Rugged volcanic wilderness, Kilimanjaro’s elephant plains and the untamed drama of the Mara.
Overview
This five-day safari combines three of Kenya’s most diverse and rewarding wildlife destinations: Tsavo West National Park, Amboseli National Park, and the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve. Your journey begins with the dramatic landscapes of Tsavo West, where volcanic hills, lava flows and natural springs create a striking and varied safari environment.
You then proceed to Amboseli, where vast open plains and wetlands unfold beneath the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife encounters.The experience concludes in the Maasai Mara, Kenya’s premier game reserve, famed for its rich wildlife density, exceptional predator sightings and endless golden savannahs.
Trip Highlights
- Volcanic landscapes and Mzima Springs in Tsavo West
- Iconic elephant encounters in Amboseli
- Views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Scenic transitions across southern Kenya
- Big Five safari experience 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 by road to Tsavo West National Park. The journey continues to Amboseli and later to the Maasai Mara, before concluding in Nairobi.
Distance: Approx. 250–300 km
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
05:30 a.m. - 06:30 a.m. | Pickup from Coastal Hotel or Residence
Your safari begins at first light with a pickup from your coastal hotel or residence. As you leave behind the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the journey unfolds inland through rural settlements, sisal plantations and open countryside — a gradual transition into Kenya’s wild heart.
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Game Drive En Route
Arrive at Tsavo West National Park, where your first wildlife encounters begin immediately. The terrain shifts dramatically into rugged hills, lava flows and acacia-dotted plains, creating a striking safari setting.
Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes:
-Elephants moving through the bush
-Buffalo and giraffes
-Zebras and a variety of antelope
-Lions and elusive leopards in rocky terrain
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch surrounded by the dramatic scenery of Tsavo West, where wildlife sightings are often possible right from the lodge grounds.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Head out for an afternoon exploration of the park, including a visit to the crystal-clear Mzima Springs, a lush oasis fed by underground streams where hippos and crocodiles can be observed beneath the surface.
As the afternoon light softens, the landscape comes alive with movement, offering excellent photographic opportunities.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge as the sun sets over the volcanic hills. The evening atmosphere is calm and immersive, with the sounds of nature creating a truly authentic safari ambiance.
Emjoy dinner and overnight stay at the accommodation of your 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
Optional Activities (at additional cost)
-Guided visit to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
-Sundowner in the volcanic hills
Distance: Approx. 120 km
Drive Time: 3–4 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive and Breakfast
Begin the day with a morning game drive through Tsavo West’s rugged terrain, when wildlife is most active.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Elephants and buffalo
-Giraffes browsing acacia woodlands
-Zebras and antelope
-Lions occasionally active in early hours
Return to the lodge for breakfast.
09:30 a.m. | Scenic Drive to Amboseli
Depart Tsavo West and journey north. As the landscape gradually opens, the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro begins to appear on the horizon — a breathtaking welcome to Amboseli.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge in Amboseli National Park and enjoy lunch with views across the plains.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Amboseli’s iconic terrain of open plains and wetlands.
Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes:
-Large elephant herds
-Lions resting in the grasslands
-Buffalo, giraffes and zebras
-Wildebeests and antelope
-Abundant birdlife
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
As the sun sets behind Mount Kilimanjaro, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation 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 extra cost)
-Guided nature walks in Amboseli
-Cultural visit to a Maasai village near Amboseli
Distance: Approx. 400–450 km
Drive Time: 7–8 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the plains.
08:00 a.m. | Departure for Maasai Mara
Travel via Nairobi and descend into the Great Rift Valley, where dramatic escarpments and sweeping views define the journey toward the Mara.
02:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your camp or lodge and enjoy lunch before your afternoon activity.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Begin exploring the legendary Maasai Mara.
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 overnight stay 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 | Mara Simba Lodge
Optional activities (at additional cost)
-Maasai cultural village visit
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive
Experience the Mara at its most active, when predators are often on the move.
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 the vast savannah, discovering new landscapes and wildlife encounters.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for your final evening in the wilderness. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay 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 | Mara Simba Lodge
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
-Hot air balloon safari over the Mara at sunrise
-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
Tsavo West is known for its rugged volcanic landscapes, natural springs and diverse scenery, offering a more dramatic and varied safari experience.
Yes, Mount Kilimanjaro provides a spectacular backdrop, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
You can expect elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelope species and a wide variety of birdlife.
Yes, the reserve offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year, with peak migration months between July and October.
A 4×4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with a pop-up roof is used for comfort and optimal viewing.
Light clothing, a warm layer, comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a camera or binoculars.
Yes, it provides a well-rounded and highly rewarding safari experience.
Yes, accommodation levels and optional experiences can be tailored to your preferences.
