22-Day Ultimate Kenya Safari & Beach Escape: Adventure, Wildlife, and Coastal Paradise

Destination Details

Embark on the ultimate 22-day journey through Kenya, where adventure meets relaxation. This unforgettable itinerary combines thrilling safari adventures in Kenya’s most iconic national parks with the serenity of pristine beaches along the Indian Ocean. From the wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara and Amboseli to the stunning coastal retreats of Diani and Lamu, you’ll experience Kenya’s diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

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Details Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Arrival at JKA

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by your driver/guide and transferred to your hotel in Nairobi. After check-in, take some time to rest and acclimatize. If time permits, you may enjoy an optional visit to the Giraffe Centre to see the endangered Rothschild giraffes or the Karen Blixen Museum for a glimpse into Kenya’s colonial history. Your first night will be spent in Nairobi, where you’ll have dinner and relax in preparation for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara

Masai Mara

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up, and you will embark on a scenic 5-6 hour drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve, known for its diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes. You’ll pass through rural towns and lush hills, arriving at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in the reserve, where you may spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and other wildlife such as cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes.

After your thrilling game drive, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Masai Mara Full-Day Safari

Full Day Mara

After an early breakfast, you’ll head out for a morning game drive to experience the best wildlife sightings at sunrise when the animals are most active. You’ll return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast, then spend some time relaxing. In the afternoon, visit a Masai village to learn about the local Maasai community’s traditions, lifestyle, and culture. This authentic cultural experience will give you insight into the customs of one of Africa’s most famous tribes. Afterward, continue with another game drive in the reserve, keeping an eye out for any animals you may have missed earlier in the day.

Day 4: Masai Mara – Hot Air Balloon Safari & Game Drive

Game Drive

You’ll rise early for a hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara at dawn, offering an incredible bird’s-eye view of the reserve as the sun rises over the savannah. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot wildlife from above, including lions, elephants, and wildebeest. Once you land, enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush to celebrate the adventure. Afterward, return to your lodge to rest and refresh, then head out on another game drive in the afternoon to explore other areas of the park. You’ll visit the Mara River, famous for its crocodiles and hippos, and if visiting during the migration, you may even witness wildebeests crossing the river. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 5: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

Drive to Lake Nakuru

After breakfast, you’ll depart Masai Mara and drive towards Lake Nakuru National Park, which will take approximately 5-6 hours. You’ll pass through scenic landscapes of rolling hills and small villages as you head to the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival at Lake Nakuru, check into your lodge, then enjoy a game drive around the lake. The park is famous for its flamingos and rhinos, but you may also see giraffes, buffaloes, and waterbucks along the lake’s shores. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Samburu National Reserve

To Samburu

After breakfast, you’ll continue your journey north to Samburu National Reserve, an approximately 6-7 hour drive. You’ll traverse the dry landscapes of Kenya’s central region and finally reach the stunning Samburu reserve. Upon arrival, check into your lodge or tented camp, where you’ll have time for lunch and a short rest. In the late afternoon, embark on a game drive in the Samburu Reserve, famous for its unique wildlife, including the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and reticulated giraffe. The reserve is less crowded than Masai Mara, giving you a more exclusive safari experience. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 7: Samburu Full-Day Safari

Full Day Samburu

After an early breakfast, head out on a morning game drive to explore the diverse wildlife in the reserve. Samburu is also home to the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. You may also spot predators like cheetahs and lions. In the midday heat, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on another exciting game drive, continuing your wildlife exploration in the reserve. In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Samburu to Northern Kenya (Lake Turkana)

Lake Turkana

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Lake Turkana, often called the “Jade Sea,” a remote and tranquil location in northern Kenya. The journey takes 5-6 hours through arid desert landscapes and dramatic scenery. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation by the lake. Take the evening to relax by the shores of Lake Turkana, a serene and beautiful location, surrounded by dry hills and rugged landscapes. The lake is one of the most isolated places in Kenya, but its beauty and tranquility make it a special destination.

Day 9: Lake Turkana Exploration and Return to Nairobi

Lake Nakuru

On your final day, you’ll explore Lake Turkana. You can take a boat ride on the lake, or visit the Sibiloi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is rich in prehistoric fossils and wildlife. This area is known for its arid beauty and ancient history. Afterward, you will begin the long drive back to Nairobi (approximately 7-8 hours). If you prefer a quicker return, you may opt for a domestic flight back to Nairobi instead. Upon arrival in Nairobi, depending on your flight schedule, you’ll either be transferred to the airport for your departure or spend the night at your hotel in Nairobi.