A grand cross-country safari – from the iconic savannahs of the Maasai Mara through the Rift Valley lakes to the elephant plains of Amboseli and the vast wilderness of Tsavo, culminating at Kenya’s tropical coastline.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

This seven-day safari is a comprehensive journey across Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife ecosystems, linking the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, the bird-rich Lake Nakuru National Park, the iconic plains of Amboseli National Park and the expansive wilderness of Tsavo West National Park and Tsavo East National Park.

Beginning in Nairobi and ending at the Kenyan coast (Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu), the safari unfolds across dramatically changing landscapes – from rolling highlands and escarpments to open plains, volcanic terrain and red-earth savannahs.

This itinerary is designed for travellers seeking a deep, immersive safari that showcases Kenya’s full diversity, both in wildlife and scenery.

Trip Highlights

Big Five safari experience in Maasai Mara
Flamingos and rhinos at Lake Nakuru
Mount Kilimanjaro views in Amboseli
Large elephant herds and wetlands
Lava flows and Mzima Springs in Tsavo West
Red elephants and vast plains of Tsavo East

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This seven-day safari traces a spectacular route across Kenya’s most iconic wilderness areas, from the predator-rich plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve to the dramatic Rift Valley landscapes of Lake Nakuru National Park. The journey continues south to the elephant-filled plains of Amboseli National Park before exploring the rugged volcanic terrain of Tsavo West National Park and the vast open savannahs of Tsavo East National Park, culminating in a seamless transition to Kenya’s tropical coastline.

Day 01 :

Nairobi - Maasai Mara National Reserve

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 gradual departure from the city into the highlands, before descending dramatically into the Great Rift Valley.
At the escarpment viewpoint, the landscape opens into a vast geological panorama - layers of earth stretching endlessly into the horizon.
As you continue, the terrain softens into rolling plains dotted with acacia trees and Maasai homesteads. The journey itself becomes part of the safari, with glimpses of wildlife even before reaching the reserve.

01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp and enjoy a relaxed lunch overlooking the savannah, where zebras and antelope may already be visible grazing in the distance.

03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first game drive introduces you to the immense scale and richness of the Mara. Golden grasses sway in the breeze as wildlife moves across the plains in all directions.

Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions resting under acacia trees
-Cheetahs scanning for prey
-Herds of elephants and buffalo
-Zebras and wildebeests grazing

19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp as the sun sets in shades of orange and crimson across the horizon.
Dinner is served under the vast African sky, accompanied by the distant calls of nocturnal wildlife. Enjoy overnight stay at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.

Day 02 :

Full Day in Maasai Mara National Reserve

06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Set out at sunrise when the Mara is at its most alive.
Predators are active, the air is crisp, and the golden light creates a cinematic backdrop for wildlife encounters.

08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to the lodge for breakfast or enjoy a bush breakfast surrounded by the sounds of the wild.

10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore different regions of the reserve, including riverine areas where hippos bask and crocodiles lie in wait.
During migration season, vast herds of wildebeest and zebra stretch across the plains in one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles.

13:00 - 14:00 | Picnic Lunch
Enjoy lunch in the heart of the reserve, remaining fully immersed in the wilderness.

15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue tracking wildlife across the expansive savannah.
Your guide navigates through different habitats, increasing your chances of spotting elusive predators.

19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at stay at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.

Day 03 :

Maasai Mara - Lake Nakuru National Park

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 plains slowly awaken.

08:00 - 01:00 | Scenic Rift Valley Journey
Depart the Mara and travel through rolling countryside, gradually ascending into the Rift Valley highlands.
The changing elevation brings cooler air and greener landscapes.

01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Nakuru and enjoy lunch with views of the surrounding escarpments.

03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Lake Nakuru offers a different safari experience - compact, scenic and densely populated with wildlife.

Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-White and black rhinos grazing near the lake
-Flamingos and pelicans along the shoreline
-Lions and leopards in woodland areas
-Rothschild giraffes

19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Rift Valley at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the peaceful ambience of the African wilderness at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.

Day 04 :

Lake Nakuru - Amboseli National Park

Distance: Approx. 350 - 400 km
Drive Time: Approx. 7 - 8 hours

06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast as the morning mist lifts over the landscape.

08:00 - 03:00 | Scenic Transfer via Nairobi
Journey south through Nairobi and into the plains leading towards Amboseli.
The landscape gradually opens up, and on clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro appears in the distance.

01:30 - 02:30 p.m. | Lunch En Route
A comfortable stop allows you to relax before the final stretch.

03:30 - 06:30 | Evening Game Drive in Amboseli
Arrive in Amboseli and head straight into the park.
The sight of elephants moving across the plains with Kilimanjaro towering behind them is one of Africa’s most iconic scenes.

Wildlife includes:
-Large elephant herds
-Lions and hyenas
-Giraffes and zebras
-Abundant birdlife

19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight with views of the vast plains at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.

Day 05 :

Amboseli - Tsavo West National Park

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 drive through Amboseli’s wetlands, where elephants feed in the morning light.
Return for breakfast or enjoy it in the bush.

09:30 - 01:00 | Scenic Transfer to Tsavo West
The journey transitions into rugged terrain marked by lava flows and volcanic formations.

01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Lunch at your lodge surrounded by dramatic landscapes.

03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Tsavo West’s diverse terrain, including areas near natural springs.
Wildlife includes:
-Elephants
-Buffalo
-Leopards (rare sightings)
-Antelope and birdlife

19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight stay in this rugged wilderness 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

Day 06 :

Tsavo West - Tsavo East National Park

Distance: Approx. 120 km
Drive Time: Approx. 3 - 4 hours

06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast as the morning light reveals Tsavo’s rugged beauty.

08:00 - 12:30 | Transfer with Game Viewing
Travel into Tsavo East, where the terrain opens into vast plains.

01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Lunch overlooking the expansive savannah.

03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore the iconic red-earth landscapes.
Wildlife includes:
-Red elephants dusted in ochre soil
-Lions and cheetahs
-Giraffes and zebras

19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight under the open 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 | Tsavo Lodge-Voi | Vacani Resort
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 experience
-Guided nature walk

Day 07 :

Tsavo East - Beach Hotel

Distance: Approx. 200 - 250 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 5 hours

06:30 - 08:00 | Early Morning Game Drive and Breakfast
Your final morning offers one last opportunity to experience the wilderness as the park awakens.

08:30 - 01:30 | Scenic Drive to the Coast
Depart Tsavo East and journey towards the coast, where the landscape gradually shifts to palm-lined roads and coastal vegetation.

01:30 - 02:30 p.m. | Arrival and Drop-off
Arrival at your beach destination at Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi, Watamu.

Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Souvenir shopping stop en-route