Kilimanjaro Backdrops & The Land of Red Elephants
Overview
This 3 Days 2 Nights safari combines the iconic landscapes of Amboseli National Park with the vast wilderness of Tsavo East National Park. From elephant herds roaming beneath Mount Kilimanjaro to the open plains and red-earth terrain of Tsavo East, this journey offers diverse scenery and exceptional wildlife viewing within a compact timeframe.
Starting and ending in Nairobi, the safari is ideal for travellers seeking classic Kenyan landscapes, strong elephant encounters and expansive savannah ecosystems.
Trip Highlights
- Scenic drive from Nairobi to Amboseli
- Large elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop
- Game drives in Amboseli National Park
- Exploration of Aruba Dam in Tsavo East
- Sightings of Tsavo’s red elephants
- Vast open plains and classic savannah landscapes
- Diverse wildlife across two national parks
Itinerary
Experience the world-famous elephant herds of Amboseli set against Mount Kilimanjaro before exploring the wide-open plains of Tsavo East, home to red elephants, Aruba Dam and abundant wildlife.
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. The park is renowned for its large, free-ranging elephant herds and sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
The open plains and seasonal wetlands support lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and numerous antelope species. The relatively sparse vegetation enhances wildlife visibility, making Amboseli one of the most rewarding parks for photography.
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 overlooking the plains.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Depart Amboseli and proceed towards Tsavo East National Park via Emali and the Nairobi - Mombasa highway.
Distance: Approx. 315 km
Drive Time: 5 to 6 hours
Arrive in Tsavo East around midday and begin a game drive en route to your lodge.
Tsavo East is one of Kenya’s largest and oldest national parks, characterised by open plains, scattered acacia woodland and the distinctive red soil that gives the elephants their famous appearance.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Check in and enjoy lunch at your lodge or camp.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore the park’s key wildlife areas including Aruba Dam, a permanent water source that attracts a wide variety of animals throughout the year.
The vast plains support elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and diverse antelope species. The park’s open terrain allows for expansive views and rewarding wildlife encounters.
Return to the lodge before sunset.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation within Tsavo East as per the options below.
Option 1: Budget | Lion Hill Lodge | Boma Simba Lodge | Impala Safari Lodge | Tausa Tsavo Eco Lodge | Two Oceans Hotel | Afrika Lodges Voi | Tsavo Lodge-Voi | Vacani Resort
Option 2: Standard | Voi Safari Lodge | Sentrim Tsavo Lodge | Man Eaters Camp
Option 3: Luxury | Ngutuni Lodge | Voi Wildlife Lodge | Ashnil Aruba Lodge | Manyatta Camp Tsavo
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Satao Camp | Galdessa Camp Tsavo | Kiboko River Camp
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the savannah.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Depart Tsavo East and begin your return journey to Nairobi via the Nairobi - Mombasa highway.
Distance: Approx. 325 km
Drive Time: 5 to 6 hours
Optional short game drive en route to the park gate depending on wildlife activity and departure schedule.
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 East safari experience.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package 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
Tsavo East National Park is characterised by vast open plains and red-earth terrain, offering expansive views and classic savannah landscapes, while Tsavo West features more rugged and volcanic scenery.
The elephants in Tsavo are known for their red appearance due to dust bathing in the park’s iron-rich soil. This characteristic is especially noticeable in Tsavo East because of its dry, red terrain.
Mount Kilimanjaro is visible from Amboseli on clear mornings and late afternoons. Visibility depends on weather conditions.
Game drives typically last between 2.5 to 3 hours in the morning or afternoon, with longer exploration during transfers between parks.
Yes. The combination of Amboseli’s iconic scenery and Tsavo East’s vast plains provides an excellent introduction to Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes.
Both parks support strong populations of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and numerous antelope species, along with rich birdlife.
Yes. Accommodation levels and additional nights can be adjusted based on preferences and availability.
