Kilimanjaro’s elephant kingdom meets the legendary plains of the Mara.
Overview
This five-day safari combines two of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations: Amboseli National Park and the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve. Your journey begins in Amboseli, where vast open plains and shimmering wetlands unfold beneath the majestic presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, creating one of Africa’s most breathtaking safari settings. You then travel into the legendary Maasai Mara, a land of endless savannahs, exceptional wildlife density and dramatic predator-prey interactions, offering a classic and unforgettable African safari experience.
Trip Highlights
- Large elephant herds in Amboseli
- Views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Expansive savannah landscapes
- Big Five safari experience in Maasai Mara
- Exceptional predator sightings
- Classic African safari experience
This five-day safari begins with a coastal pickup from Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, followed by an SGR train journey to Emali and a scenic transfer to Amboseli National Park. The journey then continues to the Maasai Mara before concluding in Nairobi.
Distance: SGR + 120–150 km road transfer
Travel Time: Approx. 5–6 hours total
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. As the Indian Ocean fades into the distance, you are transferred comfortably to the modern Mombasa Terminus, marking the start of your inland adventure.
08:00 a.m. | SGR Departure to Emali
Board the Standard Gauge Railway for a smooth and scenic journey inland. The train glides effortlessly across Kenya’s diverse landscapes, offering a relaxed and comfortable transition into safari country.
12:00 p.m. | Arrival at Emali and Transfer to Amboseli
Arrive at Emali, where your professional safari driver-guide will receive you. From here, proceed by road toward Amboseli as the landscape opens into vast plains.
As you approach the park, the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro gradually emerges — an unforgettable welcome.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge in Amboseli National Park and enjoy lunch with sweeping views of the plains and the iconic mountain backdrop.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Set out into Amboseli’s iconic terrain, where golden plains meet seasonal wetlands and acacia woodlands.
Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes:
-Large elephant herds moving across the plains
-Lions resting in the grasslands
-Buffalo, giraffes and zebras
-Wildebeests and antelope species
-Rich birdlife around wetlands
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge as the sun sets behind Mount Kilimanjaro, casting dramatic colours across the sky. Dinner is served in a relaxed and atmospheric setting. Unwind 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)
-Guided nature walks in Amboseli
-Cultural visit to a Maasai village near Amboseli
-Balloon safari experience in Amboseli (subject to availability)
Inclusions / Excludes
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- SGR train ticket (Mombasa – Emali)
- 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
The SGR offers a faster, more comfortable and scenic alternative to long road travel from the coast to the interior.
Yes, it is often visible early in the morning and late afternoon when cloud cover is minimal.
Expect elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelope species and abundant birdlife.
Yes, it offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year, with peak migration season between July and October.
A 4×4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with a pop-up roof is used for optimal game viewing and comfort.
Light clothing, a warm layer, comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a camera or binoculars.
Yes, it offers a classic and highly rewarding safari experience.
Yes, accommodation levels and optional experiences can be tailored to your preferences.
