2 Weeks in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Cultural Kenya: Wildlife, History & Art 

On this colorful itinerary around Kenya, you'll learn about the country's history at museums and cultural sites, then head out into the wilderness to see world-famous landscapes filled with elephants and lions.

The trip starts in the capital city of Nairobi, where you'll sightsee and visit museums during the first few days to get an overview of the country's history and culture. Then leave the capital for the Nyeri area, stopping at the Baden-Powell Museum before moving on to the Kariandusi Prehistoric Site in the Rift Valley. Overnight in Naivasha before starting your adventure in Amboseli National Park, where you'll spend the next couple of days viewing wildlife and hiking.

The trip continues at the expansive Tsavo National Park, one of the largest national parks in the world. Stop to see birds at the Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary and the Taita Wildlife Conservancy, then journey onward by train to Mombasa. Chill out in the coastal city and do some sightseeing, including visiting the Portuguese-built Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a stop at East Africa's largest crocodile farm. Finish the trip with a horseback ride before circling back to Nairobi to catch a flight out. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Kenya Birdwatching & Safari Trip

Kenya is a mecca for bird watchers: on this 14-day adventure, you'll see hundreds of flamingoes at Lake Elmenteita, take a birdwatching hike up Mount Kenya, and spend several days on safari in the Maasai Mara.

Kick off the trip in the capital city, Nairobi. You'll continue to the wilderness almost immediately, spending several days exploring Samburu Reserve on dedicated birdwatching expeditions. Next up is a birding trek at Mount Kenya, the tallest African mountain. Then, you'll explore Lake Naivasha, enjoying hiking and birdwatching tours around the shoreline. Learn about the inspiration behind the bestselling novel "Born Free" at the Elsamere Conservation Center before continuing to Hell's Gate National Park. Don't let the name fool you: the park is lush and forested, home to a diverse range of bird species.

You'll start the second half of the trip with the stunning sight of hundreds of flamingoes in Lake Elmenteita, one of Kenya's famed soda lakes. Another soda lake, Lake Nakuru, awaits the next day, home to rare birds of prey. Finish the trip with several days in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where you'll birdwatch, go on a safari with a guide, and see the landscapes from overhead during a hot air balloon adventure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Kenya Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trek 

Split your time between Kenya and Uganda on this wilderness-focused trip that takes you to the natural habitats of mountain gorillas, white rhinos, lions, cheetahs, elephants, and various other endangered animals. 

Begin with a city tour of Nairobi before traveling overland to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. In Ol Pejeta, you'll have the chance to see one or two of the only northern white rhinos left on the planet. The conservancy also provides a rare opportunity to participate in lion tracking, where you'll search for lions and collect information with ecological monitoring professionals. Stop at Lake Naivasha on the way to Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp. You'll have an immersive experience with Maasai people and sleep in a traditional cottage, followed by a night of bush camping.

Next, it's time for a safari adventure in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Go for a hot air balloon ride over the landscape for unforgettable views of the resident wildlife, then enjoy an afternoon game drive, looking for elephants and giraffes. You'll fly to Uganda for the last leg of the trip. On a guided gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, search for gorillas in the wild. You'll spend the last full day of the trip relaxing near the calm waters of Lake Bunyonyi before flying out of Uganda. Learn more

Itinerary #4: South Africa Adventure & Kenya Safari 

The top highlights of Kenya and South Africa await on this well-rounded two-week tour that features several safari adventures, a hot air balloon ride, a hike up Table Mountain, and the chance to interact with the Maasai people.

This adventure begins in South Africa. Arrive in Cape Town, and spend the first part of the trip hiking to the top of Table Mountain and touring Bree Street. Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are next on the agenda, not to mention beautiful views of the spot where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. See penguins in the wild at Boulders Beach and taste local wines at a nearby winery. Round out your days in South Africa with a whale-watching tour and a night out at GOLD Restaurant.

Fly to Nairobi to continue the trip. Go on a safari tour of Amboseli National Park, then cycle or hike in Hell's Gate National Park, which is pleasantly free of predators. Explore Lake Nakuru National Park on the following day, keeping your eyes open for rhinos, lions, leopards, hippos, and endangered giraffes. You'll learn about traditional local lifestyles at Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp before heading into the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Spend the last few days of the trip looking for wildlife on safari tours, including a hot air balloon ride that takes you high above the savanna. Return to Nairobi to wrap up the itinerary. Learn more

More Great Kenya Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Kenya trip? Check out these other Kenya itineraries, with outdoor adventures, beach vacations, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.