Kilimanjaro’s towering presence meets the untamed drama of the Maasai Mara – a focused yet powerful safari through Kenya’s most iconic wildlife landscapes.
Overview
This six-day safari offers a refined and immersive journey beginning from Kenya’s coastline and ending in Nairobi, focusing on two of the country’s most celebrated wildlife destinations: Amboseli National Park and the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The experience begins in Amboseli, where vast open plains stretch beneath the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, creating one of Africa’s most iconic safari backdrops. Known for its large elephant herds and dramatic scenery, Amboseli delivers exceptional photographic opportunities and close wildlife encounters.
The journey then transitions north into the Maasai Mara, a vast savannah ecosystem famed for its extraordinary wildlife density, Big Five sightings and unparalleled predator activity. Here, expansive landscapes and rich biodiversity combine to create one of the most rewarding safari experiences on the continent.
This itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking a high-impact, wildlife-focused safari with minimal transitions and maximum time in the field.
Trip Highlights
- Large elephant herds beneath Mount Kilimanjaro
- Iconic Amboseli landscapes and wetlands
- Big Five and predator-rich game drives in Maasai Mara
- Expansive savannah and classic safari photography
- Seamless journey from the coast to Nairobi
Itinerary
This six-day safari offers a focused yet deeply immersive experience, combining the dramatic landscapes of Amboseli with the unmatched wildlife density of the Maasai Mara.
Distance: Approx. 450 - 500 km
Drive Time: Approx. 8 - 9 hours
05:00 a.m. - 06:00 a.m. | Pickup from Coastal Hotel
Your safari begins at first light along Kenya’s coastline, where the calm Indian Ocean fades behind you as the journey transitions inland.
The scenery evolves gradually - from palm-lined beaches to open plains, rural landscapes and eventually the expansive savannahs of southern Kenya.
As you approach Amboseli National Park, the iconic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro rises above the horizon, setting the stage for an unforgettable safari experience.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp and enjoy lunch overlooking Amboseli’s open plains, often with wildlife visible in the distance.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Begin your safari with an exploration of Amboseli’s vast ecosystem, where open landscapes allow for excellent wildlife visibility.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Large elephant herds with impressive tusks
-Lions resting in the grasslands
-Buffalo, zebras and wildebeests
-Giraffes and abundant birdlife
The golden evening light, combined with Kilimanjaro’s backdrop, creates an unforgettable introduction to Kenya’s wilderness.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation as the sounds of the African bush create a tranquil atmosphere. Overnight stay at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1: Budget | Lion Hill Lodge | Boma Simba Lodge | Impala Safari Lodge | Tausa Tsavo Eco Lodge | Two Oceans Hotel | Afrika Lodges Voi | Tsavo Lodge-Voi | Vacani Resort
Option 2: Standard | Voi Safari Lodge | Sentrim Tsavo Lodge | Man Eaters Camp
Option 3: Luxury | Ngutuni Lodge | Voi Wildlife Lodge | Ashnil Aruba Lodge | Manyatta Camp Tsavo
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Satao Camp | Galdessa Camp Tsavo | Kiboko River Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private sundowner experience
-Guided nature walk
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Depart at sunrise when wildlife is most active. Elephants move gracefully across the plains while predators conclude their night hunts under the golden morning light.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to the lodge for breakfast or enjoy a bush breakfast depending on wildlife activity.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore Amboseli’s diverse habitats, including swamp areas where wildlife congregates in large numbers, offering excellent viewing opportunities.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Lunch at the lodge with panoramic views of the plains.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring Amboseli’s vast open terrain as wildlife becomes more active in the cooler afternoon temperatures.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge, surrounded by the peaceful ambience of the park at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1: Budget | Lion Hill Lodge | Boma Simba Lodge | Impala Safari Lodge | Tausa Tsavo Eco Lodge | Two Oceans Hotel | Afrika Lodges Voi | Tsavo Lodge-Voi | Vacani Resort
Option 2: Standard | Voi Safari Lodge | Sentrim Tsavo Lodge | Man Eaters Camp
Option 3: Luxury | Ngutuni Lodge | Voi Wildlife Lodge | Ashnil Aruba Lodge | Manyatta Camp Tsavo
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Satao Camp | Galdessa Camp Tsavo | Kiboko River Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Photography-focused game drive
-Bush breakfast or 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 Kilimanjaro.
08:00 a.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Scenic Journey via Nairobi into the Rift Valley
Travel north through Nairobi and descend into the Great Rift Valley, passing dramatic escarpments, fertile highlands and rural landscapes before reaching the Maasai Mara region.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp and enjoy lunch before a short rest.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first Mara game drive introduces you to one of Africa’s richest wildlife ecosystems.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions in prides
-Cheetahs and leopards
-Elephants and buffalo
-Zebras, wildebeests and antelope
-Hyenas and jackals
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner at camp followed by a peaceful evening under the stars. Enjoy overnight 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 cultural village visit
-Private guided game drive
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Depart at sunrise when predators are most active and the savannah is illuminated in golden light.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to lodge or enjoy a bush breakfast.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore river systems and open plains where wildlife congregates, including hippos and crocodiles along the Mara River.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Lunch at lodge or picnic within the reserve.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring new territories within the reserve, increasing chances of spotting the Big Five.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge 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
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private sundowner experience
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Another opportunity to witness predator activity and early morning wildlife movement.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Breakfast at lodge or in the bush.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore deeper areas of the reserve, tracking wildlife across the vast plains.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Lunch at lodge or picnic in the reserve.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Final game drive to maximise sightings and capture last memorable moments.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Farewell dinner under the African sky. Overnight 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):
-Photography safari
-Maasai village visit
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast in the Mara.
08:00 a.m. | Departure
Optional short game drive while exiting the reserve.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional lunch stop during the journey.
03:00 p.m. - 04:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Drop-off at your hotel, residence or airport.
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
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees for Amboseli 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
Yes, it focuses on two of Kenya’s best parks, offering a high-quality experience within a limited timeframe.
Its elephant populations and views of Mount Kilimanjaro make it one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.
The Mara has one of the highest wildlife densities in Africa, especially for predators.
Yes, there is a strong chance, particularly in the Maasai Mara.
Yes, the safari is conducted in a private 4×4 vehicle with a dedicated guide.
Light clothing, warm layers, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and camera.
