Sample itineraries: 3, 5 and 7 days

The classic short safari: two nights in or near the Mara, with time for morning and afternoon game drives.

1. Day 1: Drive from Nairobi via the Great Rift Valley viewpoint; afternoon game drive in the Mara.
2. Day 2: Full day in the reserve, with a picnic lunch out with the animals. Optional balloon flight at dawn.
3. Day 3: Early game drive, breakfast, and back to Nairobi in the afternoon.

Big cats, a boat on a Rift Valley lake and rhino in Lake Nakuru, without long days in the vehicle.

1. Day 1: Nairobi to the Maasai Mara; afternoon game drive.
2. Day 2: Full day in the Mara.
3. Day 3: Morning game drive, then to Lake Naivasha for an evening by the lake.
4. Day 4: Boat ride on Lake Naivasha, then on to Lake Nakuru for an afternoon game drive (rhino, flamingos).
5. Day 5: Morning in Nakuru and back to Nairobi.

Elephants under Kilimanjaro, the Rift Valley lakes and the Maasai Mara in one week.

1. Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli; afternoon game drive.
2. Day 2: Sunrise views of Kilimanjaro and a full day with Amboseli's elephants.
3. Day 3: Long drive to Lake Naivasha; evening at leisure.
4. Day 4: Boat ride or Hell's Gate cycling, then Lake Nakuru.
5. Day 5: Morning in Nakuru, then on to the Maasai Mara.
6. Day 6: Full day in the Mara.
7. Day 7: Early game drive and return to Nairobi.