Elephant plains, tranquil lakes and the untamed drama of the Mara.
Overview
This five-day safari blends iconic wildlife experiences with scenic landscapes across Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, and the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Your journey begins in Amboseli, where vast plains and wetlands unfold beneath the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering some of Africa’s most iconic safari imagery.
You then travel into the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha, a serene freshwater lake known for its birdlife, hippos and optional boat and walking safaris on nearby crescent islands.
The experience culminates in the Maasai Mara, where expansive savannahs, rich wildlife density and exceptional predator sightings define one of the finest safari destinations in the world.
Trip Highlights
- Large elephant herds in Amboseli
- Views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Boat safari experience on Lake Naivasha
- Walking safari at Crescent Island
- Big Five encounters in Maasai Mara
- Expansive savannah game drives
Itinerary
This five-day safari begins with an early morning departure from Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, travelling inland to Amboseli National Park. The journey continues through the scenic Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha before culminating in the Maasai Mara. The safari concludes with a return to Nairobi.
Distance: SGR + 120–150 km road transfer
Travel Time: 5–6 hours
05:00 a.m. - 06:00 a.m. | Pickup from Coastal Hotel or Residence
Your safari begins at first light with a seamless pickup from your hotel or residence along the coast in Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu. As the Indian Ocean fades behind you, you are transferred in comfort to the modern Mombasa Terminus.
08:00 a.m. | SGR Departure to Emali
Board the Standard Gauge Railway for a smooth and scenic journey inland. The train glides through changing landscapes — from coastal lowlands to expansive plains — offering a unique and relaxed start to your safari experience.
12:00 p.m. | Arrival at Emali and Transfer to Amboseli
Arrive at Emali, where your professional safari driver-guide will be waiting to receive you. From here, begin your road transfer towards Amboseli, with the scenery gradually opening into wide savannah plains.
As you approach the park, the majestic presence of Mount Kilimanjaro begins to reveal itself, rising above the horizon and setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp in Amboseli National Park and enjoy a well-deserved lunch, often served with sweeping views of the plains and, on clear days, the iconic snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Set out on your first game drive across Amboseli’s legendary landscapes — a striking blend of open plains, wetlands and acacia woodlands.
Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes:
-Large elephant herds moving gracefully across the plains
-Lions resting in the golden grasslands
-Buffalo, giraffes and zebras
-Wildebeests and antelope species
-Rich birdlife around the wetlands
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge as the sun dips behind Mount Kilimanjaro, casting long shadows across the savannah. Dinner is served in a calm and atmospheric setting, accompanied by the distant sounds of the wild - a perfect introduction to the safari experience. 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 additional cost)
-Cultural visit to a Maasai village near Amboseli
-Balloon safari experience in Amboseli (subject to availability)
Distance: Approx. 300–350 km
Drive Time: 6–7 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed morning with views across the Amboseli plains.
08:00 a.m. | Departure for Lake Naivasha
Depart Amboseli and journey through Nairobi before descending into the dramatic escarpments of the Great Rift Valley, with scenic viewpoints along the way.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge by Lake Naivasha and enjoy lunch in a serene lakeside environment surrounded by birdlife.
03:30 p.m. - 05:30 p.m. | Lake Experience
Spend the afternoon enjoying the calm beauty of Lake Naivasha, with optional activities such as a boat ride among hippos and water birds or a guided walking safari on Crescent Island.
Wildlife commonly observed in the area includes:
-Hippos along the lake shores
-Giraffes, zebras and antelope on Crescent Island
-Diverse birdlife including fish eagles and pelicans
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
As the sun sets over the lake, return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
Options 1 : Budget | Hotel Chambai Safari
Options 2 : Standard | Panorama Hotel
Options 3 : Luxury | Naivasha Crescent Camp
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
-Boat safari on Lake Naivasha
-Guided walking safari at Crescent Island
-Bird watching excursions
Distance: Approx. 230 km
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast in the calm lakeside setting.
08:00 a.m. | Departure for Maasai Mara
Journey towards the Maasai Mara through rolling hills, farmlands and traditional settlements.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your camp or lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for your first Mara experience.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Begin exploring the legendary Maasai Mara, where wildlife roams freely across endless plains.
Wildlife commonly observed in the reserve includes:
-Lions in large prides
-Cheetahs and leopards
-Elephants and buffalo
-Zebras and wildebeests
-Hyenas and other predators
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for dinner and a relaxed evening under the African sky. Unwind 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
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 | Simba Lodge | Fig Tree Camp
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
-Cultural visit to a Maasai village
-Guided nature walks in conservancies
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive
Experience the Mara at its most dynamic, with predators active and wildlife abundant.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions and cheetahs hunting
-Elephants moving across plains
-Giraffes and zebras grazing
-Seasonal wildebeest herds
12:30 p.m. | Picnic Lunch in the Bush
Enjoy lunch at a scenic location within the reserve.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring deeper into the Mara, discovering new landscapes and wildlife encounters.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for your final evening in the wilderness, reflecting on the day’s experiences. Return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxed evening 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
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 | Simba Lodge | Fig Tree Camp
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
-Hot air balloon safari over the Mara at sunrise (subject to availability)
-Cultural visit to a Maasai village
-Photographic safari experiences
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy your final morning in the Mara.
08:00 a.m. | Departure
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
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entrance fees
- 4 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Lunch on Day 5 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Lake Naivasha offers a more relaxed experience with boat safaris and walking opportunities, unlike traditional game drive-focused parks.
Yes, Crescent Island allows guided walking safaris among herbivores such as giraffes and zebras in a safe and controlled environment.
Yes, it is often visible in the early morning and late afternoon when skies are clear.
Expect elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelope species, hippos and abundant birdlife.
Yes, the reserve offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year, with peak migration months between July and October.
Light clothing, a warm layer, comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a camera or binoculars.
Options range from budget camps to luxury lodges, all selected for comfort and location.
Yes, the itinerary can be tailored with different accommodation levels and optional experiences.
