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Kenya Safari Circuit: the Day-by-Day Itinerary
Kenya's classic circuit strings the Rift Valley lakes and the Maasai Mara into one loop. Flamingos crowd Nakuru's shallows, elephants walk beneath Kilimanjaro at Amboseli, and if you time it for the migration, the Mara's river crossings are the greatest wildlife show on Earth.
Kenya Safari Circuit is a 900 km loop (self-drive). It works best as a 5-day trip; the plan below is the 5-day version for August, built from 166 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.
Customize this plan → 5-day plan · best time to go
5
days
1223 km
distance
22.2 h
driving
19
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- The wildebeest migration is in the Mara — book camps months ahead and budget for park fees.
- Heavy transit: day 5 (13h24) runs over 6 hours on the road. Around 5 days would keep daily driving comfortable on this route — or keep the dates and start each of those days by 08:00.
Day 1 Nairobi → Lake Naivasha → Lake Nakuru
🌡 5.3–25.8°C · 🌧 ~13 rain days · ☀ 12.0h light
09:00
Nairobi National Parkmuseums & heritagehikingwildlife
Spot diverse wildlife in an urban safari setting.
50 min · Nairobi
09:50
Nairobi National Museummuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Discover Nairobi's rich history and cultural heritage.
50 min · Nairobi · Adults: Kenyan citizens Ksh 200, East Af
open: 8:30AM-5:30PM
Overnight: Lake Nakuru
e.g. Sarova Lion Hill Lodge · Nakuru Backpackers Hostel
Day 2 Around Lake Nakuru
🌡 5.3–25.8°C · 🌧 ~13 rain days · ☀ 12.0h light
09:00
National Railway Museummuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Explore preserved railway engines from Kenya's colonial past.
50 min · Nairobi · Adults: Kenyan citizens Ksh 200, East Af
open: Daily 8AM-5PM (including holidays)
09:50
Kiambethu Tea Farm, Limurumuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Stroll through verdant tea fields and lush gardens alive with wildlife.
50 min · Nairobi
open: 11:00-14:30
10:40
Karen Blixen Museummuseums & heritagehiking
Walk through the gardens of Out of Africa's famous author's home.
50 min · Nairobi
11:30
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Parkhikingwildlife
Roam lush forests and plains teeming with wildlife and birds.
50 min · Nairobi
12:20
Nairobi Mamba Villagewildlife
Get up close to crocodiles and other exotic animals.
50 min · Nairobi
open: 09:00-18:00 daily
13:10
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanagewildlife
Witness the heartwarming care of orphaned elephant calves.
50 min · Nairobi
open: 11:00
Overnight: Lake Nakuru
e.g. Sarova Lion Hill Lodge · Nakuru Backpackers Hostel
Day 3 Around Lake Nakuru
🌡 5.3–25.8°C · 🌧 ~13 rain days · ☀ 12.0h light
09:00
Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC)museums & heritage
Enjoy panoramic views of Nairobi from its towering viewpoint.
50 min · Nairobi · Ksh 400, Ksh 200 reduced
09:50
Westlands by nightmuseums & heritage
Experience vibrant nightlife in trendy bars and restaurants.
50 min · Nairobi
10:40
Nairobi Gallerymuseums & heritage
Appreciate ever-changing special art exhibitions.
50 min · Nairobi
11:30
Bomas of Kenyalocal & traditional
Immerse yourself in traditional Kenyan culture and performances.
50 min · Nairobi
12:20
Giraffe Centremuseums & heritage
Feed and touch gentle Rothschild giraffes up close.
50 min · Nairobi · Ksh 1500/750 for non-resident adults/chi
13:10
Uhuru Parkmuseums & heritage
Relax in the city centre with a monument and playground.
50 min · Nairobi · free
Overnight: Lake Nakuru
e.g. Sarova Lion Hill Lodge · Nakuru Backpackers Hostel
See the remaining 2 days of the 5-day plan →
Route map
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