9-Day Goway Itinerary for Kenya
Embark on a thrilling 9-day adventure through Kenya, beginning in the vibrant capital city of Nairobi, nestled on the edge of the wildlife-rich Nairobi National Park. Witness the playful antics of orphaned elephants at Daphne Sheldrick’s Orphanage and enjoy a group lunch at the historic Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens. Get up close with giraffes at the Giraffe Centre and explore the Kazuri Beads Factory. Journey north past the majestic Mount Kenya to the remote Samburu National Reserve for game drives and a sunrise camel ride. Continue to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy before descending into the Rift Valley to marvel at the flamingos of Lake Nakuru. Conclude your adventure in the Masai Mara National Reserve, experiencing the iconic wildlife and visiting a traditional Masai Village.
For more travel ideas, be sure to Read More Goway Itineraries and Read More About Goway’s Kenya Itinerary
Goway Kenya Group DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta Airport where you are met and assisted by a Goway Representative.
You are taken by private transfer to your hotel in Nairobi, where you will stay for two nights.
Day 2 – First Full Day in Nairobi
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Your morning adventure begins with a visit to Daphne Sheldrick’s Orphanage. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, founded over 40 years ago by a family passionate about Kenya’s wilderness, is renowned for its Orphans’ Project—the world’s first and most successful elephant orphan rescue and rehabilitation program. This pioneering conservation organization is dedicated to protecting wildlife and preserving East African habitats.
For lunch, head to the historic Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens. Afterward, visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can experience the thrill of feeding giraffes from the Feeding Platform with specially prepared food pellets. Engage with an educator who will share insights about these magnificent creatures and the efforts to protect this endangered species. Don’t forget to capture the moment with a giraffe kiss and learn more about Kenya’s diverse wildlife through a short lecture.
Next, explore Kazuri Beads. Kazuri, meaning “small and beautiful” in Swahili, started in 1975 as a small workshop crafting ceramic beads. Its founder aimed to provide employment for disadvantaged single mothers, and today, Kazuri employs over 340 skilled women. They create stunning handmade jewelry and pottery that reflect Kenya’s rich culture and wildlife. Each piece is uniquely crafted and painted, making for beautiful souvenirs
Day 3 – Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Following a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive northward towards the Samburu National Reserve. Your journey takes you through the town of Nanyuki and past the majestic Mount Kenya, offering breathtaking views and an introduction to Kenya’s diverse landscapes. The rugged and remote Samburu National Reserve is renowned for its vibrant and unique wildlife, providing some of the most exceptional game viewing opportunities in the country.
En route, stop for a delightful lunch at the Trout Tree Restaurant, where you can savor fresh, farm-to-table cuisine in a serene setting. Arrive at Samburu in the afternoon and immediately set out on a game drive to acquaint yourself with the reserve’s incredible array of wildlife. Look out for species unique to this region, including the reticulated giraffe, Grévy’s zebra, and the long-necked gerenuk.
As the sun sets, head to your lodge for a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds and beauty of the African wilderness.
Day 4 – Samburu National Reserve in Kenya
Begin your day with a breathtaking sunrise camel ride, offering a unique perspective of the rugged and arid landscape of the Samburu National Reserve. Following this, embark on both morning and afternoon game drives to fully explore the reserve’s rich wildlife.
Situated approximately 300 kilometers north of Nairobi and adjacent to the Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Samburu is separated from its neighbor only by the Uaso Nyiro River. Despite its harsh, rugged beauty and arid climate, receiving less than 300 mm of rain annually, the reserve’s wildlife thrives thanks to the life-giving river, which is fed by the Aberdare Mountains’ lush forests located 300 kilometers away.
Samburu is home to several species not found in other Kenyan parks south of the equator, including the striking reticulated giraffe and Grévy’s zebra. The reserve also boasts plentiful elephant populations, as well as predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. While the days are typically hot, the nights bring a welcome coolness, making for a comfortable and memorable stay.
Day 5 – Samburu National Reserve to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before checking out and embarking on a drive to the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Known for its leading role in rhino conservation, Ol Pejeta offers a unique blend of remarkable wildlife and pioneering conservation efforts.
Upon arrival, settle into your camp and enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst the stunning surroundings. In the afternoon, set off on an exciting game drive, exploring the diverse habitats and observing the abundant wildlife that calls Ol Pejeta home. Keep an eye out for the critically endangered black and white rhinos, along with other iconic African species.
As the sun sets, return to your camp for dinner and relaxation. For those seeking an extra thrill, there is an optional night game drive available at an additional cost, offering the chance to experience the nocturnal wonders of the conservancy.
For more travel ideas, be sure to Read More Goway Itineraries and Read More About Goway’s Kenya Itinerary
Day 6 – Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive descending from the lush highlands into the breathtaking landscapes of the Rift Valley. As you make your way to Lake Nakuru, take a moment to stop at the Equator and experience standing in both hemispheres.
Upon arrival at Lake Nakuru, check in to your lodge and enjoy a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, set out on an exciting game drive to explore the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. Lake Nakuru is renowned for its extraordinary wildlife spectacle of brilliant pink flamingos that gather in vast numbers along the shores of the shallow soda lake. Depending on the conditions, between one and two million lesser and greater flamingos can be seen feeding, along with tens of thousands of other bird species. For the best views, visit Baboon Cliff, which offers a panoramic outlook over the lake’s pink-tinged edges.
Declared a national park in 1961, Lake Nakuru covers approximately 200 square kilometers. While exploring, you may encounter warthogs, waterbucks, and large herds of impalas. Keep an eye out for the more elusive residents such as buffalo, Rothschild giraffes, elands, lions, leopards, and black rhinos. Bird watchers will find themselves in paradise with the abundant avian life.
After your game drive, return to your lodge for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Day 7 – Lake Nakuru National Park to Masai Mara National Reserve
After enjoying breakfast at the camp, embark on a drive to the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, celebrated for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. This region is one of the few places in Kenya where visitors can still witness the incredible diversity and number of animals that roamed a century ago.
Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, then set out on an afternoon game drive to start exploring the wonders of the reserve. Dinner and an overnight stay will follow at your lodge, ensuring you are well-rested for the days ahead.
Spanning 1,672 square kilometers, the Masai Mara is a pristine wilderness set in the heart of Africa’s Great Plains. It hosts the highest concentration of animals and birds on the continent, offering a year-round spectacle of natural drama and vibrant life. The reserve is home to the famed “Big Five”—elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, and leopard—along with countless other species, from the swift cheetah to the elusive bat-eared fox.
One of the most remarkable wildlife events, the Great Migration, occurs after the rains when the Mara’s golden savannah turns green. During this time, approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, along with vast numbers of zebras and gazelles, make the perilous journey from the dry lands of Tanzania to this lush corner of Kenya. For over a century, the Masai Mara has attracted adventurers seeking the thrill of unspoiled nature, and it continues to offer an unforgettable experience of face-to-face encounters with wildlife in its most raw and captivating form.
Day 8 – Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
Start your day with a unique and unforgettable experience: a morning breakfast at the Hippo Pool, where you can watch these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat as you enjoy your meal. After breakfast, embark on a thrilling game drive through the Masai Mara, where you will have the opportunity to spot an array of wildlife, including the “Big Five” and many other remarkable species.
Return to your lodge for a relaxing lunch, recharging before your afternoon adventures. In the afternoon, visit a traditional Masai village to learn about the rich culture and traditions of the Masai people. This visit offers a unique insight into their way of life, including their customs, dances, and craftsmanship.
Following the village visit, head out on another game drive to explore different areas of the reserve and observe more wildlife in their natural environment. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for a delightful dinner and a comfortable overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
This day in the Masai Mara provides a perfect blend of wildlife exploration and cultural immersion, offering a comprehensive and enriching experience of this iconic reserve.
Day 9 – Departure
Drive back to Nairobi and enjoy a day room until 6 pm.
Transfer to Nairobi airport in time for your flight home.
For more travel ideas, be sure to Read More Goway Itineraries and Read More About Goway’s Kenya Itinerary
