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Day 1
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Journey overview
About this safari
Experience an exceptionally varied cross-section of Kenya on this private 14-day grand safari, beginning and ending on the Indian Ocean coast. The route connects Tsavo East National Park, Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Meru National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli National Park.
Tsavo East opens the safari with red-earth wilderness, elephant country, the Galana ecosystem and views associated with the Yatta Plateau, which Kenya Wildlife Service describes as the world’s longest lava flow. The journey then breaks in Nairobi for an optional conservation-and-heritage afternoon at the Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum before heading north.
Samburu provides two nights of dry-country wildlife and the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. The route then moves east to Meru National Park for two nights in one of Kenya’s less crowded wilderness areas. KWS currently highlights Meru’s rhino sanctuary, Big Five wildlife, rich birdlife and the conservation history associated with Elsa the lioness.
From Meru, travel into Laikipia and Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of East Africa’s major rhino strongholds and the only place in Kenya where visitors can see chimpanzees. The itinerary then turns into the Rift Valley, pausing at Thomson’s Falls when practical before reaching Lake Bogoria, an alkaline soda lake and Ramsar wetland known for hot springs and large Lesser Flamingo concentrations when conditions are suitable.
Lake Nakuru follows with black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo and prolific birdlife. The route then continues to the Masai Mara for two nights and a full safari day, before a more relaxed stop at Lake Naivasha with a boat excursion and Crescent Island walking safari.
The final wildlife destination is Amboseli, where large elephant herds, wetlands, birds and possible Mount Kilimanjaro views provide a memorable conclusion before the long return drive to the Kenya Coast.
Accommodation is quoted at Economy, Standard or Luxury level. Greatlink Safaris does not publish a fixed package price because accommodation, conservation fees, traveller category, season, group size and optional activities all affect the final quotation.
Safari highlights
Why travellers choose this journey
- Tsavo East: red elephants, vast semi-arid wilderness and the Yatta volcanic landscape.
- Nairobi: time permitting, visit the Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum.
- Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich.
- Meru National Park: enjoy a quieter wilderness, Big Five potential and a dedicated rhino sanctuary.
- Ol Pejeta: combine rhino conservation with Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
- Thomson’s Falls: include a scenic Nyahururu stop when route and timing permit.
- Lake Bogoria: experience flamingos when present, hot springs and dramatic Rift Valley scenery.
- Lake Nakuru: search for black and white rhinos and enjoy prolific birdlife.
- Masai Mara: spend a full day searching for big cats, elephants, buffalo and plains wildlife.
- Lake Naivasha: combine a boat excursion with a Crescent Island walking safari.
- Amboseli: photograph elephant herds with possible Mount Kilimanjaro views.
- Coast-to-coast circuit: start and finish at the agreed Mombasa or Kenya Coast hotel.
Perfect forCouples, families, first-time Kenya travellers and safari enthusiasts who want an extensive private road circuit from the coast through northern, central and southern Kenya.
Journey flow
Where this safari takes you
See the route in travel order, from the first stop to the final destination. Each stage connects directly to the detailed destination guide where available.
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Day 14
Finish
Mombasa / Kenya Coast
Safari beginsMombasa / Kenya Coast
Safari endsMombasa / Kenya Coast
Safari Types
How this journey is designed
These categories describe the style of safari you are booking.
Road SafarisPrivate overland safari journeys using a dedicated safari vehicle between Kenya’s wildlife des…
Photography SafarisPhotographer-focused safaris built around light, wildlife behaviour, patient sightings and fle…
Birding SafarisSpecialist birdwatching journeys through Kenya’s wetlands, forests, savannahs, drylands and hi…
Family SafarisPrivate safari itineraries planned around family-friendly pacing, rooming, child policies and …
Experiences
Experiences included in this safari
These are activities, encounters or natural spectacles included in or available through this journey.
Day by day
Your safari itinerary
Open each day to view the route, activities, meals, transport and accommodation details.
Meet your Greatlink Safaris driver-guide at the agreed coastal hotel and begin the journey inland toward Tsavo East National Park.
Enter through the most suitable gate and begin game viewing en route to the lodge or tented camp. Tsavo East’s red-earth plains are famous for elephants that often appear dusted with the park’s distinctive soil.
Arrive for lunch and check-in, rest during the heat of the day and return to the park in the afternoon.
Search for elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, antelope, predators and birdlife while enjoying the broad wilderness scenery.
Return for dinner and overnight.
AccommodationTsavo East lodge or tented camp — Economy, Standard or Luxury as confirmed. MealsBreakfast where applicable before departure; Lunch; Dinner TransportPrivate pop-up-roof 4x4 Land Cruiser ActivitiesCoast transfer; Tsavo East game drives; red elephants; wilderness scenery
After breakfast, check out and enjoy game viewing toward the park exit. Depending on the route, enjoy broad views associated with the Yatta Plateau, which KWS identifies as the world’s longest lava flow.
Continue to Nairobi and arrive for lunch or early afternoon according to traffic.
If sufficient time remains, visit the Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum. These visits are only included when the final timing makes them practical.
Check in at the Nairobi hotel for dinner and overnight.
AccommodationNairobi hotel — Economy, Standard or Luxury as confirmed. MealsBreakfast; Lunch; Dinner where included in the confirmed Nairobi arrangement TransportPrivate Tsavo East–Nairobi road transfer and optional city excursion ActivitiesFinal Tsavo East game viewing; Yatta landscape; optional Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum
After breakfast, leave Nairobi and travel north through Kenya’s central highlands.
Where traffic and time allow, stop near the Equator and enjoy views toward the Mount Kenya region when weather is clear.
Continue through Isiolo toward Samburu National Reserve, arriving for lunch or early afternoon.
Begin the first Samburu game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro ecosystem, searching for elephants, predators and northern specialists including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx and gerenuk.
Return for dinner and overnight.
AccommodationSamburu lodge or tented camp — Economy, Standard or Luxury as confirmed. MealsBreakfast; Lunch; Dinner TransportPrivate road transfer and 4x4 game drive ActivitiesEquator stop; Mount Kenya-region scenery; afternoon Samburu game drive; Special Five search
Spend a full day exploring Samburu with your private driver-guide.
Search for the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. Elephants are commonly associated with the Ewaso Nyiro River corridor, while lion and leopard are among the predators that may be encountered.
The day can be split into morning and afternoon drives with a midday lodge break or arranged as an extended field day.
Dry-country birdlife, doum palms and rugged northern landscapes add variety throughout the safari.
Return for dinner and a second overnight in Samburu.
AccommodationSame Samburu lodge or tented camp. MealsBreakfast; Lunch; Dinner TransportPrivate pop-up-roof 4x4 Land Cruiser ActivitiesMorning/afternoon or extended game drives; Special Five; elephants; predators; birding
After breakfast, check out and enjoy final Samburu wildlife viewing toward the exit gate.
Travel toward Meru National Park, reaching the selected lodge or camp for lunch or early afternoon.
After a rest, begin an afternoon game drive in Meru’s varied landscape of grassland, woodland, rivers and acacia country.
Search for elephants, buffalo, giraffe, antelope, lion and other wildlife. Meru is also known for rich birdlife and a conservation history associated with Elsa the lioness.
Return for dinner and overnight.
AccommodationMeru National Park lodge or tented camp — Economy, Standard or Luxury as confirmed. MealsBreakfast; Lunch; Dinner TransportPrivate road transfer and 4x4 game drive ActivitiesFinal Samburu viewing; Meru transfer; afternoon Meru game drive; birding
Spend a full day exploring Meru National Park.
The programme can be divided into morning and afternoon game drives or run as a longer full-day safari with picnic lunch.
Meru supports the Big Five and is especially notable for its dedicated rhino sanctuary, where KWS reports both black and white rhinos. Visit the sanctuary area when road conditions and park operations permit.
Beyond rhinos, search for elephant, buffalo, lion, giraffe, plains wildlife and dry-country species. Birding is also rewarding across the park’s varied habitats.
Return for dinner and a second overnight in Meru.
AccommodationSame Meru lodge or tented camp. MealsBreakfast; Lunch or picnic lunch; Dinner TransportPrivate pop-up-roof 4x4 Land Cruiser ActivitiesFull-day Meru safari; rhino sanctuary; Big Five search; birds; wilderness scenery
After breakfast, check out and leave Meru for the Mount Kenya–Laikipia region.
Where safe and practical, pause for landscape or agricultural views in the central highlands without entering private farms or plantations unless a visit has been arranged.
Arrive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy for lunch and check-in.
In the afternoon, begin a game drive for black and southern white rhinos, elephants, buffalo, predators and plains wildlife. Visit Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary during normal public viewing hours when timing permits.
Return for dinner and overnight.
AccommodationOl Pejeta/Laikipia lodge or tented camp — Economy, Standard or Luxury as confirmed. MealsBreakfast; Lunch; Dinner TransportPrivate road transfer and 4x4 game drive ActivitiesCentral highlands transfer; Ol Pejeta wildlife; rhino conservation; Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
After breakfast, check out and travel toward the Great Rift Valley.
When route and time permit, stop at Thomson’s Falls in Nyahururu for a scenic break before continuing toward Lake Bogoria.
Arrive in the Lake Bogoria area for lunch or early afternoon.
Explore the lakeshore and authorised visitor areas, focusing on flamingos when present, waterbirds, escarpment scenery and the reserve’s geothermal features. Lake Bogoria is an alkaline soda lake and internationally recognised Ramsar wetland.
Observe hot springs only from safe authorised areas; water and ground temperatures can be dangerous.
Proceed to the confirmed accommodation for dinner and overnight.
AccommodationLake Bogoria/Baringo-area hotel, lodge or camp — as confirmed. MealsBreakfast; Lunch; Dinner TransportPrivate road transfer and Lake Bogoria reserve visit ActivitiesThomson’s Falls when practical; flamingos when present; hot springs; birding; Rift Valley scenery
After breakfast, check out and travel south through the Rift Valley toward Lake Nakuru National Park.
Depending on the selected road, a brief Equator stop can be included at an appropriate location.
Arrive for lunch and check-in before beginning an afternoon game drive.
Search for black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, waterbuck, zebra and other wildlife. The lake and wetland habitats support pelicans, cormorants, herons and flamingos in naturally varying numbers.
Where time allows, include scenic viewpoints such as Baboon Cliff or the Makalia Falls area before dinner and overnight.
AccommodationLake Nakuru/Nakuru-area lodge or tented camp. MealsBreakfast; Lunch; Dinner TransportPrivate road transfer and 4x4 game drive ActivitiesRift Valley drive; Lake Nakuru rhinos; birding; flamingos when present; scenic viewpoints
After breakfast, check out and enjoy wildlife viewing toward the park exit before continuing to the Masai Mara.
Travel through the Rift Valley and rural highlands toward Masai Mara National Reserve.
Arrive for lunch or early afternoon, check in and begin an afternoon game drive.
Search for lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, topi and gazelles until late afternoon.
Return for dinner and overnight.
AccommodationMasai Mara lodge or tented camp — Economy, Standard or Luxury as confirmed. MealsBreakfast; Lunch; Dinner TransportPrivate road transfer and pop-up-roof 4x4 game drive ActivitiesLake Nakuru exit game drive; Mara transfer; afternoon big-cat and Big Five search
Spend a full day exploring the Masai Mara.
Choose separate morning and afternoon drives with a midday lodge break or a full-day drive with picnic lunch.
Search for predators and plains wildlife across the reserve. Where practical, extend the route toward the Mara River for hippos, Nile crocodiles and riverine scenery.
During migration months, large wildebeest and zebra herds may be encountered, but exact herd locations and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Return for dinner and overnight.
AccommodationSame Masai Mara lodge or tented camp. MealsBreakfast; Lunch or picnic lunch; Dinner TransportPrivate pop-up-roof 4x4 Land Cruiser ActivitiesMorning/afternoon or full-day game drive; Mara River; Big Five; migration wildlife in season
After breakfast, check out and travel through the Rift Valley toward Lake Naivasha.
Arrive for lunch and prepare for the afternoon lake programme.
Take a boat excursion for African Fish Eagle, pelicans, cormorants, herons, kingfishers, hippos and lake scenery. The boat captain determines whether conditions are safe to operate.
Continue by boat to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary for an authorised walking safari among plains wildlife and birds. Crescent Island is currently accessible by boat, and its entry is separate from the independent boat service.
Return to the hotel or lodge for dinner and overnight.
AccommodationLake Naivasha hotel or lodge — Economy, Standard or Luxury as confirmed. MealsBreakfast; Lunch; Dinner TransportPrivate road transfer; Lake Naivasha boat; Crescent Island walking safari ActivitiesRift Valley transfer; boat safari; fish eagles and hippos; Crescent Island walk
After breakfast, check out and drive through the Nairobi transport corridor toward Amboseli National Park.
The route focuses on the transfer rather than treating informal settlements or private communities as sightseeing attractions.
Arrive for lunch or early afternoon and check in.
Spend the afternoon searching for elephant herds, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, predators and birds. Mount Kilimanjaro may appear beyond the plains when skies are clear.
Return for dinner and overnight.
AccommodationAmboseli lodge or tented camp — Economy, Standard or Luxury as confirmed. MealsBreakfast; Lunch; Dinner TransportPrivate road transfer and 4x4 game drive ActivitiesScenic transfer; afternoon Amboseli safari; elephant herds; wetlands; Kilimanjaro when visible
After breakfast, check out and enjoy final Amboseli wildlife viewing toward the park exit when timing permits.
Begin the long return journey toward the Kenya Coast, normally routing through the Voi/Mombasa highway corridor.
Stop for lunch according to the confirmed road schedule.
Continue to Mombasa or the agreed coastal hotel for drop-off.
The 14-day Kenya Grand Safari ends at the hotel drop-off.
AccommodationNo accommodation included after the coastal drop-off unless separately requested. MealsBreakfast; Lunch TransportPrivate Amboseli–Mombasa/Coast road transfer ActivitiesFinal Amboseli viewing where practical; Voi lunch stop; return to the Kenya Coast
Shape your safari
Safari choices for your quotation
Select the options that interest you when requesting a quote. No fixed public price is shown because the final quotation depends on dates, traveller numbers, availability and your preferred travel style.
Accommodation
Good-value hotels, lodges or tented camps selected along the 14-day circuit according to route, dates and availability.
Comfortable mid-range accommodation with practical access to the protected areas and the confirmed meal plan.
Premium safari lodges, tented camps and hotels selected for stronger location, service and comfort, subject to availability.
Experience
Confirm Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum entrance on Day 2 when the Tsavo-to-Nairobi transfer leaves sufficient time.
Request a dedicated northern white rhino encounter, guided walk, night drive or another Ol Pejeta specialist activity subject to availability.
Upgrade the standard Lake Naivasha excursion to a private boat arrangement focused on birds, hippos and scenery.
Service
English-speaking guiding is standard. Another available language may be requested and is subject to guide availability.
Before you travel
Know before you go
Road safari: this is a long overland circuit with several substantial transfer days. All kilometre and drive-time figures are estimates; actual timings vary with traffic, weather, park gates, roadworks, game viewing and accommodation location.
Nairobi Day 2: Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum visits depend on Tsavo East departure time, Nairobi traffic and attraction opening hours. If the drive arrives too late, the programme will be shortened rather than rushed.
Samburu: Samburu National Reserve is separate from Buffalo Springs and Shaba. This itinerary includes Samburu unless another northern reserve is specifically quoted.
Meru: Kenya Wildlife Service currently identifies a dedicated rhino sanctuary as one of Meru National Park’s major attractions and reports both black and white rhinos within the sanctuary. Wildlife remains free-ranging, so individual sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Ol Pejeta: Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is the only place in Kenya where visitors can see chimpanzees. Chimpanzees are not native to Kenya. Specialist encounters with the last two northern white rhinos are optional unless expressly included.
Lake Bogoria: Bogoria is primarily an alkaline soda-lake, flamingo and geothermal destination. Hot springs can be extremely dangerous; guests must remain in authorised viewing areas and follow reserve guidance.
Lake Nakuru flamingos: flamingo numbers vary naturally with water levels and food availability. The park remains important for rhino conservation and birding even when flamingo concentrations are low.
Masai Mara: all wildlife is free-ranging. Big Five sightings, migration herds and Mara River crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island: the boat excursion is subject to weather and operator safety decisions. Crescent Island is currently accessible by boat; the boat operator and sanctuary are separate services, which Greatlink Safaris coordinates in the confirmed package.
Amboseli: Kilimanjaro visibility depends on weather and cloud cover. The park is rewarding for elephants, wetlands and birds even when the mountain is hidden.
Included
What is included
- Private pick-up from the agreed Mombasa or Kenya Coast hotel on Day 1.
- Private safari transport throughout the 14-day circuit in a pop-up-roof 4x4 Land Cruiser unless another vehicle is confirmed.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout. Other guide languages can be requested subject to availability.
- Thirteen nights’ accommodation according to the itinerary in the confirmed Economy, Standard or Luxury category.
- Meals specifically shown in the confirmed itinerary.
- Tsavo East National Park conservation/entry fees for the included Day 1 and Day 2 game viewing.
- Samburu National Reserve conservation/entry fees for the included Days 3–5 safari programme.
- Meru National Park conservation/entry fees for Days 5–7, including the standard rhino-sanctuary game-drive routing where accessible.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy entry fees for the included Day 7–8 programme and standard public Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary viewing when operating.
- Lake Bogoria reserve/site entry charges applicable to the confirmed Day 8–9 visit.
- Lake Nakuru National Park conservation/entry fees for the included Day 9–10 game viewing.
- Masai Mara conservation/entry fees applicable to the confirmed reserve sector and included safari days.
- Lake Naivasha boat excursion on Day 12 as confirmed with the selected operator.
- Crescent Island sanctuary entry and walking-safari arrangement where included in the final confirmation.
- Amboseli National Park conservation/entry fees for the included Day 13–14 game viewing.
- All game drives specifically described in the final itinerary.
- Drinking water in the safari vehicle during Greatlink Safaris road transfers and game drives.
- Private return transfer to the agreed Mombasa/Coast hotel on Day 14.
- Emergency medical evacuation cover where expressly included and subject to provider terms.
- Applicable Kenyan government taxes and statutory local levies for the services included.
Not included
What is excluded
- International, regional or domestic flights unless specifically added.
- Kenya entry authorization, visa, passport or immigration-related charges.
- Mombasa/Coast accommodation before Day 1 or after Day 14 unless separately included.
- Comprehensive travel, medical, cancellation, baggage and personal-accident insurance.
- Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum entrance fees unless expressly confirmed in the Day 2 package.
- Specialist Ol Pejeta experiences such as dedicated northern white rhino encounters, night drives or guided walks unless added separately.
- Hot-air balloon safari or cultural activities in the Masai Mara unless separately added.
- Additional Lake Naivasha boat time, specialist birding boat or other water activities beyond the confirmed excursion.
- Alcoholic beverages, premium drinks, minibar items and beverages not included in the confirmed meal plan.
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guides, local guides, boat crews, lodge staff and other service teams.
- Laundry, spa services, telephone calls, souvenirs and other personal expenses.
- Accommodation, vehicle, room or guiding-language upgrades beyond the confirmed category.
- Additional services resulting from voluntary itinerary changes after confirmation.
- Costs arising from severe weather, floods, road closure, park closure, government restrictions or other circumstances beyond the operator’s reasonable control except where applicable supplier terms provide otherwise.
