How many days for a Kenya safari: 3 days for the Masai Mara, 4–5 for Mara plus Nakuru, 7 for a classic circuit, 10–14 to add Tanzania or the beach. Sample itineraries.
Plan 3 days for a Masai Mara safari from Nairobi, 4–5 days to add Lake Nakuru or Amboseli, and 7 days for Kenya's classic circuit (Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha and Amboseli). Allow 10–14 days to add Tanzania or a beach stay. With only one day, visit Nairobi National Park or Lake Nakuru.
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The drive from Nairobi takes 5–6 hours each way, so 3 days gives you an afternoon, a full day and a morning in the reserve. Four days doubles your time near the Mara River in migration season.
Long road transfers between distant parks eat into game-viewing time. Spend 2 or more nights in each park, or fly between them if your budget allows.
Yes. Five days covers the Masai Mara (3 nights) and Lake Nakuru or Naivasha, or the Mara and Amboseli at a quicker pace.
The 3-day Masai Mara group joining safari is the most affordable way to see the Mara: you share a pop-up roof vehicle with up to 6 other travellers, leave Nairobi daily, stay two nights in a budget tented camp and get a full day of game driving in search of the Big Five.
The 4-day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru classic safari combines Kenya's most famous reserve for big cats and the migration with Lake Nakuru's rhino sanctuary, so you can complete the Big Five in a short trip from Nairobi.
The 7-day Kenya budget safari is a complete first-timer's circuit from Nairobi: two nights in the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru's rhinos, a Lake Naivasha boat ride and two nights in Amboseli, staying in budget camps with all meals included.
Written by the Seemore Tours & Travels team in Nairobi. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will update it.
