10 days Kenya itinerary: An Epic trip!

Last Updated on July 6, 2023 by asoulwindow

10 days Kenya itinerary: An Epic trip!

Ten days may not allow a lot of time to experience Kenya in its totality, but this itinerary is enough to cover some of the top safari destinations and provide you deep insight into this fascinating country

Whether it’s endemic wildlife, dramatic landscapes, or simply the sheer variety of birds and animals, this unique safari package has been curated to offer the visitor the optimum gaming experience.

That said, all the parks listed here have a different feel, and there is no such thing like ‘best place to go’. While some have great wildlife viewing, others may have fewer animals, but fantastic wilderness appeal. So, let’s begin your ultimate wildlife trip to Kenya.

10 days Kenya itinerary . African Cheetah
African Cheetah. Pic by: Jyotsna Ramani

Day One: Nairobi 

This 10 days Kenya itinerary begins in Nairobi. Nairobi, the capital, with its unique blend of concrete jungles and natural beauty will be your point of entry in Kenya. You will be transferred to your hotel, to relax and unwind for the rest of the day.

Most tourists do not like to linger on in the chaotic city, but within its boundaries lies an untouched gem-the Nairobi National Park, the only game reserve in the world located within a city. They say, on a given day, you could be viewing a lion kill within 20 minutes of arrival into the country. Incredible!

Day Two: Amboseli National Park

Head early in the morning to Amboseli National Park. On arrival, have lunch at the Amboseli Serena Lodge, before heading out into the park for an afternoon game drive. 

African Elephant. Serengeti plains. 10 days Kenya itinerary
African Elephant. Pic by: Jyotsna Ramani

When you see the large elephant herds, the park is famous for, and the stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, you will realize why this is one of the most beloved parks of Kenya. Overnight at the Serena Lodge.

Day Three: Amboseli National Park 

Get cracking before dawn for an unforgettable morning game drive within the park. Not only Kilimanjaro looks stunning first thing in the morning, but the cool mountain air is best to see the big cats on the prowl.

You would be starving by now, so head back to the lodge for a late breakfast and relax for a few hours before heading out to the park for another afternoon drive. Animals may be a bit inactive at this time of the day, so it allows you to get a glimpse of them resting under the shade. Overnight at Serena Lodge.

Day Four: Lake Nakuru National Park

You will set off after breakfast for your next safari destination, the Lake Nakuru National Park in the Great Rift Valley. Once famous for its huge flocks of flamingos, Nakuru has now become a haven for large wild buffalo herds as well, apart from both the white and black rhinoceros.

Enjoy a hot and delicious lunch at the Elementaita Luxury Camp, before embarking on an afternoon game drive along the shores of Lake Elementaita to spot the flamingos, pelicans and other shore birds. Wildlife here includes baboons, waterbuck, lion, wild African buffalo, leopard, eland among others. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day Five: Masai Mara

You depart from Lake Nakuru after breakfast and drive to Kenya’s most famous park, the Masai Mara. A part of the massive Serengeti plains, the Mara plays host to the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth namely, the Great Migration.

Each year, nearly two million wildebeest and half a million zebras along with various species of antelope, endeavor to make a crossing across the crocodile-infested Mara River to access the green pastures on the other side.

After lunch at the Mara Serena Lodge, you will head out in the afternoon for a memorable game drive. Even if this is not the migration period, you have a good chance of seeing the Big 5 and other bird and animal life. Overnight at the Mara lodge.

Day Six: Masai Mara

Wake up well before dawn for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the stunning Mara sunrise. Have a quick cup of tea and head out to the park to see the big cats in search of a meal in the cooler part of the day.

(Alternatively, you could opt by paying extra chance to go on a hot air balloon ride that will give you a bird’s eye view of all the action below, before setting down for a champagne breakfast in the bush)

Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and some rest. After lunch head out for another exploration of the Masai Mara, once the weather has cooled off a bit. Overnight at the Mara Lodge.

Day Seven: Naivasha

You bid a sad farewell to the Masai Mara after breakfast and drive towards Lake Naivasha for a day of lake exploring one of Kenya’s most beautiful lakes. On arrival, relax and have lunch at the Naivasha Simba Lodge and then head to the lake for an afternoon game drive.

Here you will come across the resident hippos and many different water birds. At the end of the day, retire to your Lake Naivasha accommodation.

Day Eight: Sweetwaters 

After early breakfast and a picnic hamper in hand depart for the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, also referred to as Sweetwaters. Your host here will be the elegant Sweetwater Tented Camp.

You will be driving through the beautiful farmlands of Kikuyu, before arriving at the foothills of Mount Kenya, the country’s highest mountain. Once at Ol Pejeta, you will be visiting the park’s famous chimpanzee sanctuary and meeting its other adopted residents like the rhinoceros

Rhinoceros mother and calf. Serengeti Plains. 10 days Itinerary of Kenya
Rhinoceros mother and calf. Pic by: Jyotsna Ramani

Here 26 orphaned chimps live in peace and harmony in their natural environment. Head out into the park proper for an evening game drive. Overnight at the camp.

Day Nine: Sweetwaters

The Sweetwaters Tented Camp is located overlooking a waterhole that is deftly illuminated at night so as to not disturb animals coming to drink. Keep a sharp eye as wild animals often come to the waterhole to quench their thirst.

After early morning breakfast, head out to the bush for a safari framed under the towering peak of Mount Kenya. Apart from the Big 5, Ol Pejeta is home to many other mammals and birds.  

Return to the lodge for lunch, enjoy some chill time and leave for your final safari on this Kenyan trip. Overnight at Sweetwaters Tented Camp.

Day Ten: Nairobi 

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and leave for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to catch the flight to your next destination.

How best to pay for your Kenyan safari from abroad?

Note: How best to pay for your Kenyan safari from abroad?

Unfortunately, at some stage, you will have to figure out the best way to make payment for your Kenya trip. There is a broad range of methods available to minimize the charges you pay, both to the receiver and your bank. Here are some tips:

#1. Pay all your flight and safari bookings with your credit card as this method includes global insurance coverage in case things go wrong. However, you end up paying the surcharge.

#2. Exchange your currency through your local bank at home to save on unnecessary exchange costs. Though safaris are usually all-inclusive, you will still need cash for tips and miscellaneous purchases.

(Dollars are widely accepted and even preferred, so simply use USD all the way)

#3. Tips can add up on a safari trip, given the number of people behind the scenes who make the safari work. Set aside $100/day, for two people, and pay half to the hotel staff and the other half to drivers and guides

#4. M-Pesa is the preferred way to transfer money across Kenya due to its safety and unmatched convenience. It serves people who don’t have bank accounts or limited access to banking services.

#5. International Bank Transfers: They will charge between $40-$60, depending on the bank you use. This form of payment takes five working days for the transaction to complete.

#6. Credit card: As discussed above, you can pay by online credit card, subject to a surcharge of 3% added. They are better than banks, but you end still up paying a lot extra.

#7. Money Transfer Company: Money Transfer companies are a fast, low-fee way to send money to Kenya as their charges range between 0-1% depending on the currency in question. Wise formerly TransferWise, charges the real-time exchange rate, thereby making it the best option.

Ostrich Serengeti National Park Kenya itinerary
Ostrich. Pic by: Jyotsna Ramani

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions on 10 days Kenya itinerary.

How many days in Kenya is enough?

It is never enough to stay in Kenya. Anything between 10 days in Kenya or 2 weeks in Kenya are perfect, whether you are travelling to Kenya for the first time or not. Although, personally I like to spend at least a month in a country. But many of my trips have been around 10 days long. 10 days are great to explore the best places to see in Kenya. During ten days in Kenya, you can explore wildlife as well as the city life!

What is the best month to go to Kenya?

The months of January and February are perfect if you want to spend 10 days in Kenya in good weather. This is also when it is easier to spot wild animals in and around the protected national parks of Kenya.
However, I know many passionate wildlife enthusiasts who aim to visit Kenya for 10 days in the months of June, July, August, September and October so that they can witness the grand spectacle of the annual wild beast migration.
People avoid visiting Kenya in the months of March, April and May because this is the rainy season here.

Is Kenya cheap for tourists? Is Kenya an expensive destination?

The wildlife safaris in Kenya do not come cheap. Especially if you are traveling around Kenya for 10 days, expect to allocated a heavy budget for the trip. The luxury hotels, game drive jeeps, meals etc add to the overall cost of 10 days in Kenya.

How many days do you need for safari in Kenya?

How many days do you need for safari in Kenya? 10 days are great if you want to do safari in Kenya to your heart’s content. It is not every day that you visit Kenya, so it makes sense to explore Kenya as much as you can. 10 days will help to enjoy the best of Kenya.

Is it safe to travel to Kenya right now?

Yes, Kenya is absolutely safe to visit any time of the year. Being a tourist magnet, thanks to its rich wildlife and vibrant Masai culture, Kenya remains one of the most tourist friendly nations of the world.

Conclusion: Are 10 days in Kenya worth it?

Is it worth it to spend 10 days in Kenya? Yes, I know many wildlife enthusiasts who, driven by their passion, spend millions on a 10 days Kenya safari. There is so much to do in Kenya that even 10 days are not enough. You can also customize this 10 days Kenya itinerary as per your taste, budget and time in hand.

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