Overview
A classic 5-day safari from Nairobi to Mombasa via Amboseli, Tsavo West, and Tsavo East — three iconic parks and all of the Big Five.
This action-packed 5-day safari traverses three of Kenya's most iconic national parks on a journey from the capital city of Nairobi to the coastal city of Mombasa. The adventure begins in Amboseli, where the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro provides a cinematic backdrop to herds of elephants wading through marshlands and lion prides resting in the shade of acacia trees. From Amboseli, you cross into Tsavo West, a volcanic landscape of lava flows, underground springs at Mzima, and the dramatic Shetani lava fields. The journey continues east to Tsavo East, one of the world's oldest and largest national parks, where red-dusted elephants roam across vast expanses of semi-arid bushland and the Galana River sustains hippo pools and crocodile basking sites. Together, these three parks offer outstanding opportunities to see all of the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — in varied and spectacular settings. Comfortable mid-range lodges provide welcoming bases each evening, and your experienced guide brings decades of bush knowledge to every game drive. The safari concludes with a drop-off in Mombasa, where you can extend with a beach holiday or catch a flight home.
Package Highlights
Your Journey, Day by Day
Day 1
Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
Depart Nairobi early morning and drive south toward the Tanzanian border and Amboseli National Park, arriving in time for lunch at your lodge. The afternoon game drive reveals Amboseli's signature scene — large elephant herds moving across the marshes with the majestic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro rising behind them. The park's open terrain makes for exceptional photography.
Overnight: Amboseli Serena Safari LodgeMeals: Lunch, DinnerMorning departure from Nairobi heading southScenic drive through Maasai and Kamba countryLunch at the lodge with Kilimanjaro viewsAfternoon game drive — elephants and KilimanjaroSunset photography with Africa's highest peakDay 2
Full Day in Amboseli National Park
A full day of game drives in Amboseli. The morning drive takes you to Observation Hill for panoramic views of the park's swamps and the mountain beyond. Track lion prides, cheetahs, and hyenas across the open grasslands. The afternoon focuses on the marshlands, where elephants feed on papyrus, hippos wallow, and over 400 bird species thrive.
Overnight: Amboseli Serena Safari LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerEarly morning game drive — predators at dawnObservation Hill climb for panoramic viewsMidday rest and pool time at the lodgeAfternoon marshland game driveBird watching — pelicans, herons, and kingfishersDay 3
Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park
Depart Amboseli after breakfast and drive east to Tsavo West National Park. This rugged park features dramatic volcanic landscapes, including the Shetani Lava Flows and the crystal-clear Mzima Springs, where an underwater observation chamber lets you watch hippos and crocodiles from below the waterline. An afternoon game drive reveals leopard, buffalo, and the park's healthy rhino population.
Overnight: Kilaguni Serena Safari LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerMorning departure from AmboseliVisit the Shetani Lava Flows — volcanic moonscapeMzima Springs — underwater hippo and crocodile viewingAfternoon game drive for leopard and rhinoEvening at the lodge's floodlit waterholeDay 4
Tsavo West to Tsavo East National Park
Cross the Nairobi-Mombasa highway into Tsavo East, one of the world's largest national parks. The landscape opens into vast semi-arid plains dotted with termite mounds and framed by the Yatta Plateau — the world's longest lava flow. Tsavo East is famous for its red-dusted elephants, large lion prides, and the dramatic Lugard Falls on the Galana River.
Overnight: Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Tsavo EastMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerMorning game drive in Tsavo WestCross into Tsavo East via Manyani GateVisit Mudanda Rock — natural dam and animal gathering pointAfternoon game drive to Lugard Falls on the Galana RiverRed elephant herd photographyDay 5
Tsavo East & Transfer to Mombasa
Enjoy a final early morning game drive in Tsavo East, soaking up the last of the bush atmosphere. After breakfast and check-out, drive southeast through the coastal lowlands to Mombasa. Arrive at the coast by midday, where you can be dropped at Moi International Airport, a Mombasa hotel, or a Diani Beach resort to begin a beach extension.
Overnight: N/A — drop-off in MombasaMeals: Breakfast, LunchEarly morning game drive in Tsavo EastBreakfast and lodge check-outScenic drive to the Kenya coastOptional stop at Mombasa's Fort Jesus (UNESCO site)Drop-off at Mombasa Airport, hotel, or beach resort
What's Included
Included
- Pick-up from Nairobi hotel or airport
- All national park entry fees
- Full-board lodge accommodation
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- 4x4 safari minibus with pop-up roof
- All game drives as per itinerary
- Drinking water during game drives
- Drop-off in Mombasa (hotel, airport, or beach resort)
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Kenya e-Visa
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional excursions not in itinerary
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Mombasa beach accommodation
Where to Stay
TENTED_CAMPMara River Tented Camp
Masai Mara National Reserve
An exclusive tented camp on the banks of the Mara River, positioned for front-row seats to the Great Migration river crossings.
from $600 / night
LUXURY_LODGEAmboseli Kilimanjaro Lodge
Amboseli National Park
A lodge with iconic Kilimanjaro views and direct access to Amboseli's legendary elephant herds.
from $350 / night
More Safari Packages
Nairobi Day Excursions
A compact 3-day city safari exploring Nairobi's best — Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Trust, and Karen Blixen Museum.
$800 pp
4.6
Masai Mara Migration Experience
A 7-day luxury safari following the Great Migration into Kenya's Masai Mara, with Lake Naivasha's hippos and Hell's Gate's dramatic gorges.
$3,400 pp
4.9