9 day itinerary for Kenya
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I want to travel at a relaxed pace
Include parks and green spaces
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Itinerary
Kenya is a fantastic destination for families, with its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture. Here’s a relaxed 9-day itinerary that balances adventure with downtime, ensuring you and your family have a memorable experience. Let’s dive in!
## Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Morning: Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After clearing customs, head to your hotel in Nairobi. I recommend a family-friendly hotel like the Sarova Panafric or the Nairobi Safari Club.
Afternoon: After settling in, take a leisurely stroll in Uhuru Park. It’s a lovely green space where kids can run around, and you can enjoy a picnic lunch.
Evening: Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like The Carnivore, where you can try a variety of meats in a fun setting.
## Day 2: Nairobi National Park
Morning: After breakfast, head to Nairobi National Park. It’s just a short drive from the city and offers a unique chance to see wildlife against the backdrop of the city skyline. Look out for lions, giraffes, and rhinos!
Afternoon: Enjoy a packed lunch in the park. Afterward, visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see orphaned elephants and learn about conservation efforts.
Evening: Return to your hotel for some downtime. Consider a casual dinner at Java House, a popular local chain with a variety of options.
## Day 3: Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum
Morning: After breakfast, visit the Giraffe Centre. Kids will love feeding the endangered Rothschild giraffes and learning about their conservation.
Afternoon: Head to the Karen Blixen Museum for a glimpse into the life of the famous author of "Out of Africa." The gardens are beautiful and perfect for a family stroll.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Tamambo Karen Blixen, which has a lovely outdoor seating area and a kid-friendly menu.
## Day 4: Lake Naivasha
Morning: Depart for Lake Naivasha (about a 2-hour drive). Check into a family-friendly lodge like Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort.
Afternoon: Take a boat ride on the lake to see hippos and a variety of bird species. You can also visit Crescent Island, where you can walk among wildlife like zebras and giraffes.
Evening: Have dinner at your lodge and enjoy the serene views of the lake.
## Day 5: Hell's Gate National Park
Morning: After breakfast, head to Hell's Gate National Park. It’s a great place for family-friendly activities like biking and hiking. The scenery is stunning, with cliffs and geothermal activity.
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. Afterward, you can explore the Ol Njorowa Gorge or take a guided nature walk.
Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and relax by the lake.
## Day 6: Maasai Mara
Morning: Depart early for the Maasai Mara (about a 5-hour drive). Check into a family-friendly camp like Mara Serena Safari Lodge.
Afternoon: After lunch, embark on your first game drive in the Maasai Mara. Keep an eye out for the Big Five!
Evening: Enjoy a bush dinner experience if available, or dine at the lodge while sharing stories about your day’s adventures.
## Day 7: Maasai Mara Safari
Morning: After breakfast, head out for a full-day game drive. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park. The Mara is teeming with wildlife, so be ready for some exciting sightings!
Afternoon: Visit a Maasai village to learn about their culture and traditions. This is a great educational experience for the kids.
Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and perhaps a night game drive if available.
## Day 8: Return to Nairobi
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a final morning game drive before departing for Nairobi.
Afternoon: Arrive in Nairobi and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon at the Nairobi National Museum and the Snake Park nearby, which is both educational and fun for the kids.
Evening: Have a farewell dinner at The Talisman, known for its diverse menu and lovely ambiance.
## Day 9: Departure
Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping at the Kazuri Beads Factory or the Maasai Market for souvenirs.
Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
And there you have it! A family-friendly, relaxed itinerary that allows you to soak in the beauty of Kenya’s parks and green spaces. Each day is designed to be enjoyable and not too rushed, giving you plenty of time to create wonderful memories together. Safe travels! 🌍✈️
Places of interest
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Kenya, located in Nairobi. It serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, connecting passengers to various destinations around the world. The airport offers modern facilities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and car rental services.
Sarova Panafric Hotel
Description:** Sarova Panafric Hotel is a luxurious hotel located in Nairobi, Kenya, offering a blend of modern comfort and traditional African hospitality. Surrounded by lush gardens, the hotel features well-appointed rooms, a variety of dining options, and excellent facilities for both business and leisure travelers.
Nairobi Safari Club
Description:** Nairobi Safari Club is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Nairobi, offering elegant accommodations and a range of amenities. It features spacious rooms, fine dining options, and easy access to local attractions, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.
The Carnivore
Description:** The Carnivore is a renowned restaurant in Nairobi, famous for its unique dining experience centered around a variety of meats, including game meat. Guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast featuring skewered meats served at their table, complemented by a vibrant atmosphere and excellent service.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Kenya is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of wildlife in Kenya. They focus on rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos, with the ultimate goal of reintegrating them back into the wild.
Java House
Description:** Java House Kenya is a popular coffee house chain known for its rich selection of freshly brewed coffee, delicious meals, and a cozy atmosphere. It serves as a social hub for locals and visitors alike, offering a variety of beverages, pastries, and Kenyan cuisine.
Karen Blixen Museum
The Karen Blixen Museum in Kenya is a historic house museum located in Nairobi. It was once the home of Danish author Karen Blixen, who wrote under the pen name Isak Dinesen and is best known for her memoir "Out of Africa." The museum showcases the life and works of Karen Blixen, as well as the colonial history of Kenya. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved rooms and gardens, which offer a glimpse into the past.
Tamambo Karen Blixen
Description:** Tamambo Karen Blixen is a charming restaurant and café located in the lush surroundings of Karen, Nairobi, near the famous Karen Blixen Museum. It offers a delightful menu featuring both local and international cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and a cozy atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Description:** Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort is a serene getaway located on the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya. Surrounded by lush gardens and stunning views, the resort offers comfortable accommodations, a swimming pool, and various activities such as boat rides and bird watching, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and nature exploration.
Crescent Island
Crescent Island is a small, private game reserve located on Lake Naivasha in Kenya. It is known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers. The island offers walking safaris where visitors can get up close to giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and various bird species. With its serene atmosphere and breathtaking views, Crescent Island provides a unique and unforgettable safari experience.
Ol Njorowa Gorge
Description:** Ol Njorowa Gorge, located in Kenya's Hell's Gate National Park, is a stunning natural formation characterized by towering cliffs, unique rock formations, and diverse wildlife. The gorge offers visitors opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring geothermal features, making it a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara is a world-renowned wildlife reserve located in southwestern Kenya. It is known for its vast savannahs, diverse wildlife, and the annual wildebeest migration. The reserve offers breathtaking landscapes, thrilling game drives, and opportunities to witness the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) in their natural habitat.
Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Description:** Mara Serena Safari Lodge is a luxurious accommodation located in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, offering stunning views of the savannah and the Mara River. The lodge features elegantly designed rooms that blend modern comfort with traditional African decor, providing guests with an immersive safari experience. It serves as an ideal base for wildlife viewing, including the famous Great Migration.
Nairobi National Museum
The Nairobi National Museum in Kenya is a prominent cultural institution that showcases the rich heritage and diverse history of the country. It houses various exhibits, including archaeological artifacts, ethnographic displays, art collections, and natural history specimens. Visitors can explore the museum to gain insights into Kenya's past, culture, and wildlife.
Snake Park
Description:** Snake Park in Kenya is a unique attraction located in Nairobi, showcasing a variety of snake species and other reptiles. It serves as an educational center where visitors can learn about these fascinating creatures, their habitats, and conservation efforts.
The Talisman
Description:** The Talisman is a renowned restaurant located in Nairobi, offering a unique blend of international and local cuisine in a charming, rustic setting. Known for its warm ambiance and attentive service, it features a diverse menu that highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Maasai Market
Maasai Market Kenya is a vibrant and bustling open-air market located in Nairobi, Kenya. It is known for its wide array of traditional Maasai crafts, jewelry, clothing, and artwork. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich Maasai culture while browsing through the colorful stalls and interacting with local artisans.