Big Five Landscapes – Rift Valley Lakes – Kilimanjaro Views – Ending at the Kenyan Coast
Overview
This 5-day safari combines three of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations before concluding with a scenic overland transfer to the Indian Ocean coast. Experience the predator-rich plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, track endangered rhinos at Lake Nakuru National Park, and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park.
The journey ends with a full road transfer to your beach hotel in Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu.
This itinerary offers exceptional wildlife density, diverse landscapes, and a seamless safari-to-beach experience – entirely by road.
Trip Highlights
- Big Five game viewing in the Maasai Mara
- Rhino sanctuary experience at Lake Nakuru
- Flamingos and diverse birdlife
- Iconic elephant herds in Amboseli
- Mount Kilimanjaro views at sunrise
- Scenic Great Rift Valley drive
- Full overland transfer to the Kenyan coast
Itenerary
2 nights in the Maasai Mara, 1 night in Lake Nakuru, 1 night in Amboseli, followed by a scenic road transfer to the Kenyan coast. This safari delivers Big Five encounters, dramatic Rift Valley scenery, and classic Kilimanjaro backdrops before ending at the beach.
Distance: Approx. 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 Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife reserve.
09:30 - 10:00 | Great Rift Valley Viewpoint
Stop at the escarpment viewpoint for sweeping views across the Rift Valley floor. This dramatic geological feature forms part of the Great Rift system stretching across Africa.
10:00 - 13:00 | Scenic Drive to Maasai Mara
Proceed through Narok town and into Maasai pastoral lands. The landscape gradually opens into rolling 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 wildlife plains where zebras, impalas, and giraffes are frequently visible.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Begin your first game drive in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The reserve is famous for its dense predator population. Search for lions resting under acacias, cheetahs scanning open plains, elephants moving in family groups, and possibly elusive leopards along riverine areas.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation at the 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 village cultural visit
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Depart at sunrise when wildlife activity peaks. This is prime time for predator sightings and dramatic golden light photography.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to lodge for breakfast or enjoy a bush breakfast depending on wildlife activity.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore different sectors of the reserve including riverine habitats where hippos and crocodiles reside. During migration season, witness large herds of wildebeest and zebra.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Lunch at the lodge or picnic within the reserve.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue tracking wildlife across vast open plains. The Maasai Mara offers one of Africa’s highest wildlife densities, increasing your chances of spotting the Big Five.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation as per the 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
Distance: 300 km
Drive Time: 5 - 6 hours
07:00 - 08:00 | Breakfast and Departure
After breakfast, depart the Mara region and travel north through the Rift Valley.
08:00 - 13:00 | Scenic Drive
The drive offers varied scenery including rolling farmland, escarpments, and lake views.
13:00 - 14:00 | Arrival and Lunch
Check in at your lodge near Lake Nakuru National Park and enjoy lunch.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Lake Nakuru is a renowned rhino sanctuary, offering excellent sightings of both black and white rhinos. You may also see Rothschild giraffes, lions, leopards, buffalo, and large flocks of flamingos depending on seasonal conditions.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight stay at your chosen Lake Nakuru accommodation as per the options below.
Option 1 : Standard | Lake Nakuru Lodge | Flamingo Hill Camp
Option 2 : Luxury | Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge | Sarova Lion Hill
Option 3 : Above Luxury | The Cliff, Nakuru,
Distance: 370 km
Drive Time: 6 - 7 hours
07:00 - 08:00 | Breakfast and Departure
After breakfast, depart for Amboseli via Nairobi.
08:00 - 14:30 | Road Transfer to Amboseli
Travel through central Kenya’s highlands before descending into the semi-arid plains surrounding Amboseli.
14:30 - 15:30 | Arrival and Late Lunch
Check in and enjoy a late lunch at your lodge.
16:00 - 18:30 | Evening Game Drive
Explore Amboseli National Park, famous for large elephant herds set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli’s open terrain allows excellent wildlife viewing including lions, hyenas, giraffes, and diverse birdlife. On clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro provides a spectacular photographic backdrop.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight stay at your chosen accommodation inside or just outside the park at 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 journey passes through changing landscapes including semi-arid plains and stretches near Tsavo ecosystems. Scheduled comfort stops are included along the way.
16:00 - 18:00 | Coastal Drop-off
Arrive in Mombasa and continue onward to your selected beach destination - Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu. Drop-off at your beach hotel marks the end of your safari services.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- 4 nights accommodation
- Meals as specified
- 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
The Maasai Mara offers high chances of spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and possibly leopards. Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s best locations for black and white rhinos. Amboseli is particularly famous for large elephant herds and dramatic Mount Kilimanjaro views. Wildlife sightings vary naturally, but this combination of parks maximizes diversity.
Yes. Wildlife viewing in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli is good throughout the year. The Great Migration in the Mara typically occurs between July and October, but resident wildlife remains abundant even outside migration season.
Drive times range between 5 and 7 hours on safari days, with rest stops included. Roads are a mix of tarmac highways and park tracks. The vehicles are designed for comfort during long drives.
Depending on category selection, lodges may be located inside the reserve or just outside the park boundaries. All selected properties provide convenient access for game drives.
Mount Kilimanjaro is best viewed early in the morning or late afternoon when cloud cover is minimal. While clear views are common, weather conditions can vary.
Yes. Accommodation can be upgraded to high-end luxury tented camps and lodges offering enhanced comfort, premium dining, and additional amenities such as spa services and private decks.
A 4×4 Land Cruiser or customized safari van with pop-up roof is used for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.
Neutral-colored clothing, comfortable shoes, a light jacket for cool mornings, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, and binoculars are recommended.
