What wildlife is commonly seen in Tsavo East and Tsavo West?

The trip offers opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, warthogs, hartebeests, crocodiles, hippos and many bird species.

Why are Tsavo elephants red?

They dust themselves with the iron-rich red soil found throughout the park.

Is it possible to see rhinos on this safari?

Yes, Tsavo West’s Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary protects black rhinos.

Are the roads inside the parks difficult?

Game drive routes are generally well maintained and navigated by experienced safari guides.

What makes Tsavo unique?

Its vast wilderness, diverse landscapes and fewer vehicles create a more remote safari experience.

What should I pack for this safari?

Light neutral-coloured clothing, a warm layer for cool mornings, sun protection, comfortable shoes, insect repellent and a quality camera.

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes, it provides an excellent introduction to Kenya’s wildlife.

Can the itinerary be customised?

Yes, accommodation levels and routing can be adjusted.

3 Days Tsavo East & Tsavo West Safari (ending Nairobi)

Red-dust elephants and volcanic wilderness in Kenya’s largest safari ecosystem.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

This three-day safari explores the vast wilderness of Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park, which together form one of the largest protected wildlife ecosystems in Africa.

Tsavo East is famous for its enormous elephant herds covered in red dust, wide open plains and dramatic baobab trees. Its life-giving river systems attract an incredible diversity of wildlife.

Tsavo West offers a completely different landscape with volcanic hills, lava fields and lush springs. Highlights include the crystal-clear waters of Mzima Springs, the dramatic black terrain of Shetani Lava Flows, and the protected Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.

Trip Highlights

Large elephant herds coated in Tsavo’s famous red soil
Scenic game drives across vast baobab-dotted plains
Wildlife viewing at the Galana River and Aruba Dam
Crystal-clear waters and hippos at Mzima Springs
Dramatic volcanic scenery at Shetani Lava Flows
Possible sightings of endangered black rhinos

Itinerary

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This three-day coastal safari begins with an early morning departure from Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, travelling inland to explore the vast plains of Tsavo East National Park where game drives reveal red-dust elephants, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife around iconic locations such as Aruba Dam. The journey then continues to the rugged landscapes of Tsavo West National Park, known for its volcanic scenery, lush springs and attractions including Mzima Springs and Shetani Lava Flows. After morning wildlife viewing and a possible visit to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, the safari concludes with a scenic drive to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon for hotel or airport drop-off.

Day 01 :

Beach Hotel – Tsavo East National Park

Distance: 120-250 km (depending on pickup location)
Drive Time: 2.5-5 hours

05:30 a.m. - 07:00 a.m. | Pickup from Coastal Hotel

Early morning pickup from your beach hotel or residence in Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Kilifi or Watamu. Depart towards Tsavo East via the Mombasa - Nairobi highway.

Enter the park through Bachuma or Sala Gate and begin your first game drive en route to the lodge.

Tsavo East is Kenya’s largest national park and is famed for its vast open plains and the iconic red elephants, coloured by the park’s distinctive soil. Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes:

- Large herds of red elephants
- Lions, including the famous Tsavo lions
- Buffalo, giraffes and zebras
- Impalas, waterbucks and lesser kudu
- Cheetahs and other predators across the plains

Visit key highlights such as Aruba Dam, a popular wildlife gathering point.

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 key areas including Aruba Dam, a water source that attracts a high concentration of wildlife.

Wildlife regularly encountered includes elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and various antelope species. The open terrain allows excellent wildlife visibility and photographic opportunities.

Return to the lodge before sunset.

Evening | Dinner and Overnight

Enjoy a refined dinner in tranquil surroundings before retiring for the evening at your preferred accommodation as per the option below.

Optional Activities (at extra cost)
-Private sundowner experience within the park

Day 02 :

Tsavo East – Tsavo West National Park

Distance: Approx. 100 km
Drive Time: 2 – 3 hours

06:15 a.m. – 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive and Breakfast
Enjoy an early morning drive in Tsavo East while wildlife is active. Return to the lodge for breakfast before departure.

09:30 a.m. | Departure for Tsavo West
Travel westwards through scenic landscapes towards Tsavo West National Park. En route, enjoy views of rolling hills and river valleys.

12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch with panoramic views.

03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Exploration
Visit Mzima Springs to see hippos and crocodiles. Explore the Shetani Lava Flow and wooded valleys where elephants and buffalo gather. Black rhinoceros are protected in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.

07:30 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return for an elegant dinner and overnight relaxation in refined surroundings at the accommodation options below.,

Optional Activities at Extra Cost:

-Guided visit to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
-Sundowner overlooking the hills

Day 03 :

Tsavo West – Nairobi

Distance: Approx. 250 km
Drive Time: 4 to 5 hours

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

Optional short game drive en route to the park gate depending on wildlife activity and departure time.. Depart Tsavo West and begin your return journey to Nairobi via the Nairobi - Mombasa highway.

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.

Optional Activities (at extra cost)
-Souvenir shopping stop en-route to Nairobi