Big Five Plains – Freshwater Lake Serenity – Kilimanjaro Backdrop – Ending at the Kenyan Coast
Overview
This 5-day safari journey combines Kenya’s most iconic savannah reserve, a tranquil Great Rift Valley freshwater lake, and the dramatic elephant country of Amboseli before concluding with a scenic overland transfer to the Indian Ocean coast.
Experience world-class predator sightings in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, glide past hippos on a boat safari at Lake Naivasha, and witness large elephant herds roaming beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park.
Your safari concludes with drop-off at your beach hotel in Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu.
Trip Highlights
- Big Five game viewing in the Maasai Mara
- Sunrise and sunset savannah photography
- Boat safari among hippos at Lake Naivasha
- Optional Crescent Island walking safari
- Large elephant herds in Amboseli
- Mount Kilimanjaro views (weather permitting)
Detailed Itinerary
2 nights in the Maasai Mara, 1 night at Lake Naivasha, 1 night in Amboseli, followed by a full road transfer to the Kenyan coast. This safari blends predator-rich plains, freshwater lake experiences, and iconic Kilimanjaro scenery before ending at the beach.
Distance: 280 km
Drive Time: 5 - 6 hours
07:30 - 08:00 | Pick-up in Nairobi
Your safari begins with collection from your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After a detailed safari briefing, depart west toward the Great Rift Valley.
09:30 - 10:00 | Great Rift Valley Viewpoint
Stop at the escarpment viewpoint for panoramic views stretching across the Rift Valley floor. This is an excellent introduction to Kenya’s dramatic geography and a prime photography opportunity.
10:00 - 13:00 | Scenic Drive to Maasai Mara
Continue through Narok town and into Maasai pastoral lands. The terrain transitions from cultivated highlands to open savannah dotted with acacia trees and wildlife corridors.
13:00 - 14:00 | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch. Many properties overlook open plains where wildlife sightings often begin right from camp.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Embark on your first game drive in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The reserve is famous for its dense predator population and expansive visibility. Search for lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and possibly leopards along riverine habitats.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner at the lodge followed by relaxation under the African night sky at the accommodation 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
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Depart at sunrise when predators are most active. Witness the savannah bathed in golden light as lions return from hunts and herbivores graze peacefully.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to lodge for breakfast or enjoy a bush breakfast depending on wildlife movement.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore different sectors of the reserve including river systems inhabited by hippos and crocodiles. During migration season, large herds of wildebeest and zebra may be observed.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Lunch at the lodge or picnic within the reserve.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring new territories within the reserve, maximizing your chances of spotting the Big Five. The Maasai Mara offers exceptional wildlife density year-round.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner at the lodge followed by relaxation under the African night sky at the accommodation 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)
-Early morning Hot Air Balloon Safari
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: 250 km
Drive Time: 4 - 5 hours
07:00 - 08:00 | Breakfast and Departure
After breakfast, depart the Mara region and journey through the Rift Valley.
08:00 - 12:30 | Scenic Drive
Travel through rolling farmland and escarpment landscapes toward Lake Naivasha.
12:30 - 13:30 | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Naivasha and enjoy lunch overlooking the lake’s tranquil waters.
15:00 - 17:00 | Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha
Enjoy a guided boat safari among pods of hippos and diverse birdlife. Fish eagles are often seen swooping dramatically over the water. The calm freshwater environment provides a peaceful contrast to savannah game drives.
Optional activities (at extra cost)
-Crescent Island walking safari
-Cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere as hippos graze along the shoreline under the cover of darkness at the accommodation options below.
Options 1 : Budget | Hotel Chambai Safari
Options 2 : Standard | Panorama Hotel
Options 3 : Luxury | Naivasha Crescent Camp
Distance: 360 km
Drive Time: 6 - 7 hours
07:00 - 08:00 | Breakfast and Departure
Depart after breakfast for Amboseli via Nairobi.
08:00 - 14:30 | Road Transfer
Travel through central Kenya’s highlands before descending into semi-arid plains surrounding Amboseli.
14:30 - 15:30 | Arrival and Lunch
Check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch.
16:00 - 18:30 | Evening Game Drive
Explore Amboseli National Park, renowned for large elephant herds and spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro backdrops. The park’s open terrain provides excellent visibility for wildlife photography.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight stay at your chosen accommodation inside or just outside 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
Distance: Approx. 430 - 520 km depending on coastal destination
Drive Time: 8 - 10 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast
Breakfast with possible early morning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
07:30 - 16:00 | Road Transfer to the Coast
Depart Amboseli and connect to the Mombasa highway. The drive passes through diverse landscapes including dry plains and areas bordering Tsavo ecosystems. Comfort stops are scheduled along the way.
16:00 - 18:00 | Coastal Drop-off
Arrive in Mombasa and proceed to your selected beach destination - Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu. Drop-off at your beach hotel marks the end of safari services.
Inclusions / Exclusions
OPackage includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- 4 nights accommodation
- Meals as specified
- Lake Naivasha boat safari
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Full road transfer to coastal destination
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
Frequently Asked Questions
This itinerary combines three very different ecosystems – the predator-rich plains of the Maasai Mara, the freshwater lake environment of Lake Naivasha, and the elephant-dominated landscapes of Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro views. The diversity ensures varied wildlife experiences and scenery within a compact timeframe.
The Maasai Mara offers high chances of spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, and often leopards. While rhinos are less common in the Mara, the reserve’s wildlife density provides strong overall Big Five opportunities.
Kilimanjaro is best viewed early morning and late afternoon. While clear views are common, visibility depends on weather and cloud cover.
The safari vehicle is designed for extended travel, with ample seating and regular comfort stops. The final day transfer to the coast is longer, but it allows a seamless safari-to-beach connection without additional flights.
Yes. Boat safaris on Lake Naivasha are conducted by licensed operators with safety measures in place. Life jackets are provided.
Neutral-colored clothing, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and a light jacket for cool mornings are recommended.
