Ultimate Kenya Itinerary 5 Days (Best Things To Do + Day wise details)

Read a detailed day-wise Kenya itinerary 5 days with city-to-city commuting options, hotel stay options, things to do, vegetarian food options, adventure activities, and many more FAQs for first-timers to the UK. 

ALSO READ: 6 Rules for a Successful Holiday Trip to Kenya

Kenya Itinerary 5 Days – Things To Do In Kenya In 5 Days

Read 5 days Kenya itinerary, including activities, hotel options, and cities to visit:

KENYA VISA INFO

•  Apply online eVisa for Kenya by clicking this link
• Kenya Process Time – 3 working days, you will get the visa. 
• Kenya Visa Price – Single-entry USD 51& Multiple-entry USD 101. 
• Kenya Visa Duration – 90 Days. 

Day 1: Nairobi (5 Days In Kenya)

• Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
• Check into your hotel in Nairobi. Some popular hotel options are:
  • Serena Hotel Nairobi: Located in the city center, it offers luxurious accommodations and excellent amenities.
  • Sarova Stanley: A historic hotel blending modern comforts and colonial elegance.
• After settling in, visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can feed and interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes. 
• In the afternoon, explore the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a sanctuary for orphaned elephants and rhinos.
• In the evening, visit the Maasai Market for a vibrant shopping experience, where you can find local crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.
• Enjoy dinner at one of Nairobi’s renowned restaurants, such as Carnivore, for a unique African dining experience.

Day 2: Masai Mara National Reserve (Must In Kenya Itinerary)

• Take an early morning flight or drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations.
• Check into your lodge or tented camp in the reserve. Some recommended options include:
  • JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge: Situated besides river, it offers panoramic views and comfortable accommodations.
• Embark on an afternoon game drive to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and other wildlife.
• Enjoy a memorable sunset in the Mara and indulge in a delicious dinner at your lodge or camp.

Day 3: Masai Mara National Reserve

• Start your day with an early morning game drive to witness the stunning sunrise and catch animals in their most active state.
• Visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about the indigenous culture and way of life.
• After lunch, go on another game drive, exploring different parts of the reserve and observing its diverse ecosystem.
• Optional: Take a hot air balloon safari for a breathtaking aerial view of the Masai Mara (additional cost).
• Enjoy a bush dinner under the starry African sky, accompanied by traditional music and dance.

Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park

• Depart from the Masai Mara and head towards Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its abundant birdlife and rhino population.
• Check into your lodge or camp near the park. Some popular options include:
  • Sarova Lion Hill Lodge: Situated on a hill overlooking the lake, it offers comfortable accommodation and stunning views.
  • Lake Nakuru Lodge: Located inside the park, it provides a rustic experience with modern amenities.
• Embark on a game drive in the park, searching for flamingos, pelicans, giraffes, zebras, and the endangered white and black rhinos.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake and take in the beautiful scenery.
• In the afternoon, explore the nearby Baboon Cliff for panoramic park views.
• Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Day 5: Amboseli National Park

• Leave Lake Nakuru and travel to Amboseli National Park, famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Check into your lodge or tented camp in Amboseli. Recommended options include:
  • Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge: Nestled in the park’s heart, it offers comfortable accommodations and breathtaking vistas.
  • Tortilis Camp: Situated in a private conservancy, it provides luxury tents and fantastic game-viewing opportunities.
• Embark on a game drive in Amboseli, where you can spot elephants, lions, zebras, wildebeest, and numerous bird species.
• Visit a local Maasai community and learn about their customs, traditions, and traditional craftsmanship.
• Enjoy a sundowner overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro and a farewell dinner at your lodge or camp.

Day 6: Departure

• After breakfast, bid farewell to Amboseli and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure.

Valuable Resources – Kenya In 5 Days

Read about some helpful things to know before you plan your Kenya itinerary 5 days.

List of distances between Most Visited Places in Kenya 

• Distance from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Nairobi city center: Approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles).
• Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve: The distance between Nairobi and the Masai Mara varies depending on the entry gate, but it’s approximately 270 kilometers (168 miles). The journey can take 4-5 hours by road or a 1-hour flight.
• Masai Mara National Reserve to Lake Nakuru National Park: The distance between the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru National Park is approximately 315 kilometers (196 miles). It’s usually a full-day drive of about 6-7 hours, including stops.
• Lake Nakuru National Park to Amboseli National Park: The distance between Lake Nakuru and Amboseli National Park is approximately 370 kilometers (230 miles). It’s typically a full-day drive of around 6-7 hours, including stops.
• Amboseli National Park to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport: The distance between Amboseli and the airport in Nairobi is approximately 235 kilometers (146 miles). The drive takes around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Best Time To Visit Kenya – Kenya Itinerary

The best time to visit Kenya depends on the activities and wildlife sightings you are interested in and the regions you plan to explore. Generally, Kenya has two main seasons: dry season and wet season. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and the best time to visit Kenya for different purposes:

Dry Season (January to March, July to October):

• • Best for wildlife viewing: During the dry season, vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife in national parks and reserves. Many animals gather around water sources, providing excellent game-viewing opportunities.
  • Best for visiting the Maasai Mara: The famous wildebeest migration usually takes place in the Maasai Mara from July to October, offering incredible wildlife spectacles.
  • Best for beach holidays: Coastal areas, such as Mombasa and Diani Beach, have dry and sunny weather during these months, making it ideal for beach vacations.

Wet Season (April to June, November to December):

• • Best for birdwatching: The wet season brings lush greenery and an influx of migratory bird species, making it an excellent time for birdwatching enthusiasts.
  • Best for lower prices and fewer crowds: The wet season is considered the low season for tourism in Kenya, which means you can often find better deals on accommodations and encounter fewer tourists.
• Note: While the wet season can bring rain, it usually consists of short afternoon showers rather than continuous downpours.

Vegetarian food options in Kenya 

Kenya, known for its rich culinary diversity, offers a range of vegetarian food options that cater to different dietary preferences. While traditional Kenyan cuisine typically includes meat-based dishes, vegetarian choices can be found in many restaurants and hotels, including those in the destinations mentioned in the itinerary. Here’s a glimpse of the vegetarian food options you can expect in Kenya:

Nairobi:

• Nairobi has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants that offer a variety of plant-based dishes. Some popular options include:
  • • Open House Restaurant: Known for its Indian vegetarian cuisine, it serves delicious vegetarian curries, biryanis, and dosas.
    • Zen Garden: This restaurant offers a diverse menu with vegetarian and vegan options, such as salads, stir-fries, and plant-based burgers.
  • Artcaffe: A café-style restaurant with multiple locations offering vegetarian-friendly options like salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

Masai Mara National Reserve:

• • Lodges and tented camps in the Masai Mara typically provide buffet-style meals, often including vegetarian options such as salads, vegetable curries, soups, and pasta dishes. Most accommodations are happy to accommodate dietary preferences if informed in advance.

Lake Nakuru National Park:

• • Similar to the Masai Mara, lodges and camps in Lake Nakuru National Park typically offer buffet-style meals with vegetarian options available. You can expect vegetable stir-fries, pasta dishes, salads, and soups.

Amboseli National Park:

• • Accommodations in Amboseli National Park also provide buffet-style meals with vegetarian options. You can enjoy vegetable stews, salads, stir-fried vegetables, and rice or pasta preparations.

When dining out, it’s always a good idea to communicate your dietary preferences to the restaurant staff or your tour operator in advance to ensure they can cater to your needs. Kenyan cuisine often incorporates flavorful spices and diverse ingredients, so you can expect to enjoy a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes during your visit.

FAQs Kenya Itinerary 5 Days

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that first-time tourists to Kenya often have:

Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?

• • Yes, most visitors to Kenya require a visa. You can obtain a visa in advance from a Kenyan embassy/consulate or apply for an eVisa online. 

What is the currency used in Kenya?

• • The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). It’s advisable to carry some local currency for small purchases, as not all places accept credit cards or foreign currency. ATMs are widely available in major cities and towns.

Is it safe to travel to Kenya?

• • Like any travel destination, taking general safety precautions in Kenya is important. Most tourist areas, such as national parks and reserves, are safe. However, better to stay informed about the current situation, follow local advice, and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip.

What is the official language in Kenya?

• • The official languages of Kenya are English and Swahili. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and major cities. Swahili is the national language and is also commonly used.

What are the main attractions in Kenya?

• • Kenya is known for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Popular attractions include the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Mount Kenya, and the coastal areas of Mombasa and Diani Beach.

What is the local cuisine like in Kenya?

• • Kenyan cuisine is diverse, with influences from various ethnic groups. Some popular dishes include ugali (a staple made from maize flour), sukuma wiki (collard greens), and pilau (spiced rice). Vegetarian and international cuisine options are also available in many places.

These are just a few common questions that first-time tourists to Kenya often have. 

Now you know the best places to visit in Kenya with this 5 days Kenya itinerary guide with hotel options, things to do, activities for all ages, and vegetarian food options. So plan your fun-filled 5 days in Kenya with this Kenya itinerary travel planner.

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