From the sweeping plains of the Maasai Mara to the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Nakuru, majestic elephants beneath Kilimanjaro, and intimate wildlife moments at Salt Lick Safari Lodge – a complete Kenyan wildlife odyssey.
Overview
This 6-day safari combines Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations with exceptional comfort and expertly guided game experiences. The journey begins in the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, where endless savannahs teem with predators and grazers alike, before moving to the lush, bird-filled landscapes of Lake Nakuru National Park.
The adventure continues to the dramatic backdrop of Amboseli National Park, famed for its large elephant herds beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, and concludes in the intimate, elevated wildlife haven of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary at Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
Throughout the safari, guests will enjoy immersive game drives, scenic landscapes, cultural interactions, and luxurious lodges that bring you closer to nature in comfort and style.
Trip Highlights
- Witness the Great Plains of the Mara, teeming with wildlife
- Flamingo-studded vistas and rhino sightings at Lake Nakuru
- Majestic elephant herds with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop
- Exclusive waterhole viewing at Salt Lick Safari Lodge
- Optional hot air balloon rides in Maasai Mara for a once-in-a-lifetime perspective
- Panoramic landscapes from Amboseli to Taita Hills
- Professional guiding and personalised game experiences
- Seamless transfers between parks with scenic stops
Itinerary
Embark on a 6-day journey through Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations, where every day offers a new spectacle of nature. Traverse the endless savannahs of the Maasai Mara, witness flamingo-studded shores and rare rhinos at Lake Nakuru, marvel at elephants beneath the towering peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, and enjoy intimate wildlife encounters at Salt Lick Safari Lodge. This safari blends breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and luxurious accommodations, ensuring a truly immersive and unforgettable African experience.
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
07:30 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Pickup from Nairobi
Your safari begins with a scenic drive from Nairobi, descending into the Great Rift Valley where panoramic viewpoints reveal dramatic escarpments and sweeping landscapes. As you continue towards the Mara, the terrain opens into vast golden plains dotted with acacia trees and grazing wildlife, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and enjoy a leisurely lunch. The surrounding plains often host zebras, antelopes and occasionally elephants, offering your first taste of the Mara’s rich wildlife.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Head out for your first game drive across the Mara’s iconic savannah. The late afternoon light casts a warm glow over the landscape as predators begin to stir and herbivores gather in open areas.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions resting or preparing to hunt
-Cheetahs scanning the plains
-Elephants moving in family groups
-Zebras and wildebeests grazing
-Hyenas and jackals
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in rich hues. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a tranquil setting, accompanied by the distant sounds of wildlife at the accommodation of your choice from the 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):
-Hot air balloon safari with champagne breakfast
-Private guided game drive
-Maasai village cultural visit
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive
Set out early to experience the Mara at its most active. The cool morning air carries the sounds of wildlife, and predators are often on the move after a night of hunting. The golden light enhances the beauty of the savannah, making this one of the most rewarding times for photography.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions and cheetahs on the move
-Elephants crossing open plains
-Giraffes browsing acacia trees
-Seasonal wildebeest herds
08:30 a.m. - 09:30 a.m. | Breakfast at Camp
Return to camp for a relaxed breakfast while taking in uninterrupted views of the surrounding wilderness.
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Leisure and Lodge Experience
Enjoy time to unwind at the lodge. Relax by the pool, take in the scenery, or observe wildlife from the comfort of your camp.
12:30 p.m. | Lunch at Camp
A freshly prepared lunch is served, offering a welcome break before the afternoon exploration.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring different regions of the reserve, discovering new wildlife interactions and landscapes as the sun begins to set over the plains.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for your final evening in the Mara, reflecting on the day’s unforgettable sightings for dinner and overnight 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):
-Hot air balloon safari (subject to availability)
-Guided nature walk
Distance: Approx. 225 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 5 hours
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at camp as the early morning light spreads across the plains, often revealing wildlife grazing nearby.
08:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m. | Scenic Drive through the Rift Valley
Depart the Mara and journey through rolling countryside and rural settlements. The route gradually climbs into the Great Rift Valley, revealing dramatic escarpments, fertile farmlands and ever-changing scenery.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Nakuru National Park and enjoy lunch overlooking the park’s lush surroundings.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Lake Nakuru, a sanctuary known for its birdlife and thriving rhino population. The shimmering lake and surrounding woodlands create a striking backdrop for wildlife viewing.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-White and black rhinos grazing peacefully
-Flamingos and pelicans along the shoreline
-Lions and elusive leopards
-Buffalo and Rothschild giraffes
-Zebras and antelope species
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1 : Standard | Lake Nakuru Lodge | Flamingo Hill Camp
Option 2 : Luxury | Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge | Sarova Lion Hill
Option 3 : Above Luxury | The Cliff, Nakuru,
Optional Activities (at additional cost)
-Guided nature walks around the lodge
-Bird watching excursions
Distance: Approx. 350 km
Drive Time: Approx. 6 - 7 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Begin your day with breakfast overlooking the tranquil landscapes of Lake Nakuru. The morning atmosphere is serene, with birds in flight and wildlife occasionally visible in the distance.
08:00 a.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Scenic Journey South via Nairobi
Travel south through Nairobi and onward towards Amboseli. The journey showcases Kenya’s diversity, transitioning from lush highlands to expansive plains, with glimpses of rural life and open countryside along the way.
02:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge in Amboseli National Park and enjoy lunch with views of the plains. On clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro provides a breathtaking backdrop.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Head out into Amboseli’s unique ecosystem of wetlands and open plains, where wildlife gathers around water sources.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Large elephant herds, often seen at close range
-Lions resting in the grasslands
-Buffalo, giraffes and zebras
-Wildebeests and antelope
-Abundant birdlife
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge as the sun sets behind Kilimanjaro, followed by dinner and overnight in a peaceful setting at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Mountain View Camp | Manjaro Tented Camp | Nyati Safari Camp
Option 2 : Standard | Little Amanya Camp | Penety 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
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Guided nature walk
Distance: Approx. 160 km
Drive Time: Approx. 3 - 4 hours
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast as wildlife moves across the plains and the morning light illuminates the landscape.
08:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Scenic Drive to Taita Hills
Journey through changing terrain towards the lush and rolling hills of the sanctuary, offering a refreshing contrast to the open plains of Amboseli.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at Salt Lick Safari Lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking active waterholes, where elephants and antelope frequently gather.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore the private sanctuary, known for its intimate wildlife encounters and fewer vehicles.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Elephants visiting waterholes
-Lions and occasionally leopards
-Giraffes, zebras and buffalo
-A variety of antelope species
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner followed by unique wildlife viewing from the lodge’s elevated decks, overlooking floodlit waterholes where animals gather at night. Overnight stay will be at Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Night game drive
-Bush sundowner
Distance: Approx. 250 - 300 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 6 hours
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast overlooking the sanctuary, with wildlife often visible at the waterholes below, offering a memorable farewell to the safari experience.
08:00 a.m. | Departure
Depart for the Kenyan coast, leaving behind the wilderness as the landscape gradually transitions towards coastal vegetation.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional stop for lunch along the way, providing time to relax before continuing the journey.
02:00 p.m. - 03:30 p.m. | Arrival at Coastal Destination
Arrive and drop-off at your beach hotel in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, marking the end of your safari adventure.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Souvenir shopping stop en route
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entrance fees
- 5 nights accommodation
- All meals as per itinerary
- Bottled mineral water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Lunch on Day 6 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this itinerary offers a well-balanced introduction to Kenya’s most iconic parks, making it ideal for first-time safari travellers.
You can expect lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas and a wide variety of birdlife across the different parks.
There is a strong chance of seeing the Big Five, particularly in the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru, although sightings are never guaranteed.
The safari is excellent year-round, with peak wildlife viewing during the dry seasons. The Great Migration occurs between July and October in the Maasai Mara.
Kilimanjaro is often visible early in the morning and late afternoon when skies are clear, offering spectacular views.
Yes, all transfers are conducted in well-maintained 4×4 safari vehicles designed for comfort and optimal viewing.
Yes, all meals are included as specified in the itinerary, including lodge meals and occasional en route stops.
Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing, a warm layer for cool mornings, comfortable shoes, sun protection, insect repellent and a camera.
Yes, it is suitable for families, though children should be supervised during game drives and lodge stays.
Yes, the itinerary is designed to end at the coast, making it easy to extend your holiday with a beach stay.
Yes, accommodation levels, routes and optional activities can be tailored to your preferences.
