Nairobi National Park: One of the world’s only national parks within a capital city, it’s home to a rich, diverse collection of wildlife including the “Big Five” - elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT): This is a sanctuary for orphaned elephants and rhinos, where you can learn about conservation efforts and even adopt an elephant.
Activities
Early morning game drive in Nairobi National Park.
Visit the DSWT at 11:00 AM for the daily elephant feeding.
City tour of Nairobi, visiting attractions such as the Bomas of Kenya and the Maasai Market.
Things to Know
Kenyan Shillings (KES) is the local currency, but US Dollars are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas.
English is widely spoken in Kenya, but learning a few Swahili phrases will be appreciated by locals.
Tap water in Kenya is not safe to drink, so it’s best to stick to bottled water.
Visa Requirements
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Kenya. You can apply online at the E-Citizen website or on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The cost is around $50 for a single entry visa, valid for 90 days.
Transportation
Taxis are readily available in Nairobi and can be booked through apps like Little Cab or Uber. For getting around the city, matatus (minibuses) are also an affordable option.
Day 2: Amboseli National Park
Places to Go
Amboseli National Park: Famous for its large herds of elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Activities
Full-day game drive in Amboseli National Park, where you can witness the elephant’s up-close and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes.
Optional visit to a Maasai village to learn about their culture and traditions.
Things to Know
The best time to visit Amboseli is during the dry season (June to October) when wildlife concentrates around water sources.
Remember to bring binoculars, as the distance between you and the wildlife can be significant.
Transportation
Hire a car with a driver from Nairobi for the day trip to Amboseli National Park.
Day 3: Lake Nakuru National Park
Places to Go
Lake Nakuru National Park: Known for its large flamingo population, rhinos, and diverse wildlife.
Hell’s Gate National Park: A unique park where you can walk among geothermal features, hot springs, and enjoy a bike ride through the park.
Activities
Morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park to see the flamingos and other wildlife.
Afternoon visit to Hell’s Gate National Park for hiking, biking, and exploring geothermal features.
Return to Nairobi in the evening.
Things to Know
Both parks are part of the Great Rift Valley and offer stunning landscapes and unique ecosystems.
Pack a lunch as there are no facilities inside Hell’s Gate National Park.
Transportation
Hire a car with a driver from Nairobi for the day trip to Lake Nakuru and Hell’s Gate National Park.