A seamless bush-to-rail-to-beach safari combining Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations with a scenic SGR train journey – blending adventure, comfort and diverse landscapes into one unforgettable experience.
Overview
This itinerary is designed for travellers seeking a comprehensive Kenya safari experience with reduced road travel on the final leg, combining thrilling wildlife encounters with a comfortable rail transfer to the coast.
From the predator-rich plains of the Maasai Mara to the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Nakuru, and from the serene waters of Lake Naivasha to the iconic elephant herds of Amboseli, each destination offers a distinct ecosystem and atmosphere.
The inclusion of the SGR train not only enhances comfort but also provides a unique vantage point of Kenya’s landscapes as you transition from the wild interior to the palm-fringed coastline.
Trip Highlights
- Big Five safari in Maasai Mara
- Flamingos and rhino sanctuary at Lake Nakuru
- Boat and walking safari experiences at Lake Naivasha
- Elephant encounters with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop
- Scenic SGR train journey to the coast
- Seamless bush-to-beach transition
Itinerary
This seven-day Kenya safari offers a perfectly balanced blend of classic game drives and modern travel comfort, linking the country’s most celebrated parks with a smooth transition to the coast via the Madaraka Express.
Beginning in Nairobi, the journey explores the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, followed by the wildlife-rich landscapes of Lake Nakuru National Park and the tranquil freshwater setting of Lake Naivasha.
The safari continues to Amboseli National Park, where elephants roam beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, before concluding with a scenic SGR train journey from Emali to Mombasa - offering a relaxed and picturesque end to an immersive wildlife adventure.
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 departure from Nairobi, descending into the Great Rift Valley where dramatic escarpments and sweeping landscapes unfold before you.
A scenic stop along the way allows you to take in panoramic views stretching across the valley floor, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
As you continue, the landscape gradually opens into rolling savannah dotted with acacia trees and Maasai homesteads, signalling your approach to one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves.
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 vast plains, where wildlife is often visible even from the comfort of your accommodation.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first game drive introduces you to the immense scale and vitality of the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Across the golden savannah, herds of zebra and wildebeest move rhythmically while giraffes stride gracefully between acacia trees. In the distance, elephants gather in family groups, and predators such as lions and cheetahs are often spotted surveying the plains or resting in the shade.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in rich hues of orange and crimson.
Dinner is served in a warm, inviting setting, accompanied by the distant sounds of the African wilderness.
The night offers a peaceful and immersive experience beneath a canopy of stars.
Enjoy dinner and overnights 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):
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private guided game drive
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Set out at sunrise when the savannah is at its most active.
The soft morning light reveals predators returning from nocturnal hunts, while herbivores begin grazing across the dew-covered plains, creating a dynamic and visually stunning scene.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to the lodge for breakfast or enjoy a bush breakfast surrounded by nature.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore deeper into the reserve, including riverine areas where hippos remain partially submerged and crocodiles bask along the banks.
During migration season, vast herds move across the plains in one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles.
13:00 - 14:00 | Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic location within the reserve, allowing uninterrupted immersion in the wilderness.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring new sections of the Mara, where the interplay between predator and prey unfolds across the vast landscape.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for dinner, where the calm of the evening provides time to reflect on the day’s sightings.
The surrounding wilderness creates a tranquil and memorable overnight atmosphere.
Enjoy 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 (subject to availability, Pre-booking required)
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 230 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast
Enjoy a final morning in the Mara before departure.
08:00 - 01:00 | Scenic Rift Valley Transfer
Journey through rolling hills and fertile countryside as you ascend into the Rift Valley highlands, with changing landscapes offering constant visual interest.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Nakuru and enjoy lunch with views of the surrounding environment.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Lake Nakuru presents a striking contrast to the Mara, with acacia woodlands and a shimmering alkaline lake attracting a diverse range of wildlife.
Rhinos are often seen grazing within the park, while flamingos and pelicans gather along the shoreline. Lions and leopards inhabit the surrounding woodland, and Rothschild giraffes move gracefully through the acacia forests.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner is served in a serene setting overlooking the Rift Valley landscape.
The peaceful atmosphere provides a restful and rejuvenating overnight stay 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. 80 km
Drive Time: Approx. 2 - 3 hours
07:00 - 08:00 | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast with views of the surrounding escarpment.
08:30 - 11:30 | Scenic Drive to Lake Naivasha
A short drive brings you to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake set against a backdrop of volcanic hills and lush vegetation.
12:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking the lake, where hippos can often be seen in the water and birdlife is abundant.
03:00 - 06:00 | Afternoon Activities at Lake Naivasha
The afternoon offers a variety of experiences. A boat safari across the calm waters reveals hippos surfacing nearby while fish eagles soar overhead.
A guided walk on Crescent Island allows you to move among freely roaming wildlife such as giraffes, zebras and antelope, offering a rare and intimate safari experience.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner is served in a tranquil lakeside setting, where the gentle sounds of water and nocturnal wildlife create a peaceful and relaxing overnight experience.
Enjoy overnight stay at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Options 1 : Budget | Hotel Chambai Safari
Options 2 : Standard | Panorama Hotel
Options 3 : Luxury | Naivasha Crescent Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha
-Guided Walking Safari on Crescent Island
-Cycling or Hiking in Hell’s Gate National Park
-Visit Olkaria Geothermal Spa
-Birdwatching Experience
Distance: Approx. 300 - 350 km
Drive Time: Approx. 6 - 7 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast before departing.
08:00 - 02:30 | Scenic Transfer via Nairobi
Travel south through Nairobi and into the open plains leading towards Amboseli.
As you approach, Mount Kilimanjaro may appear in the distance, towering above the landscape.
01:30 - 02:30 p.m. | Lunch En Route
Stop for lunch along the journey.
03:30 - 06:30 | Evening Game Drive in Amboseli
Arrive in Amboseli and head out for a game drive across the park’s open plains and wetlands.
Large herds of elephants move across the landscape, often framed by the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro, while lions, hyenas and a variety of herbivores roam freely.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner is served in a relaxed setting with views of the surrounding plains.
The evening atmosphere is calm and immersive, with Kilimanjaro often visible in the distance under clear skies.
Enjoy overnight stay in the tranquil environment 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
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Begin the day at sunrise when Amboseli’s wildlife is at its most active. The golden light illuminates the plains as elephants move in large herds, often crossing open landscapes with Mount Kilimanjaro providing a dramatic backdrop. Predators return from night activity while herbivores gather around water sources.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to lodge for breakfast or enjoy a bush breakfast within the park, surrounded by expansive views.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore Amboseli’s diverse habitats, from open plains to marshlands fed by underground springs from Kilimanjaro. These wetlands attract a concentration of wildlife, offering excellent photographic opportunities and close-range viewing.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Enjoy lunch at the lodge or a scenic picnic within the park.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring new areas of the park, where elephants, buffalo, giraffes and predators move across the landscape as the light softens into evening tones.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for a final evening in Amboseli. Dinner is served under the vast African sky, where the quiet stillness of the plains and distant wildlife calls create a truly memorable overnight experience. Enjoy dinner and 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):
-Sunrise photography experience with Kilimanjaro
-Maasai village cultural visit
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 100 km (Amboseli to Emali)
Drive Time: Approx. 2 - 3 hours
06:30 - 08:30 | Morning Game Drive and Breakfast
Begin your day with a sunrise game drive in Amboseli, where wildlife gathers in the cool morning air.
Return for breakfast with views of the plains and Kilimanjaro.
09:30 - 11:30 | Transfer to Emali SGR Station
Depart Amboseli and drive to Emali, where you board the Madaraka Express train.
12:00 p.m. - 05:30 p.m. | SGR Train Journey to Mombasa
Board the SGR train for a comfortable and scenic journey to Mombasa.
As the train glides across the Kenyan landscape, you may spot wildlife within Tsavo ecosystem areas along the route, offering a unique perspective rarely experienced by road travellers.
The journey is smooth, relaxing and provides a fitting transition from safari adventure to coastal leisure.
Evening | Arrival and Transfer to Coastal Hotel
Upon arrival in Mombasa, you are transferred to your beach hotel or residence in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, marking the end of your wonderful Safari experience.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- SGR train ticket (Emali - Mombasa)
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- 6 nights accommodation
- 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
The SGR replaces a long road journey from Amboseli to the coast, offering a faster, more comfortable and scenic alternative while still allowing views of the Tsavo ecosystem.
Yes, the Madaraka Express offers modern seating, air conditioning and onboard services, making it a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
The railway passes through sections of Tsavo, and it is not uncommon to spot elephants, giraffes and antelope from the train.
Lake Naivasha offers a more relaxed, activity-based experience with boat rides and walking safaris, providing a different perspective from traditional game drives.
Yes, the combination of varied activities and the train journey makes it engaging and comfortable for families.
Visibility is best in the early morning and late afternoon in Amboseli.
Yes, first-class upgrades are available for additional comfort and space.
Light clothing, a warm layer, comfortable footwear, sun protection, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera.
