2-week Kenya itinerary: complete route with safari, wildlife & beach

Doing the first safari of your trip while you see the Nairobi skyline in the background. That may sound strange, but that is exactly what makes Nairobi National Park special. The park lies right next to the city, so you are there in no time, and it is one of the few places in the world where you can spot wild animals with a big city in the background.

During our jeep safari we saw lions, zebras, buffalo, rhinos, ostriches, hippos, crocodiles and various antelopes, among others. We went in the late afternoon and had the park almost entirely to ourselves!

Meet the endangered Rothschild's giraffes. The centre was set up to protect the Rothschild's giraffe and plays an important role in nature education. A nice first introduction to Kenya's wildlife if you are not going on safari otherwise.

If you are already doing several safaris during your trip to Kenya, we would not necessarily put the Giraffe Centre at the top of your list. In the national parks and conservancies you see giraffes in their natural environment, without having to feed them. If you have never been this close to a giraffe and would like to learn more about the Rothschild's giraffe and nature conservation, it can be an interesting stop.

⚠️ Good to know: The Giraffe Centre is not a place where you see giraffes roaming free in nature. It is a nature education and breeding centre where visitors can see and feed the animals up close.

Lovers of history and literature can visit the former home of Karen Blixen, known from the book and film Out of Africa. In the museum you can see personal belongings, furniture and stories about her life in Kenya.

Even if you do not know the book or the film, it is an interesting place to learn more about the colonial history of Kenya.

The Nairobi National Museum is a good place to understand more about the history, culture and nature of Kenya. Here you will find exhibitions about the different ethnic groups, archaeological finds and the country's biodiversity.

A nice activity when it rains or when you want to escape the bustle of the city for a while.

Besides the modern side of Nairobi, with tall office buildings, restaurants and shopping centres, you will also find neighbourhoods where daily life looks very different. One of the most special experiences during our stay in Nairobi was a visit to Mathare Slum, one of the oldest and largest informal settlements in the city.

During a tour of the neighbourhood you discover not only the challenges residents face, but above all the strength and creativity of the community. Accompanied by a local guide, you walk through narrow streets and get a glimpse into the daily life of the residents. You see small businesses and local initiatives and hear personal stories from people who live and work here.

What stayed with us most was that Mathare is not only a place where poverty is visible, but also a neighbourhood full of entrepreneurship, solidarity and hope. Many residents work on the development of their community, for example through education projects, recycling initiatives and local organisations.

A visit to Mathare shows a different side of Nairobi and helps you understand the city better. It is an experience you will not forget in a hurry, precisely because you look beyond the well-known highlights.

⚠️ Good to know: A visit to Mathare Slum requires respect and an open attitude. It is not a tourist attraction where you take photos of people in difficult circumstances. So always choose a local organisation or guide that works with the community and makes sure the income flows back into the neighbourhood.

Of course you come to Ol Pejeta for a safari. The big advantage of this area is that it feels less busy than some of the better-known parks such as the Maasai Mara. This gives you more time to watch the animals at your leisure.

During a safari you have a chance to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, rhinos and various species of antelope, among others. Because the area is well protected, the chance of seeing rhinos here is particularly high.

What struck us is that it was quiet here and very green and wooded! That does make the animals a bit harder to spot, but you are not standing with dozens of jeeps around one animal, so you really get the time to take in the nature.

Plan an early morning safari. The soft morning light gives the most beautiful colours and animals are often more active during the cooler hours of the day.

One of the most special experiences in Ol Pejeta is a visit to the last 2 female northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu. Ol Pejeta is the only place in the world where you can see the last two northern white rhinos. Najin and her daughter Fatu live here under the intensive protection of rangers.

Their story makes a visit to Ol Pejeta extra special. Due to poaching and the loss of their habitat, the population of the northern white rhino has almost completely disappeared. Because Najin and Fatu can no longer produce offspring naturally, a scientific programme is working on developing embryos using frozen genetic material from deceased males. The aim is to eventually bring the subspecies back.

During a visit you learn not only more about these special rhinos, but also about the enormous efforts needed to protect them. The income from tourism helps protect these and other animals living in Ol Pejeta.

In the middle of Ol Pejeta lies the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a refuge for chimpanzees that can no longer return to the wild. The chimpanzees come from various situations, for example from the illegal trade or after being kept as pets. In the sanctuary they get a safe place where they can spend the rest of their lives.

When we heard that you can see chimpanzees in Ol Pejeta, we first wondered what these animals are actually doing in Kenya. Chimpanzees do not occur here naturally at all. Their natural habitat is in the rainforests of West and Central Africa. The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established in 1993, after a chimpanzee rescue centre in Burundi had to close because of the civil war. Ol Pejeta opened its doors to the animals and set up the sanctuary together with Kenya Wildlife Service and the Jane Goodall Institute. It is now the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees.

A visit is not only about watching the animals. You also learn about the stories behind the chimpanzees and the threats wild chimpanzees face around the world. That makes it clear why refuges like this are needed and how important it is to combat the illegal wildlife trade.

When the sun disappears behind the savannah, Ol Pejeta changes completely. On a night safari you head out with a guide after sunset to discover which animals become active in the dark. With a spotlight you search the surroundings for nocturnal animals that you would rarely come across on a regular daytime safari.

Precisely because you cannot see as far, a night safari is more about listening and paying close attention. You hear sounds from the bush and sometimes only know at the very last moment which animal will appear in the beam of the spotlight. We found that made the whole experience extra exciting. Together with a starry sky above your head, it is a very different experience from a regular game drive.

The night safaris are organised daily and last two hours. There are currently two time slots: from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm and from 9.00 pm to 11.00 pm. The vehicles are shared and the activity is subject to availability.

💡 Tip: Bring a warm jumper or jacket in the evening. On the open plains of Ol Pejeta it can cool down considerably after sunset.

A boat safari on Lake Naivasha is one of the most fun activities in this area. As you cruise slowly across the water, you spot large groups of hippos lying mostly in the water. Sometimes you only see their heads sticking out above the surface, while they occasionally dive under or swim to another spot.

An enormous number of different bird species live around the lake. During the boat trip you regularly see fish eagles, pelicans and colourful kingfishers. With a bit of luck you will see a fish eagle dive from a tree into the water to catch a fish. Precisely because you are on the water, you can see the animals from a completely different perspective than on a safari from a jeep.

💡 Tip: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap. There is little shade on the water and the sun can be quite strong.

In the middle of Lake Naivasha lies Crescent Island, a small peninsula that you can only reach by boat. As soon as you step off the boat, a very different safari experience begins here: you move around on foot among the wild animals.

Zebras, giraffes, buffalo, gazelles and various species of antelope live on Crescent Island, among others. There are also lots of birds around the lake. Because there are no large predators such as lions on the island, you can walk safely among the animals here accompanied by a guide. That is exactly what we found so special. On a regular safari you usually sit in a jeep and watch wildlife from the vehicle. On Crescent Island you literally stand on your own two feet among the zebras and giraffes. You can walk at your leisure, while the animals themselves decide how close they come. We especially found the giraffes impressive to see from the ground. They already seem big from the safari jeep, but when you are standing next to them on foot, you really notice how tall they are.

Crescent Island is also a well-known former film location. The landscape around Lake Naivasha was used for scenes from Out of Africa, among others.

💡 Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring enough water.

⚠️ Good to know: You are walking among wild animals here. So always stay with your guide and keep enough distance. Never approach animals yourself or try to touch them.

Want to do something active during your round trip through Kenya? Then Hell's Gate National Park is the perfect place. In this national park you can cycle and walk among the wildlife in various places.

Hell's Gate is close to Lake Naivasha and is known for its impressive rock formations, deep gorges and steep cliffs. You cycle along dusty roads between the rocks, while zebras and giraffes walk around you. This place was also used as a film location for Tomb Raider, among others, and as inspiration for The Lion King, how cool!

Book a guided bike tour, so that you pass the most beautiful spots in Hell's Gate National Park and do not get lost. Along the way you regularly come across zebras, giraffes, buffalo, warthogs and various species of gazelle.

Besides cycling, you can also walk in Hell's Gate. A well-known spot is the Ol Njorowa Gorge, a narrow gorge with high rock walls. The landscape is impressive, but the conditions in the gorge can change. After rain the water level can rise quickly, making certain parts inaccessible. Definitely worth walking through, though!

Hell's Gate is also interesting for climbing enthusiasts. The high rock walls are used for rock climbing and abseiling.

💡 Tip: Start your visit early in the day and wear sturdy shoes. It can get quite hot during the day, and with an early start the conditions for cycling are often more pleasant.

The main reason to travel to the Maasai Mara is of course a safari. The area is known for its great diversity of animals and the chance to spot the Big Five. During our safaris we spotted lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, topis, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, jackals and more.

But remember, a safari in the Maasai Mara is not just about ticking off animals. The most beautiful moments often happen unexpectedly when you wait patiently: a lion walking calmly past the jeep or a herd of elephants crossing the road. It is a large, vast area, so set aside several days for it.

A hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara was a dream come true for us! Goosebumps from head to toe!

You leave early in the morning: before the sun rises, you are picked up from your accommodation and taken to the launch site. In the dark you see the hot air balloon slowly being prepared while the first colours appear on the horizon. Then it is time to climb in and float away. You get a completely different perspective on the Maasai Mara. It is breathtaking to see the vast grasslands, small rivers and herds of animals moving across the savannah from the air. A serene calm comes over you, along with the renewed realisation of how beautiful the world is.

You cannot determine the exact route of the balloon in advance. The wind decides where the balloon goes. That makes every flight different, but it also means there is no guarantee that you will see certain animals or places from the air.

After landing, the experience ends with breakfast in the middle of nature. A long laid table, a buffet, champagne and even a toilet are set up on the savannah, with a view over the landscape. The perfect end to a special morning.

A hot air balloon ride is not cheap; it costs on average around €400 to €500 per person.

💰 Budget tip: A hot air balloon ride is a hefty amount, but if you want to choose one special excursion during your trip to Kenya, let it be this one. Personally, we thought this was perhaps the most unforgettable experience ever!

After driving through the Maasai Mara for hours, it is lovely to step out of the jeep for a while at the end of the afternoon. For a sundowner you and your guide look for a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. The jeep is parked with a view over the savannah and in the meantime drinks and small snacks are set out.

As the sun slowly disappears behind the horizon, the landscape changes colour. The temperature becomes more pleasant and most safari vehicles start heading back to their accommodations. You sit still for a moment and look out over the endless grasslands where you saw so many animals that day. Sometimes a traditional dance is performed and a campfire is built. We found this a lovely end to a long safari day.

💡 Tip: Ask your safari organisation in advance whether a sundowner is included in the trip or can be booked as an extra activity. The details differ per lodge.

Diani Beach is above all a place where you do not have to do anything for a while. Walk along the kilometres-long beach, swim in the sea or enjoy a drink with a view of the ocean. Thanks to the white sand and palm trees, the coast feels very different from most African destinations.

⚠️ Good to know: Do not expect complete peace and quiet all day on Diani Beach. Especially on busy stretches of the beach you can regularly be approached by sellers. If you do not want to buy anything, end the conversation straight away. Interested in buying something? Haggle hard first! Want to lie on the beach in peace? Then choose the stretch of beach at your accommodation.

Off the coast of Diani lies one of the best-known places to snorkel on the Kenyan coast: Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park. The protected marine area lies near the border with Tanzania and consists of coral reefs, small islands and clear tropical water.

The excursion usually starts with a boat trip from the coast. Once you arrive at the marine park, the boat drops anchor and you can get into the water to snorkel. Below the surface a completely different world awaits, with colourful tropical fish, coral and other marine life. With a bit of luck you will also come across dolphins during the boat trip.

Many organised excursions combine the marine park with a visit to Wasini Island. After snorkelling you often sit down for lunch on the island. Fresh fish and seafood are often on the menu, so the excursion is not only about the snorkelling.

⚠️ Good to know: Underwater visibility depends on the weather, the sea and the season. Seeing dolphins can never be guaranteed either. So book this excursion for the combination of the boat trip, the marine park and the snorkelling, and see dolphins as a nice bonus.

💰 Budget tip: A snorkelling trip costs on average around €50 to €100 per person, depending on the provider, the group size and what is included in the excursion. So do not just compare the price, but also check whether transport, lunch, entrance fees and snorkelling gear are included.

💡 Tip: Bring swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. The sun can be quite strong on the water. If you have a waterproof phone case or an underwater camera, this is a good place to bring it.

A nice way to discover the area around Diani Beach is a relaxed kayak trip on the Kongo River. The river runs through an area of mangroves and flows into the Indian Ocean. You paddle calmly across the water as you glide between the mangrove trees.

Because a kayak moves almost silently across the water, you have plenty of time to look around. Along the way you can spot various birds and see how the mangroves grow with their roots straight out of the water. The pace is slow, so the trip is mainly about nature and tranquillity.

You can also explore the Kongo River by traditional boat. Kayaking just gives you a bit more freedom, and you are literally right in the middle of the mangroves. Especially if you like to be active during your beach holiday, this is a nice change.

💡 Tip: Plan your kayak trip around the right tide. The water level affects the conditions on the river. Ask about the best time of day when you book.

A special place to eat during your stay in Diani Beach is Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant. As the name suggests, the restaurant is located in a natural cave.

The cave consists of several interconnected spaces and, according to the owners, is estimated to be between 120,000 and 180,000 years old. There are natural openings in the roof, so you can look up at the starry sky during dinner. In the evening the cave is lit with candles, making the natural surroundings part of the dining experience.

The menu mainly features international dishes with fish, meat and vegetarian options. We had a good piece of meat and a vegetarian risotto. So you can come here for an extensive dinner, but you also pay for the special location. All in all it is reasonably priced and comparable to Dutch prices. It is a recommendation if you want to do something special one evening during your stay in Diani.

⚠️ Good to know: Booking is advisable. The restaurant works with reservations and has specific conditions, including a minimum of two courses per person.