Red elephants and Kilimanjaro views across two of Kenya’s most iconic safari landscapes.
Overview
This three-day safari combines the vast wilderness of Tsavo East National Park with the iconic landscapes of Amboseli National Park. Tsavo East is famous for its immense red-dust elephant herds, open plains and dramatic baobab trees that dominate the landscape. The park’s Galana River and water sources such as Aruba Dam attract large concentrations of wildlife including lions, giraffes, buffalo and numerous antelope species.
Amboseli National Park offers a striking contrast, known for its wetlands, open savannah and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. The park is one of Kenya’s best locations for close encounters with elephants and offers outstanding wildlife photography opportunities against the dramatic Kilimanjaro backdrop.
Trip Highlights
- Large elephant herds coated in Tsavo’s famous red soil
- Scenic game drives across vast baobab-dotted plains
- Wildlife viewing at Aruba Dam in Tsavo East
- Iconic elephant encounters in Amboseli
- Spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Wetlands and open savannah landscapes rich in wildlife
Itinerary
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 north to Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant populations and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. After morning wildlife viewing beneath Africa’s highest mountain, the safari concludes with a scenic drive to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon for hotel or airport drop-off.
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 wildlife areas around Aruba Dam where elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo and zebras are frequently seen, then 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.
Option 1: Budget | Lion Hill Lodge | Boma Simba Lodge | Impala Safari Lodge | Tausa Tsavo Eco Lodge | Two Oceans Hotel | Afrika Lodges Voi
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)
-Private sundowner experience within the park
Distance: Approx. 250 km
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
06:15 a.m. – 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive and Breakfast
Early morning wildlife viewing followed by breakfast at the lodge.
09:30 a.m. | Departure for Amboseli
Travel north through scenic landscapes and rural settlements towards Amboseli National Park.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Check in and enjoy lunch at your lodge with views of Mount Kilimanjaro when weather permits.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Amboseli’s wetlands and open plains.
Wildlife regularly encountered includes elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and numerous bird species
.
07:30 p.m. | 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
Optional Activities (at additional cost)
-Guided nature walks in Amboseli
-Cultural visit to a Maasai village near Amboseli
-Balloon safari experience in Amboseli (subject to availability)
Distance: Approx. 240 km
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
06:30 a.m. – 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the park with views of Kilimanjaro.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Optional short morning game drive before departing Amboseli for Nairobi.
01:00 p.m. – 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional lunch stop along the Nairobi highway.
03:00 p.m. – 04:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Arrival and drop-off at your hotel, residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the end of your safari experience.
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
-Souvenir shopping stop en-route to Nairobi
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- 2 nights accommodation
- Full board meals while on safari
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during drives
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Drinks not specified
- Optional activities listed above
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
Frequently Asked Questions
The trip offers opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, cheetahs and many bird species.
Amboseli has one of the most studied elephant populations in Africa and offers exceptional close-up viewing.
Visibility depends on weather conditions but mornings and evenings often offer clear views.
Game drive routes are generally well maintained and navigated by experienced safari guides.
Its elephant populations, open plains and dramatic Kilimanjaro backdrop make it one of Africa’s most photographed parks.
Light neutral-coloured clothing, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent and a camera.
Yes, it offers a perfect introduction to Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes.
Yes, accommodation levels and routing can be adjusted.
