Exclusive Safaris · Kenya

5-Day Kilimanjaro Safari: Nairobi to the Mombasa Coast

5 daysScheduled group safari

About this journey

This 5-day safari travels from Nairobi to the Mombasa coast through the parks that lie in the shadow of Kilimanjaro: Amboseli, Tsavo West and the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. It turns the journey to the beach into the safari itself, ending at your coastal resort.

After a night at the Tamarind Tree Hotel in Nairobi, you drive to Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge for elephants beneath the mountain. Day three crosses the black Shetani lava fields into Tsavo West, staying at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, with an afternoon visit to Mzima Springs, where hippos and crocodiles live in crystal-clear spring water.

The last night is at Salt Lick Safari Lodge in the Taita Hills, where you can watch elephants at the waterhole from the lodge's balconies and underground hide. Tree planting and a visit to the World War I museum at Taita Hills are included before the drive down to Mombasa.

Best time to go: June to October and January to March for dry weather and clear views of Kilimanjaro. Ending at the coast makes this an easy lead-in to a beach stay in Diani, Nyali or Watamu.

Who it suits: travellers planning a beach stay after their safari, who would rather spend the journey seeing wildlife than flying or driving straight to the coast. It works especially well for honeymooners heading to Diani or Watamu.

Each day's drive is broken up by game viewing, so the route never feels like a transfer. Kilaguni Serena overlooks a floodlit waterhole with views towards Kilimanjaro, and Salt Lick's underground hide gives a final close encounter with elephants before you reach the beach.

Highlights

  • Nairobi to the coast by safari: no backtracking
  • Amboseli elephants and Kilimanjaro views
  • Shetani lava fields and Mzima Springs in Tsavo West
  • Salt Lick Safari Lodge waterhole and underground hide
  • Tree planting and World War I museum at Taita Hills

What's included

Included

  • Nairobi airport arrival transfer
  • Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Game drives as per itinerary
  • Park and sanctuary entry fees
  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • Tree planting and World War I museum visit
  • Drop-off at your Mombasa coastal resort

Not included

  • International flights
  • Kenya eTA and visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses

Day by day

  • Pick-up at the airport and transfer to your hotel
  • Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel, Nairobi

Where you stay

LocationAccommodation
NairobiTamarind Tree Hotel
AmboseliAmboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Tsavo WestKilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Taita Hills Wildlife SanctuarySalt Lick Safari Lodge

Questions about this safari

How long is the 5-Day Kilimanjaro Safari?

5 days and 4 nights. It starts in Nairobi and ends in Mombasa.

Is this a private or a shared safari?

It runs as a scheduled safari: you share the vehicle and game drives with other travellers on the same departure, which keeps the price down. We can also run it as a private safari on your own dates.

How do you travel?

By road in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing and photography.

Where will I stay?

Nairobi: Tamarind Tree Hotel. Amboseli: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge. Tsavo West: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge. Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: Salt Lick Safari Lodge.

What is included in the price?

Nairobi airport arrival transfer, Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, Professional English-speaking driver-guide, Game drives as per itinerary, Park and sanctuary entry fees, Accommodation and meals as per itinerary, Tree planting and World War I museum visit and Drop-off at your Mombasa coastal resort.

Are park fees included?

Yes. Park, reserve and conservancy entry fees for every day of the itinerary are included in the price.

How far is Amboseli from Nairobi?

Amboseli is about 240 km south-east of Nairobi, four to five hours by road, or a short scheduled flight from Wilson Airport.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Amboseli is famous for elephants, and lion and buffalo are common. There are no rhino and leopard are rare, so pair it with the Mara or Lake Nakuru if the Big Five matter to you.

When is the best time for this safari?

June to October and January to March are the dry seasons. Kilimanjaro is usually clearest early in the morning and in the late afternoon.

Can I customise this itinerary or upgrade the accommodation?

Yes. We can change lodges, add nights or extra parks, and arrange a private version on your own dates.

What should I pack for this safari?

Pack neutral-coloured layers, a warm fleece or jacket for early-morning drives, a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars and your camera with spare batteries. A soft-sided bag is best, and required on light-aircraft flights.

Do I need a visa for Kenya?

Most visitors need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before travel. Check the requirements for your passport well before you fly.

Can I combine a Kenya safari and a beach holiday without flying?

Yes. This safari starts in Nairobi and ends at your resort on the Mombasa coast, travelling by road through Amboseli, Tsavo West and Taita Hills.

Destinations on this safari

Elephants beneath KilimanjaroAmboseliKenya’s greatest wildernessTsavo

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