Exclusive conservancy safaris, intimate wildlife encounters and Kilimanjaro’s iconic elephant plains.
Overview
Exclusive conservancy safaris, intimate wildlife encounters and Kilimanjaro’s iconic elephant plains.
Trip Highlights
- Exclusive safari experience in private wildlife sanctuaries
- Close-range wildlife viewing at waterholes
- High wildlife density in Taita Hills Sanctuary
- Iconic elephant encounters in Amboseli
- Spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Fewer crowds and a more intimate safari atmosphere
Itinerary
This four-day safari begins with an early morning departure from Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, travelling inland to the quiet wilderness of Ngutuni Wildlife Sanctuary. The journey continues to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary for an exclusive safari experience before proceeding to Amboseli National Park. The safari concludes with a scenic drive to Nairobi.
Distance: Approx. 200–250 km
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
05:30 a.m. - 07:00 a.m. | Pickup from Coastal Hotel
Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from your beach hotel or residence in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu.
Travel inland along the Mombasa–Nairobi highway as the scenery transitions into open savannah and acacia woodland.
Arrive at Ngutuni Wildlife Sanctuary, a private conservancy bordering Tsavo East, where your first wildlife encounters begin even before reaching the lodge.
Wildlife commonly observed in the sanctuary includes:
-Elephants frequently visiting the waterhole
-Buffalo and giraffes
-Zebras and antelope species
-Lions and occasional leopards
-Various bird species around the lodge area
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking the sanctuary’s waterhole, where wildlife activity is often continuous throughout the day.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Set out on an afternoon game drive through the sanctuary’s compact yet wildlife-rich terrain.
The experience is intimate and immersive, with fewer vehicles and higher chances of close wildlife encounters.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful evening under the African sky at the accommodation at Ngutuni Safari Lodge.
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
-Night game drive in Ngutuni Sanctuary
-Guided nature walk
Distance: Approx. 50–80 km
Drive Time: 1.5–2 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Morning Game Drive and Breakfast
Begin the day with a sunrise game drive, when predators may still be active and herbivores begin grazing.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Elephants moving between feeding areas
-Giraffes browsing acacia trees
-Zebras and antelope grazing
-Lions occasionally seen in early morning light
Return for breakfast before departure.
09:30 a.m. | Drive to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Depart Ngutuni and proceed to the nearby Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, where landscapes become greener and more elevated.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive and enjoy lunch at your lodge, often overlooking a waterhole frequented by wildlife.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore the sanctuary, known for its high wildlife density and excellent photographic opportunities.
Wildlife commonly observed in the sanctuary includes:
-Elephants and buffalo near water sources
-Giraffes and zebras across the plains
-Antelope species including impalas and waterbucks
-Lions and occasional leopards
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner at the lodge while overlooking the floodlit waterholes, where wildlife can often be observed directly from the viewing decks or underground hide at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1: Standard | Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa
Option 2: Luxury | Salt Lick Safari Lodge
Option 3: Above Luxury | Lions Bluff Lodge
Optional Activities (at additional cost)
-Guided Night game drive within the sanctuary (where permitted)
-Guided nature walk
-Private Sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 250 km
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast as wildlife gathers near the lodge’s waterhole.
08:00 a.m. | Departure for Amboseli
Depart Taita Hills and journey north across changing landscapes.
As you approach Amboseli, the towering silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro gradually dominates the horizon, creating a dramatic sense of arrival.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge in Amboseli and enjoy lunch overlooking the plains.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Amboseli’s open plains and wetlands, one of Africa’s most iconic safari environments.
Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes:
-Large elephant herds moving across the plains
-Lions resting in grasslands
-Buffalo, giraffes and zebras
-Wildebeests and antelope species
-Abundant birdlife in marsh areas
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening under the African night sky at the accommodation 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. 240 km
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast with views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the morning light.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Optional short morning game drive before exiting the park.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional lunch stop at a selected restaurant along the highway.
03:00 p.m. - 04:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Arrival and drop-off at your hotel, residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the end of your safari experience.
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
-Souvenir shopping stop en route to Nairobi
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package Includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park and sanctuary entrance fees
- 3 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Lunch on Day 4 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Ngutuni Wildlife Sanctuary offers a quiet and exclusive safari experience with fewer vehicles and excellent wildlife viewing, especially around its central waterhole.
Taita Hills is a privately managed sanctuary with controlled visitor numbers, ensuring a more intimate safari experience and consistent wildlife sightings.
Salt Lick Safari Lodge is built on stilts overlooking waterholes, allowing guests to observe wildlife directly from viewing decks and underground hides.
Mount Kilimanjaro provides a breathtaking backdrop in Amboseli, especially during early mornings and late afternoons when visibility is at its best.
You can expect to see elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and various antelope species, along with rich birdlife, particularly in Amboseli.
Private sanctuaries offer fewer crowds and closer wildlife encounters, while national parks like Amboseli provide larger ecosystems and iconic landscapes. This itinerary combines both experiences.
A 4×4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with a pop-up roof is used for comfort and optimal game viewing.
Pack light neutral clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and a camera or binoculars.
