Overview
The Western Kenya Circuit blends wildlife, landscapes, and culture in one unforgettable journey. From the lush Kericho tea highlands, to the fishing culture of Lake Victoria and Rusinga Island, the rare roan antelope of Ruma National Park, the tropical primates of Kakamega Forest, and the rhinos and flamingos of Lake Nakuru, this safari showcases a side of Kenya that few travelers experience.
👉 Perfect for cultural explorers, eco-travelers, birdwatchers, photographers, and families who want a year-round safari off the beaten path – with a mix of scenery, heritage, and wildlife encounters.
🗓️ Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
- Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
- Meet & greet, transfer to hotel, safari briefing.
- Overnight: Nairobi hotel (BB).
Day 2: Nairobi – Kericho Tea Highlands
- Distance: 260 km / 5–6 hrs drive.
- Scenic drive through the Rift Valley to Kericho.
- Afternoon visit to tea plantations, tasting session, and cultural walk with local farmers.
- Overnight: Lodge in Kericho (FB).
Day 3: Kericho – Kisumu (Lake Victoria)
- Distance: 110 km / 3 hrs drive.
- Drive to Kisumu, Kenya's lakeside city.
- Afternoon boat ride on Lake Victoria – hippos, birdlife, and fishing canoes.
- Visit Kisumu Impala Sanctuary and Dunga fishing village.
- Overnight: Hotel / lodge in Kisumu (FB).
Day 4: Kisumu – Ruma National Park – Homabay
- Distance: 170 km / 4 hrs drive.
- Morning drive to Ruma National Park, home of the rare roan antelope, giraffes, buffalo, and birdlife.
- Afternoon game drive, then continue to Homabay on the shores of Lake Victoria.
- Overnight: Hotel / lodge in Homabay (FB).
Day 5–6: Homabay – Rusinga Island (Lake Victoria)
- Distance: 40 km / 1 hr drive + ferry.
- Transfer to Rusinga Island.
- Spend 2 nights on the island:
- Explore archaeological sites & Tom Mboya Mausoleum.
- Boat rides & fishing village visits.
- Cultural immersion with the Luo community.
- Birdwatching & Lake Victoria sunsets.
- Overnights (2 nights): Lodge on Rusinga Island (FB).
Day 7: Rusinga Island – Kakamega Forest
- Distance: 250 km / 5–6 hrs drive.
- Drive north to Kakamega Forest, Kenya's only tropical rainforest.
- Afternoon guided walk: Colobus monkeys, De Brazza's monkeys, rare birds, butterflies, and giant trees.
- Overnight: Lodge / camp near Kakamega (FB).
Day 8: Kakamega – Eldoret
- Distance: 130 km / 3 hrs drive.
- Morning forest walk, then drive to Eldoret.
- Optional visit to Nandi communities, known for athletics heritage and traditional highland culture.
- Overnight: Hotel / lodge in Eldoret (FB).
Day 9: Eldoret – Lake Nakuru National Park
- Distance: 260 km / 5–6 hrs drive.
- Drive to Lake Nakuru, one of the Rift Valley's jewels.
- Afternoon game drive: spot black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, lions, buffalo, flamingos, and pelicans.
- Overnight: Lodge / camp at Lake Nakuru (FB).
Day 10: Lake Nakuru – Nairobi – Departure
- Distance: 160 km / 3 hrs drive.
- Morning game drive in Nakuru.
- Return to Nairobi.
- Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for departure.
🛏️ Accommodation Summary
- Nairobi (Day 1): Hotel (BB)
- Kericho (Day 2): Lodge (FB)
- Kisumu (Day 3): Hotel / lodge (FB)
- Homabay (Day 4): Hotel / lodge (FB)
- Rusinga Island (Days 5–6): Lodge (FB)
- Kakamega (Day 7): Lodge / camp (FB)
- Eldoret (Day 8): Hotel / lodge (FB)
- Lake Nakuru (Day 9): Lodge / camp (FB)
(BB = Bed & Breakfast, FB = Full Board)
✅ What's Included
- Meet & greet on arrival
- Airport transfers
- Transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation as per itinerary (or equivalent)
- Full board on safari, BB in Nairobi
- Park entry fees (Ruma NP, Kakamega Forest, Nakuru NP)
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Boat rides at Lake Victoria
- Cultural visits: Luo (Kisumu & Rusinga), Kericho tea farmers, Nandi traditions
❌ What's Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (tips, drinks, laundry, etc.)
✨ Why Choose This Safari?
- Covers Western Kenya's hidden gems: Kericho tea fields, Lake Victoria, Ruma NP, Kakamega rainforest.
- 2 nights on Rusinga Island for cultural immersion and relaxation.
- Adds Lake Nakuru for Big Five game drives, rhinos, flamingos, and giraffes.
- Authentic cultural encounters with Luo, Nandi, and highland communities.
- Perfect balance of wildlife, birding, culture, and scenery.
- All-year-round safari ideal for families, cultural explorers, eco-travelers, and photographers.
👉 Book this 10-Day Western Kenya Circuit Safari and discover the untold side of Kenya, where rainforests, islands, tea highlands, and cultural heritage meet iconic wildlife and Rift Valley lakes.
