Big Five Plains – Kilimanjaro Backdrop – Classic Savannah Landscapes – Ending at the Kenyan Coast
Overview
This 5-day safari combines two of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations before concluding with a scenic overland transfer to the Indian Ocean coastline. Experience the predator-rich plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the elephant-dominated landscapes of Amboseli National Park, set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
This itinerary focuses on classic savannah wildlife viewing, exceptional photography opportunities, and contrasting ecosystems – from rolling grasslands to semi-arid plains – before ending with drop-off at your beach hotel in Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu.
Note: Special arrangements can be made on request for travel by rail (SGR) first class or by flight to your coastal destination.
Trip Highlights
- Big Five game viewing in the Maasai Mara
- Extensive predator sightings
- Scenic Great Rift Valley drive
- Large elephant herds in Amboseli
- Mount Kilimanjaro sunrise views
- Golden hour savannah photography
- Seamless overland safari-to-beach transfer
Detailed Itinerary
2 nights in the Maasai Mara and 2 nights in Amboseli, followed by a full road transfer to the Kenyan coast. This safari delivers Big Five encounters, dramatic open plains, and iconic Mount Kilimanjaro scenery before transitioning to beach relaxation.
Distance: Approx. 280 km
Drive Time: 5 - 6 hours
07:30 - 08:00 | Pick-up in Nairobi
Your safari begins with collection from your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After a detailed briefing by your professional driver-guide, depart west toward Kenya’s premier wildlife reserve.
09:30 - 10:00 | Great Rift Valley Viewpoint
Stop at the escarpment viewpoint for panoramic views across the Great Rift Valley. This geological marvel provides a dramatic introduction to Kenya’s landscapes.
10:00 - 13:00 | Scenic Drive to Maasai Mara
Proceed through Narok town into Maasai pastoral lands. The scenery gradually transforms into rolling savannah plains dotted with acacia trees and seasonal rivers.
13:00 - 14:00 | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch. Many camps overlook wildlife corridors where plains game can often be seen grazing nearby.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Embark on your first game drive in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The open plains provide excellent visibility for spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, cheetahs, hyenas, and giraffes. Riverine areas may offer sightings of hippos and crocodiles.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner at the lodge followed by relaxation under the African night sky at the accommodation options below.
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Depart at sunrise when predators are most active. This is prime time to witness lions returning from hunts and cheetahs scanning the plains. Morning light provides exceptional photography conditions.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to lodge for breakfast or enjoy a bush breakfast depending on wildlife activity.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore deeper sections of the reserve, including river systems and open grasslands. During migration season, vast herds of wildebeest and zebra may be observed crossing the plains.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Lunch at the lodge or picnic within the reserve.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring new territories within the reserve. The Maasai Mara’s high wildlife density increases opportunities for Big Five sightings.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your safari accommodation at the accommodation options below.
Option 1: Budget Rhino Tourist Camp | Lenchada Tourist Camp | Mara Ntulele Camp | Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Sunset Camp Masai Mara | Greenwood Safari Camp
Option 2: Standard Jambo Mara Safari Lodge | Aruba Mara Camp | Osero Camp | Enkorok Mara Camp | Simba + Oryx Nature Camp
Option 3: Luxury Mara Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Maasai Mara | AA Lodge | Sekenani Camp
Option 4: Above Luxury Sarova Mara Game Camp | Ashnil Mara Camp | Muthu Keekorok Lodge | Mara Serena Safari Lodge | Mara Simba Lodge | Fig Tree Camp
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
-Early morning Hot Air Balloon Safari
-Maasai cultural village visit
Distance: Approx. 460 km
Drive Time: 7 - 8 hours
07:00 - 08:00 | Breakfast and Departure
After breakfast, depart the Mara and begin your journey toward Amboseli via Nairobi.
08:00 - 15:00 | Road Transfer
Travel through the Great Rift Valley and central highlands before descending into the semi-arid plains surrounding Amboseli. Scheduled rest stops are included for comfort.
15:00 - 16:00 | Arrival and Late Lunch
Check in at your lodge and enjoy a late lunch.
16:30 - 18:30 | Evening Game Drive
Head out for your first game drive in Amboseli National Park. The park is renowned for large elephant herds and open landscapes that provide excellent wildlife viewing. On clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro forms a spectacular backdrop. Return to your lodge or camp in the late afternoon.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight stay at your chosen accommodation inside or just outside the park as per the options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Amboseli Mountain View Camp | Manjaro Tented Camp | Nyati Safari Camp
Option 2 : Standard | Little Amanya Camp | Penety Amboseli Resort | Olemayian Amboseli Cottages
Option 3 : Luxury | AA Lodge | Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Amboseli | Kibo Safari Camp | Kilima Safari Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Oltukai Lodge | Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp
06:30 - 08:30 | Sunrise Game Drive
Early departure to capture views of Mount Kilimanjaro at sunrise, when skies are typically clearest. Observe elephants moving across dusty plains with Africa’s highest peak behind them.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to lodge for breakfast.
10:00 - 13:00 | Mid-Morning Game Viewing
Explore swamp areas fed by underground springs from Kilimanjaro. These wetlands attract elephants, buffalo, hippos, and a wide variety of birdlife.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Lunch at the lodge followed by leisure time.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring Amboseli’s diverse habitats, searching for lions, hyenas, giraffes, and zebras in open plains.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight stay at your chosen accommodation inside or just outside the park as per the options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Amboseli Mountain View Camp | Manjaro Tented Camp | Nyati Safari Camp
Option 2 : Standard | Little Amanya Camp | Penety Amboseli Resort | Olemayian Amboseli Cottages
Option 3 : Luxury | AA Lodge | Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Amboseli | Kibo Safari Camp | Kilima Safari Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Oltukai Lodge | Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp
Distance: Approx. 430 - 520 km depending on coastal destination
Drive Time: 8 - 10 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast
Breakfast with potential final views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
07:30 - 16:00 | Road Transfer to the Coast
Depart Amboseli and connect to the Mombasa highway. The journey traverses semi-arid plains and sections near Tsavo ecosystems. Comfort stops are scheduled along the way.
16:00 - 18:00 | Coastal Drop-off
Arrive in Mombasa and proceed to your selected beach destination - Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu. Drop-off at your beach hotel marks the end of safari services.
includes / Excludes
Package includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- 4 nights accommodation
- Meals as specified
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Full road transfer to coastal destination
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
Frequently Asked Questions
These two parks offer contrasting ecosystems and wildlife experiences. The Maasai Mara provides dense predator populations and classic rolling plains, while Amboseli offers large elephant herds and iconic Mount Kilimanjaro scenery. Together, they deliver both intensity and scenic drama within five days.
The Maasai Mara offers strong chances of seeing lions, elephants, buffalo, and often leopards. Rhinos are less common in this itinerary compared to Lake Nakuru circuits, but overall wildlife density remains exceptional.
Kilimanjaro visibility depends on weather conditions. Early mornings and late afternoons typically provide the clearest views.
The journey takes approximately 7 – 8 hours including rest stops. While it is a longer transfer day, it connects two flagship parks in one continuous safari experience.
Yes. The vehicle is designed for long-distance travel and includes scheduled comfort stops. The transfer allows a seamless safari-to-beach combination without additional domestic flights.
Accommodation can be selected in budget, mid-range, or luxury categories. Lodges and tented camps offer en-suite facilities, dining services, and close proximity to wildlife areas.
Neutral-colored clothing, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and a light jacket for cool mornings are recommended.
