15 Day Kenya Adventure & Relaxation Safari
This 15 day Kenya itinerary offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, with carefully curated activities ensuring an immersive experience in both Kenya’s wildlife parks and coastal paradise. Let me know if you’d like further refinements or additional experiences!
15 Days Kenya Adventure & Relaxation Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel. On the way, get a brief introduction to Kenya’s vibrant capital, a city that beautifully blends modernity with African heritage. Once at your hotel, check-in and relax, enjoying the lush gardens, pool, or spa after your flight. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant, famous for its exotic grilled meats and lively ambiance. Alternatively, opt for an elegant dining experience at the Tamarind Nairobi, known for its exquisite seafood and fine wines. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing on the safari ahead, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the adventure of a lifetime. Overnight at Hemingways Nairobi (Luxury), Eka Hotel (Mid-range), or The Boma Hotel (Budget).
Day 2: Nairobi Excursions – DSWT, Giraffe Center & Karen Blixen Museum
Begin the day with a visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), where you’ll meet orphaned elephant calves rescued from the wild. Watch as they play in the mud, drink their morning formula, and interact with their caretakers, who act as their surrogate mothers. This heartwarming experience offers insights into conservation efforts to protect Kenya’s elephants. Next, proceed to the Giraffe Center, home to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Here, you can feed these gentle giants from a raised platform and even get a cheeky giraffe kiss!
Afterward, head to Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the famous Danish author of Out of Africa. Tour the beautifully preserved farmhouse and gardens, learning about her fascinating life in colonial Kenya. Enjoy lunch at Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, a charming spot offering delightful African and international cuisine in a lush garden setting. Spend the afternoon exploring local art at the Kazuri Beads Factory, where women artisans craft exquisite handmade jewelry and pottery. Return to your hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening. Overnight at Hemingways Nairobi (Luxury), The Emakoko (Mid-range), or The Heron Portico (Budget).
Day 3: Nairobi to Maasai Mara – The Ultimate Safari Begins
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations. The journey takes about 5-6 hours, passing through the breathtaking Great Rift Valley, where you’ll stop at a viewpoint to admire the sweeping landscapes. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, followed by a short rest.
In the late afternoon, set out on your first game drive, traversing the vast savannah in search of the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. The Mara’s diverse ecosystem supports an incredible variety of wildlife, including cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and hyenas. As the sun begins to set, witness the golden hues cast over the plains, creating the perfect photo opportunity. Return to the lodge for an exquisite dinner under the stars. Overnight at Mara Serena Safari Lodge (Luxury), Ashnil Mara Camp (Mid-range), or Enkorok Mara Camp (Budget).
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in the Maasai Mara
Rise early for a thrilling full-day game drive in the Maasai Mara. With a packed picnic lunch, venture deep into the reserve, following the winding tracks along the Mara and Talek rivers. Keep an eye out for crocodiles and hippos basking along the riverbanks. If visiting between July and October, witness the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeests and zebras cross the crocodile-infested Mara River—a spectacle like no other.
Your guide will take you to prime wildlife viewing spots, increasing your chances of seeing a predator in action. Enjoy your picnic lunch under the shade of an acacia tree, listening to the sounds of nature. In the afternoon, continue your game drive, capturing the essence of Maasai Mara’s untamed beauty. As evening falls, return to camp for a traditional Maasai dance performance around a bonfire, learning about the rich Maasai culture. Overnight at Mara Serena Safari Lodge (Luxury), Mara Sopa Lodge (Mid-range), or Rhino Tourist Camp (Budget).
Day 5: Maasai Mara – Balloon Safari & Cultural Visit
Start the day with an optional hot air balloon safari, floating above the endless plains as the sun rises over the Mara. The aerial perspective offers breathtaking views of the wildlife below—elephants roaming, lions on the prowl, and gazelles sprinting across the golden grasses. Upon landing, enjoy a champagne bush breakfast in the heart of the wilderness.
Later, visit a Maasai village to interact with the semi-nomadic Maasai people, renowned for their colorful attire and warrior traditions. Learn about their herding lifestyle, traditional homes (Manyattas), and the significance of their customs. The afternoon is free for a leisurely nature walk with an armed ranger or a final game drive. End the day with a sundowner, toasting to unforgettable memories. Overnight at Mara Serena Safari Lodge (Luxury), Zebra Plains Mara Camp (Mid-range), or Ol Moran Tented Camp (Budget).
Day 6: Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru – Birdwatching & Rhino Conservation
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingo-lined shores and thriving rhino population. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge before setting off on an afternoon game drive. Spot white and black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, and the elusive leopard.
The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 450 bird species, including pelicans, storks, and eagles. As dusk falls, return to your lodge for dinner overlooking the shimmering lake. Overnight at The Cliff (Luxury), Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (Mid-range), or Lake Nakuru Lodge (Budget).
Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Lake Naivasha Boat Ride
Begin with a morning game drive, capturing the stunning sunrise over Lake Nakuru’s acacia woodlands. After breakfast, drive to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake famed for its hippos and birdlife. Enjoy a scenic boat ride, where you’ll spot African fish eagles swooping down for fish, grazing antelopes, and sunbathing hippos. Have lunch at Elsamere Lodge, the former home of conservationist Joy Adamson, author of Born Free.
By mid-afternoon, depart for Nairobi, arriving in the evening. Check in at your hotel and unwind. Overnight at Villa Rosa Kempinski (Luxury), Four Points by Sheraton (Mid-range), or Sarova Stanley (Budget).
Day 8: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park – The Land of Giants
An early breakfast sets the stage for an exciting drive to Amboseli National Park, arriving just in time for a delicious lunch at your lodge. Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant herds that roam against the iconic backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Set out on an afternoon game drive, where you’ll capture breathtaking photos of elephants, cheetahs, buffalo, and zebras silhouetted against Africa’s highest mountain. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening by the campfire. Overnight at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge (Luxury), Sentrim Amboseli (Mid-range), or AA Lodge Amboseli (Budget).
Day 9: Full-Day in Amboseli – Game Drives & Observation Hill
Wake up to the magnificent sight of Mount Kilimanjaro at sunrise, often at its clearest during the early morning hours. Enjoy a full-day safari, exploring Amboseli’s varied landscapes, from swamps teeming with birdlife to the dry, dusty plains where cheetahs stalk their prey. Visit Observation Hill, a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the park. After an eventful day, return for dinner under the stars. Overnight at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge (Luxury), Kibo Safari Camp (Mid-range), or Kimana Camp (Budget).
Day 10: Amboseli to Tsavo West – Into the Wild
After an early breakfast, depart Amboseli and embark on a scenic drive to Tsavo West National Park, one of Kenya’s largest and most diverse parks. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours, offering stunning views of the rolling plains and volcanic landscapes along the way. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and a short rest before setting out on an afternoon game drive.
Tsavo West is famous for its rugged terrain, lava flows, and Mzima Springs, a crystal-clear oasis where hippos and crocodiles thrive. Visit the Shetani Lava Flows, a dramatic black volcanic rock formation created centuries ago. Keep an eye out for the red elephants of Tsavo, named for their habit of dust-bathing in the park’s red soil. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for a bush dinner under the starlit sky, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. Overnight at Finch Hattons Luxury Camp (Luxury), Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge (Mid-range), or Ngulia Safari Lodge (Budget).
Day 11: Full-Day Game Drive in Tsavo West
Wake up to the sounds of nature and head out for a full-day game drive, exploring the diverse landscapes of Tsavo West. Start your morning at Mzima Springs, where a submerged glass observatory allows you to watch hippos and fish swim below the surface. The springs provide a vital water source for many animals, attracting elephants, zebras, and numerous bird species.
After a picnic lunch in the wilderness, continue your drive toward Rhino Valley, where the elusive black rhino roams freely. Your guide will also take you to Poacher’s Lookout, a vantage point with breathtaking panoramic views of the vast savannah. The day ends with a sundowner by the riverbanks, watching the golden hues of the setting sun over the Tsavo wilderness. Return to camp for a hearty dinner, sharing stories around the fire. Overnight at Finch Hattons Luxury Camp (Luxury), Severin Safari Camp (Mid-range), or Ngulia Safari Lodge (Budget).
Day 12: Tsavo West to Mombasa – Welcome to the Coast
After breakfast, bid farewell to the wilderness as you embark on a scenic drive to the Kenyan coast. The journey takes about 4-5 hours, passing through Tsavo East’s vast open plains before reaching Mombasa. Upon arrival, take a short city tour, visiting Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese fortress that tells the story of Mombasa’s rich history. Stroll through Old Town, where narrow streets and Arabic-influenced architecture transport you back in time.
Enjoy a delightful Swahili seafood lunch at a beachfront restaurant before continuing to Diani Beach, a tropical paradise known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Check in at your beach resort and spend the evening relaxing by the ocean, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Overnight at The Sands at Nomad (Luxury), Leopard Beach Resort (Mid-range), or Bahari Dhow Beach Villas (Budget).
Day 13: Diani Beach – Water Adventures & Relaxation
Wake up to the gentle sound of waves and enjoy a delicious beachfront breakfast. Today is all about ocean adventures, and you can choose from an array of activities. Go for a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion at the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, where vibrant coral reefs host colorful fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. Alternatively, take a dhow cruise to Wasini Island, enjoying Swahili seafood cuisine as you sail through the crystal-clear waters.
For thrill-seekers, kite surfing, jet skiing, and deep-sea fishing are available. If you prefer a relaxed day, simply sunbathe on the powdery white sands, sip on a refreshing coconut drink, or indulge in a spa treatment overlooking the ocean. End the day with a romantic beachfront dinner, with fresh seafood grilled to perfection. Overnight at The Sands at Nomad (Luxury), Pinewood Beach Resort (Mid-range), or Bahari Dhow Beach Villas (Budget).
Day 14: Diani Beach – Dolphin Watching & Sunset Cruise
Start your morning with a dolphin-watching tour in Shimoni, where you may spot bottlenose and humpback dolphins playing in the warm Indian Ocean waters. If lucky, you can even swim alongside them in a responsible eco-friendly interaction. Afterward, return to the resort for a leisurely lunch and an afternoon of beach relaxation or optional water sports.
As the day winds down, set sail on a sunset dhow cruise along the coast, sipping on cocktails while listening to live Swahili music. The sky turns into a masterpiece of orange and pink, creating a magical atmosphere. This is the perfect way to end your Kenyan safari and beach adventure. Overnight at The Sands at Nomad (Luxury), Swahili Beach Resort (Mid-range), or Diani Backpackers (Budget).
Day 15: Departure – Farewell to Kenya
Enjoy your final morning in paradise with a leisurely breakfast by the beach. Depending on your flight schedule, take one last dip in the ocean or go for a camel ride along the shore. Check out and transfer to Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa for your return flight home, carrying memories of an unforgettable journey through Kenya’s wild plains and pristine beaches.
