Kenya Route: Masai Mara to Tsavo East, 20 Places to See
Explore Kenya's most significant wildlife reserves and natural landmarks, including Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo East and West National Parks. This route connects Kenya's premier safari destinations with scenic locations like Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Diani Beach, and Mount Kenya, spanning from Nairobi to remote conservation areas.
- Distance
- 6069.5 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- End
- West Pokot Hill
- Stops
- 21
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Masai Mara National Reserve — Renowned safari destination famous for wildebeest migration and big cats
- Lake Nakuru National Park — Central Kenya park known for vast flocks of pink flamingos and 450+ bird species
- Diani Beach — Picturesque coastal destination 30 km south of Mombasa with white sand and tropical forest
- Amboseli National Park — Wildlife reserve dominated by Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop, known for large elephant herds
- Samburu National Reserve — Northern Kenya premier safari destination home to Samburu people and unique wildlife
- Ol Pajetta Conservancy — Private 990,000-acre game reserve near Mount Kenya foothills, known for white rhino population
- Aberdare National Park — Great Rift Valley highland park with waterfalls and rare wildlife, historic Treetops Hotel
- Tsavo East National Park — Kenya's largest national park section renowned for massive elephant herds in red soil
- Tsavo West National Park — Wetter section of largest national park with diverse topography and stunning landscapes
- Lake Naivasha — Great Rift Valley lake paradise for birdwatchers with 400+ bird species and hippos
- Nairobi — Kenya's capital and largest city, starting point for African adventures
- Mount Kenya — Second-highest mountain in Africa, popular hiking destination mentioned for trekking activities
- Mara River — Famous crossing point during wildebeest migration from July to October
- Lake Nakuru
- Diani Beach
- Amboseli
- Ol Pejeta
- Tsavo National Park
- Giraffe Center
- Malindi
- West Pokot Hill
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Visit private concessions or conservancies on the Masai Mara's outskirts for a more tranquil experience away from day trippers; they offer exclusive activities like bush walks and night drives not allowed in the National Reserve.
- Timing
- Plan your visit to Masai Mara between July and October to witness the dramatic Mara River Crossing during the annual migration of nearly 2 million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes.
- Tip
- At Lake Nakuru National Park, expect to see vast flocks of pink flamingos, over 450 bird species, and diverse wildlife including lions, leopards, and white rhinos across grasslands, rocky cliffs, and woodland areas.
- Transport
- Diani Beach is located approximately 30 km south of Mombasa and just a short flight from Nairobi, making it accessible for beach trips.
- Tip
- At Diani Beach, try kite surfing with ideal wind conditions, take snorkeling trips, swim with whale sharks, or enjoy scenic sunset dhow cruises.
- Tip
- Amboseli National Park is dominated by Mount Kilimanjaro and offers some of Africa's best opportunities to observe large herds of elephants up close, plus over 600 bird species.
- Tip
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 990,000-acre private game reserve where entry includes a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary; day visitors are welcome and overnight accommodations range from bush camps to colonial ranch houses.
- Tip
- Visit The Treetops hotel in Aberdare National Park, a historic spot where Queen Elizabeth II received news of her father's passing; the park features black leopards, black servals, and Eastern Bongos.
- Tip
- Tsavo National Park covers about 4% of Kenya's total land area; Tsavo East is renowned for massive elephant herds dusting in red soil, while Tsavo West is wetter with more diverse topography and stunning scenery.
- Transport
- Nairobi National Park is just a 15-minute drive from the city center's skyscrapers, making it accessible for a quick safari experience within the capital.
- Tip
- At the Giraffe Center near Nairobi, feed endangered Rothschild giraffes from a raised platform that brings you nearly eye-level with the animals as they extend their tongues to grab food.
- Tip
- Malindi and Watamu Marine National Parks offer diving and snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs; Watamu Beach attracts visitors from Europe for sunbathing on white sands with turquoise waters.
Video on this route
Wonders of Kenya | The Most Amazing Places in Kenya | Travel Video 4K