A grand cross-country safari from Kenya’s coastal wilderness to its most iconic inland reserves – combining the vast red plains of Tsavo, the elephant-rich Amboseli ecosystem, the birdlife of the Rift Valley, and the legendary Maasai Mara into one seamless and unforgettable journey.
Overview
This safari is crafted to showcase Kenya’s ecological diversity in a single journey, moving from coastal lowlands through volcanic landscapes and highland lakes to the sweeping savannahs of the Maasai Mara.
Each destination offers a distinct experience – from the vast, untamed wilderness of Tsavo to the intimate wildlife encounters of Amboseli, the birdlife-rich shores of Lake Nakuru and the predator-dense plains of the Maasai Mara.
The journey is carefully paced to balance travel with immersive game drives, ensuring a deep, rewarding and visually spectacular safari experience from start to finish.
Trip Highlights
- Red elephants and vast landscapes of Tsavo East
- Volcanic terrain and Mzima Springs in Tsavo West
- Elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop in Amboseli
- Rhino sanctuary and flamingo-lined shores at Lake Nakuru
- Big Five safari in Maasai Mara
- Scenic transition from coast to highland savannah
Itinerary
This seven-day safari offers an epic wildlife journey across Kenya, beginning from the coastal regions of Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu and culminating in Nairobi.
The experience unfolds through the expansive landscapes of Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park, continues to the iconic plains of Amboseli National Park beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, and ascends into the Great Rift Valley to explore Lake Nakuru National Park before concluding in the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Designed for travellers seeking maximum diversity, rich wildlife encounters and dramatic scenery, this itinerary delivers a complete and immersive safari experience across Kenya’s most celebrated ecosystems.
Distance: Approx. 200 - 250 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 5 hours
05:30 a.m. - 07:00 a.m. | Pickup from Beach Hotel
Your safari begins at first light with a pickup from your hotel or residence in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu. As you leave the Indian Ocean coastline behind, palm-lined shores gradually give way to open plains and acacia-dotted wilderness.
Upon entering Tsavo East National Park, the vastness of the landscape becomes immediately apparent - a seemingly endless expanse of red earth, scattered baobab trees and winding seasonal rivers. Your first game drive begins en route to your lodge, offering an exciting introduction to this iconic wilderness.
Across the plains, elephants coated in red dust move steadily in family groups, while giraffes stride elegantly between trees and antelope species graze cautiously. Lions may be seen resting in the shade, blending almost seamlessly into the terrain.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp and enjoy lunch overlooking the sweeping savannah, where wildlife may already be visible near waterholes or in the distance.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Head out into the golden afternoon light for a deeper exploration of Tsavo East. The Galana River winds through the park, attracting a steady flow of wildlife. As temperatures cool, animal activity increases - elephants gather at water sources, zebras move in herds across the plains, and predators begin to emerge for the evening.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge as the sun sets in a blaze of orange and gold. Dinner is served in a relaxed setting, with the distant sounds of the wild creating a truly immersive overnight experience. Enjoy 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
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):
-Sundowner overlooking the Tsavo plains
-Guided nature walk in private conservancy areas
Distance: Approx. 120 km
Drive Time: Approx. 3 - 4 hours
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive and Breakfast
Begin the day with a sunrise game drive, where the soft morning light reveals wildlife in motion. Return to lodge for breakfast.
09:30 a.m. - 01:00 p.m. | Scenic Transfer to Tsavo West
Journey towards Tsavo West National Park, where the landscape transforms into rugged volcanic terrain, lava flows and rolling hills.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch surrounded by dramatic scenery.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Tsavo West’s varied terrain, including visits to the crystal-clear Mzima Springs where hippos glide beneath the surface and crocodiles bask along the banks. The park’s dense vegetation and rocky outcrops provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner is served in a tranquil setting, with views of the surrounding wilderness enhancing your overnight experience. Overnight stay 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):
-Visit to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
-Guided nature walks
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 - 07:30 | Breakfast
Enjoy an early breakfast with views of the plains, where the morning light often reveals elephants moving through low-lying mist and birds actively feeding near the wetlands.
08:00 a.m. - 03:00 p.m. | Scenic Journey via Nairobi and the Great Rift Valley
Depart Amboseli and journey north, passing through Nairobi before descending into the Great Rift Valley.
This stretch offers one of the most scenic drives in Kenya. Elevated viewpoints reveal dramatic escarpments and vast valley floors stretching far into the distance. As you descend, the air cools slightly and the vegetation becomes greener, transitioning into highland landscapes dotted with farms and small settlements.
01:30 - 02:30 p.m. | Lunch En Route
Pause for lunch along the journey, offering a welcome break while still surrounded by scenic highland views.
03:30 - 06:30 | Evening Game Drive in Lake Nakuru
Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park and head straight into a game drive.
The park’s relatively compact size allows for concentrated wildlife viewing. As you approach the lake, the shoreline often shimmers with birdlife - flamingos forming delicate pink fringes along the water’s edge, interspersed with pelicans and other aquatic species.
Inland, the park is one of Kenya’s most reliable locations for rhino sightings.
Both black and white rhinos graze across open grasslands, often surprisingly close to the road. Rothschild giraffes move elegantly through acacia woodland, while lions rest in shaded patches or patrol quietly through the bush. Leopards, though elusive, are known to inhabit the park’s forested areas and may occasionally be spotted draped across tree branches.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner is served overlooking the Rift Valley landscape, where the cooler highland climate and calm surroundings offer a peaceful contrast to the day’s travel. The evening atmosphere is quiet and reflective, ideal for unwinding after a full day.
Enjoy overnight stay 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 nature walk
-Birdwatching experience around the lodge
Distance: Approx. 230 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast as the morning light filters through the surrounding landscape, often accompanied by birdlife and distant wildlife movement.
08:00 a.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Scenic Transfer to Maasai Mara
Depart for the Maasai Mara National Reserve, travelling through rolling hills, cultivated farmland and Maasai pastoral lands.
The scenery gradually opens into expansive savannah, with traditional Maasai homesteads dotting the landscape. Livestock herds graze under the watchful presence of Maasai herders, offering a glimpse into a culture deeply connected to the land.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your camp or lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking the plains, where wildlife sightings often begin even before your first formal game drive.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first exploration of the Maasai Mara introduces you to one of the most wildlife-rich ecosystems on the continent.
Herds of zebras and wildebeests move across the plains in large numbers, often accompanied by topi and gazelles. Elephants roam steadily through the savannah, while giraffes feed on acacia trees.
Predators are a defining feature of the Mara - lions are frequently seen in prides, resting or interacting socially, while cheetahs may be spotted scanning the plains from elevated vantage points. Hyenas move with purpose, often following predator activity, contributing to the dynamic balance of the ecosystem.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner is served in a warm and inviting setting, followed by a relaxed evening under the African night sky. The sounds of the savannah - from distant calls to subtle movements in the grass - create an unforgettable overnight atmosphere.
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
At sunrise, the Mara reveals its most dramatic moments. The golden light stretches across the plains as predators conclude their hunts. Lions may be seen feeding or resting after night activity, while cheetahs prepare for the day ahead. Hyenas patrol territories, and herbivores begin grazing in large numbers.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to camp or enjoy a bush breakfast surrounded by uninterrupted wilderness.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Venture deeper into the reserve, exploring river systems such as the Mara River, where hippos cluster in large pods and crocodiles lie in wait along the banks.
During migration season, vast herds of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains, creating one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on earth. Even outside migration periods, the density of wildlife ensures constant activity and sightings.
13:00 - 14:00 | Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a picnic lunch under a shaded tree within the reserve, remaining fully immersed in the environment.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring different sectors of the Mara, maximising opportunities to encounter the Big Five. The diversity of terrain - from open plains to riverine forests - supports a wide range of wildlife, ensuring that each drive offers new and varied experiences.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for your final evening in the Mara. Dinner is served under the stars, where the stillness of the night and distant wildlife calls create a deeply memorable conclusion to your time in this iconic reserve.
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):
-Hot air balloon safari (subject to availability, Pre booking required)
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast in the Mara, taking in the last views of the savannah.
08:00 a.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Departure and Scenic Return
Depart for Nairobi, retracing your journey through the rolling landscapes of the Rift Valley. The transition from wilderness to urban setting provides a reflective conclusion to the safari experience.
01:00 - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Pause for lunch along the way.
03:00 - 04:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Arrival and drop-off at your hotel, residence or airport, marking the end of your safari.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- ransport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entrance fees
- 6 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Tsavo East is vast, open and defined by red-earth plains and river systems, offering dramatic, wide-angle wildlife viewing. Tsavo West, in contrast, is more rugged and diverse, with volcanic landscapes, dense vegetation and unique features such as Mzima Springs, creating a more intimate and varied safari experience.
Amboseli is one of the best places in Africa to observe elephants, particularly large herds with impressive tusks. Sightings are extremely common, especially near the park’s wetlands.
Lake Nakuru offers a unique combination of birdlife and terrestrial wildlife. It is one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhinos, along with large populations of flamingos and other water birds.
Yes, the Maasai Mara offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year. While the Great Migration typically occurs between July and October, resident wildlife ensures rewarding sightings in all seasons.
Game drives are well paced, with regular breaks and varied durations to balance exploration and comfort.
While sightings cannot be guaranteed, this itinerary covers prime habitats for lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos and leopards, offering strong chances of encountering all five.
Pack light clothing for warm days, a warm layer for early mornings, comfortable footwear, sun protection, insect repellent and camera equipment.
Yes, the diversity of landscapes and wildlife provides excellent opportunities for photography, particularly in Amboseli and the Maasai Mara.
Yes, the safari can be tailored to include upgraded accommodation, additional nights or specific experiences based on your preferences.
