From predator-packed plains to red-earth wilderness and coastal horizons – a cross-country safari that stitches Kenya’s greatest ecosystems into one seamless journey.
Overvoiew
This eight-day safari is a grand, cross-country expedition designed to showcase the full ecological spectrum of Kenya – from the vast, wildlife-dense savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the birdlife-rich Rift Valley lakes, the elephant-dominated plains of Amboseli, the volcanic landscapes of Tsavo West, the unique wildlife viewing experience at Salt Lick and the expansive red plains of Tsavo East, before concluding along Kenya’s tropical coastline.
The journey is carefully structured to follow a logical southbound progression, minimizing backtracking while maximizing wildlife diversity and scenic contrast. Each destination offers a distinct experience – from predator interactions in the Mara to flamingo-lined lakes, from Kilimanjaro-framed elephants to lava flows, springs and semi-arid wilderness.
This itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking a complete Kenyan safari circuit, combining iconic wildlife encounters, dramatic landscapes and a rewarding transition from inland wilderness to coastal relaxation.
Trip Highlights
- Big Five safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Predator-rich plains with high-density wildlife sightings
- Flamingos and rhino sanctuary at Lake Nakuru
- Elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop in Amboseli
- Volcanic landscapes and Mzima Springs in Tsavo West
- Unique elevated wildlife viewing at Salt Lick Sanctuary
- Red elephants and vast wilderness of Tsavo East
- Seamless transition from safari to Kenya’s coastal beaches
Itinerary
This eight-day cross-country safari offers a seamless journey from Nairobi to Kenya’s coast, combining the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations into one cohesive experience.
The adventure moves through the predator-rich plains of the Maasai Mara, the flamingo and rhino haven of Lake Nakuru, the elephant-filled landscapes of Amboseli beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, and the rugged wilderness of Tsavo West, Salt Lick and Tsavo East, before concluding at the coastal beaches of Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu.
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
07:00 - 08:00 | Departure from Nairobi - Journey to the Rift Valley
Depart Nairobi in the early morning, gradually leaving behind the city’s skyline as the landscape opens into rolling highlands and escarpment views. The descent into the Great Rift Valley reveals dramatic geological formations and sweeping vistas stretching far into the horizon.
08:30 - 09:00 | Breakfast - Rift Valley Viewpoint Stop
Pause for breakfast at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the valley floor. The cool morning air and panoramic views create a striking introduction to the journey ahead.
10:30 - 01:30 | Scenic Drive - Maasai Lands and Expanding Plains
Continue through Maasai pastoral regions where traditional homesteads and grazing livestock define the landscape. The terrain gradually opens into wide savannah plains as you approach the Maasai Mara.
01:30 - 02:30 | Arrival and Lunch - First Glimpse of the Mara
Arrive at your lodge or camp and enjoy lunch overlooking the plains, where wildlife sightings often begin immediately - zebras grazing, antelopes moving in herds and occasional elephants visible in the distance.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Introduction to the Mara Ecosystem
Your first game drive introduces the extraordinary wildlife density of the Mara. Herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles stretch across the plains, while giraffes feed gracefully on acacia trees.
Predators are a defining feature - lions resting in prides, cheetahs scanning from termite mounds and hyenas moving in coordinated clans.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a dramatic savannah setting, where open skies and distant wildlife calls create an immersive safari atmosphere 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
-Sundowner experience in the savannah
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Predator Activity at Sunrise
Begin the day at sunrise when the Mara is at its most active. Lions are often seen returning from hunts or resting in prides, while cheetahs scan the plains for prey. Hyenas patrol territories and herbivores begin grazing in large numbers.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Bush or Lodge Experience
Enjoy breakfast surrounded by the sights and sounds of the savannah, with birds calling and wildlife visible in the distance.
10:00 - 01:00 | Extended Game Drive - Mara River and Wildlife Corridors
Explore deeper into the reserve, including the Mara River where hippos gather in large pods and crocodiles lie in wait. The surrounding plains remain active with wildlife movement throughout the day.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch - Picnic in the Wilderness
Enjoy a picnic lunch under an acacia tree, remaining fully immersed in the natural environment.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Big Five Exploration
Continue exploring different sectors of the Mara, increasing chances of spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos and elusive leopards.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay under the African night sky, where the sounds of the wild create an unforgettable safari atmosphere 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)
-Private photography safari
-Maasai cultural experience
Distance: Approx. 230 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast - Final Morning in the Mara
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the plains as wildlife continues its early morning activity.
08:00 - 01:30 | Scenic Transfer - Maasai Lands to Rift Valley
Depart the Mara and travel through rolling hills and cultivated farmland before descending into the Great Rift Valley.
01:30 - 02:30 | Lunch En Route - Scenic Stopover
Pause for lunch with expansive views of the valley floor and surrounding escarpments.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Lake Nakuru National Park
Arrive at Lake Nakuru and begin a game drive. Flamingos line the lake’s shores, pelicans gather in groups and both black and white rhinos graze across the grasslands. Lions and giraffes are commonly seen.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a serene highland setting with cool evening air and scenic surroundings 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 birdwatching experience
-Nature walk around the lodge
-Private game drive
Distance: Approx. 350 - 400 km
Drive Time: Approx. 7 - 8 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast - Sunrise Over Lake Nakuru
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the lake as morning light reflects across the water and birdlife becomes active.
08:00 - 03:00 | Scenic Journey via Nairobi to Amboseli
Travel south through Nairobi and continue towards Amboseli. The scenery transitions from highland farms to open plains, with distant views of Mount Kilimanjaro emerging as you approach the park.
01:30 - 02:30 | Lunch En Route - Midday Break
Enjoy lunch along the route, providing a comfortable pause during the journey.
03:30 - 06:30 | Evening Game Drive - Amboseli Wildlife Experience
Explore Amboseli’s open plains and wetlands. Large elephant herds dominate the landscape, often moving in family groups against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Buffalo, zebras and a variety of bird species are also common.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay with views of the plains and, weather permitting, Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance 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
-Sundowner experience
-Guided nature walk
Distance: Approx. 100 - 150 km
Drive Time: Approx. 3 - 4 hours
06:30 - 08:30 | Morning Game Drive - Elephant Activity
Observe elephants in the cool morning light, often moving between feeding areas and wetlands. Predators and other herbivores may also be seen.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Kilimanjaro Views
Enjoy breakfast with views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plains.
10:00 - 01:00 | Transfer to Tsavo West - Volcanic Terrain Transition
Travel into Tsavo West, where the landscape becomes rugged and volcanic, characterised by lava flows, rocky outcrops and dense vegetation.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch - Lodge Arrival
Enjoy lunch in a tranquil setting surrounded by natural wilderness.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Tsavo West Exploration
Explore Tsavo West, including visits to Mzima Springs, where crystal-clear waters reveal hippos and fish beneath the surface. The park’s varied terrain supports elephants, buffalo, giraffes and occasional predator sightings.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a rugged wilderness setting, where the sounds of nature and volcanic surroundings create a unique atmosphere 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 Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Guided visit to Mzima Springs
-Rhino sanctuary visit
-Nature walk within the lodge
Distance: Approx. 110 km
Drive Time: Approx. 2 - 3 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast - Wilderness Morning
Enjoy breakfast surrounded by the quiet atmosphere of Tsavo West.
08:00 - 12:30 | Morning Game Drive and Transfer
Depart Tsavo West and travel towards the Taita Hills region, observing wildlife along the way.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch - Lodge Overlooking Waterhole
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch with views of a waterhole frequently visited by wildlife.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Viewing - Salt Lick Sanctuary
Experience one of Kenya’s most unique wildlife viewing settings. From elevated platforms, observe elephants, buffalo and antelopes gathering at waterholes, often in close proximity.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in an elevated lodge setting where wildlife activity continues even into the night at the Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Night game drive in the sanctuary
-Guided bush walk
-Birdwatching experience
Distance: Approx. 100 km
Drive Time: Approx. 2 - 3 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast - Morning Wildlife Views
Enjoy breakfast while observing early morning wildlife activity around the waterhole.
08:00 - 12:30 | Transfer to Tsavo East
Travel into Tsavo East, one of Kenya’s largest national parks, known for its vast open landscapes.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch - Lodge Arrival
Enjoy lunch at your lodge set within the park.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Tsavo East Exploration
Explore the park’s red-earth plains where elephants often dust themselves in red soil. Lions, giraffes, zebras and large herds of herbivores are commonly seen.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a remote wilderness setting, surrounded by the vastness of Tsavo East 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 experience
-Guided nature walk
-Birdwatching
Distance: Approx. 200 - 300 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 6 hours
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Final Wildlife Experience
Begin the final day with an early morning game drive. The soft golden light enhances visibility as wildlife becomes active - elephants move across the plains, giraffes browse acacia trees and predators may still be active from the night.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Bush or Lodge Setting
Enjoy breakfast surrounded by the open wilderness, reflecting on the journey through Kenya’s diverse ecosystems.
10:00 - 01:30 | Scenic Transfer to the Coast - Changing Landscapes
Depart Tsavo East and travel towards the coast. The landscape gradually transitions from dry savannah to greener coastal vegetation, with palm trees and humid air signalling your approach to the Indian Ocean.
01:30 - 02:30 | Arrival and Lunch - Coastal Welcome Experience
Arrive at your coastal destination in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu and enjoy lunch overlooking tropical surroundings, marking a rewarding transition from safari to beach relaxation.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Beach extension stay
-Snorkelling and marine excursions
-Sunset dhow cruise
-Cultural tours in coastal towns
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park and sanctuary entrance fees
- 7 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Lunch on Day 5 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
