Legendary predator plains, tranquil freshwater encounters, Kilimanjaro-framed elephant herds and elevated waterhole luxury – ending with a seamless Indian Ocean escape.
Overview
This six-day safari delivers a captivating journey through Kenya’s most diverse and rewarding landscapes, combining the iconic wildlife of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the serene freshwater beauty of Lake Naivasha, the elephant-rich plains of Amboseli National Park, and the exclusive Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the remarkable Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
From the predator-dominated savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the peaceful lakeside atmosphere of Naivasha, this safari blends thrilling game viewing with moments of relaxation. The journey continues to Amboseli, where large elephant herds roam beneath the snow-capped silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro, before concluding in the private Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, where elevated lodge living offers unmatched close-up wildlife encounters at floodlit waterholes.
The safari ends with a seamless transfer to Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline, providing the perfect contrast between wilderness adventure and coastal tranquillity.
Trip Highlights
- Big Five safari experience in Maasai Mara
- Boat safari and hippo viewing at Lake Naivasha
- Optional walking safari at Crescent Island
- Iconic elephant encounters in Amboseli
- Views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Elevated waterhole viewing at Salt Lick Safari Lodge
- Private conservancy experience in Taita Hills
- Seamless safari-to-beach transition
Itinerary
This six-day safari begins in Nairobi with a journey into the Maasai Mara, followed by a scenic transfer to Lake Naivasha. The adventure continues south to Amboseli beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, then into the exclusive Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, before concluding with a 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. 160 km
Drive Time: Approx. 3 - 4 hours
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast as wildlife moves across the plains and the morning light illuminates the landscape.
08:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Scenic Drive to Taita Hills
Journey through changing terrain towards the lush and rolling hills of the sanctuary, offering a refreshing contrast to the open plains of Amboseli.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at Salt Lick Safari Lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking active waterholes, where elephants and antelope frequently gather.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore the private sanctuary, known for its intimate wildlife encounters and fewer vehicles.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Elephants visiting waterholes
-Lions and occasionally leopards
-Giraffes, zebras and buffalo
-A variety of antelope species
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner followed by unique wildlife viewing from the lodge’s elevated decks, overlooking floodlit waterholes where animals gather at night. Overnight stay will be at Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Night game drive
-Bush sundowner
Distance: Approx. 250 - 300 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 6 hours
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast overlooking the sanctuary, with wildlife often visible at the waterholes below, offering a memorable farewell to the safari experience.
08:00 a.m. | Departure
Depart for the Kenyan coast, leaving behind the wilderness as the landscape gradually transitions towards coastal vegetation.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional stop for lunch along the way, providing time to relax before continuing the journey.
02:00 p.m. - 03:30 p.m. | Arrival at Coastal Destination
Arrive and drop-off at your beach hotel in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, marking the end of your safari adventure.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Souvenir shopping stop en route
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- 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 offers a well-rounded combination of wildlife, scenery and unique experiences, making it ideal for first-time travellers.
The lodge is built on stilts overlooking waterholes, offering exceptional close-up wildlife viewing directly from the property.
Expect lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos and a wide range of birdlife across the different destinations.
There is a strong chance, particularly in the Maasai Mara, although sightings are not guaranteed.
It offers boat safaris and walking experiences, providing a different perspective compared to traditional game drives.
Yes, it is conducted with experienced guides in controlled environments such as Crescent Island.
Kilimanjaro is often visible in Amboseli during clear mornings and evenings.
Yes, all transfers are done in well-maintained 4×4 safari vehicles designed for comfort and viewing.
Light neutral-coloured clothing, a warm layer, comfortable shoes, sun protection, insect repellent and a camera.
Is this safari suitable for families?
Yes, the itinerary is designed to end at the coast, making extensions easy.
Yes, accommodation levels and activities can be tailored to suit your preferences.
