlife and also lodges.
Today’s Itinerary
After driving from Lake Nakuru to Ol Pejeta, which takes approximately 4 hours,arrive at your lodge just in time for check in and late lunch.
Thereafter, proceed for your next next Kenya safari game drive.
During this safari, just make sure that your camera is always on as you will have a lot to capture, especially the rare species of white rhinos.
During your stay, you also have option of visiting the equator, which is not far from Ol Pejeta.
Here you will see the touching Rhino memorial, which was build in memory of all the rhinoes which have been poached.
Alternatively, proceed for horse riding trip.
About Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta conservancy is one of the largest conservancies in East Africa and is also known for the northern white rhinos, with which the only 2 species in the world are remaining.
Besides, it is also the only place in Kenya where you can have chimpanzee sightings.
Even though the chimps are not endemic in Kenya, the conservancy have been in position of offering home to the opharned Chimpanzees since 1900s during the war in Burundi and were rescued.
Accommodation Options at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta conservancy boast of having over 9 accommodation options, homestays and also lodges.
So, while at Ol Pejeta, you need not to worry about your budget for accommodation.
One unique factor about Ol Pejeta conservancy is that it is less crowded than the rest of park in Kenya.
Indeed this makes Ol Pejeta Conservancy a special destination worth visiting.
Day 8:Ol Pejeta to Amboseli National park
Today, get ready for another exciting Kenya safari.It will take approximately 8 hours from Ol Pejeta to Amboseli.
Safari Itinerary
Wake up early enough for for today’s safari.It will take you 8-10 hours to get to Amboseli and therefore there will be alot of driving.
On your way to Amboseli, you will drive through Nairobi. I reccomend that you have stop over at Nairobi before proceeding with the rest of your journey.
Once you arrive at Amboseli, you will most likely get there just in time for dinner and then proceed to bed.
Accommodation Options in Amboseli
There are several places to stay while at Amboseli National Park.Generally, i would reccomend that you stay within the park during your Kenya safari holiday.
This would certainly reduce distance that you may need to keep up with between park and lodge if you would stay outside park.
However, going by this option would mean that you have higher price to pay.
Alternatively, you may opt for lodges that are just by the Amboseli main gates.
Day 9:Amboseli Full Day
After having full drive from Ol Pejeta, i believe now will be ideal time to enjoy full game drives and what Amboseli has to offer.
At glance, one of what Amboseli has to offer is the famous tusker elephants that have tusks weighing more than 50kgs.
Amboseli and Tsavo are close parks and both are known for the past large tuskers in the world.
Today’s Safari itinerary
For today, get ready for a full game drives at Amboseli National Park.
The gate at Amboseli National Park normally opens at 6am so ensure that you are up and ready for exciting safari early enough.
Early morning safari is always great as it is the time when you can best capture the elephant as they head to swamp to drink water.It is also the best time to capture predators hunting.
Later in the afternoon, proceed to the observation hill where you will have clear view of Mount Kilimanjaro from a distance.
You can enjoy the afternoon lunch while having panaromic view of Mount Kilimanjaro at the background.
Afterwards, proceed for the afternoon game drive.
Just as we did at the Masai Mara, try to be at the park for more time as possible in order to increasing your chances of spotting animals.
Amboseli National park at Glance
The Amboseli National park is quote smaller in size as compared to Masai Mara, but has a lot more to offer with its size.
Amboseli is known for its largest elephants that you can find anywhere else in the world.
The term ‘Amboseli’ is a well coined word from Masai word ‘Empusel‘ which has a literal meaning of dry and dusty place.
Amboseli National Park can fully be explored within 24 hours.
How to Book 2 Weeks Kenya Safari Tour
At first, planning for a Kenya safari holiday may seem like an uphill task to achieve. This is mainly from the many tour operators that exists, safari distances that are to be covered and the many Kenya safari holiday destinations to choose from.
Its truly understandable being overwhelmed and confused when planning you Kenya safari holiday, especially during the initial stages.
But don’t worry though! We are here to help with everything!!
The first step in choosing a safari is choosing between two main options, that is self-drive safari or a guide’s safari whereby everything else is arranged for you by a tour expert.
In case you opt to go for a safari, you have option of going with local tour operator, international or you can book directly with your accommodation of choice.
Well, lets go into all the pro’s and cons of each of the options mentioned above.
Besides, you can also choose either having a private or group joining safari. Unless you truly are in tight budget, the best option to choose for a safari is private one.
This allows you to have a more flexible schedule and also means that you wont be jostling with other strangers just for a photo angle.