Kilimanjaro Giants, Volcanic Landscapes & Red-Dust Wilderness – Ending at the Kenyan Coast
Overview
This 5-day southern Kenya safari explores three of Kenya’s most dramatic wildlife regions, combining iconic scenery with diverse ecosystems and exceptional game viewing. Amboseli National Park is famed for its vast elephant herds beneath the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, with swamps, open plains, and acacia woodland creating a rich wildlife habitat. Tsavo West National Park offers rugged volcanic terrain, Shetani Lava Flows, Mzima Springs, and rocky kopjes that support leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birdlife. Tsavo East National Park unfolds as expansive red-dust savannah dotted with baobab trees and intersected by the Galana River, home to elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and abundant plains game. The safari concludes with a scenic road transfer to your selected coastal destination, seamlessly transitioning from wilderness to beach relaxation.
Trip Highlights
- Elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop in Amboseli
- Shetani Lava Flow and Mzima Springs in Tsavo West
- Red-dust elephants and baobab-studded plains in Tsavo East
- Riverine wildlife along the Galana River
- Dramatic scenery contrasts across three ecosystems
- Seamless safari-to-coast road transfer
Detailed Itinerary
Spend 1 night in Amboseli, 1 night in Tsavo West, and 2 nights in Tsavo East, exploring diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife before transferring by road to Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi, or Watamu.
Distance: Approx. 240 km
Drive Time: 4 - 5 hours
07:30 - 08:00 | Pick-up in Nairobi
Your safari begins with collection from your hotel or airport in Nairobi. After a briefing from your professional driver-guide, depart south through Maasai country, passing rural settlements and acacia-dotted landscapes.
08:00 - 12:30 | Scenic Drive to Amboseli
The journey gradually reveals expansive plains and, weather permitting, the majestic peak of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the horizon. Along the way, you may spot zebras and antelopes grazing near roadside grasslands.
13:00 - 14:00 | Arrival and Lunch at Lodge
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch while overlooking the open plains of Amboseli.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Set out for your first exploration of Amboseli’s diverse habitats. The underground water channels from Kilimanjaro feed lush swamps that attract large elephant herds and other wildlife. Lions may be seen resting in shaded thickets, while cheetahs scan the open plains.
Wildlife: Elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, warthogs, hippos, rich birdlife
Scenery: Open grass plains, swampy wetlands, acacia woodland, alkaline lake beds, Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner at the lodge with views of the surrounding wilderness at the accommodation 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
Optional Activities (At Extra Cost):
-Maasai village cultural visit
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 110 km
Drive Time: 3 - 4 hours
06:30 - 08:30 | Sunrise Game Drive in Amboseli
Depart early to experience wildlife activity in the cool morning hours. Elephants often move in family groups across the plains, and predators may still be active.
Wildlife: Elephants, lions, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, antelopes
Scenery: Morning light over plains, Kilimanjaro silhouette, swamp reflections
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast at Lodge
Return to the lodge for breakfast while enjoying the peaceful morning atmosphere.
10:00 - 13:00 | Drive to Tsavo West
Journey toward Tsavo West as the landscape transforms into rugged volcanic hills and rocky outcrops. The terrain becomes more dramatic with scattered lava fields and dense bush.
13:00 - 14:00 | Arrival and Lunch at Lodge
Check in and enjoy lunch surrounded by bushland scenery.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive in Tsavo West
Explore the volcanic landscape including the famous Shetani Lava Flow and the clear waters of Mzima Springs. Hippos and crocodiles inhabit the springs, while elephants and buffalo roam the surrounding woodlands. Leopards may occasionally be sighted resting on rocky kopjes.
Wildlife: Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, eland, kudu, rich birdlife
Scenery: Volcanic hills, Shetani Lava Flow, Mzima Springs, riverine forests, rocky kopjes
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Optional Activities (At Extra Cost):
-Early morning Hot Air Balloon Safari
-Guided visit to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
-Guided nature walk
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 140 km
Drive Time: 4 - 5 hours (including game viewing en route)
07:00 - 08:00 | Breakfast at Lodge
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the rugged hills before departing.
08:00 - 12:30 | Scenic Transfer and Game Drive to Tsavo East
Drive through varied terrain as you transition from the rocky hills of Tsavo West to the open red plains of Tsavo East. Wildlife sightings are possible along the way.
Wildlife: Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes
Scenery: Escarpments, open plains, baobab trees, seasonal riverbeds
13:00 - 14:00 | Arrival and Lunch at Lodge
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive in Tsavo East
Explore the vast red-dust savannah and visit areas near the Galana River or Aruba Dam, where wildlife congregates. Large elephant herds coated in red soil are a signature sight of Tsavo East. Lions may be seen resting under trees or atop termite mounds.
Wildlife: Elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, ostriches
Scenery: Red-dust plains, baobab-studded savannah, Galana River corridor, termite mounds
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Relax at camp with dinner under the African sky in your choice of accommodation 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
Optional Activities (At Extra Cost):
-Guided nature walk
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private sundowner experience
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Set out at sunrise when wildlife is most active. The open plains allow excellent visibility for predators and grazing herds.
Wildlife: Elephants, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, antelopes
Scenery: Golden sunrise over red savannah, baobab silhouettes
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast at Lodge
10:30 - 12:30 | Mid-Morning Relaxation or Short Game Drive
Spend time relaxing at the lodge or enjoy a short mid-morning drive to explore nearby habitats.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring deeper into Tsavo East’s expansive terrain. The Galana River supports hippos and crocodiles, while open plains attract grazing herds and stalking predators.
Wildlife: Elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, diverse birdlife
Scenery: Riverine vegetation, red-earth plains, expansive horizons
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Optional Activities (At Extra Cost):
-Guided nature walk
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 160 - 300 km (depending on destination)
Drive Time: 3 - 6 hours
06:30 - 08:00 | Early Morning Game Drive
Enjoy your final safari drive at sunrise, capturing last sightings of elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife in the cool morning air.
Wildlife: Elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes
Scenery: Sunrise across red plains and river corridors
08:00 - 09:00 | Breakfast and Check-Out
Return to the lodge for breakfast before departing.
09:00 - 14:00 | Road Transfer to Coast
Travel toward Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi, or Watamu. The landscape gradually transitions from semi-arid savannah to lush coastal vegetation and palm-lined roads.
Arrival and Drop-off: At your pre-booked coastal hotel or residence.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- 4 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during drives
- Road transfer to coastal destination
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities listed above
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and over 400 bird species.
Yes. Amboseli and Tsavo East are particularly known for large elephant populations.
Yes. Lions are common across all three parks, while leopards and cheetahs may also be sighted.
Yes. It combines iconic landscapes with excellent wildlife viewing in a compact 5-day itinerary.
Light neutral clothing, warm jacket for early mornings, walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera, and soft luggage.
Yes. Balloon rides (where applicable), guided walks, sundowners, and cultural visits.
Yes. The itinerary balances comfort with engaging wildlife experiences.
