Amboseli, Tsavo West, and Coastal Escape
Experience the perfect blend of safari adventure and coastal relaxation with this 9-day Kenyan tour. Journey through two of Kenya’s most renowned national parks before unwinding on the pristine beaches of Diani. From the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, this tour offers diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and luxurious accommodations. Contact our experts today to book your trip and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Trip Itinerary
Nights
Location
Activities
Lodging
- Rest and prepare to begin your journey on the following day
- Scenic drive to Amboseli National Park in a 4x4 Land Cruiser
- Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the lodge
- Relax by the pool, take in the views of Mount Kilimanjaro, or enjoy a book in the serene environment
- Enjoy a sundowner (pre-dinner drinks while watching the sunset)
- Visit the Masai village to experience local culture and traditions
- Relax with a spa treatment at the lodge
- Game Drives
- Watch wildlife from the elevated observation decks overlooking the waterhole
- Relaxation at the Lodge
- Stargazing
- Enjoy a sundowner at the lodge’s bar area
- Beach Walks
- Swimming
- Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or resort pool
- Enjoy a spa treatment or massage
- Explore the resort’s water sports center for activities like kayaking or snorkeling
- Book a dhow cruise for a sunset sailing experience
- Visit Shimoni Caves and Wasini Island for a cultural and marine adventure
- Spend the day at leisure
- Lounging at swimming pool
- Relax at the hotel’s rooftop bar for evening cocktails
- Visit nearby Nairobi attractions such as the Giraffe Centre or David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (depending on flight time)
- Elephant Orphanage
- Karen Blixen Museum
Trip Highlights
- Amboseli National Park: Famous for its large elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Tsavo West National Park: A dramatic, rugged wilderness known for its red-dust elephants and volcanic landscapes.
- Diani Beach: Soft white sands, clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, offering the ultimate coastal retreat.
- Luxury Lodges & Resorts: Stay in top-tier accommodations such as Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Salt Lick Safari Lodge, and Swahili Beach Resort, ensuring comfort and elegance throughout your journey.
Trip Itinerary Details
Known as the safari capital of Africa, Nairobi is an energetic, modern city that serves as a fascinating introduction to both wildlife and nightlife. Music clubs pulse with life, shops and markets bustle, and a mélange of restaurants will tempt your palate in this former Maasai watering hole. Top sights include the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre and the black rhinos of Nairobi National Park. The compact city center is safe to walk in and taxis and Uber make other areas accessible.
Arrival
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where your adventure begins. Experience the luxury of a VIP van transfer to the Crown Plaza Hotel, conveniently located within the airport.
Spend the night to refresh and begin your adventure upon waking up in the morning.
Amboseli National Park
Travel Time: ~ 4:30
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most famous safari destinations, located in the southern part of the country, near the border with Tanzania. It is renowned for its majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, which towers over the park and provides a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography. Known as the Land of Giants due to its large herds of African elephants, Amboseli offers exceptional opportunities to observe elephants in their natural habitat. The park’s diverse ecosystems include savannah, wetlands, woodlands, and dry lake beds, supporting a variety of wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, zebras, and over 400 species of birds. The landscape and wildlife make Amboseli a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Set within the stunning natural surroundings of Amboseli National Park, Amboseli Sopa Lodge offers guests a tranquil retreat with views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. The lodge’s architecture is inspired by Maasai culture, with spacious and comfortable cottages spread across lush grounds. Guests can unwind at the outdoor pool, enjoy panoramic views from their private verandas, and dine on locally inspired cuisine in the lodge’s restaurant. With its strategic location, the lodge is the perfect base for exploring Amboseli’s wildlife and landscapes.
Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park – Into the Wilderness
Morning:
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Crown Plaza Hotel, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate after your journey.
Begin your journey with a comfortable drive from Nairobi Crowne Plaza Hotel to Amboseli Serena Lodge, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
Experience the change from urban landscapes to the beautiful savannah as you approach Amboseli National Park.
Lunch:
Arrive at Amboseli Serena Lodge just in time for a delicious buffet-style lunch, featuring a selection of international and local dishes served in the open-air dining area with breathtaking views of the surrounding plains.
Settle into your accommodations and take some time to relax and freshen up after your journey.
Afternoon:
Head out for an afternoon game drive, your first opportunity to explore the park and see its iconic wildlife, including elephants, zebras, and possibly a lion or two, all against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Return to the lodge and unwind, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or enjoying a drink at the bar as the sun sets over the park.
Dinner:
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the lodge's dining area, where you can savor a variety of dishes that highlight both international cuisine and local flavors.
After dinner, relax by the campfire, listening to the sounds of the African night and sharing stories of your first experiences in Amboseli with fellow guests.
Day 2: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Morning:
Begin your day with an early morning game drive through Amboseli National Park. The early hours are prime time for spotting wildlife as many animals are most active during the cooler part of the day. You’ll have the chance to see elephants in herds, grazing or wandering through the park. Keep your eyes open for lions, hyenas, and other predators that roam the area. The view of Mount Kilimanjaro, bathed in the morning light, provides an unforgettable backdrop for this wildlife-rich environment.
Midday:
After an exciting morning, return to Amboseli Sopa Lodge for a relaxing lunch. Spend some time unwinding by the pool or on your private veranda, taking in the serene landscape and birdlife around the lodge. Use this time to reflect on the morning’s sightings and recharge for your afternoon adventure.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, you’ll embark on another game drive in Amboseli National Park, covering different areas of the park for a chance to see more wildlife. Amboseli’s wetlands, created by underground springs from Mount Kilimanjaro, attract large numbers of animals, especially buffaloes, zebras, and a wide array of bird species. As the sun sets, watch as animals make their way to waterholes, creating stunning silhouettes against the horizon.
Evening:
Return to the lodge in the early evening for a delicious dinner. Relax and unwind as the African night takes over, perhaps sharing stories of the day’s sightings with fellow travelers or simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the lodge. Retire to your room for a peaceful night’s sleep, ready for another day of adventure.
Tsavo West
Travel Time: ~ 4:30
Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West National Park is one of Kenya’s largest and most diverse parks, covering almost 9,000 square kilometers. Known for its dramatic landscapes, Tsavo West offers a unique safari experience with its rugged hills, ancient lava flows, and dense acacia woodlands. The park is home to the famous red-dust elephants, whose reddish tint comes from the park’s soil. Visitors can also explore natural wonders like the Shetani Lava Flow, a vast field of dark, hardened lava from volcanic activity centuries ago, and Mzima Springs, a series of crystal-clear pools where hippos and crocodiles can be spotted. Tsavo West is ideal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari with opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, rhinos, and a wide range of bird species.
Salt Lick Safari Lodge
Salt Lick Safari Lodge is an iconic lodge located in the heart of Tsavo West National Park. The lodge is built on stilts above a waterhole and a series of interconnected walkways, offering unparalleled views of the wildlife that comes to drink below. The lodge’s unique design provides a rare opportunity to observe animals such as elephants, buffaloes, and zebras up close, all from the comfort of your room or the lodge’s observation decks. The elegant rooms are well-equipped and offer private balconies with breathtaking views of the surrounding savanna. Guests can enjoy meals in the open-air restaurant while watching wildlife or relax in the lounge as the sun sets over Tsavo. Salt Lick Safari Lodge combines luxury with a truly immersive wildlife experience, making it one of Kenya’s most memorable safari accommodations.
Day 3: Amboseli to Tsavo West – The Red Elephants of Tsavo
Morning:
After a hearty breakfast at Amboseli Sopa Lodge, it’s time to say goodbye to Amboseli’s iconic landscapes as you embark on a scenic drive towards Tsavo West National Park. The journey offers stunning views of the countryside, as you pass through Kenya’s southern plains. The drive will take approximately 4-5 hours, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the changing scenery along the way.
Midday:
Arrive at the unique Salt Lick Safari Lodge, one of Kenya’s most iconic lodges, famous for its raised platforms that overlook a waterhole frequented by wildlife. After check-in, enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge’s open-air restaurant, offering views of the surrounding landscape. Relax and take in the serene environment before heading out on your afternoon adventure.
Afternoon:
Set off on an afternoon game drive through Tsavo West National Park, known for its red-dust elephants, which get their unique coloring from the park’s ochre soil. The park’s dramatic landscapes feature rolling hills, ancient lava flows, and dense acacia woodlands, providing diverse habitats for lions, leopards, buffaloes, and more. A visit to Mzima Springs, a crystal-clear oasis fed by underground streams, offers the chance to see hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Evening:
Return to Salt Lick Safari Lodge for a tranquil dinner, where you can dine while watching wildlife gather at the waterhole beneath the lodge. The lodge’s elevated walkways provide exceptional viewing opportunities, making it easy to observe elephants, giraffes, and other animals as they come to drink. End the day relaxing in the lodge’s comfortable rooms, enjoy a sundowner, or take a dip in the pool before retiring for the night.
Day 4: Full Day in Tsavo West National Park
Morning:
Start your day with a morning game drive through Tsavo West National Park. This drive offers opportunities to explore more of Tsavo’s vast wilderness, with its mix of open savannahs, rugged hills, and volcanic landscapes. During the drive, you may encounter Tsavo’s famous red-dust elephants, as well as other wildlife such as lions, rhinos, leopards, and an array of bird species. Visit the Shetani Lava Flow, a striking black lava field formed by volcanic eruptions, and enjoy the dramatic scenery.
Midday:
After the morning adventure, return to Salt Lick Safari Lodge for lunch and a bit of relaxation. The lodge’s unique elevated design provides unparalleled views of the surrounding wildlife, making it easy to spot animals from your room or the observation decks.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, continue exploring Tsavo West with another game drive or visit Mzima Springs, a series of crystal-clear pools fed by underground streams. The springs are a haven for wildlife, particularly hippos and crocodiles, which you can observe through an underwater viewing platform. This peaceful oasis is a refreshing contrast to the rugged savanna and provides excellent opportunities for photography.
Evening:
Return to the lodge in the early evening for a relaxing dinner. Enjoy watching the sunset over the savanna or sip on a sundowner as you watch animals gather at the waterhole beneath the lodge. The lodge’s elevated viewing platforms offer some of the best wildlife-watching experiences in Kenya, allowing you to end your day with unforgettable sights of Africa’s majestic animals.
Diani
Travel Time: ~ 5:30
Diani Beach
Diani Beach, located along Kenya’s southern coast, is one of the most picturesque and renowned beach destinations in Africa. Known for its powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Diani offers a perfect tropical paradise. The beach stretches for miles along the Indian Ocean, fringed by lush green palm trees and dotted with vibrant coral reefs, making it ideal for activities like snorkeling, diving, and other water sports. Diani is also home to a rich variety of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish. Beyond the beach, visitors can explore local markets, traditional Swahili culture, and nearby wildlife reserves. The laid-back vibe and natural beauty make Diani Beach the ultimate coastal getaway.
Swahili Beach Resort
Swahili Beach Resort is a luxurious resort situated on the stunning coastline of Diani Beach. With its fusion of African, Arabic, and Indian architectural styles, the resort exudes elegance and tranquility. The resort offers a range of top-tier amenities, including infinity pools, a luxury spa, and fine dining restaurants that overlook the Indian Ocean. Guests can unwind in spacious rooms featuring contemporary Swahili-inspired decor and enjoy direct access to the beach. Swahili Beach Resort is renowned for its impeccable service, relaxing ambiance, and stunning views, providing the perfect setting for a tropical retreat.
Day 5-7: Diani Beach – Coastal Escape
After arriving at Swahili Beach Resort on Day 5, the next three days are yours to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you want to unwind by the beach or dive into adventure, the resort and its surroundings offer a wide range of activities.
Relaxation:
Spend your mornings enjoying leisurely breakfasts at the resort’s beachfront restaurant. Afterward, relax by the infinity pools or on the beach, where the soft sands and gentle waves create a perfect escape from daily life. The resort offers shaded areas by the pool where you can sip on refreshing drinks while taking in panoramic ocean views.
Water Sports:
For those seeking adventure, take advantage of the resort’s water sports facilities. Explore the vibrant coral reefs through snorkeling or book a diving excursion for a deeper underwater experience. You can also opt for kayaking or paddleboarding along the coast, or try windsurfing in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Local Exploration:
For a cultural experience, visit the nearby Shimoni Caves, which hold historical significance dating back to the days of the slave trade. From there, take a boat trip to Wasini Island, where you can explore local Swahili culture, visit marine parks, and encounter dolphins on your way.
Spa & Wellness:
Pamper yourself with a range of spa treatments at Swahili Beach Resort’s luxury spa, where expert therapists offer massages, facials, and other rejuvenating treatments designed to relax and refresh. Enjoy treatments that draw inspiration from local Swahili traditions for a truly immersive experience.
Sunset Cruises:
As the day winds down, consider booking a dhow cruise. These traditional Swahili boats provide a magical way to experience the coastline at sunset, with the warm colors of the sky reflecting off the water. Afterward, return to the resort for a delightful dinner, featuring fresh seafood and Swahili-inspired dishes.
Evening Strolls & Nightlife:
End your day with a peaceful walk along Diani Beach, enjoying the sound of the waves under the starlit sky. The resort’s bar offers a cozy atmosphere for evening drinks, allowing you to relax and soak in the serene surroundings.
Nairobi
Travel Time: ~ 1:30
Nairobi
As Kenya’s capital and largest city, Nairobi is a vibrant and bustling metropolis that serves as a gateway to the country’s world-renowned safaris. Known for its unique mix of urban culture and proximity to nature, Nairobi offers visitors a diverse array of experiences. The city is home to modern shopping malls, top-rated restaurants, and a thriving arts scene, while still maintaining close ties to its wildlife heritage. Nairobi National Park, located just outside the city, is the only national park within a major city, where you can see lions, giraffes, and rhinos with the city skyline in the background. Other key attractions include the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can visit rescued elephants, and the Giraffe Centre, where you can interact with the endangered Rothschild giraffes. Nairobi also boasts historical and cultural landmarks such as the Nairobi National Museum and Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), making it a dynamic city blending modern life with natural beauty.
Pan Afric Hotel
Located just outside Nairobi’s central business district, Pan Afric Hotel offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and African charm. This 4-star hotel is known for its contemporary design, lush gardens, and exceptional hospitality. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies offering city views. The hotel features multiple dining options, including the renowned Flame Tree Restaurant, serving both international and Kenyan cuisine. Pan Afric Hotel also boasts a tranquil outdoor pool, an inviting lounge, and a rooftop bar, perfect for enjoying the Nairobi skyline. Its central location makes it convenient for accessing Nairobi’s key attractions, including Nairobi National Museum and Nairobi Arboretum, providing the ideal end to your safari adventure.
Day 8: Diani Beach to Nairobi – Returning to the City
Morning:
Spend your last morning at Swahili Beach Resort enjoying a leisurely breakfast with views of the Indian Ocean. Take a final stroll along Diani Beach or relax by the resort’s infinity pools, soaking in the coastal tranquility. If time allows, indulge in one last spa treatment to fully unwind before your journey back to Nairobi.
Late Morning:
After checking out of the resort, you’ll be transferred to the nearby airport for your flight to Nairobi. The short flight back to the capital offers stunning views of Kenya’s varied landscapes, from the coastline to the inland plains.
Midday:
Arrive in Nairobi and be transferred to Pan Afric Hotel. This centrally located hotel is the perfect base for your final night in Kenya. After check-in, take some time to relax in your comfortable room or explore the hotel’s facilities, including the rooftop bar and lounge.
Afternoon:
After checking in and taking some time to relax, spend the afternoon at your leisure. You can explore Nairobi’s attractions such as the Nairobi National Museum, which is located near Pan Afric Hotel and offers insights into Kenya’s history, culture, and natural heritage. Alternatively, you might prefer a peaceful walk through the nearby Nairobi Arboretum, a haven of green space and a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying nature in the city. If you wish to do some last-minute shopping, you can visit Sarit Centre or Yaya Centre, both popular shopping malls offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Evening:
Enjoy your final dinner in Nairobi at Pan Afric Hotel or venture out to one of the city’s renowned restaurants. For a relaxing end to the day, head to the hotel’s rooftop bar for a cocktail while taking in the city’s skyline at night. Reflect on the incredible journey you've experienced, from Kenya’s wildlife to its coastal beauty.
Night:
Retire to your room for a restful night’s sleep before your departure the following day.
Day 9: Departure from Nairobi
Morning:
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at Pan Afric Hotel before preparing for your journey home. Take some time to reflect on your incredible safari and beach adventure in Kenya, whether it's while sipping coffee on your private balcony or taking a final stroll around the hotel’s lush gardens.
Mid-morning:
After checking out, you’ll be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Depending on your flight time, you may have a few final moments to pick up last-minute souvenirs at the hotel gift shop or nearby stores.
Midday:
Arrive in Nairobi and be transferred to Pan Afric Hotel. This centrally located hotel is the perfect base for your final night in Kenya. After check-in, take some time to relax in your comfortable room or explore the hotel’s facilities, including the rooftop bar and lounge.
Departure:
Arrive at the airport for your departure, marking the end of your unforgettable 9-day journey through Kenya’s diverse landscapes—from the wildlife-rich savannas to the serene beaches of Diani.