Elephant giants beneath Kilimanjaro, volcanic wilderness drama, and an exclusive private conservancy finale before the Kenyan coast.
Trip Overview
This 5-day southern Kenya safari explores three of Kenya’s most striking and diverse wildlife regions. You begin in Amboseli National Park, famed for its vast elephant herds and postcard views of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above golden plains and shimmering swamps. The journey continues into Tsavo West National Park, a landscape of volcanic hills, Shetani Lava Flows, Mzima Springs, and rocky escarpments that shelter rhinos and elusive predators. The safari culminates at Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a private conservancy offering elevated lodges, floodlit waterholes, and close-up wildlife encounters in an intimate setting.
The safari ends with a comfortable road transfer to your beach hotel in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu.
Trip Highlights
- Iconic elephant herds set against Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli
- Exploration of Mzima Springs and Shetani Lava Flows in Tsavo West
- Visit to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary for black rhino conservation viewing
- Exclusive game viewing within Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
- Floodlit waterhole wildlife viewing from elevated lodge decks
- Diverse landscapes ranging from swamps and savannah to volcanic hills
- Seamless road transfer to Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline
Detailed Itinerary
This carefully curated 5-day southern Kenya safari journey unfolds across three dramatically different ecosystems. From the iconic elephant herds of Amboseli set against Mount Kilimanjaro, to the rugged volcanic landscapes and rhino sanctuary of Tsavo West, and finally to the intimate wildlife encounters of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, this safari blends classic savannah spectacle with exclusive conservancy experiences. The adventure concludes with a scenic road transfer to Kenya’s pristine Indian Ocean coastline.
Distance: 240 km
Drive Time: 4 - 5 hours
07:30 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Departure from Nairobi
Depart Nairobi after breakfast and journey south through Maasai country towards Amboseli. The drive offers glimpses of rural Kenya, traditional homesteads and expansive open plains as Mount Kilimanjaro gradually appears on the horizon on clear days.
12:30 p.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Arrival, Check-in and Lunch at Lodge
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for a relaxed lunch. Many properties offer sweeping views of Kilimanjaro and nearby swamps that attract constant wildlife movement.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first exploration of Amboseli introduces you to one of Africa’s most photogenic wildlife destinations.
Wildlife: Large elephant herds, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, Maasai giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas and prolific birdlife including pelicans and crowned cranes.
Scenery: Open dusty plains, acacia woodland, lush underground-fed swamps and the dramatic snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro dominating the skyline.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight at Lodge
Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation under the African night sky as distant sounds of wildlife echo across the plains at the accommodation 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
06:30 a.m. - 09:30 a.m. | Morning Game Drive
Early mornings offer optimal wildlife activity and clear mountain views.
Wildlife: Elephants in golden sunrise light, lions returning from night hunts, hyenas, jackals, giraffes, antelopes and a variety of waterbirds around the swamps.
Scenery: Mist rising from wetlands, Kilimanjaro glowing in early light, expansive savannah landscapes ideal for photography.
09:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Breakfast at Lodge
Return for a well-earned breakfast while watching wildlife from camp and observing elephants and buffalo grazing nearby.
10:30 a.m. - 01:00 p.m. | Leisure at Lodge
Relax by the pool, enjoy panoramic views of the plains or unwind as wildlife moves through the surrounding ecosystem.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch at Lodge
A freshly prepared lunch before your afternoon exploration, often accompanied by sweeping views of the mountain.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Further exploration of Amboseli’s varied habitats.
Wildlife: Large tusker elephants, buffalo, zebras, lions, cheetahs and over 400 recorded bird species.
Scenery: Seasonal lake beds, acacia forests and wide open plains perfect for classic safari imagery.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight at Lodge
Optional Activity at Extra Cost.
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: 110 km
Drive Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Lodge
Enjoy breakfast with final views of Kilimanjaro before departure.
08:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Drive to Tsavo West National Park
Travel east into Tsavo West’s dramatic volcanic terrain where the scenery shifts to rocky hills and lava fields.
11:30 a.m. - 01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch at Lodge
Check in and enjoy lunch at your lodge set among rugged hills or near riverine forest.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive Including Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
Explore Tsavo West’s diverse landscapes including a dedicated visit to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
Wildlife: Black rhinos within the sanctuary, leopards in rocky outcrops, elephants, buffalo, lesser kudu, klipspringer, crocodiles and hippos at Mzima Springs.
Scenery: Shetani Lava Flows, volcanic cones, Mzima Springs crystal-clear waters, dense riverine forests and dramatic escarpments.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight at Lodge
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation of 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
Distance: 90 km
Drive Time: 2 - 3 hours
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Lodge
Breakfast overlooking Tsavo’s rugged wilderness before continuing south.
08:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Scenic Drive to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Journey towards the Taita Hills region, entering this exclusive private sanctuary known for concentrated wildlife.
12:30 p.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch at Lodge
Check in at your elevated lodge overlooking a frequently visited waterhole.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive in Taita Sanctuary
Explore the sanctuary’s rolling terrain and wildlife-rich habitats.
Wildlife: Elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, elands, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs and numerous bird species.
Scenery: Rolling hills, acacia woodland, seasonal streams and waterholes providing intimate photographic opportunities.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight at Lodge
Dinner is often accompanied by floodlit waterhole viewing, allowing for remarkable nighttime wildlife observation directly from the lodge.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost)
-Night game drive within the sanctuary.
Distance: 200 - 280 km (depending on coastal destination)
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 6 hours
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Lodge
Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the sanctuary’s landscapes and wildlife activity.
08:00 a.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Transfer by Road to Mombasa / Diani / Kilifi / Malindi / Watamu
Depart the sanctuary and travel towards the Kenyan coast. The scenery transitions from inland savannah to lush coastal vegetation as you approach the Indian Ocean.
Drop-off at your beach hotel marking the end of your safari adventure.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- 4 nights’ accommodation
- Full board meals while on safari
- Park and sanctuary entrance fees
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Road transfer to selected coastal destination
Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Drinks and beverages not specified
- Optional activities mentioned in the itinerary (available at extra cost)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Amboseli offers exceptional elephant sightings, often in large family herds with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. Tsavo West provides opportunities to see black rhinos within Ngulia Sanctuary and leopards in rocky terrain. Taita Sanctuary delivers concentrated sightings of elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes and antelopes. While wildlife can never be guaranteed, sightings are consistently rewarding.
Yes. All transfers and movements are by customised 4×4 safari vehicle, making it ideal for guests finishing at Kenya’s coastal destinations. However, transfers by flight or rail (SGR) can be arranges on request.
Neutral-coloured lightweight clothing, a warm layer for cool mornings, comfortable footwear, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and a good camera. Soft luggage is recommended.
Yes. It offers iconic wildlife, manageable distances and varied landscapes, making it ideal for both first-time and seasoned safari travellers.
As a private conservancy, it offers fewer vehicles, closer wildlife encounters and unique experiences such as night drives and floodlit waterhole viewing.
Yes. Accommodation levels, private departures and beach extensions can all be tailored to suit your preferences.
