Coast, capital, and the Mara.
Five days is enough time to experience three of the most distinct environments Kenya offers: the arid red plains of Tsavo, the energy of Nairobi, and the open grasslands of the Maasai Mara. This itinerary connects them in a logical sequence, moving from the coast to the capital and then west to the Mara before returning by air or overnight train.
The Maasai Mara is the centrepiece. It is Kenya’s most celebrated game reserve for good reason: the density and diversity of wildlife on the open plains is remarkable year-round, and between July and October, the wildebeest migration brings over two million animals across the Mara River from the Serengeti in what remains one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth.
This safari begins from Mombasa and ends with a flight or overnight train back to the coast, making it a natural choice for those based on the Kenya coast who want to see a meaningful cross-section of the country in a compact format.
The itinerary.
Mombasa to Tsavo East National Park
Drive to Tsavo East National Park with a game drive en route to Voi Safari Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, a game drive covers the plains surrounding the lodge, where elephant, buffalo, lion, zebra, and giraffe are regularly encountered.
Tsavo East to Nairobi
After breakfast, depart for Nairobi. Lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant, one of Nairobi’s most recognisable dining institutions. Transfer to your Nairobi hotel for the evening.
Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, drive west across the Great Rift Valley escarpment and down into the Maasai Mara, arriving in time for lunch at the lodge. The Rift Valley viewpoint on the road down is one of the more dramatic moments of the drive.
In the afternoon, the first game drive in the Mara. The reserve covers 1,500 square kilometres of open grassland, riverine forest, and rolling hills. It has one of the highest concentrations of predators in Africa and supports a year-round resident wildlife population independent of the migration.
Maasai Mara, Full Day
Collect picnic lunch boxes and spend a full day on the plains. The route follows the wildlife, which in the Mara can take you anywhere: to a lion pride at rest on a kopje, a cheetah at full speed across the grass, or to the Mara River if the migration is active and a crossing is possible.
Maasai Mara to Nairobi and Onward to Mombasa
After breakfast, drive to Nairobi. Lunch at Panari Hotel, then transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for a short flight to Mombasa, or alternatively, an overnight train to Mombasa departing in the evening.
Transfer to your Mombasa beach hotel on arrival.
The wildebeest migration is active in the Maasai Mara between July and October. Outside this window, the Mara’s resident wildlife population remains exceptional. If migration timing is a priority for your trip, mention it when you enquire and we will advise accordingly.
Inclusions & exclusions.
- Road transport in a private 7-seater safari vehicle with pop-up roof and guaranteed window seats throughout the safari
- Services of a professional multilingual driver-guide throughout
- All game drives as detailed in the itinerary
- Accommodation as specified: one night half board in Nairobi, three nights full board on safari
- All national park entrance fees
- 3 bottles of mineral water per person per day on safari days
- One safari hat and one safari bag per person
- Lunch at Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi (Day 2)
- Lunch at Panari Hotel, Nairobi (Day 5)
- Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover
- All applicable government taxes
- Flight or overnight train from Nairobi to Mombasa on Day 5 (bookable on request)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Optional boat ride at Lake Naivasha if added to itinerary
- Personal expenses including telephone calls, laundry, and similar
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Any items not specified above
Lodges shown reflect our standard arrangement for this route. Where we hold a fixed relationship, the named property is used; otherwise a lodge of equivalent standard is substituted.
What you will see.
Book this safari, or shape your own version of it.
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will confirm availability and tailor the route, the pace, and the lodges to your group.