Overview
This route follows the old road from Nairobi to the coast, turning it into a safari. Watch elephants beneath Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, explore the volcanic landscapes and crystal springs of Tsavo West, and meet the red elephants of Tsavo East before descending to the Indian Ocean.
Five nights at Diani Beach give you time to unwind properly: snorkelling at Kisite marine park, a dhow trip with dolphins, or simply relaxing under the palms. Fly home from the coast or back to Nairobi.
Route
Highlights
- Elephants and Kilimanjaro in Amboseli
- Mzima Springs and rhino sanctuary in Tsavo West
- Red elephants of Tsavo East
- Five nights on Diani Beach
- Dhow and snorkelling trip to Kisite marine park
Activities
- Nairobi National Park game drive
- Elephant orphanage visit
- Giraffe Centre
- Game drives
- Observation Hill walk
- Maasai cultural visit
- Mzima Springs nature walk
- Rhino sanctuary visit
- Walk at Lugard Falls
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1:
Karibu Nairobi
NairobiArrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where our team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, relax in the gardens or enjoy dinner at one of the city's excellent restaurants. Your guide will brief you on the journey ahead.
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Day 2:
Amboseli & Kilimanjaro
AmboseliAfter breakfast, continue by road from Nairobi to Amboseli (4–5 hours). Arrive in Amboseli, check in and enjoy lunch before an afternoon game drive among the swamps, where elephant families wade through the reeds to feed. As the clouds lift in the late afternoon, watch for the summit of Kilimanjaro appearing above the plains.
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Day 3:
Elephants of Amboseli
AmboseliSet off at dawn for the best chance of clear views of Kilimanjaro, then spend the morning with Amboseli's famous elephant families. Climb Observation Hill for a panorama over the swamps and plains, and return to the lodge for lunch before a final afternoon drive.
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Day 4:
Tsavo West & Mzima Springs
Tsavo WestAfter breakfast, continue by road from Amboseli to Tsavo West (about 3 hours). After lunch, walk the nature trail at Mzima Springs and watch hippos from the underwater viewing chamber, then continue on an afternoon game drive past ancient lava flows.
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Day 5:
Rhino Sanctuary & Shetani Lava
Tsavo WestSpend the morning in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary searching for black rhino, then explore the Shetani lava flow and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Relax at the lodge in the afternoon as elephants visit the water hole.
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Day 6:
Tsavo East: Land of Red Elephants
Tsavo EastAfter breakfast, continue by road from Tsavo West to Tsavo East (about 2.5 hours). Enter Tsavo East and game drive towards your camp, watching for elephants coloured red by the park's soil. In the afternoon visit Mudanda Rock, where herds come to drink at the dam below.
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Day 7:
Diani Beach
DianiAfter breakfast, continue by road from Tsavo East to Diani (about 3 hours). Spend the afternoon swimming in the warm lagoon and watch the sun set over the palm trees.
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Day 8:
Kisite Dhow & Snorkelling
DianiJoin a traditional dhow excursion to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, watching for dolphins on the way, snorkelling over coral gardens and enjoying a seafood lunch on Wasini Island.
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Day 9:
At Leisure in Diani
DianiA free day to relax on the beach, visit the Colobus Conservation centre, try kitesurfing or simply enjoy the spa.
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Day 10:
Shimba Hills Excursion
DianiTake a half-day trip into the Shimba Hills National Reserve, a coastal rainforest and grassland home to the rare sable antelope and elephants, with a walk to Sheldrick Falls. Return to the beach for a lazy afternoon.
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Day 11:
Mombasa Old Town
DianiVisit Mombasa for a guided walk through the Old Town's carved doors and spice markets and a tour of Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese fort and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Diani for a final sunset on the beach.
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Day 12:
Diani to Diani (Ukunda airstrip) or Mombasa
DianiEnjoy a final early-morning activity and breakfast, then transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Diani (Ukunda airstrip) or Mombasa. Connect with your onward international flight or extend your stay on the coast.
Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
Accommodation
This itinerary is priced with mid-range accommodation. Every property is chosen for its location, guiding and service; final properties are confirmed at booking and we can upgrade or adjust any night.
- NairobiGarden hotel in the Karen or Westlands area1 night
- AmboseliLodge set in gardens inside Amboseli National Park2 nights
- Tsavo WestLodge built into the hillside above a floodlit water hole2 nights
- Tsavo EastSafari lodge overlooking a busy water hole1 night
- DianiBeachfront resort on Diani Beach (half board)5 nights
Meals: Full board on safari; breakfast and dinner in cities and at the beach
What's included
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as listed (or similar, subject to availability)
- Meals as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- All national park, reserve and conservation fees
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- All government taxes and levies
- 24-hour in-country support from our Nairobi office
- Domestic and light-aircraft flights as described in the itinerary
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Drinks other than drinking water, unless stated
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
Travel information
Best time to travel
December to March and July to October for calm seas and sunshine. April to June is the rainy season on the coast.
What to pack
- Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing (khaki, olive, beige)
- A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards
- Insect repellent and personal medication
- Soft-sided duffel bag — light aircraft allow around 15 kg per person
- Swimwear, sandals and reef-safe sunscreen
- Modest cover-ups for Stone Town, Lamu or Mombasa
Experiences on this safari
Frequently asked questions
Is this a private safari?
Yes. This itinerary runs privately for your own group, with your own vehicle and guide. It can start on any date, and we can adjust the route, pace and accommodation to suit you.
What does the price include?
The guide price from USD 3,900 per person is based on two people sharing mid-range accommodation in the low season. It includes accommodation, the meals and activities listed, park fees and transfers. Prices vary by season and group size; we confirm an exact quote when you enquire.
Is there a luggage limit on the flights?
Yes. Light aircraft and some domestic flights allow around 15 kg per person including hand luggage, packed in soft-sided bags. We can store extra luggage for you.
How many beach nights should I add?
We suggest four to five nights to properly relax after safari. Diani also works well for families with its calm lagoon.
Gallery
Open image: Zebra in Nairobi National Park
Open image: Masai giraffe in the Serengeti
Open image: Elephant calf in the Maasai Mara
Open image: Elephants in Amboseli National Park with Mount Kilimanjaro behind
Open image: Elephant beneath Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, Kenya
Open image: Volcanic hills and bush of Tsavo West National Park
Open image: Red-dusted elephant in Tsavo East National Park
Open image: African elephants in the Maasai MaraEnquire about this safari
Every date is available on request. Tell us when you would like to travel and we will send a tailored quote — adjustments welcome.
