Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors to Kenya?

Yes, it offers a comprehensive introduction to Kenya’s most iconic parks and landscapes.

Will I see the Big Five?

The Maasai Mara provides excellent chances of seeing the Big Five, while elephants and buffalo are common across multiple parks.

What is the highlight of Tsavo East?

Its vast landscapes and unique red elephants make it one of Kenya’s most distinctive parks.

When is the best time to visit the Maasai Mara?

July to October is ideal for the Great Migration, though the Mara offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round.

Is Lake Naivasha safe for activities?

Yes, all activities are guided and conducted safely by experienced professionals.

How close will I get to wildlife?

Very close, especially in Amboseli and Maasai Mara where wildlife density is high.

What accommodation options are available?

From budget camps to luxury lodges, all offering comfort and proximity to wildlife.

Light clothing, warm layers, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, binoculars and a camera.

6 Days Tsavo East, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara Safari (ending Nairobi)

From the red-dust wilderness of Tsavo to the shimmering waters of Lake Naivasha and the legendary plains of the Maasai Mara – a breathtaking journey through Kenya’s most diverse safari landscapes.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

This immersive six-day Kenya safari is a beautifully balanced journey through contrasting ecosystems, beginning along the coastal gateway of Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, and unfolding inland through Tsavo East National Park, Amboseli National Park, the scenic freshwater paradise of Lake Naivasha, and culminating in the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.

This route is designed for travellers seeking variety and depth – combining the raw wilderness of Tsavo, the iconic Kilimanjaro backdrop of Amboseli, the tranquil beauty of the Rift Valley lakes, and the unmatched predator-rich savannahs of the Maasai Mara. Each day reveals a new ecosystem, creating a layered and deeply immersive safari experience that captures the very essence of Kenya.

Trip Highlights

Scenic coastal departure into Kenya’s wilderness heart
Red elephants and vast plains of Tsavo East
Iconic Kilimanjaro views in Amboseli
Boat safari experience on Lake Naivasha
Walking safari opportunities on Crescent Island
Big Five encounters in Maasai Mara
Scenic journey through the Great Rift Valley

Day 01 :

Beach Hotel - Tsavo East National Park

Distance: Approx. 200 - 300 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 6 hours

05:30 a.m. - 07:00 a.m. | Pickup from Coastal Hotel
Your safari begins at sunrise as you leave behind the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The journey inland transitions from coastal palm groves to open savannah, gradually revealing the vast wilderness of Tsavo East National Park.
Upon entry, the landscape expands into endless red-dust plains, where wildlife roams freely across one of Kenya’s largest protected ecosystems. Your first game drive begins immediately, offering an exciting introduction to the African wilderness.

Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Red elephants coated in Tsavo soil
-Lions and elusive leopards
-Giraffes and zebras across open plains
-Buffalo, antelope and warthogs
-Cheetahs scanning the horizon

12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge overlooking the savannah, where lunch is served with panoramic wilderness views. Wildlife sightings are often visible even from the dining area.

03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore deeper into Tsavo East as golden light washes over the plains. The Galana River attracts elephants, crocodiles and birdlife, creating a vibrant ecosystem alive with movement and sound.

Day 02 :

Tsavo East - Amboseli National Park

Distance: Approx. 300 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours

06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast surrounded by early morning wildlife activity and the quiet awakening of the bush.

08:00 a.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Scenic Transfer to Amboseli
Depart Tsavo East and journey through open landscapes that gradually shift into greener plains. As you approach Amboseli National Park, the majestic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro dominates the horizon, marking one of Africa’s most iconic safari moments.

01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch with sweeping views of Amboseli’s plains and wetlands.

03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Amboseli offers extraordinary elephant encounters set against Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak. The park’s wetlands attract dense wildlife populations, creating exceptional photographic opportunities.

Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Elephant herds with impressive tuskers
-Lions resting in open grasslands
-Buffalo, zebras and wildebeests
-Giraffes and diverse birdlife

Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your lodge with Kilimanjaro often visible in the background.

Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Sundowner experience with Kilimanjaro views

Day 03 :

Amboseli - Lake Naivasha

Distance: Approx. 300 - 350 km
Drive Time: Approx. 6 - 7 hours

06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Breakfast with final views of Kilimanjaro before departure.

08:00 a.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Scenic Journey via Nairobi to the Rift Valley
Travel north through Nairobi and descend into the dramatic Great Rift Valley, where escarpments, lakes and volcanic formations define the landscape.

02:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Naivasha and enjoy lunch in a tranquil lakeside setting.

03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island Walk
Experience a unique combination of a boat safari and guided walking experience.
Hippos surface in the lake waters while fish eagles soar overhead, creating one of Kenya’s most peaceful yet wildlife-rich environments.

Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Hippos and waterbirds
-Giraffes and zebras on Crescent Island
-Waterbucks and antelope species
-Dozens of migratory bird species

Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your lakeside lodge surrounded by natural serenity from the accommodation options below.

Option 1 : Budget | Hotel Chambai Safari
Option 2 : Standard | Panorama Hotel
Option 3 : Luxury | Naivasha Crescent Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Sawela Lodge | Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort | Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge

Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Boat photography safari extension
-Hell’s Gate National Park cycling safari

Day 04 :

Lake Naivasha - Maasai Mara National Reserve

Distance: Approx. 220 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours

06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Begin your day with breakfast in the cool, tranquil air of the Rift Valley.

08:00 a.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Scenic Drive to Maasai Mara
Depart Naivasha and journey through rolling hills, farmlands and open plains. The landscape gradually opens into the iconic savannah of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The anticipation builds as the terrain transforms into one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich ecosystems.

01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your camp or lodge and enjoy lunch surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild.

03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first game drive in the Maasai Mara introduces you to a world of extraordinary wildlife density and dramatic encounters.

Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions in powerful prides
-Cheetahs scanning the plains
-Elephants and buffalo in herds
-Zebras and wildebeests
-Hyenas and jackals

Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp as the sun sets over the savannah, followed by dinner and overnight beneath a sky filled with stars at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.

Day 05 :

Full Day in Maasai Mara

06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy an early breakfast as the savannah awakens around you, setting the stage for a full day of exploration.

08:00 a.m. - 04:00 p.m. | Full Day Game Drive with Picnic Lunch
Spend the day traversing the vast plains of the Maasai Mara in search of the Big Five and a wide variety of wildlife.
The reserve’s open landscapes allow for exceptional visibility, making it one of the best places in Africa for predator sightings.

You will visit the Mara River, home to resident crocodiles and hippos, and the dramatic crossing point during the Great Migration season.
Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeests migrate into the Mara, closely followed by predators including lions, cheetahs and hyenas, creating one of nature’s most spectacular events.

A picnic lunch is served within the reserve, allowing you to remain fully immersed in the wilderness throughout the day.

Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight, reflecting on a day filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Enjoy dinner and overnight 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