Legendary predator plains, tranquil freshwater escapes, Kilimanjaro-framed elephants and Tsavo’s red-earth wilderness – culminating in a seamless Indian Ocean finale.
Overview
This six-day safari offers a beautifully balanced journey across Kenya’s most diverse and scenic landscapes, combining the legendary wildlife of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the tranquil freshwater setting of Lake Naivasha, the elephant-rich plains of Amboseli National Park, and the vast wilderness of Tsavo East National Park.
From the predator-filled savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the serene shores of Lake Naivasha, where hippos and birdlife thrive, this safari delivers both excitement and relaxation. The journey continues south to Amboseli, where large elephant herds roam beneath the iconic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, before concluding in the expansive red-earth plains of Tsavo East.
The experience ends with a seamless transition to Kenya’s stunning Indian Ocean coastline, offering the perfect contrast between untamed wilderness and coastal relaxation.
Trip Highlights
- Big Five safari experience in Maasai Mara
- Boat safari and hippo viewing at Lake Naivasha
- Walking safari at Crescent Island (optional)
- Iconic elephant encounters in Amboseli
- Views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Red-earth landscapes and river ecosystems in Tsavo East
- Scenic journey across the Great Rift Valley
- Seamless safari-to-beach transition
Itinerary
This six-day safari begins in Nairobi with a journey to the Maasai Mara, followed by a scenic transfer to Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley. The adventure continues south to Amboseli National Park and then east into Tsavo East, before concluding with a road transfer to the Kenyan coast.
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
07:30 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Pickup from Nairobi
Depart Nairobi and descend into the Great Rift Valley, where dramatic escarpments and sweeping views provide a stunning introduction to your safari. As you journey onwards, the landscape gradually opens into the iconic savannah plains of the Maasai Mara, dotted with acacia trees and wildlife.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp in the Maasai Mara and enjoy a relaxed lunch. The surrounding plains often host zebras, antelope and other wildlife, offering your first glimpse into this remarkable ecosystem.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Head out for your first game drive across the Mara’s vast plains. The late afternoon light enhances the scenery as predators begin to emerge and herbivores gather in open areas.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions resting or preparing to hunt
-Cheetahs scanning the plains
-Elephants moving in family groups
-Zebras and wildebeests grazing
-Hyenas and jackals
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in rich hues. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a tranquil setting, accompanied by the distant sounds of wildlife 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 | 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):
-Hot air balloon safari (subject to availability)
-Maasai cultural village visit
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive
Set out early to experience the Mara at its most active. The cool morning air carries the sounds of wildlife, and predators are often on the move after a night of hunting. The golden light enhances the beauty of the savannah, making this one of the most rewarding times for photography.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions and cheetahs on the move
-Elephants crossing open plains
-Giraffes browsing acacia trees
-Seasonal wildebeest herds
08:30 a.m. - 09:30 a.m. | Breakfast at Camp
Return to camp for a relaxed breakfast while taking in uninterrupted views of the surrounding wilderness.
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Leisure and Lodge Experience
Enjoy time to unwind at the lodge. Relax by the pool, take in the scenery, or observe wildlife from the comfort of your camp.
12:30 p.m. | Lunch at Camp
A freshly prepared lunch is served, offering a welcome break before the afternoon exploration.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring different regions of the reserve, discovering new wildlife interactions and landscapes as the sun begins to set over the plains.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for your final evening in the Mara, reflecting on the day’s unforgettable sightings for dinner and overnight 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):
-Hot air balloon safari (subject to availability)
-Guided nature walk
Distance: Approx. 250 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at camp as the morning light reveals the beauty of the Mara one last time.
08:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m. | Scenic Drive through the Rift Valley
Depart the Mara and journey through rolling hills, rural settlements and fertile farmlands. The drive offers scenic views of the Great Rift Valley as you make your way towards Lake Naivasha.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Naivasha and enjoy lunch in a serene lakeside setting, often with views of grazing wildlife and birdlife.
03:30 p.m. - 05:30 p.m. | Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha
Enjoy a relaxing boat safari across the calm waters of the lake, where hippos can be seen resting and a variety of bird species thrive along the shoreline.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Hippos in the water
-Fish eagles and other bird species
-Giraffes and zebras along the shores
05:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Optional Visit to Crescent Island
Take a guided walking safari on Crescent Island, offering a unique opportunity to walk among giraffes, zebras and antelope in a safe and scenic environment.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the accommodation options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Hotel Chambai Safari
Option 2 : Standard | Panorama Hotel
Option 3 : Luxury | Naivasha Crescent Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Sawela Lodge | Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort | Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Guided walking safari at Crescent Island
-Bird watching experience
Distance: Approx. 320 km
Drive Time: Approx. 6 - 7 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the calm waters of Lake Naivasha, with birds active along the shoreline.
08:00 a.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Scenic Journey South via Nairobi
Travel south through Nairobi and onward towards Amboseli. The landscape transitions from lush highlands to open plains, offering a glimpse into Kenya’s diverse geography and rural life.
02:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge in Amboseli National Park and enjoy lunch with views of the plains, often framed by Mount Kilimanjaro.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Amboseli’s unique ecosystem of swamps and open plains, where wildlife gathers around water sources.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Large elephant herds
-Lions resting in the grasslands
-Buffalo, giraffes and zebras
-Wildebeests and antelope
-Abundant birdlife
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight 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 | 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
-Guided nature walk
Distance: Approx. 250 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 5 hours
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast with views of Amboseli’s plains as wildlife moves through the landscape.
08:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m. | Scenic Drive to Tsavo East
Depart Amboseli and travel towards Tsavo East, with the landscape gradually shifting into the red-earth plains that define the park.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp in Tsavo East National Park and enjoy lunch overlooking the surrounding wilderness.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Tsavo East’s vast open plains, dotted with baobab trees and traversed by the Galana River.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Red-dust elephants
-Lions and buffalo
-Giraffes and zebras
-Crocodiles along the river
-Antelope species
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay under the African sky at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1: Budget | Lion Hill Lodge | Boma Simba Lodge | Impala Safari Lodge | Tausa Tsavo Eco Lodge | Two Oceans Hotel | Afrika Lodges Voi
Option 2: Standard |Voi Safari Lodge | Sentrim Tsavo Lodge | Man Eaters Camp
Option 3: Luxury |Ngutuni Lodge | Voi Wildlife Lodge | Ashnil Aruba Lodge | Manyatta Camp Tsavo
Option 4 : Above Luxury |Satao Camp | Galdessa Camp Tsavo | Kiboko River Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Sundowner overlooking the Tsavo plains
-Guided nature walk in private conservancy areas
Distance: Approx. 200 - 300 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 6 hours
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast overlooking the plains, often with wildlife visible nearby, offering a memorable conclusion to your safari.
08:00 a.m. | Departure
Depart Tsavo East and begin your journey towards the coast.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional stop for lunch as the landscape transitions towards lush coastal vegetation.
02:00 p.m. - 03:30 p.m. | Arrival at Coastal Destination
Arrival and drop-off at your beach hotel in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Souvenir shopping stop en route
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includesa
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entrance fees
- 5 nights accommodation
- All meals as per itinerary
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
- Bottled mineral water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Lunch on Day 6 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it combines Kenya’s most iconic parks with a mix of wildlife, scenery and unique experiences such as a boat safari.
Lake Naivasha offers a freshwater ecosystem with boat safaris and walking experiences, unlike traditional game drives.
Expect lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and a wide variety of birdlife.
There is a good chance, especially in the Maasai Mara, though sightings are not guaranteed.
Yes, it is conducted by experienced guides with safety measures in place.
Kilimanjaro is often visible in Amboseli during clear mornings and evenings.
Some drives are long but scenic, forming part of the overall safari experience.
Light clothing, a warm layer, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent and a camera.
Yes, it is suitable for families with proper supervision.
Yes, the itinerary ends at the coast, making extensions easy.
Yes, accommodation and activities can be adjusted to your preference.
