This itinerary is built specifically around Big Five viewing — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino — combining four parks where each species has a genuinely strong presence, rather than hoping to see all five in a single location.
Detailed Itinerary
Nairobi to Maasai Mara
Drive through the Great Rift Valley to the Mara, afternoon game drive on arrival.
Full Day Maasai Mara Game Drives
The Mara offers Kenya’s strongest lion and leopard density, plus reliable elephant and buffalo sightings.
As above
Transfer to Lake Nakuru
Morning game drive before departing for Lake Nakuru, home to a dedicated sanctuary protecting both black and white rhino.
Rhino-Focused Game Drive, Transfer Towards Amboseli
A dedicated morning drive for rhino sightings before beginning the journey towards Amboseli.
En route lodge, Nairobi area
Arrive Amboseli National Park
Continue to Amboseli, known for Kenya’s largest and most reliably visible elephant herds, with an afternoon game drive.
Transfer to Tsavo West National Park
A drive to Tsavo West, known for its black rhino sanctuary and volcanic landscape distinct from Amboseli’s open plains.
Full Day Tsavo West Game Drives
A full day exploring Tsavo West’s volcanic hills and Mzima Springs, where hippos and crocodiles can be observed from an underwater viewing chamber.
As above
Return to Nairobi
Drive back to Nairobi, timed against your onward flight.
Permits & Costs
| Maasai Mara park entry | ~$80 per person per day |
| Lake Nakuru park entry | ~$60 per person per day |
| Amboseli park entry | ~$60 per person per day |
| Tsavo West park entry | ~$52 per person per day |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers specifically prioritising the Big Five checklist, with a route chosen to maximise realistic chances of all five species.
Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof hatch
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Park entry fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Big Five guaranteed on this itinerary?
No sighting is ever guaranteed in the wild, but this route is specifically designed around each species’ strongest habitat — genuinely the best realistic chance across one Kenya trip.
Which is the hardest of the five to see?
Leopard is generally the most elusive across all four parks, given its naturally solitary, well-camouflaged behaviour.
Ready to Plan This Trip?
Tell us your dates and we’ll confirm lodges within one business day. Get in touch to start planning.