14 days in Kenya - 3 travel itineraries

updated 03.06.2024

Offering opportunities to enjoy exhilarating safaris and immersive cultural experiences, touring Kenya is hard to beat. But with so much to see and do, planning your perfect trip takes time to research. With that in mind, each 14 day itinerary in Kenya presented below will help you make the most of your time in this diverse land.

Is 14 days enough for Kenya?

While you could spend months in Kenya and still not experience everything, devoting fourteen days to the country can amount to an incredible trip. That’s especially so if you do your research, figure out what you most want to see and do, and plan wisely. 

With two weeks at your disposal, you can certainly plot an itinerary that takes in a rich array of destinations and experiences. 

These might include iconic national parks and natural wonders like the Maasai Mara and Mount Kilimanjaro, along with the bliss on beautiful beaches and cultural excursions. Don't forget — Kenya has plenty to see and do after your safaris.

Want to make your planning experience easier? Check out our selection of customizable Kenya itineraries, with options for 7-day and 10-day adventures, designed to suit every travel style.

Zebras in Nairobi National Park, Kenya © mbrand85/Shutterstock

Many 14 day itineraries in Kenya kick off in Nairobi © mbrand85/Shutterstock

Itinerary #1: Ultimate Kenyan Adventure

This Ultimate Kenyan Adventure itinerary will see you kick off said adventure when you arrive in Nairobi on day one. If you’re feeling energetic, check out some of the best things to do in Nairobi before leaving the city for Amboseli National Park on day two.

Located near the Tanzanian border, Amboseli offers spectacular safari experiences with breathtaking scenery dominated by Mount Kilimanjaro. Highlights here include seeing huge herds of elephants and 400+ species of birds.

We suggest taking a game drive on the late afternoon of your arrival, followed by a second drive on the morning of day three — the views of Mount Kilimanjaro at dawn are breathtaking.

From day four, you’ll explore Tsavo East and West National Parks for three days. On arrival at Tsavo East, be sure to visit the Galana River and Lugard Falls, and enjoy a game drive on day five

Next, spend day six in Tsavo West, where the wonders of Mzima Springs (home to hippos and crocodiles) and otherworldly volcanic landscapes await, alongside incredible wildlife-watching experiences. 

On that subject, Tsavo West is home to a large elephant population, a notable rhino sanctuary, and 600+ species of bird. In addition, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras are commonly sighted here. And – though they can be elusive — lions, leopards, and cheetahs also call this place home.

Planning a family trip to Kenya? Our tips for visiting Kenya with kids will help you navigate some important nuances and ensure a more carefree and enjoyable journey.

Zebra in Tsavo National Park - Kenya © ANTONIO JIMENO JIMENEZ/Shutterstock

Zebra in Tsavo National Park, Kenya © ANTONIO JIMENO JIMENEZ/Shutterstock

After all that exploring, you can look forward to some R&R on day seven, when you move to Diani Beach for three days. 

Alongside chilling on the sublime white sand, we suggest taking a day trip to the Shimba Hills Reserve. For example, head there on day eight to see beautiful, rare sable antelopes and an abundance of bush babies, along with elephants, leopards, and giraffes. 

Next on the agenda is spending day nine swimming and snorkeling at Diani Beach before moving to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park on day ten. Here you can spot dolphins and take a spectacular snorkeling trip.

The remainder of this 14 day itinerary in Kenya sees you back on dry land when you transfer to the Massai Mara National Reserve for three days of adventure and cultural immersion.

After arriving on day eleven, take a dusk game driveand do the same at dawn on day twelve. For an alternate perspective on an incredible landscape — and the wildlife it plays host to  — take to the skies on a hot air balloon safari.

Of course, this area isn’t only notable for its wildlife, and we suggest spending day thirteen on a cultural trip to a Maasai village.

Come day fourteen 14, it’s time to head back to Nairobi for your flight home. 

Diani Beach in Kenya © Shutterstock

Diani Beach, Kenya © Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Read on for an overview of this 14 day Kenya itinerary.

Day 1

  • Arrive in Nairobi.
  • Overnight in Nairobi.

Day 2

  • Transfer to Amboseli National Park for game drives against a Kilimanjaro backdrop.
  • Overnight near Amboseli National Park.

Day 3

  • Amboseli National Park.
  • Overnight near Amboseli National Park.

Day 4

  • Transfer to Tsavo East National Park 
  • Overnight near Tsavo East National Park.

Day 5

  • Explore Tsavo East National Park
  • Overnight near Tsavo East National Park.

Day 6

  • Explore Tsavo West National Park 
  • Overnight Tsavo West National Park.

Day 7

  • Transfer to Diani Beach.
  • Overnight near Diani Beach.

Day 8

  • Visit the Shimba Hills Reserve.
  • Overnight near Diani Beach, or stay in the Shimba Hills.

Day 9

  • Snorkel and relax on Diani Beach.
  • Overnight near Diani Beach.

Day 10

  • Transfer to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park.
  • Overnight near Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park.

Day 11

  • Transfer to the Massai Mara National Reserve.
  • Overnight near the Massai Mara National Reserve.

Day 12

  • Explore the Massai Mara National Reserve.
  • Overnight near the Massai Mara National Reserve.

Day 13

  • Explore the Massai Mara National Reserve.
  • Overnight near the Massai Mara National Reserve.

Day 14

  • Return to Nairobi for your flight home. 

Thinking of visiting for a week? Discover five 7-day itineraries in Kenya.

Hot air balloons flying at sunrise over the Maasai Mara National park in Kenya © Daniel F Ascanio/Shutterstock

Hot air balloons over the Maasai Mara, Kenya © Daniel F Ascanio/Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: Best Kenyan Highlights

From city safaris and conservation projects to epic lakes and iconic national parks, this trip packs an incredible punch as a diversely rewarding 14 day itinerary in Kenya.

After arriving in Nairobi, day one of your trip could see you heading to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, part of the Animal Orphanage in Nairobi National Park. Being an important center for rehabilitation, this will set you up well for the wildlife experiences that are to come.

On that subject, on day two you’ll move to Amboseli National Park for a couple of days of game drives overlooked by majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Especially known for its elephants, this is also a dream destination for bird lovers — consider booking a specialist guided birding trip on day three.

On day four, transfer to Tsavo East National Park and enjoy an afternoon game drive. We also suggest exploring around the Galana River on day five before you move to Tsavo West on day six.

Among Tsavo West’s many highlights are opportunities to see hippos and crocs in Mzima Springs, its rhino sanctuary, and 600+ species of bird.

You might want to devote the whole of day seven to a Tsavo West game drive to see huge numbers of buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras. Get lucky, and you might glimpse a lion, leopard, or cheetah.

Buffalo and flamingos at the Nakuru National Park, Kenya © GUDKOV ANDREY/Shutterstock

Buffalo and flamingos in Nakuru National Park, Kenya © GUDKOV ANDREY/Shutterstock

On day eight, the magic of Lake Nakuru National Park awaits. Located in the Great Rift Valley, it’s a great place to spot black and white rhinos, baboons, leopards, and lions. It’s also a prime flamingo territory.

For maximum immersion in this stunning place, book yourself more game-drive action here on day nine before moving to Lake Naivasha on day ten, where a guided boat safari will reveal a host of hippos and water birds.

While near Lake Naivasha, we also suggest visiting Crescent Island Sanctuary. Love hiking? Head to Hell’s Gate National Park. Just a short drive from Lake Naivasha, its towering cliffs, gorges, and geothermal steam vents are an adventurer’s dream.

Talking of adventure, the last leg of this 14-day itinerary in Kenya will see you immerse yourself in the Maasai Mara National Reserve for three days. Spend day eleven settling into your lodge before enjoying a dusk game drive.

On the morning of day twelve, you could opt to take a sunrise hot air balloon ride, followed by more game drive action — including seeing dramatic wildebeest crossings during the Great Migration, at the right time of year. More on that below.

That said, even outside the July-October migration period, the river is an incredible place to see crocodiles and hippos.

After visiting a Maasai village on day thirteen, you’ll head back to Nairobi for your flight home on day fourteen.

Maasai, Kenya © Thomas Brissiaud/Shutterstock

Maasai, Kenya © Thomas Brissiaud/Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Read on for an overview of this 14 day Kenya itinerary.

Day 1

  • Arrive in Nairobi; visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
  • Overnight in Nairobi.

Day 2

  • Transfer to Amboseli National Park for game drives against a Kilimanjaro backdrop.
  • Overnight near Amboseli National Park.

Day 3

  • Amboseli National Park.
  • Overnight near Amboseli National Park.

Day 4

  • Transfer to Tsavo East National Park 
  • Overnight near Tsavo East National Park.

Day 5

  • Explore Tsavo East National Park
  • Overnight near Tsavo East National Park.

Day 6

  • Explore Tsavo West National Park.
  • Overnight Tsavo West National Park.

Day 7

  • Explore Tsavo West National Park.
  • Overnight Tsavo West National Park.

Day 8

  • Lake Nakuru National Park.
  • Overnight near Lake Nakuru National Park.

Day 9 

  • Lake Nakuru National Park.
  • Overnight near Lake Nakuru National Park.

Day 10

  • Transfer to Lake Naivasha for a boat safari and visit Crescent Island.
  • Overnight near Lake Naivasha.

Day 11

  • Transfer to the Massai Mara National Reserve.
  • Overnight near the Massai Mara National Reserve.

Day 12

  • Explore the Massai Mara National Reserve.
  • Overnight near the Massai Mara National Reserve.

Day 13

  • Explore the Massai Mara National Reserve.
  • Overnight near the Massai Mara National Reserve.

Day 14

  • Return to Nairobi for your flight home. 

Can’t quite take a two-week trip? No problem – browse our suggested 10-day Kenya itineraries.

elephants-kilimanjaro-amboseli-park-tanzania-shutterstock_363076172

Elephants in Amboseli National Park © Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: The Great Migration Experience

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, witnessing the Great Migration may well sit near the top of your travel bucket list. To experience this incredible event in Kenya, you’ll need to focus your trip on the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

July and August usually see the first herds arrive here from the Serengeti. At this time, river crossings — especially over the Mara River — are common.

Although the exact timings vary, visiting the Maasai Mara in September and October usually still offers excellent opportunities to see large numbers of wildebeest and zebra.

As for how to plan your perfect Great Migration experience in Kenya, we suggest spending day one on a relaxed city tour of Nairobi before heading to Amboseli National Park on day two.

great-migration-wildbeest-mara-river-masai-mara-kenya-tanzania-shutterstock_399819553

The Great Migration of wildebeest on the Mara River, Kenya © Shutterstock

After enjoying an early game drive to see huge herds of elephant herds against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, take an evening flight to Maasai Mara on day three of your trip.

While this itinerary will see you move bases to experience the Great Migration to the max, the Maasai Mara will be your home for the next ten days of your trip.

On days four through seven, stay in a camp in the north-eastern part of the reserve, where you’ll be able to witness the initial river crossings. Alongside the mass movement of millions of wildebeest, you can also expect to see huge numbers of zebras and gazelles.

On day eight, move to a more central campsite for three nights in order to observe large herds, with predator interactions also on the cards. 

Once the migration is underway, the likes of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas are more visible and active as they seek to take advantage of the huge numbers of potential prey. This offers unapparelled opportunities to observe predator-prey interactions up close.

For days 11-13, relocate to the western border near the Mara River for more views of crossings, and to explore less-crowded areas of the reserve. 

Look out for enormous Nile crocodiles lying in wait for the migrating herds, adding further peril to the crossings.

This undeniable trip of a lifetime ends on day fourteen when you return to Nairobi for your flight home. 

Wildebeest jumping into Mara River. Great Migration. Kenya. Tanzania © Shutterstock

Wildebeest jumping into Mara River © Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Read on for an overview of this 14-day Kenya itinerary.

Day 1

  • Arrive in Nairobi.
  • Overnight in Nairobi.

Day 2

  • Transfer to Amboseli National Park for game drives against a Kilimanjaro backdrop.
  • Overnight near Amboseli National Park.

Day 3

  • Amboseli National Park.
  • Fly to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and camp in the north-eastern area.

Day 4

  • Explore the north-eastern area of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Day 5

  • Explore the north-eastern area of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Day 6

  • Explore the north-eastern area of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Day 7

  • Explore the north-eastern area of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Day 8

  • Transfer to a central campsite in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Day 9

  • Explore from a central campsite in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Day 10

  • Explore from a central campsite in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Day 11

  • Relocate to the western border near the Mara River.

Day 12

  • Explore from the western border near the Mara River.

Day 13

  • Explore from the western border near the Mara River.

Day 14

  • Return to Nairobi for your flight home. 
wildebeest-migration-tansania-shutterstock_1007823028

The Great Migration © Shutterstock

Keen to visit Kenya? Read up on some of the best things to do in Kenya, and browse our customizable Kenya itineraries.

With a local expert on hand to take care of all the details, they take the hassle out of planning, leaving you to focus on counting down to your trip of a lifetime

Joanne Owen

written by
Joanne Owen

updated 03.06.2024

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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