2-Day Trips from Nairobi

Kenya attracts millions of visitors every year, many of whom flock to the African nation for one thing only — a world-class safari. If you choose to explore the country’s parks and reserves on a 2-day trip from Nairobi, you'll have the opportunity to spot hundreds of species in their natural habitat, including the Big Five.

Witness the jaw-dropping migration of millions of wildebeest to the Maasai Mara Reserve or see the world’s biggest flock of flamingos up close at Lake Nakuru. Whichever multi-day trip you choose, you'll be guaranteed to enjoy mother nature's finest work.

Here's all you need to know about 2-day trips, one of the best options for exploring fantastic destinations on multi-day tours from Nairobi.

2-Day trips from Nairobi: Maasai Mara

Maasai Mara National Park is one of the seven wonders of the world, due to the great migration of wildebeests and zebras that cross over into the reserve from the Serengeti every year.

These 2-day trips from Nairobi to Maasai Mara enable you to spot some of the most endangered and exquisite beings that form part of the natural world.

What is the typical itinerary?

After an early pickup, you'll travel past the scenic vistas of the Great Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Once you arrive, you'll participate in a game drive, seeking out the Big Five that reside in the park — lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and black rhinos.

After a rest during the afternoon, you'll head out as dusk sets in to see the park's inhabitants at their most active. The following day, you'll travel to the Mara River, which runs through the reserve, to encounter more spectacular wildlife, such as crocodiles and hippos.

Finally, you'll meet the Maasai people who have lived in close proximity to the park for centuries.

Which types for 2-day trips to Maasai Mara are available?

You can choose to participate in a 2-day tour from Nairobi to Maasai Mara as part of a group or privately. Usually, you'll stay in a lodge, however, some tours enable you to get closer to nature by camping instead.

For an extra special experience, you can choose to participate in a hot air balloon flight over the reserve, spotting an array of wild mammals as you drift across the sky.

How much does it cost?

Maasai Mara 2-day trips from Nairobi range from US$380 to US$780 per person. Those on the lower end usually take part in a group, while those on the higher end are often private and include extras, such as meals.

Hot air balloon rides cost an additional US$450 per person.

2-Day trips from Nairobi: Amboseli National Park

Another of Kenya's most spectacular wildlife reserves is the Amboseli National Park, which is set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro — the tallest mountain in Africa.

Boasting an abundance of exotic creatures, Amboseli National Park is one of the best places for animal lovers to venture on a 2-day trip from Nairobi.

What is the typical itinerary?

Leaving Nairobi early in the morning to make the most of Amboseli National Park, you'll travel through the wild terrain of iconic African savannas to reach your destination.

After lunch, you'll have some downtime to relax before your first game drive. As you head out into the national park, you can expect to see herds of elephants, elusive leopards and vibrant flamingos.

After a refreshing night's sleep, you'll drive through the park again at dawn to watch the animals as they graze, hunt or bathe before the scorching Kenyan heat sets in.

Which types for 2-day trips to Amboseli National Park are available?

If you wish to select the most budget-friendly option for your safari, book onto a group tour. Alternatively, choose a private 2-day tour for a more personalized experience for you and your loved ones.

Most 2-day trips from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park include mid-range accommodation at one of the park's lodges. However, some tours offer the opportunity to upgrade to luxury lodging or glamping.

How much does it cost?

Amboseli National Park 2-day tours from Nairobi range from US$280 to US$740 per person. Those on the lower end take place as part of a larger group.

If you choose to pay more, you can expect additional services to be included, such as meals and national park entry fees. Accommodation upgrades start at an additional US$165 per person.

For private tours, if you travel as a group of six you'll benefit from a reduced price of US$330 each.

2-Day trips from Nairobi: Lake Nakuru, Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha

Those who wish to see more of what Kenya has to offer may choose to visit three of the country's national parks — Lake Nakuru, Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha.

This tour enables you to witness a diverse range of landscapes across the country and offers ample opportunities to spot majestic creatures as they roam free.

What is the typical itinerary?

Driving northwest out of Nairobi, you'll travel to Hell's Gate National Park — known for its geothermal activity — where you'll participate in a cycling tour.

As you pedal slowly through the park, you'll have the opportunity to see an array of wildlife, including hyenas, giraffes and buffaloes. You'll also witness the parks' deep gorges before learning about Kenyan culture with a visit to a Maasai Mara village.

In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a boat ride across Lake Naivasha where you may spot hippos and pelicans. The following day, you can see the spectacular site of Lake Nakuru tinted pink by thousands of flamingos on a game drive across the national park.

Which types for 2-day trips to Lake Nakuru, Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha are available?

If you wish to take a 2-day trip from Nairobi that includes Lake Nakuru, Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha, you'll need to book a private tour. These accommodate up to 15 people and include all activities, overnight lodging and meals.

How much does it cost?

The price of a 2-day trip to these three Kenyan national parks varies depending on your group size.

You'll pay US$580 if you choose to travel alone. However, you can decrease the price per head by traveling as part of a larger party. If you travel as a group of 15 participants, you'll each pay US$280.

2-Day trips from Nairobi: Serena Sweetwaters

If you wish to have a more personal experience, head to the private nature reserve of Serena Sweetwaters. A safari here offers a more exclusive feel than those at the more popular Maasai Mara or Amboseli national parks, and you can spend the night surrounded by gentle giraffes, and shy oryxes.

What is the typical itinerary?

On the first morning of your 2-day tour from Nairobi, you'll drive the long distance from the capital city to the Serena Sweetwaters camp. The base is surrounded by over 100,000 acres of private African bush, which you'll explore on an afternoon game drive after a freshly-prepared gourmet lunch on site.

From the reserve, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Kenya and see a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, elephants, and buffaloes. After a peaceful night surrounded by Kenya's most exotic beasts, you'll begin the return journey to Nairobi.

Which types for 2-day trips to Serena Sweetwaters are available?

The 2-day tours from Nairobi to Serena Sweetwaters take place in a private group. You can decide to travel solo or embark on the adventure in a group of up to six people.

How much does it cost?

Your private 2-day trip from Nairobi to Serena Sweetwaters will cost approximately US$690 if you decide to travel alone. However, the price per head reduces with each added participant.

With the maximum number of six people in your group, you'll each pay around US$260. Additionally, you are expected to cover the entrance fee, which costs US$90 per adult and US$45 per child.