Kilimanjaro Views, Lava Landscapes & Red Elephants
Overview
This 3 Days 2 Nights safari combines the open plains of Amboseli National Park with the dramatic volcanic scenery of Tsavo West National Park. The journey showcases two contrasting ecosystems – Amboseli’s vast savannah set against Mount Kilimanjaro, and Tsavo West’s rugged terrain shaped by lava flows, natural springs and rolling hills.
Starting and ending in Nairobi, this safari offers exceptional elephant encounters, diverse landscapes and a rich variety of wildlife within a short but rewarding itinerary.
Trip Highlights
- Scenic drive from Nairobi to Amboseli
- Large elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop
- Game drives in Amboseli National Park
- Visit to Mzima Springs in Tsavo West
- Exploration of Shetani Lava Flow
- Chance to see Tsavo’s famous red elephants
- Diverse landscapes in two distinct national parks
Itinerary
Experience the iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli before venturing into the untamed wilderness of Tsavo West. Encounter large elephant herds, explore volcanic landscapes and discover Kenya’s diverse habitats in just three days.
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Pickup from Nairobi
Pickup from your Nairobi hotel, residence, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Depart southwards via the Nairobi - Mombasa highway towards Amboseli.
Distance: Approx. 240 km
Drive Time: 4 to 5 hours
Arrive at Amboseli National Park around midday.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Check in at your selected lodge or camp and enjoy lunch followed by a short rest.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Embark on your first game drive in Amboseli National Park. The park is renowned for its free-ranging elephant herds and uninterrupted views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
The open plains and seasonal wetlands support lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes and numerous plains game species. Amboseli’s relatively sparse vegetation enhances wildlife visibility, offering excellent photographic opportunities.
Return to the lodge before sunset.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation within or near the park as per the options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Amboseli Mountain View Camp | Manjaro Tented Camp | Nyati Safari Camp
Option 2 : Standard | Little Amanya Camp | Penety Amboseli Resort | Olemayian Amboseli Cottages
Option 3 : Luxury | AA Lodge | Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Amboseli | Kibo Safari Camp | Kilima Safari Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Oltukai Lodge | Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast with views of the surrounding plains.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Depart Amboseli and drive towards Tsavo West National Park via the Chyulu Hills region.
Distance: Approx. 110 km
Drive Time: 2 to 3 hours
Arrive in Tsavo West mid-morning and continue with a game drive en route to your lodge.
Tsavo West features rugged terrain, volcanic cones, lava fields and natural springs. Wildlife includes elephants, often coated in the park’s distinctive red soil, as well as lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes and diverse antelope species.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Check in and enjoy lunch at your lodge.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore key attractions within Tsavo West including:
Mzima Springs - a series of crystal-clear pools fed by underground streams from the Chyulu Hills, home to hippos and crocodiles.
Shetani Lava Flow - a vast expanse of black volcanic rock formed from relatively recent volcanic activity.
Return to the lodge before sunset.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation.
Option 1: Budget | Tsavo Inn Lodge
Option 2: Standard | Ngulia Safari Lodge
Option 3: Luxury | Voyager Ziwani Camp | Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge | Severin Safari Camp
Option 4: Above Luxury | Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast while overlooking the park’s scenic terrain.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Depart Tsavo West and begin your return journey to Nairobi via the Nairobi - Mombasa highway.
Distance: Approx. 250 km
Drive Time: 4 to 5 hours
Optional short game drive en route to the park gate depending on wildlife activity and departure time.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional lunch stop at a selected restaurant (at own cost unless specified).
03:00 p.m. - 04:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi and drop off at your hotel, residence, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the end of your Amboseli and Tsavo West safari experience.
Inclusions/Exclusions
Cost Includes
- Pickup and drop-off in Nairobi
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- 2 nights accommodation
- Full board meals (Lunch and Dinner Day 1; Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 2; Breakfast Day 3)
- All park entry fees
- All scheduled game drives
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- All government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Lunch on Day 3 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Both parks are excellent year-round destinations. The dry seasons (June to October and January to February) offer particularly good wildlife visibility as animals gather around water sources. Clear skies during these months also increase the likelihood of unobstructed views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park.
Mount Kilimanjaro is visible on clear days, typically early morning and late afternoon. As weather conditions vary, visibility depends on cloud cover, but the mountain forms a dramatic backdrop when skies are clear.
Tsavo West National Park features rugged terrain, volcanic landscapes, lava flows and natural springs, creating a more dramatic and varied landscape compared to Amboseli’s open plains and wetlands.
Both parks are well known for strong elephant populations. Amboseli is famous for its large, free-ranging herds, while Tsavo’s elephants are often recognised by their red soil coating.
Yes. The itinerary is family-friendly, though children should be comfortable with road travel and early morning starts.
Light breathable clothing in neutral colours, a light jacket for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses and sunscreen), binoculars and a camera are recommended.
Yes. The package can be customised to include luxury lodges or tented camps depending on preference and availability.
