17 Days Kenya & Coast Safari

Your 17 Days Kenya & Coast Safari begins in Nairobi. After landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, complete immigration formalities, collect your baggage and proceed into the arrivals area. A representative will meet you and transfer you privately to your Nairobi accommodation.

The arrival day is normally kept relaxed because flight schedules vary and many travelers arrive after overnight journeys. Check into your hotel and settle in. Depending on arrival time, you may have lunch, dinner or simply rest. If your flight lands early and you want to begin exploring, optional Nairobi sightseeing can be arranged, although it is generally wise to avoid overloading the first day.

A safari briefing can be arranged at the hotel, where your guide or representative can explain:

• Safari route
• Driving times
• National park procedures
• Wildlife expectations
• Accommodation
• Meal arrangements
• Photography
• Weather
• Clothing
• Coastal transfer
• Domestic flight baggage limits where relevant

This is also an opportunity to confirm special requirements such as dietary needs, family room arrangements or honeymoon details.

Destination: Nairobi
Main experience: Arrival and safari briefing
Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Meals: According to arrival time and package

After breakfast, meet your safari driver-guide and begin the journey toward Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya. Amboseli is one of Kenya's most celebrated wildlife areas and provides an excellent introduction to the safari. The park is best known for its elephants and the spectacular backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Although Kilimanjaro lies across the border in Tanzania, clear conditions can produce magnificent views from Amboseli, though visibility is never guaranteed.

Travel through the Kenyan countryside and arrive at your lodge or tented camp. Depending on timing, have lunch and rest before beginning an afternoon game drive. Amboseli's open landscapes can make wildlife relatively easy to observe. Possible sightings include: Elephants, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeest, Hippos, Gazelles, Warthogs, Hyenas, Lions, Cheetahs.

Elephants are the signature species. Large family groups may move across the plains, while enormous bulls can sometimes be encountered alone. The permanent wetlands are particularly important because they provide reliable water within an otherwise seasonally dry environment. Return to your lodge around sunset and enjoy dinner and your first night in the wilderness.

Destination: Amboseli National Park
Main experiences: Scenic transfer and afternoon game drive
Accommodation: Safari lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Wake early for your first complete game-viewing day. Morning temperatures are cooler, wildlife may be active, and Mount Kilimanjaro is often clearest around the early hours, although views cannot be guaranteed. Depart with your guide and explore open plains, marshes and wildlife corridors.

Elephant viewing can be outstanding. Instead of immediately leaving after finding a herd, spend time observing behavior. You may see:

• Mothers guiding calves
• Young elephants playing
• Adults feeding
• Herds entering wetlands
• Dust bathing
• Bulls interacting
• Elephants crossing open ground

Amboseli also supports numerous other herbivores. Zebras and wildebeest often graze in open areas, giraffes move through acacia habitat and buffaloes can gather close to wetter sections. Predators such as lions and cheetahs occur within the ecosystem, and your guide will use tracks, animal movement and local knowledge to search for them.

Depending on the schedule, return to the lodge for lunch or spend a longer day in the park with a picnic. The middle of the day can be used for swimming or rest. Later, return for another game drive, as the late afternoon light can be excellent for photography. Return to the lodge for dinner.

A second full day prevents the Amboseli experience from feeling rushed. Yesterday's game drives provide only a snapshot, and today the landscape and wildlife may behave completely differently. Begin early and explore another section of the ecosystem.

If Kilimanjaro was hidden by cloud yesterday, you have another opportunity to see the mountain. Photographers benefit particularly from multiple mornings because mountain visibility is never guaranteed. Birdlife is also excellent: the wetlands support waterbirds, while drier sections provide habitats for raptors, bustards, hornbills and smaller savannah species.

Return to the lodge during the warmer middle part of the day, have lunch and rest. The afternoon can include one final game drive. If offered by your lodge, a sundowner can be added where park and conservancy rules permit. As the sun lowers, the plains take on deep golden tones. Return for dinner and your final night in Amboseli.

After breakfast, leave Amboseli and travel toward Lake Naivasha. This is one of the longer transfer sectors of the itinerary, taking you from southern Kenya toward the Great Rift Valley. The scenery gradually changes as you move from open dry plains into areas of higher elevation, agricultural landscapes and eventually the freshwater environment of Lake Naivasha.

Arrive at your lodge and check in. After a long drive, the afternoon is intentionally relaxed. Have lunch or a late meal and spend time at the property. If arrival time and weather permit, a short boat excursion can be arranged. Otherwise, reserve the main Lake Naivasha activities for tomorrow.

Destination: Lake Naivasha
Main experience: Great Rift Valley transfer and relaxation
Accommodation: Lakeside lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner according to package

After breakfast, prepare for a different style of wildlife viewing with a boat safari on Lake Naivasha. Hippos are among the most important large animals inhabiting the lake. They spend much of the daylight period in the water and can often be seen in groups, and the boat guide will maintain appropriate distance and follow safe operating practices.

Birdlife is outstanding. Potential sightings include: African fish eagles, Kingfishers, Cormorants, Pelicans, Herons, Egrets, Ducks, Various waders.

The boat experience provides a welcome change after several days of game driving. Depending on your interests, it can be combined with a visit to Crescent Island, where a guided walk in an appropriate area provides another different wildlife perspective. Alternatively, adventurous travelers can visit Hell's Gate National Park, where walking or cycling may be possible in designated sections, depending on current regulations and safety conditions. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing at your lodge.

After breakfast, travel toward Lake Nakuru National Park. The journey is relatively short compared with some other transfer sectors, which provides good time for game viewing. Lake Nakuru National Park protects a compact but diverse ecosystem containing lakeshore habitat, woodland and open grassland. The park is particularly important for rhino conservation, and both black and white rhinos may be encountered, though sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Other possible wildlife includes: Buffaloes, Giraffes, Waterbucks, Zebras, Baboons, Warthogs, Lions, Leopards, Numerous antelope species.

Lake Nakuru historically became famous for vast flamingo congregations. Flamingos still visit the lake, but their numbers can vary considerably with water depth and food availability. For this reason, the park should be appreciated as a broad wildlife destination rather than solely as a flamingo attraction. Complete your game drive and continue to your lodge.

Destination: Lake Nakuru National Park
Main experiences: Rhino viewing, general wildlife and birding
Accommodation: Safari lodge or camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After an early breakfast, begin the journey toward the legendary Masai Mara, which for many travelers becomes the safari's most anticipated wildlife destination. The route passes through changing landscapes before entering the greater Mara ecosystem. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp and, depending on timing, enjoy lunch before beginning an afternoon safari.

The Masai Mara supports an extraordinary variety of wildlife. Possible sightings include: Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Elephants, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeest, Hyenas, Jackals, Elands, Topis, Impalas, Gazelles.

The open grasslands make wildlife viewing particularly rewarding, and predators are a major highlight. Lion prides can often be found resting or moving through their territories, cheetahs use open plains and leopards may occur around riverine vegetation. Return to your accommodation toward evening.

Destination: Masai Mara
Main experiences: Transfer and introductory Mara game drive
Accommodation: Safari lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Wake before sunrise and begin your first complete day in the Masai Mara. Morning can provide some of the best predator activity: lions may still be moving after the night, cheetahs may begin scanning plains for prey and leopards may remain visible after nocturnal activity. Your guide will use tracks, animal behavior and local knowledge to choose the most productive areas.

The Masai Mara supports much more than predators. Elephants move through the grasslands, buffaloes gather in groups and giraffes browse from scattered trees. Wildebeest, zebras, topis and gazelles create constant movement across the plains, while the rivers support hippos and crocodiles.

Depending on your safari style, return to the lodge for lunch or remain out with a picnic. A full-day safari allows you to explore farther sections of the ecosystem, which can be particularly important during the migration season. Return to your accommodation in the evening.

Another full day allows you to explore the Mara at a slower and more rewarding pace. Wildlife viewing changes constantly: yesterday's quiet area may be active this morning, a lion pride may have moved several kilometers, a cheetah may begin hunting, elephants may cross open plains and a leopard may appear beside a river. Your guide can follow up on previous sightings or explore a completely different section.

Photographers should take advantage of the additional time, because good wildlife photography often depends on patience. A sleeping lion can suddenly become active, elephants can move into dramatic light and cheetahs may climb elevated ground.

The Mara is also exceptional for birdlife. Possible birds include: Eagles, Vultures, Secretary birds, Bustards, Ground hornbills, Rollers, Bee-eaters, Storks.

Return to camp after another full wildlife day.

Your final full safari day can be customized according to what you have seen so far. If you have not yet encountered a leopard, your guide may concentrate more heavily on suitable riverine habitat. If cheetahs have become a highlight, more time can be spent exploring open plains. Migration-focused travelers can search for areas where large herds have gathered.

Great Wildebeest Migration

The Great Wildebeest Migration involves large numbers of wildebeest and zebras moving continuously through the wider Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. The movement is influenced by:

• Rainfall
• Water
• Fresh grazing
• Seasonal conditions

Large concentrations are often associated with the Masai Mara during roughly July through October. However, exact timing changes each year.

Mara River Crossings

River crossings are among the migration's most dramatic events, and they are also completely unpredictable. Herds can approach the river, wait for hours and then turn away, while others may cross unexpectedly. No responsible safari guide should guarantee a crossing on a particular day. Multiple nights in the Mara simply provide more opportunities.

Optional Hot-Air Balloon Safari

An optional hot-air balloon flight can also be arranged, subject to availability and weather. The experience generally begins before sunrise and provides spectacular aerial views of the ecosystem, and a breakfast experience usually follows the flight. Advance booking is strongly recommended.

Return to camp for your final safari dinner.

Today marks the major transition from safari adventure to beach relaxation. Depending on your flight schedule, you may begin with a short morning game drive or enjoy breakfast before checking out. Transfer to the airstrip or begin your road connection. For most travelers, flying from the Masai Mara region toward the coast is the most comfortable option. Exact routing depends on:

• Travel date
• Safari camp location
• Coastal destination
• Airline schedule
• Baggage limits

You may travel directly where a suitable service operates or connect through Nairobi. Eventually, arrive at the coast and transfer to your beach hotel or resort. The contrast is immediate, as safari plains and dusty roads are replaced by:

• Palm trees
• White sand
• Tropical vegetation
• Ocean air
• Indian Ocean views

Check in and spend the remainder of the day relaxing. There are no scheduled wildlife activities, so simply enjoy dinner at the resort.

Destination: Kenya Coast
Main experience: Safari-to-beach transition
Accommodation: Beach resort or boutique hotel
Meals: According to selected meal plan

Wake without an early game-drive alarm. After nearly two weeks of safari travel, this can feel wonderfully different. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and spend the morning at the beach or swimming pool. The coast gives you time to recover physically and mentally from the intensity of safari. You may choose to:

• Swim
• Walk along the beach
• Read
• Use the swimming pool
• Enjoy a spa treatment
• Have a relaxed lunch
• Photograph the coastline
• Take an afternoon nap

The day does not need a formal itinerary, and that is one of its greatest advantages.

Today can remain entirely relaxed or include a marine excursion. Depending on your chosen beach destination, optional activities may include:

• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Boat excursions
• Marine park visits
• Fishing
• Paddle sports
• Kite surfing
• Dolphin-focused excursions where suitable and responsibly operated

Marine activities depend on weather, sea conditions and operator availability. Travelers interested in snorkeling or diving should use reputable licensed operators. Coral ecosystems are fragile, so avoid touching, standing on or collecting coral. If you prefer not to take an excursion, simply enjoy another full beach day.

Today provides another completely flexible day. Travelers interested in culture can arrange a local excursion. The Kenyan coast has a long history shaped by African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences, and Swahili culture is particularly important. Depending on your location, suitable excursions may include historical areas, markets, local communities or selected cultural attractions.

Alternatively, remain at the resort. A spa treatment can be particularly enjoyable after the safari, couples may arrange a romantic dinner and families can use the day for swimming and resort activities. The objective is not to fill the schedule but to enjoy the coast at your preferred pace.

Your final complete day is deliberately unscheduled. After sixteen days of travel, many guests appreciate having no timetable. Spend the morning walking beside the ocean, swim, have a long breakfast and return to the pool. You may take one final marine excursion, shop for souvenirs and enjoy lunch overlooking the sea.

Watch the late afternoon light across the Indian Ocean. This is also the ideal day for a final spa treatment or romantic dinner. Enjoy your last evening in Kenya.

Wake for your final morning at the coast. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for breakfast and a final walk along the beach. Check out and transfer to the appropriate airport. Your international connection may involve a domestic flight to Nairobi before continuing onward, so transfer times should be arranged carefully to allow sufficient connection time.

Your 17 Days Kenya & Coast Safari concludes after combining several of Kenya's finest inland wildlife destinations with several relaxing days beside the Indian Ocean.

Wildlife Highlights of the Safari Section

The itinerary visits several ecosystems that collectively support a wide range of wildlife. Potential sightings include: African elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Black rhino, White rhino, African buffalo, Masai giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hippopotamus, Crocodile, Spotted hyena, Jackals, Warthog, Eland, Topi, Impala, Waterbuck, Thomson's gazelle, Grant's gazelle, Baboons, Vervet monkeys, Numerous bird species.

Wildlife cannot be guaranteed because animals move freely. The diversity of destinations, however, provides excellent overall opportunities.