Kenya Itinerary: 2 Weeks in Kenya

Last Updated on September 20, 2024

Planning an African safari in Kenya? Check out my detailed Kenya itinerary with recommendations on best places to visit and stay for those with 2 weeks in Kenya.

Kenya is the most popular travel destination in East Africa, receiving 2 million international visitors in 2018. It’s easy to see why: the extremely diverse country is packed with adventures of all kinds, from underwater fun to spectacular wildlife encounters.

While wildlife remains the star attraction, Kenya also offers pristine Indian Ocean beaches, world-class mountain trekking, unique tribal culture, and eclectic Swahili heritage. One thing’s for sure: there’s so much to do in Kenya it’s impossible to see it all in one trip.

On my recent trip to Kenya with my kid (which was my third trip here), I was reminded again just how big and diverse the country actually is. For first-timers, I have compiled this Kenya itinerary to pack in the best of the country with 2 weeks in Kenya.

The Perfect Kenya Itinerary

How to Get to Kenya

The main gateway to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBP), around 11 miles (18km) from Nairobi’s CBD. I found an amazing deal online: Amsterdam – Nairobi – Seychelles and return for just under €600 ($670). I learned about the airfare promo on Fly4Free.com and booked it way in advance.

You can generally find flights from New York to Nairobi via Istanbul for around US$750 return. For those in Europe, you can fly direct from London to Nairobi (9hours) for around $550 return.

Search for Cheap Flights to Kenya

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Best Time to Travel Kenya

The best time to travel in Kenya is from July to October, which are the best wildlife viewing months. The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara in July and remains until October when they move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania. But note that this is high season and certain parks can get crowded.

Rainy season runs from March to May, during which some lodges and camps close down. During high rainfall, it can be hard to see animals as they won’t need to go in search of water.

November to February are good times to visit Kenya, as prices are lower and showers don’t last long. We traveled Kenya in December this time and had great weather. However, we didn’t see as many animals as I did the last time in Maasai Mara, because there were torrential rains right before we arrived and they caused quite a lot of flooding.

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2 Weeks in Kenya

With two weeks in Kenya, you can experience the country’s highlights at a comfortable pace. In this Kenya itinerary, you get to spend half of your time on safari, and the other along the coast.

I recommend planning 2 nights at each national park. You won’t want to spend anything more than that. As game drives usually take place at dawn and dusk (when animals are more active), you’ll have time to relax at your lodge or explore towns. 

If you have 10 days in Kenya, I would suggest removing Lake Nakuru from your Kenya itinerary. For those with only 7 days in Kenya, then it might be best to only do safari and skip the coast. At the bottom of this post, I have included all the details on how to get around and recommend Kenya safari operators. If you’d like to customize and book your own Kenya itinerary, check out GoTukio.

Summary of my 2-Week Kenya Itinerary

• Days 1 – 3: Nairobi
• Days 4 & 5: Lake Nakuru
• Days 6 & 7: Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Days 8 – 10: Relax on Diani Beach
• Days 11 – 13: Explore Lamu Island
• Day 14: Fly home

Kenya Itinerary: 10 Days in Kenya

• Days 1 – 3: Nairobi
• Days 4 & 5: Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Days 6 & 7: Relax on Diani Beach
• Days 8 & 9 : Explore Lamu Island
• Day 10: Fly home

Kenya Itinerary: 7 Days in Kenya

• Days 1 – 3: Nairobi
• Day 4: Lake Nakuru
• Days 5 & 6: Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Day 7: Fly home

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Kenya Itinerary Day 1: Nairobi

Your Kenya itinerary begins in Nairobi, as the international airport is the main gateway. Some people try to avoid Nairobi because of the crime rates and chaotic traffic, but I wouldn’t recommend skipping it. There are a few attractions in the outskirts.

If you prefer to avoid the city center, what you can do is to stay in the quiet outskirts such as Karen or Langa’ta, where most of the attractions are. You’ll find the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, and Elephant Orphanage in the area.

Alternatively, you can stay in the Nairobi National Park, like we did. Within a 15-min drive from the international airport, you’ll be in the wide open grass plains and acacia bush of the national park. How often do you get to see wild animals in a capital city?!

Check out these exciting safari tours that start and end right in Nairobi:

• Budget: 4-Day Mara & Nakuru Private Jeep Upgraded Budget Option
• Mid-range: 6-Day Masai Mara, Naivasha and Amboseli
• Luxury: 6-Day Mara, Nakuru & Samburu Private Jeep Safari

Where to Stay in Nairobi

Budget: Amelia Karen Hotel

A comfortable, affordable budget hotel in Karen, a quiet area in the outskirts of Nairobi. The hotel is a 2-min walk from Karen Shopping Center and a 5-min taxi ride from Karen Blixen Museum. It makes a great base from which to explore Nairobi’s attractions. Check the rates.

Midrange: Ole Sereni

For those who want to have the best of both worlds (both the national park and city), this beautiful safari-themed hotel is a good choice. It’s located on the rim of the park and just a 15-min drive from the airport. There’s a rooftop pool overlooking the park, but rooms are on the small end. Check the rates.

Luxury: The Emakoko

We stayed at The Emakoko, a beautiful lodge in the heart of the national park surrounded by vast savanna and secretly ensconced in a steep valley. We felt like we were deep in the wilderness, even though we were just short drive away from Nairobi. Read my full review here. Check the rates.

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Kenya Itinerary Day 2: Nairobi

It’s time to head out to explore Nairobi! You can catch a taxi to get around Nairobi or book a day tour like we did. It only cost us $35 each and the driver brought us to all three places mentioned below. It was definitely great value and we enjoyed every spot we went. Book your day trip here.

Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage 

One of the best places to visit in Nairobi is this elephant orphanage. Elephant calves orphaned by poaching are brought here from all over the country to receive specialized treatment.

You get to learn about each of the ridiculously cute baby elephants and some of them might even get up close to you. The orphanage is only opened to the public from 11am to 12pm daily and entrance is US$7.

Feed Giraffes at the Nairobi Giraffe Centre

This Giraffe Centre, which protects the highly endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, combines serious conservation with fun activities. You can hand-feed or even kiss the giraffes from a raised wooden structure, which is quite an experience! Entrance is US$15.

See the Traditional Dances at Bomas of Kenya 

Bomas of Kenya is an open-air museum celebrating the colorful tribes of Kenya.The complex has a recreated traditional village with homesteads or bomas, each one reflecting the culture of an ethnic group. There are also traditional dance performances everyday. Entrance is US$10.

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Kenya Itinerary Day 3: Nairobi National Park

Head out early at dawn for your first game drive in Kenya. (Entry fee for the national park is $43 per day.) If you are not staying in the national park, you can book a day tour that will include pickup from your hotel.

Established in 1946, this is Kenya’s first national park. The colonial governments set this area aside as a game reserve in the 1910s. Today, the national park is home to four of the Big Five (except elephants). Chances of seeing them are high because of the small size of the park.

We had an excellent guide from The Emakoko Lodge, and he was incredible at spotting animals. He was a wealth of information and made the game drives fun and engaging. We saw a massive herd of buffalo, ostriches, wildebeests, rhinos, jackals, springboks and even a lion. All of us enjoyed our game drives in Nairobi National Park more so than Maasai Mara, thanks to him!

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Kenya Itinerary Days 4 & 5: Lake Nakuru

Now the real fun begins! It’s time to leave the city behind and head into the bush. Around 100 miles (167km) from Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park is the best place in Kenya to see flamingos. (Entry fee for the national park is $60 per day).

Thousands of flamingos flock here to feed on the abundant blue-green algae cultivated by their own droppings. As Europe starts cooling in October, the migratory flamingos begin to arrive and remain in the area until April. 

We booked a lodge at Lake Nakuru and arranged for transport and driver to pick us up from Nairobi. It is possible to take public transport to Nakuru, the main town near the lake. Catch the Prestige shuttle from the matatu terminal in Nairobi. The journey takes 4-5 hours. You might also like the 4-day Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara Migration Budget Tour, which includes visits to Masai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingos.

Where to Stay at Lake Nakuru

There aren’t many lodges located inside Lake Nakuru National Park and most are expensive. You will have to pay for the nights you’re staying in the park i.e. if you’re staying 2 nights, then the entrance fee is 2x the daily rate. Otherwise, there are many budget hotels in Nakuru town and they can arrange game drives for you.

Budget: Taidy’s Suites

Located in the heart of Nakuru town, this modern hotel has slick and plush rooms, with very affordable rates. Its best feature is the rooftop pool. There’s also a lively bar with jazz music. Check the rates.

Midrange: Lake Nakuru Lodge

We stayed at this lodge that was inside the national park, with unobstructed views of the lake from our balcony. The ecolodge is in need of a revamp, but rooms are still well maintained. The pool was also an excellent spot to hang out. Check the rates.

Luxury: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge

The best lodge within the park is ths Sarova Lion Hill, with spectacular views of the surrounding savanna and wildlife. The chalet-style accommodation is slightly outdated, but it definitely has the atmosphere of a classic safari lodge. Check the rates.

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Kenya Itinerary Day 6: Maasai Mara Reserve

You can’t travel to Kenya and not visit the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Located 182 miles (293km) from Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara is around a 6-hour drive away. (Entrance fee for the park is $70 per day.)

Public transport only gets you to the town of Narok, which is still 93 miles (150km) from Maasai Mara. I advise arranging transport through your lodge. They usually charge $150/day for a Toyota van or $250/day for a Land Cruiser.

You should reach in time for an evening game drive. Masai Mara is world famous for the annual migration of animals, where thousands of wildebeests storm across the Mara River. The best time to see it is from July to October, but it can get crowded then. You can also consider this budget-friendly 6-day safari: the Maasai Mara-Nakuru-Amboseli Kenya Budget Adventure.

Where to Stay in Maasai Mara

Budget: Oseki Maasai Mara Camp

This is one of the cheapest luxury tented camp, offering great mountain views of the Maasai Mara. It is located just a few minutes from the national park’s entrance. The safari tents are big, clean and comfortable, with attached bathrooms. Check the rates here.

Midrange: Sarova Mara Game Camp

We found a great deal on SnapTravel and paid around $400 in total for our 2-night stay at this hotel (half of the usual rates). The big-scale family lodge has tastefully designed luxury tents with a vintage style, teak furnishing and 4-poster beds. The lodge also has a swimming pool and good restaurant with international food. Check the rates here.

Luxury: Olare Mara Kempinski

Nestled on the banks of the Ntiakitiak River, Olare Mara Kempinski is an exclusive 5-star lodge located in the national park. Every luxury tent has parquet floors, 4-poster beds, Victorian baths and open views of the savanna. Some tents even have a private plunge pool — perfect for a honeymoon! Check the rates here.

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Kenya Itinerary Day 7: Maasai Mara

Regardless of the time of the year you visit Kenya, chances of seeing wildlife are very high in the Maasai Mara. We visited in December, right after some unusually heavy rain, so sightings were less than usual. That said, we still spotted four of the Big Five, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalos and many others. Check out photos from my previous safari in Maasai Mara.

It is possible to do self-driving in the Maasai Mara, but I highly recommend hiring a wildlife guide who can share all the interesting details about each animal and point out animals that you would otherwise miss if you were on your own.

Go Hot Air Ballooning Over Maasai Mara

If you are celebrating something special, hot air ballooning over the Maasai Mara is definitely a memorable experience. I’ve been on a hot air balloon 5 times and every single time was amazing. Masai Mara, in particular, is one of the best places to hot air balloon in the world, thanks to the unique opportunity to see wildlife from above. Prepare to spend around $450 for the experience of a lifetime. Book the experience here.

Visit a Maasai Village

Maasai Mara is the land of the Maasai people, an ancient nomadic people known for their bravery. Maasai men were once expected to kill a lion to prove their strength and manhood. Arrange to visit a Maasai village through your lodge/driver. (Fee is a donation of $25 each.) The visit was definitely a humbling and fascinating experience for all of us, including our kid.

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Kenya Itinerary Day 8: Diani Beach

After getting your safari fix, head to Kenya’s coast to see a different side of the country. It’s a great place to kick back, especially if you’re traveling Kenya with kids. You’ll need to drive back to Nairobi early in the morning (journey takes 6+ hours) to catch a domestic flight to Mombasa. A one-way ticket from Nairobi to Mombasa (50mins) on Skywards Express or FLY540 costs around $67. Book your flight here!

Upon arrival in Mombasa, you will have to catch the Likoni Ferry to get to Diani Beach. It’s free. A ferry ride is only 5 minutes, but the queue to get on the ferry can result in more than an hour wait. It’s chaotic but quite the experience! You can also book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Diani.

Where to Stay in Diani Beach

Budget: Villa Mandhari – Diani Beach

Located 500 m from the Indian Ocean, this property offers excellent value with its modern and spacious villas for only $60/night.We loved staying here — our 2-bedroom villa was huge, the outdoor pool was nice and big, with a lot of lounging space. Check the rates here.

Midrange: Swahili Beach

The beachfront hotel is stylish and elegant, with Moroccan-themed rooms that are huge and beautifully designed. Each room is decorated with Arabic lamps, arched walls and kilim carpets. It also has an excellent restaurant that serves traditional Moroccan tagines. Check the rates.

Luxury: Baobab Beach Resort & Spa

One of the best hotels in Diani Beach, this all-inclusive resort is right on the beach and features a 3-tiered pool. Thatch-roofed villas are designed around landscaped gardens. It also has a few restaurants and evening entertainment. Check the rates.

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Kenya Itinerary Days 9 & 10: Diani Beach

With its 17 kilometers of flawless, soft white sand, Diani Beach is the most popular beach town in Kenya, for good reasons. The soft white sand and clean water definitely make this a great escape after being on safari. 

There’s a whole lot to do at Diani Beach for active travelers: from snorkeling to scuba diving and skydiving. You can also choose to enjoy the beach and do nothing! Here are some activities we recommend doing at Diani Beach. Just so you know, this 5-day safari tour, “Scenic Odyssey to Tsavo & Amboseli,” starts from Diani Beach and is conducted in a 4×4 Jeep.

Explore UNESCO Site Fort Jesus

It’s worth taking time off from the beach to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Fort Jesus, just a few minutes’ drives from Diani beach. Fort Jesus was built in 1593 by the Portuguese and Spanish and it still remains in great condition. Another historical site worth visiting is the Kongo Mosque, built by Arab traders back in the 14th century. It is the oldest mosque in East Africa. Their architecture is a strong reminder of the coastal area history.

Sail on a Dhow to Nearby Islands

There are also lots of boat trips you can do to surrounding islands. We did a dhow tour to Wasini Island and Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and had a blast! The day tour brought us on a historical walk around Wasini Island and we got to visit the Shimoni Slave Caves. Also we snorkeled in the marine park and swam next to turtles. If you’re lucky, you can even see dolphins.

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Kenya Itinerary Day 11: Lamu Island

I’ve saved the best for the last! Head back to Mombasa for your flight to Lamu Island. The historical island is located in the northern part of the country and traveling by road would take too long.

A one-way flight from Mombasa to Lamu costs around $40 and takes 40 minutes. FLY540 and Skyward Express both offer great prices. Book your flight here!

Once you arrive in Lamu, you’ll find yourself swaying to the slow rhythm of life here on the Swahili coast. There are no cars on Lamu, only donkeys and pushcarts are allowed in the UNESCO World Heritage-Listed town.

Where to Stay on Lamu Island

Budget: Jannataan Hotel

Located in the heart of Shella town, the simple budget hotel is surrounded by leafy gardens, minarets and narrow alleys. It’s a great spot to stay at if you’re looking to spend all your time wandering the old town rather than relax on the beach. It also has a great swimming pool. Check the rates.

Midrange: Kizingo

Located along the sandy Kizingo Beach, this rustic property stands at the tip of Lamu island where it meets the Indian Ocean. It has simple thatched-roof chalets all looking out to the ocean. The amenities are basic, and it’s more suitable for people who want a secluded place and go unplugged. Check the rates.

Luxury: The Red Pepper House

Overlooking the beach and surrounded by forest, this exclusive, secluded villa offers upscale lodging decorated in Swahili-style and contemporary art. The spacious suites are located in traditional dwellings, called Nyumbas. They offer sea views and feature an outside living area and a veranda. Each Nyumba has a private butler. Check the rates here.

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Kenya Itinerary Days 12 & 13: Lamu Island

Founded in the 14th century, Lamu is the best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. It reminds me a little of Tanzania’s Zanzibar. With its ancient fort, its wood carved doors, bustling markets and the ubiquitous donkeys the town is charming and authentic—no wonder UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site.

It’s easy to spend days getting lost in Lamu’s Old Town. Listen to the calls of prayer everyday as you sip a cup of Arabic coffee. Dhow and donkey remain the only forms of transport around Lamu. Hiring a dhow for a leisurely cruise around the archipelago is a must-do.

Shela village is another interesting spot worth visiting. It’s a tangle of donkey-wide alleys, winding among tall stone townhouses, small thatched huts, few mosques and ruins and a spacious square ringed with some market stalls.

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Kenya Itinerary Day 14: Nairobi

Sadly, your trip has come to an end. I recommend flying back to Nairobi in the morning just to make sure you can catch your flight home.  A single flight from Lamu to Nairobi costs around $90 and takes 1h45m. Book your flight here!

In case you have an extra day, there are quite a few hotels near Nairobi Airport. Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport is the nearest hotel to the airport and it’s the best hotel in the area in terms of comfort and quality. Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport is the second closest and is slightly cheaper. We stayed at the Airport Landing Hotel which is a good budget option around a 10-min drive away.

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How Much Does this Kenya Itinerary Cost?

In general, Kenya is cheap to travel if you’re traveling independently. African safari in Kenya are generally expensive, but keep in mind that all your meals, lodging and game drives are included. Accommodation on the coast is cheaper, at around $60 per night for a midrange hotel and $100 and above for an upscale hotel.

The cheapest 4-day budget camping safari you can find in Kenya is $450 per person. The average nightly rate for a budget safari lodge is $100 and midrange safari lodge is $250. We spent around $150/day on transport provided by the lodges (that includes game drives).

National park entrance fees are another hefty cost. They are charged per day and per person (which makes it very expensive if you are staying inside the park!!). You can save money by staying outside of the parks and going for 1-2 game drives at each park.

Here are the entrance fees for the major national parks:

• Nairobi National Park: $43 per adult, $22 per child per day
• Lake Nakuru: $60 per adult, $35 per child per day
• Maasai Mara: $70 per adult, $40 per child per day
• Amboseli: $60 per adult, $35 per child per day
• Watamu: $17 per adult, $13 per child per day

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More Kenya Itinerary Ideas

For those with more time, there are many more things to do in Kenya. If beaches aren’t your thing, you can go trekking up Kenya’s highest mountains, or see more wildlife in other national parks. Here is a host of other Kenya itinerary ideas.

Cycle through the Gates of Hell

Located about 60 miles (96 kilometers) from Nairobi in the Great Rift Valley, Hell’s Gate has some interesting, lava-carved landscape. Lacking dangerous animals, it’s also one of the rare few parks where it’s safe to cycle. Bikes are available for rental inside the park and from vendors outside the main gate.

Admire Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park

Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, the Amboseli National Park is best known for the spectacular landscapes. The name “Amboseli” comes from a Maasai word meaning “salty dust”, and it is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Kids will get the chance to see the real-life setting of “Lion King” here.

Climb the 2nd Highest Mountain in Africa

Revered by Kenyan people, Mount Kenya is seen as a holy place. The country is even named after it, that’s how special it is. Standing at 5,199 meters high, Mount Kenya is only slightly lower than Kilimanjaro, yet it’s cheaper and hiking trails are a lot less crowded.

You’ll need to fly into Nairobi’s international airport. From the airport, the start point of the hike can be easily reached easily via the highway in a bus. Check out this 4-day guided hike.

Snorkel in Watamu Marine National Park

Green turtles and unique coral gardens – the Watamu Marine National Park is an excellent place to visit for water babies. The park is part of a complex of marine and tidal habitats with rich and diverse bird life and dugongs. Besides water activities, you can also visit the nearby Gede Ruins, a 12th century Swahili village that was abandoned 600 years ago.

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How to Get Around Kenya 

By Plane

The best way to get from Nairobi to the coast is on the domestic airline, Kenyan Airways. It is affordable and fast. Direct flights from Nairobi to Mombasa are around US$67. Direct flights from Nairobi to Lamu Island are around US$100.

It IS also possible to fly from Nairobi to Maasai Mara and other reserves on Safarilink. But it is expensive, with flights costing around US$350 return per person. Flying cuts down the travel time from 6 hours by road to just 40 minutes.

Search for Domestic Flights

By Car Rental

Roads in Kenya aren’t in the best condition and traffic around Nairobi is a nightmare. You would need a 4WD to drive into the national parks. Renting a Toyota Land Cruiser usually costs around $200-300/day.

I wouldn’t advise driving in Kenya on your own, unless you’re very experienced driving 4WD. My husband Alberto has driven in many countries, and even then, we decided to book transport with our lodge (which comes with a driver) as it cost the same as renting a 4WD.

Search for Car Rental in Kenya

By Hiring a Driver

What we did for this Kenya itinerary was booking a safari lodge/camp and arranging a “road package” through them. The package included a driver, 2 game drives per day during your stay at the lodge and pick-up and drop-off from any hotel in Nairobi. Most lodges quoted us $150/day for a Toyota van and $250/day for a Land Cruiser safari jeep.

However, note that you’ll get a driver — not a wildlife guide who’s experienced in spotting animals! That makes a world of difference, but as we have plenty of wildlife-watching experience, it didn’t matter to us.

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Travel Kenya Independently or on Guided Tour?

If it’s your first time on African safari in Kenya, I recommend booking a complete safari package that includes an experienced wildlife guide throughout the trip. A wildlife guide knows where to spot the animals and he can share lots of interesting information about each animal.

On my first trip to Kenya, I did this trip with G Adventures: Kenya and Tanzania camping safari. If you’re short on time, check out this 8-day National Geographic Kenya safari trip. I’ve traveled with them many times (to Antarctica, Brazil, Nepal etc) and each trip has been epic!

Another interesting trip is this Kenya Wildlife Ranger Expedition with Intrepid Travel. You will go on game drives and foot patrols with rangers working in Amboseli, Chyulu Hills and Kilimanjaro. For solo female travelers, this Kenya Women’s Expedition sounds amazing. You get to meet local Kenyan women from all walks of life, and travel with an all-female crew including your local leader and driver.

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Budget African Safari in Kenya

An African safari in Kenya will account for a big chunk of your expenses. But there are many budget Kenya tours available on GetYourGuide (which I always recommend as their prices are good and they have consistently provided good customer service.) I recommend exploring Nairobi independently and booking day tours and budget Kenya safari. 

These Kenya tours are usually camping safari and include drivers and cooks. You’ll have to join a small group of 5/6, and sleep in 2-person tents. They usually don’t include licensed wildlife guides — don’t expect drivers to know much about the animals. We went on a budget camping safari on our first trip to East Africa 10 years ago.

Recommended Budget Safari Tours in Kenya

• 4-Day Mara & Nakuru Private Jeep Upgraded Budget Option
• 3-Day Masai Mara Budget Safari Tour Kenya
• 4-day Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara tour
• 3-day Amboseli National Park tour
• 2-day Mount Kenya safari

Recommended Mid-Range Safari Tours in Kenya

• 6-Day Masai Mara, Naivasha and Amboseli
• 4-Day Masai Mara-Lake Naivasha Hell’s Gate Adventure

Recommended Luxury Safari Tours in Kenya

• 4-Day Great Migration and the Big Five Jeep Encounter
• 6-Day Mara, Nakuru & Samburu Private Jeep Safari

Kenya Day Tours

• Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate Park day tour
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy & Chimpanzee Sanctuary day tour
• Elephant and Giraffe Experience day tour

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Is It Safe to Travel Kenya?

It is understandable to be concerned about safety in Kenya. After all, Nairobi has a high crime rate (the city is nicknamed “Nai-robbery”) and it has experienced several bombings in recent years. But if you follow this Kenya itinerary, you can easily avoid the city centre and stay in the quiet outskirts or Nairobi National Park (15-min drive from airport) like we did.

If you are worried about your safety on safari after seeing videos of cheetahs jumping onto safari jeeps, please know that such things rarely happen. Animals usually prefer to keep their distance from human beings. As long as we don’t disturb the wildlife, they won’t disturb us. Read more on safety in Kenya.

Beyond the big city, it is generally very safe in the national parks and nature reserves. We traveled Kenya with our 4.5-year-old daughter and found it safe everywhere we went. For those traveling Kenya with kids, the bigger issue is health and hygiene due to malaria and yellow fever risks and food contamination. Read the next section for details.

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Travel Insurance for Kenya

It’s important to have travel insurance, whether you’re traveling Kenya for 2 weeks or months. Travel insurance will cover you in the event of a mishap or accident.

Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.

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Health and Vaccinations for Kenya

It is mandatory to have the yellow fever vaccination to travel to Kenya (airport authorities ask for proof sometimes). But one shot lasts a lifetime.

For this Kenya itinerary, only the yellow fever vaccine is mandatory. Suggested vaccinations for Kenya include meningitis, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and cholera. Check the CDC website for more details. We didn’t get any for ourselves, but we did get the hep B shot for our daughter.

Most parts of Kenya (outside of Nairobi) are malaria infected zones. You can take malaria preventative medication (the most popular being Malarone), but they do have side effects like hallucination. We didn’t take any on this trip, but we have taken them on previous trips and had no side effects. There is also Malarone for kids above 5. Read my detailed guide on how to travel Kenya with kids.

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Planning Your Trip to Kenya

2 weeks in Kenya will definitely give you enough time to experience the wildlife and coastline of this beautiful country. I hope this Kenya itinerary lets you see the best of Kenya and enjoy everything the country has to offer. Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments field below.

Are you looking for more info on travel to Kenya? I have written quite a few articles about Kenya and you’ll find the links below. I hope they will help you plan your trip and make the most out of your Kenya adventure.

Leave a comment below if you have any questions about Kenya!

• The Ultimate Kenya Travel Guide
• Kenya with Kids: Kenya Family Safari Guide
• The Annual Migration at Masai Mara
• Meeting the Maasai People at Masai Mara
• Staying at the Emakoko in Nairobi National Park
• 2-Week South Africa Itinerary
• 28 Cool Things to Do in Namibia
• Swaziland Travel Guide

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to companies I use and trust. I get a small commission when you click on my links, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.

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