Kilimanjaro’s Giants to an Exclusive Private Wildlife Sanctuary
Overview
This executive safari blends the dramatic open landscapes of Amboseli National Park with the exclusivity and intimacy of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. The contrast between Amboseli’s expansive plains and Taita’s private conservancy setting creates a dynamic yet well-balanced safari experience.
Designed for discerning travellers, the journey combines scenic grandeur, concentrated wildlife encounters and smooth logistics, culminating in a comfortable transfer to the Kenyan coast.
Trip Highlights
- Large elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop
- Scenic swamp ecosystems in Amboseli
- Exclusive wildlife viewing within a private sanctuary
- Elevated lodge views overlooking waterholes
- Intimate safari experience with fewer vehicles
- Seamless bush-to-beach transition
Itinerary
This refined three-day safari begins in Nairobi and journeys south to the iconic plains of Amboseli, where elephant herds roam beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. The adventure then continues to the exclusive Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, offering intimate wildlife viewing and refined bush hospitality. The experience concludes with a seamless transfer to your selected beach hotel along Kenya’s coast.
Distance: Approx. 240 km
Drive Time: 4 – 5 hours
07:00 a.m. | Personalised Pickup in Nairobi
Your safari begins with a professional meet-and-greet at your Nairobi hotel, residence or the airport. After a detailed briefing, depart southwards via the Nairobi–Mombasa highway.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Arrival & Game Drive En Route to Lodge
Upon entering Amboseli, the landscape opens into sweeping plains framed by Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting). The park’s swamp-fed ecosystems attract impressive elephant herds, buffalo, zebras and wildebeests. Lions patrol the grasslands while cheetahs make use of the open terrain to scan for prey. The combination of dramatic scenery and high wildlife concentration creates exceptional viewing opportunities.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival & Lunch
Check in at your selected lodge or luxury tented camp and enjoy lunch overlooking the wilderness.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore acacia woodlands and open plains as wildlife activity increases in the cooler hours.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner & Overnight
Dinner and overnight
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation within or near the park as per 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 - Day 1 (At Extra Cost)
-Maasai village cultural visit
-Sundowner experience overlooking the plains
Distance: Approx. 250 km
Drive Time: 4 – 5 hours
06:30 a.m. – 08:00 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive & Breakfast
Begin with a final early drive in Amboseli before returning for breakfast.
08:30 a.m. | Depart for Taita Sanctuary
Travel eastwards towards Taita Hills.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival & Lunch
Arrive at your lodge within the sanctuary, often positioned dramatically above a waterhole that attracts wildlife throughout the day.
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary offers a more intimate and exclusive safari environment. Its compact size and controlled vehicle access often allow for closer and more focused wildlife encounters. Elephants, buffalo, giraffes and zebras move across the rolling landscape, while predators such as lions inhabit the sanctuary ecosystem.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore the sanctuary’s varied terrain before returning to the lodge.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner & Overnight
Dinner and overnight at Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
Optional Activities (At Extra Cost)
-Guided night game drive (where permitted)
-Bush dinner experience
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 120 – 250 km
Drive Time: 3 – 5 hours
06:30 a.m. – 08:00 a.m. | Morning Game Drive & Breakfast
Enjoy a final sunrise drive before breakfast.
09:30 a.m. | Departure to the Coast
Proceed to your selected beach destination:
01:30 p.m. – 03:30 p.m. | Arrival at Your Beach Hotel
Arrive comfortably at your coastal hotel, concluding your safari.
Optional (At Extra Cost)
-Extended morning game drive (subject to schedule)
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 Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
- 2 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled mineral water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities listed above
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a private conservancy offering a more exclusive safari atmosphere with controlled vehicle numbers and elevated lodge viewpoints overlooking active waterholes.
Wildlife populations are strong in both destinations; however, animal movements are natural and sightings vary accordingly.
Yes. The itinerary is adaptable for families, couples and executive travellers.
We recommend packing light, breathable clothing in neutral colours, a light jacket or fleece for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, personal toiletries and any required medication. A good camera, binoculars and a small day bag are also highly recommended. Soft-sided luggage is preferable for ease of handling in safari vehicles.
