3-Week Kenya Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Kenya tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineKenya travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day Kenya Safari Itinerary, incl. Masai Mara and Diani Beach

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Nairobi

    Stay two nights in Nairobi's Westlands area to adjust and settle in. Visit the Giraffe Center or Sheldrick Wildlife Trust on your first afternoon to get your first glimpse of Kenya's wildlife.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Aberdares & Samburu

    Head to Aberdares National Park and stay at Ark Lodge. Watch the floodlit waterhole between 9 PM and midnight when animals are most active. Next day, travel to Samburu Game Reserve to spot the unique "northern five" including Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    Take a 3-hour drive to Ol Pejeta to see the world's last two northern white rhinos. Get out by 6:30 AM for the best big cat sightings. Bring warm clothes since mornings can be cold at 50°F.

    
  • Days 7-10

    Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara

    Start at Lake Nakuru to see the flamingos before moving to the Masai Mara. One visitor shared: "The early morning game drives in the Mara were incredible - we saw all Big Five before breakfast. Just remember to bring a dust-proof camera bag; the roads can get very dusty during dry season."

    
  • Days 11-12

    Lake Naivasha

    Take a break at Hell's Gate National Park. Bike among wildlife and explore the gorges. Go bird watching on a morning boat ride at Lake Naivasha. Binoculars will come in handy here.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Amboseli & Tsavo West

    Split time between Amboseli's elephant herds with Mt. Kilimanjaro views and rugged Tsavo West. Visit Amboseli early morning or late afternoon for the clearest mountain views. Position yourself downwind to photograph Tsavo's distinctive red elephants.

    
  • Days 16-20

    Diani Beach

    Spend 5 days relaxing on Diani's white beaches. Do water sports in the morning before the winds pick up. Schedule your Kisite Marine Park snorkeling early so you have backup days if needed.

  • Day 21

    Return to Nairobi

    Catch a morning flight to Nairobi (1.5 hours) for your international connection. Book afternoon international flights to avoid morning traffic.

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• 21 Day Kenya Safari Itinerary, incl. Masai Mara and Amboseli

  A 21-day tour through 11 major Kenyan destinations unfolds from Nairobi's Giraffe Center to Neptune Paradise Resort in Diani. Wildlife viewing in Samburu and Maasai Mara highlights this comprehensive safari, featuring stays at luxury lodges like Sweetwaters Serena.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Nairobi

    Begin in Kenya's capital city. You can start your safari experience right away at Nairobi National Park at 6:00 AM. Since it's the only national park in a capital city, you won't spend much time traveling from your hotel. Visit the Elephant Orphanage during morning care time and stop by the Giraffe Center to feed Rothschild giraffes. Book your elephant orphanage visit early because spots fill up fast in peak season.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Aberdare & Samburu

    Take a 4-hour drive to Aberdare National Park. The Ark Lodge offers excellent wildlife viewing at night from its lit waterhole. Head north to Samburu (4 hours away) to see unique wildlife like Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe. Animals are most active in early morning and late afternoon when it's cooler.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Ol Pejeta & Lake Nakuru

    Ol Pejeta Conservancy houses the world's last two northern white rhinos. The lion tracking here is excellent but book ahead. For Lake Nakuru's flamingos, visit during dry season (June to September) when bird numbers peak.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Masai Mara

    This is Kenya's premier safari destination. Spend three full days here for the best wildlife viewing. Game drives start at 6:30 AM and you'll need warm clothes for chilly mornings. From July to October, stay near the Mara River to watch wildebeest crossings. One visitor noted: "Set your alarm for sunrise game drives—we saw more predator action in those early hours than the entire rest of the day."

    
  • Days 10-12

    Lake Naivasha & Amboseli

    Stop at Lake Naivasha for boat trips to see hippos up close. In Amboseli, look for Mount Kilimanjaro at dawn before clouds appear. The eastern side of the park offers the best mountain views.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Tsavo West & East

    These large parks need careful planning. Visit Mzima Springs in Tsavo West early when animals drink. Look for the famous red elephants of Tsavo East during cooler hours. Bring extra water as temperatures often exceed 90°F (32°C).

    
  • Days 16-20

    Diani Beach & Departure

    Finish your trip relaxing at Diani Beach. Book morning dolphin watching trips when the sea is calm. Remember the flight from Ukunda to Nairobi takes about 1.5 hours when planning your departure.

    

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• 20 Day Kenya Safari Itinerary, incl. Masai Mara and Mombasa

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Nairobi

    Begin in Kenya's capital at the Tamarind Tree Hotel. Arrive in the afternoon to skip the morning traffic. After resting on day 1, spend day 2 visiting the Giraffe Center or Sheldrick Wildlife Trust between 11 AM and 4 PM.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Amboseli National Park

    Fly to Amboseli in the morning. You'll see large elephant herds and get great views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Plan your photos early before clouds cover the mountain. The best times for game drives are 6:30-9:30 AM and 4-6:30 PM when wildlife is most active.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Samburu Game Reserve

    Fly to this northern reserve via Nairobi. Look for unique species like Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe. It gets very hot here so focus on morning and late afternoon drives. Pack light clothes that dry quickly as temperatures often reach 95°F.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Lake Nakuru

    This lake attracts thousands of flamingos and has a good population of rhinos. The eastern shore offers excellent morning photo opportunities of the flamingos, though their numbers change with the seasons.

    
  • Day 11

    Lake Naivasha

    Visit Hell's Gate National Park where you can cycle or walk near zebras and gazelles. Wear strong shoes if you plan to explore the gorge as it can be slippery.

    
  • Days 12-15

    Masai Mara

    The main event of your safari. If you're visiting during migration (July-October), watch for river crossings between 9 AM and 2 PM. The wildlife viewing is excellent year-round. Book morning balloon rides well in advance for a unique view of the plains.

  • Days 16-19

    Mombasa Coast

    Relax at Shanzu Beach. Swim during high tide and go snorkeling in the morning when the water is clearest before the afternoon winds start.

  • Day 20

    Fly back to Nairobi

    Fly back to Nairobi from Mombasa. Leave at least 3 hours between connecting flights.

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