A coast-to-capital safari that delivers Kenya's greatest wildlife highlights in six unforgettable days. Beginning in Mombasa with a scenic train journey aboard the Madaraka Express, this itinerary moves through Amboseli's elephant herds beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, the flamingo-fringed shores of Lake Nakuru, and the big cat drama of the Maasai Mara before arriving in Nairobi.
Three iconic reserves, one epic traverse of Kenya.
Plan my SafariWhat makes this coast-to-capital itinerary one of our most rewarding safaris.
Begin your safari with a first-class rail journey from Mombasa to Emali — spacious seating, onboard service, and a scenic window on Kenya's changing landscape as the coast gives way to open savannah.
Amboseli's famous elephant herds — some of the largest in Africa — silhouetted against the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro. Two days allow you to witness the full rhythm of the park from dawn to golden hour.
The drive from Amboseli to Nakuru crosses the Great Rift Valley with a stop at the famous escarpment viewpoint — one of Kenya's most photographed landscapes, stretching to the horizon in every direction.
Lake Nakuru's alkaline shores draw vast flocks of flamingos and over four hundred bird species, while its woodlands shelter both white and the critically endangered black rhinoceros — all within a compact, rewarding park.
The Maasai Mara holds the continent's densest concentration of lion, leopard and cheetah. A full day of game drives with a picnic lunch ensures you cover the reserve's most rewarding corners.
No backtracking — this one-way itinerary sweeps from Mombasa to Nairobi, connecting three reserves in a single journey. Ideal for travellers ending a beach stay and flying home from the capital.
Six days from coast to capital across three of Kenya's greatest reserves — every detail considered.
Board the Madaraka Express at Mombasa Terminus for a comfortable first-class journey to Emali, enjoying spacious seating, scenic views, and onboard service as the coastal landscape gives way to open savannah. Upon arrival, your safari guide will be waiting to transfer you to Amboseli National Park.
Check in to your lodge in time for lunch, then set out on an evening game drive. Amboseli's wide-open plains are home to large elephant herds, giraffes, zebras, and — with luck — lions moving across the savannah as the golden hour light paints the landscape.
After breakfast, set out on a full-day game drive through Amboseli, famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. A picnic lunch allows you to make the most of the park's varied terrain — from dry, open plains to lush swamplands fed by Kilimanjaro's underground meltwater.
Time your return to re-enter the park within the twenty-four-hour ticket window.
After an early breakfast, depart Amboseli and drive through the Great Rift Valley towards Lake Nakuru, pausing at the dramatic Rift Valley viewpoint for photographs. Stop in Naivasha for lunch, with an optional boat cruise and Crescent Island nature walk available at additional cost.
Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park and settle in for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, head out on a morning game drive through Lake Nakuru National Park — a haven for rhinoceros, flamingos, Rothschild giraffe, and over four hundred bird species.
Depart the park for lunch, then continue by road to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Check in to Mara Serena Safari Lodge in time for dinner and settle into one of Africa's most rewarding safari destinations.
A full day in the Mara — home to the Big Five and, during the season, the Great Wildebeest Migration. Depart early with a picnic lunch for an extended game drive across the vast savannah grasslands, maximising your time among the reserve's extraordinary wildlife.
Lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and vast herds of zebra and wildebeest roam the plains in one of the continent's most spectacular natural settings.
After a final morning game drive through the Mara, depart for Nairobi with lunch en route. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel or to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward journey.
From the Madaraka Express to the Mara's big cats, this coast-to-capital safari delivers Kenya's finest wildlife encounters in one unforgettable sweep.
Situated in the heart of Amboseli National Park with unobstructed views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Ol Tukai Lodge is one of Kenya's most celebrated safari lodges. Elephants stroll past the terrace, baboons play in the gardens, and Africa's tallest mountain forms the backdrop to every meal.
Eighty spacious chalet-style rooms set among landscaped gardens, each with ensuite bathrooms, ceiling fans, an electronic safe, and a private patio with views towards Kilimanjaro.
Generous buffet of international and Kenyan cuisine. Outdoor terrace dining with Kilimanjaro in view. The Kibo Bar serves drinks throughout the day.
Perched on a hillside within Lake Nakuru National Park, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge commands sweeping views across the lake and the surrounding Rift Valley escarpment. Wildlife wanders freely through the grounds — an unbeatable location for birdlife and rhino sightings.
Sixty-seven cottage-style rooms among landscaped gardens, each with ensuite bathrooms, ceiling fans, tea and coffee facilities, and a private balcony with views towards the lake or bush.
Generous buffet of Kenyan and international cuisine. Poolside bar with cold drinks and light snacks throughout the day.
Set on a hilltop in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara Serena Safari Lodge is designed to resemble a traditional Maasai manyatta — a cluster of rounded, earth-toned buildings that blend into the surrounding landscape. Managed by Serena Hotels, the lodge commands panoramic views across the vast Mara plains, where wildlife moves freely below and the horizon stretches to the escarpment in every direction. It is one of only a handful of lodges located inside the reserve itself.
Seventy-four rooms are arranged in clusters mimicking a Maasai village, each with ensuite bathrooms, hot-water showers, comfortable beds with mosquito netting, and a private balcony overlooking the savannah. Rooms feature hand-painted murals, Maasai-inspired textiles, and warm earth tones — an architectural celebration of the local culture.
The main restaurant serves a generous buffet of Kenyan and international cuisine with sweeping views from the hilltop. An outdoor terrace allows al fresco dining at sunset. The Simba Bar offers cocktails and cold drinks throughout the day, and bush breakfasts can be arranged in the reserve on request.
Get in touch and your personal travel specialist will tailor every detail of this journey to your dates, pace and interests.
Explore more of our handcrafted safaris — each one fully customisable to your dates, pace and interests.
