An immersive cross-country safari blending Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations with exclusive conservancy experiences – from the legendary Maasai Mara to the elevated luxury of Taita Hills, ending along the pristine Indian Ocean coastline.
Overview
This seven-day safari is a richly layered expedition across Kenya’s most celebrated and contrasting ecosystems, designed for travellers seeking both iconic wildlife encounters and refined safari experiences.
Beginning in Nairobi, the journey unfolds into the vast plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a globally renowned wildlife haven famed for its dense predator populations and sweeping savannah landscapes. From there, you transition into the dramatic escarpments of the Great Rift Valley and the bird-rich shores of Lake Nakuru National Park.
The safari then continues south to Amboseli National Park, where elephants roam beneath the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, before moving into the rugged volcanic terrain of Tsavo West National Park.
The experience culminates at the exclusive Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, where elevated lodges overlook waterholes frequented by wildlife, offering a more intimate and immersive safari perspective.
The journey concludes at the Kenyan coast – Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu – where the rhythm of the ocean provides the perfect contrast to the wilderness you have explored.
Trip Highlights
- Big Five safari experience in Maasai Mara
- Scenic Rift Valley landscapes and viewpoints
- Flamingos and rhinos at Lake Nakuru
- Iconic elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop
- Volcanic terrain and springs in Tsavo West
- Elevated lodge views and exclusive game viewing in Taita Hills
- Seamless bush-to-beach safari transition
Itinerary
This immersive seven-day safari combines Kenya’s most celebrated parks with an exclusive conservancy experience, beginning in the wildlife-rich Maasai Mara National Reserve and continuing through the scenic Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. From the elephant-dotted plains of Amboseli National Park, the journey flows into the rugged beauty of Tsavo West National Park before concluding at the intimate Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, offering elevated wildlife viewing experiences before a coastal finish.
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Departure from Nairobi
Your safari begins with a scenic departure from Nairobi, gradually leaving behind the urban skyline as you descend into the Great Rift Valley.
A stop at the escarpment viewpoint reveals sweeping panoramic vistas - a dramatic introduction to Kenya’s diverse landscapes.
As you continue, the terrain transforms into rolling plains dotted with acacia trees and Maasai homesteads, offering glimpses into traditional pastoral life. The sense of anticipation builds as the wilderness draws closer.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp in or near the Maasai Mara and enjoy a relaxed lunch overlooking the expansive savannah.
It is not uncommon to spot zebras, gazelles or even elephants in the distance as you settle into your surroundings.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first game drive introduces you to the immense scale and wildlife density of the Mara.
The golden plains stretch endlessly, alive with movement as herbivores graze and predators lie in wait.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions resting under acacia trees
-Cheetahs scanning the horizon
-Herds of elephants and buffalo
-Zebras and wildebeests
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp as the sun sets in a blaze of orange and crimson, casting long shadows across the plains.
Dinner is served in a warm and inviting setting, where the distant roar of lions and the calls of nocturnal wildlife create a truly immersive atmosphere.
Relax under the vast African night sky as you settle in for your first overnight in the wilderness 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
-Private guided game drive
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Set out at sunrise when the Mara is at its most active.
The early morning light paints the savannah in golden hues, creating ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and photography. Predators are often on the move, returning from hunts or preparing for the day ahead.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast or enjoy a bush breakfast surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore deeper into the reserve, traversing riverine habitats where hippos wallow and crocodiles bask along the banks.
During the Great Migration season, vast herds of wildebeest and zebra may be seen moving across the plains, closely followed by predators.
13:00 - 14:00 | Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot within the reserve, allowing you to remain immersed in the wilderness.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring new territories within the reserve, tracking wildlife and observing interactions between species across the vast open landscapes.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
As the sun dips below the horizon, return to your lodge for dinner.
The evening offers a peaceful moment to reflect on the day’s sightings, with the sounds of the savannah providing a natural soundtrack to your 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 | 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 with champagne breakfast
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 230 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast with Savannah Views
Enjoy a final morning in the Mara as the landscape slowly comes to life.
08:00 - 01:00 | Scenic Rift Valley Journey
Depart the Mara and journey through rolling hills and rural countryside, gradually ascending into the cooler climates of the Rift Valley highlands.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Nakuru and enjoy lunch overlooking the scenic surroundings.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Lake Nakuru offers a compact yet richly rewarding safari experience, characterised by acacia woodlands and the shimmering lake.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-White and black rhinos
-Flamingos and pelicans
-Lions and leopards
-Rothschild giraffes
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner is served in a serene setting overlooking the Rift Valley landscape.
As night falls, the environment becomes calm and reflective, offering a restful overnight experience at the accommodation of your choice from 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,
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Guided nature walk
-Birdwatching experience
Distance: Approx. 350 - 400 km
Drive Time: Approx. 7 - 8 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast as the morning mist lifts from the surrounding hills.
08:00 - 03:00 | Scenic Transfer via Nairobi
Travel south through Nairobi and into the open plains leading towards Amboseli.
The landscape gradually flattens, and on clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro appears in the distance, rising above the clouds.
01:30 - 02:30 p.m. | Lunch En Route
Pause for lunch along the journey, offering time to relax before continuing.
03:30 - 06:30 | Evening Game Drive in Amboseli
Arrive in Amboseli and head directly into the park. The sight of elephants moving across the plains with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop is one of Africa’s most iconic safari moments.
Wildlife includes:
-Large elephant herds
-Lions and hyenas
-Giraffes and zebras
-Abundant birdlife
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner is served in a tranquil setting with views of the plains.
As the night settles, the silhouette of Kilimanjaro may still be visible under moonlight, creating a memorable and atmospheric overnight experience.
Enjoy overnight stay 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):
-Maasai village visit
-Guided nature walk
Distance: Approx. 100 - 150 km
Drive Time: Approx. 3 - 4 hours
06:30 - 08:30 | Morning Game Drive and Breakfast
Begin the day with a sunrise game drive across Amboseli’s wetlands, where elephants feed and birds gather in large numbers.
Return for breakfast or enjoy it in the bush, surrounded by nature.
09:30 - 01:00 | Scenic Transfer to Tsavo West
Journey into Tsavo West, where the terrain becomes more rugged and dramatic, marked by volcanic formations and lava flows.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch with views of the surrounding wilderness.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Tsavo West’s diverse landscapes, including areas around natural springs that attract wildlife.
Wildlife includes:
-Elephants
-Buffalo
-Leopards (rare sightings)
-Antelope and birdlife
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner is served in a relaxed atmosphere, with the rugged terrain creating a sense of true wilderness.
The quiet, remote setting makes for a peaceful and immersive 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 Extra Cost):
-Visit to Mzima Springs
-Guided nature walk
Distance: Approx. 120 - 150 km
Drive Time: Approx. 3 - 4 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast in the Wilderness
Enjoy breakfast as the early light reveals the textures and colours of Tsavo’s landscape.
08:00 - 12:30 | Scenic Transfer to Taita Hills
Travel towards Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, where the environment becomes more elevated and verdant.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge, often set above a waterhole, and enjoy lunch while watching wildlife gather below.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore the sanctuary’s rolling hills and open plains, offering a more intimate safari experience.
Wildlife includes:
-Elephants
-Lions
-Buffalo
-Giraffes and zebras
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner is served overlooking illuminated waterholes, where wildlife may continue to gather into the night.
This unique setting offers one of the most immersive overnight experiences, blending comfort with direct wildlife observation.
Enjoy overnight stay at the Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Night game drive
-Guided nature walk
-Sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 200 - 250 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 5 hours
06:30 - 08:00 | Early Morning Game Drive and Breakfast
Enjoy your final sunrise in the wilderness with a short game drive, where animals are once again active in the cool morning air.
Return for breakfast as you take in the last views of the sanctuary.
08:30 - 01:30 | Scenic Drive to the Coast
Depart for the Kenyan coast, where the landscape gradually transforms - open plains give way to coconut palms and coastal vegetation.
The air becomes warmer and more humid, signalling your transition from safari to seaside.
01:30 - 02:30 p.m. | Arrival and Drop-off
Arrive at your beach hotel or residence in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu.
The sound of the ocean replaces the calls of the wild, marking a serene and rewarding conclusion to your safari journey.
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
- Park entrance fees for all parks and conservancies
- Accommodation for 6 nights
- All meals as per itinerary
- Game drives as per itinerary
- 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 7 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
This itinerary combines both classic national parks and a private sanctuary, offering a balance between high-density wildlife areas and more exclusive, less crowded environments such as Taita Hills.
Each destination offers a distinct ecosystem – Maasai Mara is renowned for predators, Lake Nakuru for rhinos and birdlife, Amboseli for elephants and Kilimanjaro views, Tsavo West for rugged terrain, and Taita Hills for close-range, waterhole-based sightings.
Absolutely. It provides a unique perspective with elevated lodges overlooking waterholes, night game drives, and a more intimate safari setting compared to larger national parks.
Yes, there is a strong likelihood, especially across Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Tsavo. Rhino sightings are particularly reliable in Lake Nakuru.
While some drives are longer, they are broken up with scenic stops, meals and changing landscapes, making the journey part of the overall experience rather than a strain.
The safari operates year-round, with the dry seasons offering optimal wildlife viewing. The Great Migration in Maasai Mara typically occurs between July and October.
Options range from comfortable camps to luxury lodges, all selected for location, views and overall safari experience.
Yes, the combination of iconic landscapes, luxury lodges and a coastal finish makes it particularly suitable for special occasions.
Pack light breathable clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, comfortable footwear, sun protection, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera.
