10 days in Kenya — 5 travel itineraries

Offering an exhilarating blend of wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, outdoor adventuring, and visits to iconic natural attractions (hello, Mount Kilimanjaro!), tours of Kenya are nothing but varied and undeniably memorable. But with so much to see and do, planning your trip can take some work, which is where this run-down of 10 day itineraries in Kenya will come in handy. Read on to find out about five unforgettable itineraries that’ll help you make the most of your trip.

Is 10 days enough for Kenya?

While 10 days can provide a fantastic overview of Kenya's highlights, whether it's "enough" depends on your personal preferences and what you hope to see and do during your trip.

On balance, though, for many travellers, 10 days is enough time to explore some of Kenya's key destinations, such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Tsavo National Park. With careful planning, you can enjoy multiple days of wildlife safaris and cultural experiences, along with visits to iconic natural landmarks (hello again, Mount Kilimanjaro!)

That said, Kenya is a diverse country, with plenty to see and do after your safaris. For example, depending on your personal interests, you might also want to include Aberdare Mountains, Samburu National Reserve and Lake Naivasha, not least if you’re into bird-watching and hiking. 

Love beautiful beaches? You’ll also want to factor in spending time in coastal areas like Diani Beach.

It goes without saying that longer trips allow for a more relaxed pace of travel, giving you more time to savour each destination. So, while a 10 day itinerary in Kenya might be long enough to see everything on your wish-list, it’s also worth weighing up the benefits of not trying to pack too much in.

Want to make your planning experience easier? Read on for a run-down of five top 10-day itineraries in Kenya, and check out customisable Kenya itineraries.

You could also contact our local experts to forgo the hassle of planning and booking,

Itinerary #1: Bush to beach safari

True to its name, this 10-day itinerary in Kenya takes you from the bush of vast national parks such as Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara and Tsavo National Park, to beautiful Diani Beach.

On day one of this diversely rewarding trip, you’ll depart your base hotel in Nairobi for a stay in the world-celebrated Treetops Lodge. Built at the head of an ancient elephant migration trail, its observation deck overlooks a watering hole visited by elephants, rhinos, buffalos, and much more. How’s that for a special start to your trip? 

Day two will see you journey to the Great Rift Valley to visit Lake Nakuru National Park, where you might get to see black and white rhinos, baboons, leopards and lions on a game drive.

Come day three, the magic of the Maasai Mara awaits. On arrival, you’ll experience an afternoon and sunset game drive to see big cats, elephants, giraffes and more. 

Day four will see you rise early to experience a legendary Maasai Mara sunrise and champagne breakfast before heading out for a full-day safari.

For extra adventure, you could add a hot air balloon safari to your trip plans, or relax in your lodge for a few hours before heading back out when the temperatures have cooled. 

On day five, you’ll transfer from the Maasai Mara to Amboseli National Park. Come lunchtime, you’ll be served fine local food with fine views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and have time to see its famed elephant herds.

Rise early on day six to see another breath-taking sunrise before heading to Tsavo East National Park.

Day seven will see the safari segment of your adventure come to an end as you transfer to Diani Beach area for the remainder of your trip. 

Expect day eight, day nine and day ten of your bush-to-beach adventure to be filled with swimming in blissfully warm waters, enjoying water sports, and taking local cultural tours. Book this trip.

Itinerary overview

Read on for an overview of this 10 day Kenya itinerary.

Day 1

• Arrive in Nairobi, transfer to Treetops Lodge.
• Overnight in Treetops Lodge.

Day 2

• Travel to Lake Nakuru National Park and enjoy a game drive.
• Overnight in a hotel near the park.

Day 3

• Transfer to the Maasai Mara and enjoy an afternoon and sunset game drive.
• Overnight in Ol-Maran camp.

Day 4

• Sunrise champagne breakfast followed by a full-day safari in the Maasai Mara, with optional hot air balloon safari.
• Overnight in Ol-Maran camp.

Day 5

• Transfer to Amboseli National Park.
• Overnight in Kimana Camp Amboseli.

Day 6

• Explore Tsavo East National Park.
• Overnight in Kimana Camp Amboseli.

Day 7

• Transfer to Diani Beach.
• Overnight in Diani Beach.

Day 8

• Relax and take tours around Diani Beach.
• Overnight in Diani Beach.

Day 9

• Relax and take tours around Diani Beach.
• Overnight in Diani Beach.

Day 10 

• Relax around Diani Beach before heading to the airport.

Ready to see Kenya? Book this trip today.

Itinerary #2: Classic Kenya Explorer

This Classic Kenya Explorer itinerary takes in a rich mix of culture and wildlife, with a spot of beach time breaking things up in the middle.

You’ll spend day one and day two of your trip in Nairobi, where visiting the Nairobi National Museum and the Karen Blixen Museum are among the best things to do.

On day three, transfer to Amboseli National Park, where you’ll spend the rest of the day and day four on game drives delivering epic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

On day five on your adventure, you’ll move to Tsavo West National Park for more thrilling game drives. On day six, expect to see the park’s incredible landscapes — out-of-this-world lava flows and Mzima Springs — alongside more unforgettable wildlife.

After all that adventure, the bliss of Diani Beach awaits on day seven and day eight. Take the opportunity to relax in the pool or sea before heading to Masai Mara National Reserve for the last leg of this trip.

On day nine, enjoy a couple of game drives, and visit a Maasai village on day ten — what a way to wind up your trip. Book this trip. 

Itinerary overview

Read on for an overview of this 10 day Kenya itinerary.

Day 1

• Arrive in Nairobi, explore the city. 
• Overnight in Nairobi.

Day 2

• Visit Nairobi’s museums.
• Overnight in Nairobi.

Day 3

• Transfer to Amboseli National Park.
• Overnight near Amboseli National Park.

Day 4

• Game drives in Amboseli National Park.
• Overnight near Amboseli National Park.

Day 5

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

Day 6

• Game drives in Tsavo West National Park.
• Overnight near Tsavo West National Park.

Day 7

• Transfer to Diani Beach.
• Overnight in a Diani Beach hotel/resort.

Day 8

• Relax in Diani Beach.
• Overnight in a Diani Beach hotel/resort.

Day 9

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

Day 10

• Maasai Mara National Reserve game drives/village visit.
• Overnight near the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

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.

Itinerary #3: Best of Kenya and Tanzania

Doing exactly what it says on the tin, this best of Kenya and Tanzania itinerary takes in the wonders of the Maasai Mara, and the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Areas across Kenya and Tanzania. 

The experience begins with spending day one and your first night in Nairobi. Come day two, transfer south to the Maasai Mara. After stopping en route to soak up views of the Great Rift Valley, you’ll arrive in time for lunch in the park and your first game drive.

On day three, more game drive adventures await. You’ll rise at dawn before heading into the park on a safari jeep, or enjoying a hot air balloon safari. 

Day four will see you move to Lake Victoria in and overnight in Speke Bay Lodge, which is stunningly sited on the south-eastern shore of the lake in Tanzania.

The Serengeti awaits on day five, when you’ll game drive through the western zone of the National Park and overnight in the Central Serengeti — an area that’s known for its big cat population.

Day six will see you experience a sunrise safari followed by an exploration of the Ndutu region and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This will see you visit the shores of Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, where wildebeests await.

The next stage of your trip will see you travel to the Ngorongoro Crater on day seven. Often hailed the eighth wonder of the world, this area is one of the world’s most desirable safari locations, with the Big Five calling it home.

Culture and adventure awaits on day eight, when you’ll travel south to the Kilimanjaro foothills and stay in the Maasai-run Africa Amini Lodge — the perfect place to learn about Maasai culture.

Day nine heralds the start of your trip back to Kenya, and elephant adventures in Amboseli National Park. On your afternoon game drive you’ll most likely also get to see wildebeest, zebras, lions and hyenas ­— and more.

Day ten will see you rise early to see Kilimanjaro at dawn before enjoying one last game drive and returning to Nairobi. Book this trip.

Itinerary overview

Read on for an overview of this 10 day Kenya itinerary.

Day 1

• Arrive and overnight in Nairobi.

Day 2

• Transfer to the Maasai Mara.
• Overnight in Mara Leisure Camp.

Day 3

• Maasai Mara game drives.
• Overnight in Mara Leisure Camp.

Day 4

• Transfer to Lake Victoria.
• Overnight in Speke Bay Lodge, Tanzania.

Day 5

• Explore the western Serengeti.
• Overnight in the Central Serengeti.

Day 6

• Sunrise safari and exploring to the Ndutu region and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• Overnight in Kati Kati Tented Camp in the south of Serengeti.

Day 7

• Explore the Ngorongoro Crater.
• Overnight in Country Lodge, Northern Tanzania

Day 8

• Transfer south to the Kilimanjaro foothills.
• Overnight in Africa Amini Lodge.

Day 9

• Explore Amboseli National Park.
• Overnight in Kibo Safari Camp.

Day 10

• Rise early to experience one more game drive before returning to Nairobi.

Why waste hours planning? Book this trip today. 

Itinerary #4: Off-the-beaten-path Kenya

If you’re looking to see Kenya through a different lens, this off-the-beaten-track trip has your name all over it, not least if you’re into bird-watching and cultural experiences.

For example, day one could see you take a street art tour of Nairobi to see beyond the usual tourist attractions before transferring to Meru National Park on day two. 

Set against a backdrop of rolling hills, lush forests, and winding rivers, this is something of a hidden gem among Kenya’s national parks. As such, it offers a more intimate experience. On arrival, take time to see some of the site’s 400+ species of bird, and to visit Adamson’s Falls. 

On day three, enjoy more game drive adventures, or experience local culture. Communities around Meru National Park — including the Meru and Kikuyu tribes — offer cultural tours that offer insights into local traditions and ways of life.

Come day four, head to Aberdare National Park. Alongside enjoying a game drive on day five, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a night-time nature and wildlife tour.

Next, Lake Bogoria’s geysers and hot springs await on day six. Nestled in the heart of Kenya's Rift Valley, this is a spectacular destination for adventurers who want to soak up the raw beauty of nature. 

Renowned for its geothermal activity, the lake hosts over 200 hot springs and geysers, and it also known for its vibrant flamingo population.

You'll spend day seven and day eight in Kakamega Forest. Located in western Kenya, this lush, equatorial jungle offers a unique ecological experience — it’s distinctly different from the savannahs and arid landscapes commonly associated with the country. 

With 300+ bird species, Kakamega Forest is a birdwatcher's dream, and a haven for primates. Get lucky, and you might also catch a rare sighting of a bush pig, giant forest hedgehog, and tree pangolin.

In addition, Kakamega offers a network of trails you can explore at your own pace. Highlights include the Isiukhu Falls and Lirhanda Hill.

On day nine, travel to Kisumu to see the wonder of the Dunga Boardwalk. This hidden gem offers a serene escape from which you can witness the rich biodiversity of Lake Victoria's shores. 

Another haven for birdwatchers, the Dunga Wetland, adjacent to the boardwalk, is a conservation effort that showcases the importance of preserving natural habitats. 

Finally, transfer back to Nairobi on day ten before flying home. Book this trip. 

Itinerary overview

Read on for an overview of this 10 day Kenya itinerary.

Day 1

• Take a street art tour in Nairobi.
• Overnight in Nairobi.

Day 2

• Transfer to Meru National Park and visit Adamson's Falls.
• Overnight near Meru National Park.

Day 3

• Go on a game drive in Meru National Park.
• Overnight near Meru National Park.

Day 4

• Transfer to Aberdare National Park and take night-time nature tour.
• Overnight in Treetops Lodge.

Day 5

• Go on game drives in Aberdare National Park.
• Overnight in Treetops Lodge.

Day 6

• Transfer to Lake Bogoria to visit the geysers and hot springs.
• Overnight near Lake Bogoria.

Day 7

• Transfer to Kakamega Forest to enjoy nature walks and bird-watching.
• Overnight near Kakamega Forest.

Day 8

• Explore Kakamega Forest.
• Overnight near Kakamega Forest.

Day 9

• Explore Kisumu and the Dunga Boardwalk.
• Overnight near Kisumu.

Day 10

• Return to Nairobi for your flight home.

Itinerary #5: Ultimate Kenyan Safari

Ultimate in name and epic in nature, this suggested 10 day itinerary in Kenya offers a rewarding blend of safari adventure, mind-blowingly diverse landscapes, and unforgettable cultural experiences. 

On arriving in Nairobi, spend day one visiting the Nairobi Safari Walk. Located at the Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters, just a short drive from the city centre, this unique conservation-based recreational facility offers a glimpse of Kenya's vast wildlife diversity. 

Here an elevated boardwalk traverses different habitats — including savannah, wetlands, and forestry environments — affording opportunities to see rare animals, including the albino zebra, the bongo (an endangered forest antelope), white rhinos, and big cats.

On day two, journey to Tsavo East National Park to enjoy game drives in one of Kenya's largest and oldest parks. On day three, visit the segment of the Galana River that runs through the park. The river supports a rich ecosystem along its banks, providing water to elephants, lions, buffaloes, and a wide variety of other fauna and flora.

The wonders of Amboseli National Park await on day four and day five. Located in southern Kenya near the Tanzanian border, it offers spectacular safari experiences with breath-taking scenery dominated by Mount Kilimanjaro.

Highlights include seeing huge herds of elephants, plus opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas and 400+ species of bird.  Book this trip. 

Top tip: don’t miss Observation Hill for panoramic views of the park.

Come day six, take time to explore Tsavo West National Park, with its rhino sanctuary and lave flow landscapes.

Next, spend day seven at Lake Naivasha. Nestled in the Great Rift Valley, this freshwater lake is known for its remarkable variety of birdlife. The best way to experience it is to book a boat safari, during which you can spot hippos lounging in the water, and observe an array of birdlife, including African fish eagles, herons, and pelicans. 

We also recommend hiking Hell’s Gate National Park. Just a short drive from Lake Naivasha, it offers spectacular scenery of towering cliffs, gorges, and geothermal steam vents. 

From here, head to Lake Nakuru National Park to spend day eight. Famous for its flamingos, it’s home to 450+ species of bird, and an unmissable rhino sanctuary.

For the last leg of your trip, spend day nine and day ten in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where you can enjoy unforgettable game drives, explore the Mara River, and learn about Maasai culture.

Itinerary overview

Read on for an overview of this 10 day Kenya itinerary.

Day 1

• Arrive in Nairobi and visit Nairobi Safari Walk.
• Overnight in Nairobi.

Day 2

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

Day 3

• Visit the Galana River in Tsavo East National Park.
• Overnight near Tsavo East National Park.

Day 4

• Travel to Amboseli National Park.
• Overnight near Amboseli National Park.

Day 5

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

Day 6

• Visit Tsavo West National Park.
• Overnight near Tsavo West National Park.

Day 7

• Visit Lake Naivasha for a boat safari, bird-watching and hiking at Hell's Gate.
• Overnight near Lake Naivasha.

Day 8

• See flamingos and visit the rhino sanctuary in Lake Nakuru National Park.
• Overnight near Lake Nakuru National Park.

Day 9

• Explore Maasai Mara National Reserve.
• Overnight in the reserve.

Day 10

• Explore Maasai Mara National Reserve.
• Overnight in the reserve.

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