Destination: Kenya
LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Classic Kenya
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THREE WEEKS / NAIROBI TO MOMBASA
This 1500km itinerary takes in all the major spots covered by most safari companies and ends up on the coast for a change of scene. It should take around three weeks, including travelling time, and can easily be broken down into separate sections, such as a five-day trip to the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru.
For those who want to see the jewels in Kenya’s tourist crown, this selection of popular parks brings together a wide variety of landscapes, all within easy reach of the country’s two main international airports.
Starting in Nairobi, as most people do, the first port of call is the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, possibly the definitive slice of safari Africa. It’s no coincidence that this is the most popular park in Kenya, and the annual wildebeest migration is truly spectacular.
Take three days or so here, then it’s north to Lake Nakuru National Park, where one or two days is generally enough to make the most of this flamingo-packed lakeland.
From here the trail leads northeast to the Samburu National Reserve, a dusty red contrast to the Mara savanna.
Take a couple of days here, then head to Mt Kenya, Africa’s second-highest mountain, where a decent trek will take up a good five to six days.
From the giddy heights of the mountains you can head to Amboseli National Park, where the even higher peak of Kilimanjaro looms over the open plains.
Then it’s a straightforward drive to Tsavo West National Park and on to Tsavo East National Park, Kenya’s largest and wildest wildlife parks. Together with the private ranches and conservancies around the outside of the parks, these are worth at least four days of your time.
Finally, head down the highway to the ancient Swahili port of Mombasa. From here you can fly straight home or start a whole new journey, exploring the Kenyan coast.
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