1 Week in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Kenya National Park & Wildlife Safari

This exciting trip packs in a range of national parks known for predatory and non-predatory wildlife, along with some outdoor activities with views of dramatic landscapes.

Begin this action-packed adventure in Kenya's bustling capital, Nairobi. On your flight's descent, you might even catch some wildlife as it lands near the Nairobi National Park, where many of Africa's best-known animals roam free. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a safari here or check out some sights in the city like the Nairobi National Museum and some of its flea markets and cafés serving quality local coffee. In the morning, you'll drive to Lake Nakuru—home of a national park of the same name—stopping to admire views of the Great Rift Valley. Explore the park's beautiful landscapes and animal sanctuary, including black and white rhino species.

Next, head to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, known for some of the most spectacular game migrations in the world. During your Maasai Mara visit, tour a tribal village, followed by an afternoon game safari with more chances to see the endless plains and abundant wildlife in their natural habitat. The trip finishes at the freshwater Lake Naivasha where you can take a boat tour among the hippos, waterbucks, and many bird species. Nearby is another national park: Hell's Gate. Walk the trails filled with non-predatory wildlife, bike along the park's gravel roads, and enjoy the scenic landscapes.

Finally, bring your bathing suit and look for the geothermal hot spring called Devil's Shower for a well-deserved soak before you head to the airport the next morning. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Kenya Safari & Beach Honeymoon

This romantic adventure is ideal for couples seeking a combination of beach relaxation, culture, and wildlife. 

This trip kicks off with a full day in Nairobi, where a private guide will take you to two centers dedicated to wildlife conservation, starting with the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage. The project rescues and nurtures orphaned elephants from potential poachers when their mother dies and returns them to the wild when they're old enough. You'll also visit the Giraffe Center to learn about the conservation of the highly endangered Rothschild's giraffe and participate in feedings from a raised platform. There will be an option to visit a local school in Nairobi and participate in an activity with the children.

Next is an early morning private transfer to Tsavo West National Park, where you'll have lunch and set out on safari in an open-top Landcruiser. The park is known for its lakes, hot springs, swamps, birdlife, and large mammals, such as black rhinos, Cape buffaloes, elephants, leopards, hippos, and Maasai lions. Smaller animal sightings are also likely, such as bushbabies, hartebeest, lesser kudu, and Maasai giraffes. While here, you can stay in a secluded luxury lodge that offers fully-equipped safari tents with options for night drives. 

After these inland adventures, you'll finish the trip at Diani Beach for three nights of relaxation, watersports, and possible excursions to nearby attractions, like a 16th-century mosque and a sacred forest. While you're on the beach, one potential resort offers Swahili architecture and Arabic antiques. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Mount Kenya Multi-Day Trek 

An active trip is your chance to summit Africa's second-highest peak over five days on the trail, starting with some wildlife in Nairobi. 

Starting in Nairobi, you'll take a half-day safari in Nairobi National Park during your free day. On a lucky day, you'll spot lions, buffaloes, zebras, rhinoceros, giraffes, and gazelles from the safety of your car. From here, you'll visit two centers that get you thisclose to baby elephants and giraffes. Then, take the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the city. Next, you'll drive to Naro Moru to meet a local guide and sort out the equipment required for your climb. As you make your way to the UNESCO-listed Mount Kenya National Park, take in the spectacular scenery with views of dense forests and alpine vegetation, and rare and endangered species of animals.

You and your guide will embark on a 5.6-mile (9-km) trek through rosewood and bamboo forests to reach Old Moses Mountain Camp. You'll then trek about 8 miles (14 km) through the Mackinder Valley before reaching the outpost at Shiptons Mountain Hut. Next, hike even higher to 15,000 feet (4,600 m), known as the Hausberg Col, where you'll have time to enjoy the scenery of Mount Kenya's west ridges before you return to Shiptons to overnight. The trail to the summit is steep and rocky in places and takes around 8 miles (14 km) to Point Lenana.

At 16,355 feet (4,985 m), you'll enjoy this stunning viewpoint before descending to Met Station, where you can celebrate your last night of the trek. When you reach the park gate on foot the following day, your driver will meet you for the return to Nairobi. Visit a local market for souvenirs and have lunch before transferring to the airport for your departure flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Kenya & Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Travelers who want to see a staggering amount of wildlife in two neighboring countries will love this faster-paced itinerary. 

Taking place mainly in Tanzania, you'll start and finish the trip in Kenya with a few days to check out the wildlife and culture in the capital. After a safari in Nairobi National Park, you'll have free time to enjoy the Bomas of Kenya in a suburb called Langata. You could also tour a women's work cooperative called Kazuri Beach Factory. On day three, take a flight to Tanzania's Kilimanjaro International Airport, and transfer to Tarangire National Park for a game drive among elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, and predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas. 

The next two days are dedicated to taking game drives in Serengeti National Park. The park is home to significant numbers of resident wildlife species, like buffaloes, elephants, rhinoceroses, leopards, and lions, as well as 500+ species of birds, including ostriches, crowned cranes, marabou storks, and secretary birds. One option for lodging in the area is the Serengeti Heritage Camp, with spacious walk-in tents, equipped with running water, flush toilets, and showers. On your last full day, transfer to Tanzania's prehistoric, UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater—home to the highest concentration of lions in Africa. 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.