This Ultimate Kenya Travel Itinerary offers a vibrant mix of safari landscapes, cultural heritage, and idyllic coastal escapes. Whether you’re drawn to the wild plains of the Masai Mara, the charming alleys of Lamu, or the chic cafés of Nairobi, Kenya has something for every kind of traveler.
I spent a month in Kisumu, staying at a “budget lodge”. This was the garden’s view of Lake Victoria which is the largest lake in Africa and chief reservoir of the Nile.
Table of Contents
Kenya is located in Eastern Africa.
First things first, this Kenya Travel Itinerary definitely has to include the BEST TIME TO VISIT:
- July to October (great for safari – wildebeest migration)
- December to March (best beach weather)
Languages: English & Swahili
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Dress Code: Modest in towns, relaxed at beaches
Safety Tips: Be aware of petty theft in cities; use Bolt/Uber in Nairobi; avoid isolated beaches at night
Packing Tip: Outfits should be functional for safaris and stylish for cities/coast. Bring lightweight fabrics, neutral tones, and layers.
3-Week Kenya Itinerary (Customizable for 1–2 weeks)
Week 1: Safari Adventure & Nature
Nairobi (2–3 days)
- Giraffe Centre
- Karen Blixen Museum
- Kazuri Beads Factory
- Nairobi National Park (safari just outside the city!)
- Cafés: Cultiva Farm, Artcaffe, Pallet Café
- Stay: From budget guesthouses in Karen to Giraffe Manor for luxury
- Photo Spots: Giraffe Centre kiss shot, rooftop cafés, art walls in Westlands
- Outfit Ideas: Neutral linen set, wide-brim hat, leather sandals
Masai Mara (3–4 days)
- Safari drives, big five spotting
- Hot air balloon safari
- Maasai village experience
- Stay: Tented camps for all budgets (recommend: Mara Explorer, Julia’s River Camp)
- Photo Spots: Golden hour game drives, hot air balloons, tribal jewelry moments
- Outfit Ideas: Cargo trousers, scarf, neutral layers, boots
In front of Karen Blixen’s house.
Week 2: Lakes, Local Culture & Equator Experience
Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate (2 days)
- Activities: Boat safari to spot hippos and birds; cycling safari in Hell’s Gate National Park.
- Stay: Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp or budget lakeside lodges.
- Photo Spots: Boat at sunrise; red cliffs at Hell’s Gate.
- Outfit Ideas: Activewear; windbreaker; light joggers.
Nanyuki & Equator Experience (1 day)
- Equator Marker Visit: Stand on the iconic line that divides the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Engage with local guides who demonstrate the Coriolis effect.
- Local Crafts Shopping: Explore nearby markets offering Maasai crafts and souvenirs.
- Photo Opportunity: Capture the moment with one foot in each hemisphere beside the Equator signage.
- Outfit Ideas: Casual chic—comfortable jeans or a midi skirt paired with a breathable blouse; accessorize with a wide-brim hat and sunglasses.
Lake Nakuru or Mount Kenya Region (2 days)
- Activities: Flamingo and rhino spotting at Lake Nakuru; hiking or relaxing near Mount Kenya.
- Stay: Rhino Watch Safari Lodge or mid-range hotels in Nanyuki.
- Photo Spots: Pink flamingo-filled lake; forest lodges.
- Outfit Ideas: Utility jacket; leggings; scarf.
Kisumu (1 day)
- Activities: Visit Dunga Hill Camp, enjoy sunset views over Lake Victoria, and try fresh fish at a lakeside restaurant.
- Stay: Acacia Premier Hotel or budget-friendly options around Milimani.
- Photo Spots: Dunga Boardwalk, lakefront sunset.
- Outfit Ideas: Boho maxi dress or cotton pants and sleeveless top, sandals.
In front of the Equator sign in Nanyuki!
Week 3: Coast & Chill
Mombasa (2 days)
- Activities: Fort Jesus, Old Town, spice markets, tuk tuk rides.
- Stay: Mombasa Serena Hotel or boutique stays in Old Town.
- Photo Spots: Old Town alleys, colorful doors, Fort Jesus walls.
- Outfit Ideas: Flowy trousers, breathable blouse, straw hat.
Lamu Island (3–4 days)
- Swahili culture, dhow sailing
- Explore Shela, Old Town, rooftop dinners
- Stay: Peponi Hotel, Banana House, Airbnb villas
- Photo Spots: Swahili doors, Shela sand dunes, rooftops at sunset
- Outfit Ideas: White linen dress, gold jewelry, soft scarves
Diani Beach or Watamu (3–4 days)
- Outfit Ideas: Swimsuit with cover-up, straw hat, slides
- Beach life, snorkeling, kite surfing
- Restaurants: Nomad, Ali Barbour’s Cave, Crab Shack
- Stay: Diani Backpackers (budget), The Sands at Nomad (luxury)
- Photo Spots: Sandbars, coral coastline, swing under palm trees
When you’re in Mombasa, be sure to have lunch at Qaffee Point. It’s a Somali café / restaurant. Try some Somali tea and Mutton Biryani. It’s great and the price is cheap for the quantity you get.
Packing List & Outfit Guide
Kenya Travel Itinerary – Safari Essentials:
- Neutral linen sets
- Lightweight scarf
- Wide-brim hat
- Sunglasses
- Bug spray, sunscreen
Kenya Travel Itinerary – City & Lake:
- Activewear
- Lightweight joggers
- Comfortable trainers
Kenya Travel Itinerary – Coast:
- Swimsuits
- Cover-ups & kaftans
- Minimalist jewelry
- Sandals/slides
Brands to Consider: H&M, Uniqlo, The Row, Skims, Mango, Massimo Dutti. I have a Fashion category on this website, so be sure to check that out for some inspo. My Pinterest is also tagged below.
Photo Tips
There might not be a lot of “Kenya Travel Itinerary” / Guides that includes Photo Tips, but here we are…
- Best Lighting: Early morning or golden hour
- Camera: Smartphone is enough with good editing apps (Lightroom Mobile)
- Poses: Sitting in a dhow, walking barefoot on beach, candid coffee moments
Cultural Notes
- Greet with “Jambo” or “Habari”
- Dress modestly in villages and towns
- Respect local customs (especially during Ramadan or in conservative areas)
- Tipping is appreciated (10%)
So, what do you think? Do you like this Kenya Travel Itinerary?
If you are interested in my other travel articles:
https://blumulberry.com/category/travel
For outfit inspo, you can read the fashion section on my website and follow me on Pinterest:
Sources and useful links: