From volcanic landscapes and lava flows to flamingo-filled lakes and predator-rich savannahs – a dramatic journey through Kenya’s most diverse and iconic wilderness.
Overview
This six-day safari is a spectacular inland journey beginning from Kenya’s tropical coastline and traversing some of the country’s most visually diverse and wildlife-rich ecosystems, including Tsavo West National Park, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park and the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Unlike typical safari circuits, this itinerary is designed to showcase Kenya’s geological drama and ecological contrasts – from Tsavo West’s rugged volcanic terrain and natural springs, to Amboseli’s open plains beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, onward to the birdlife-rich Rift Valley lakes, and finally into the vast, wildlife-dense savannah of the Maasai Mara.
Each destination builds upon the last, offering a progression of scenery, wildlife encounters and atmosphere that keeps the experience dynamic, immersive and unforgettable throughout.
Trip Highlights
- Coastal departure transitioning into Tsavo West’s dramatic wilderness
- Lava flows, volcanic hills and Mzima Springs in Tsavo West
- Close-up elephant encounters in Amboseli with Kilimanjaro views
- Flamingos and rhinos at Lake Nakuru
- Big Five and predator sightings in Maasai Mara
- Scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes and viewpoints
Itinerary
This six-day safari unfolds as a continuous journey from the Indian Ocean coastline into Kenya’s most iconic inland parks, combining dramatic landscapes with exceptional wildlife encounters.
Distance: Approx. 250 - 300 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
05:30 a.m. - 07:00 a.m. | Pickup from Coastal Hotel
Your safari begins in the soft light of dawn as you depart from the coast, leaving behind palm-lined beaches and the humid ocean air.
As you travel inland, the scenery gradually shifts - coconut plantations fade into dry bushland, open plains begin to dominate the horizon, and the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and dramatic.
Entering Tsavo West National Park, the environment changes instantly. Unlike the flat expanses of Tsavo East, Tsavo West introduces a more textured and dramatic terrain - volcanic hills, lava flows and dense vegetation create a sense of mystery and depth.
Your game drive begins upon entry, offering an exciting introduction to this unique ecosystem.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Elephants moving through scrub and woodland
-Lions resting in shaded areas
-Leopards (more elusive but present)
-Buffalo, zebras and giraffes
-Antelope species including kudu and impala
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp, often set against scenic backdrops of hills or waterholes. Enjoy lunch while taking in the raw beauty of Tsavo West’s landscape.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive & Mzima Springs Visit
Head out for an afternoon exploration, including a visit to the famous Mzima Springs - a crystal-clear oasis fed by underground streams from Mount Kilimanjaro.
Here, hippos glide silently beneath the water’s surface while crocodiles rest along the banks, offering a completely different safari perspective.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge as the sun dips behind the hills, casting dramatic shadows across the terrain. Dinner is served in a serene setting, surrounded by the quiet wilderness. Relax and unwind at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1: Budget | Tsavo Inn Lodge
Option 2: Standard | Ngulia Safari Lodge
Option 3: Luxury | Voyager Ziwani Camp | Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge | Severin Safari Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Guided visit to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
-Sundowner overlooking Tsavo West hills
Distance: Approx. 100 - 150 km
Drive Time: Approx. 3 - 4 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast as the park slowly comes to life, with birds calling and wildlife already active.
08:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Scenic Transfer to Amboseli
Depart Tsavo West and journey towards Amboseli National Park.
As you approach, the landscape opens dramatically and Mount Kilimanjaro begins to dominate the skyline - its snow-capped peak rising above the plains in breathtaking contrast.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch with panoramic views across Amboseli’s open plains.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Amboseli’s diverse habitats, from dry lake beds to lush swamps fed by underground springs.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Large elephant herds with iconic tuskers
-Lions and hyenas
-Buffalo, zebras and wildebeests
-Giraffes and rich birdlife
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge as Kilimanjaro glows in the evening light, creating one of Africa’s most iconic safari scenes. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the accommodation of your choice from 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
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost)
-Maasai village cultural visit
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 350 - 400 km
Drive Time: Approx. 7 - 8 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast with final views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
08:00 a.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Scenic Journey via Nairobi into the Rift Valley
Travel north through Nairobi before descending into the Great Rift Valley, where sweeping escarpments and vast landscapes unfold.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Nakuru National Park and enjoy lunch overlooking the surrounding scenery.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Lake Nakuru’s compact yet wildlife-rich environment.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-White and black rhinos
-Flamingos and pelicans
-Lions and leopards
-Buffalo and Rothschild giraffes
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight in the peaceful Rift Valley setting 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 Extra Cost)
-Guided bird watching excursion
-Nature walk within lodge grounds
Distance: Approx. 220 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
A relaxed start before heading to the Mara.
08:00 a.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Scenic Drive to Maasai Mara
Journey through rolling countryside and Maasai lands towards the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive and enjoy lunch at your lodge or camp.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Begin your Mara experience with a game drive across its expansive plains.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions, cheetahs and leopards
-Elephants and buffalo
-Zebras and wildebeests
-Hyenas and jackals
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
As the sun sets over the savannah, return to camp for dinner and a tranquil evening under the stars, followed by overnights stay 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)
-Maasai village visit
-Private guided game drive
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive
Start the day early to experience the Mara at its most կենդ active, with predators often on the move.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions and cheetahs hunting
-Elephants moving across plains
-Giraffes and zebras grazing
-Large herds of wildebeests (seasonal)
12:30 p.m. | Picnic Lunch in the Bush
Enjoy lunch at a scenic spot within the reserve, surrounded by nature.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring the vast plains, tracking wildlife and taking in the endless horizons that define the Mara.
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
-Hot air balloon safari (subject to availability)
-Maasai cultural visit
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast in the Mara.
08:00 a.m. | Departure to Nairobi
Optional short game drive as you exit the reserve.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional stop along the way.
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
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees for Tsavo West, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara
- Accommodation for 5 nights
- All meals as per itinerary
- Game drives 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
Tsavo West is more rugged and scenic, with volcanic landscapes, hills and natural springs, offering a completely different safari atmosphere.
Yes, especially early morning and late afternoon when cloud cover is minimal.
While not guaranteed, Lake Nakuru offers one of the best chances in Kenya to see both black and white rhinos.
The high density of predators and the possibility of witnessing the Great Migration.
Yes, it offers diverse landscapes and excellent wildlife visibility for photography.
It is relatively comfortable, with most activities conducted via vehicle.
Yes, all accommodations are selected for comfort, safety and proximity to wildlife.
Yes, with upgrades, additional nights or flight options available.
Light neutral clothing, warm layers, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera.
