Kenya’s legendary red elephants, volcanic wilderness and Kilimanjaro’s iconic elephant plains.
Overview
This four-day safari explores three of southern Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife destinations: Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West National Park, and Amboseli National Park.
Tsavo East is renowned for its vast open plains, dramatic red earth landscapes and large herds of the famous “red elephants” that dust themselves in the park’s distinctive soil. The Galana River winds through the park, attracting abundant wildlife including lions, buffalo, giraffes and numerous antelope species.
The journey continues into Tsavo West, a striking contrast in scenery where volcanic hills, lava flows and lush springs create one of Kenya’s most visually dramatic safari landscapes. Highlights include the crystal-clear pools of Mzima Springs and the rugged Shetani Lava Flow.
The safari concludes in Amboseli National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Famous for its large elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli offers exceptional wildlife viewing across open plains and wetlands framed by Africa’s highest mountain.
Trip Highlights
- Large herds of Tsavo’s famous red elephants
- Game drives across the vast savannahs of Tsavo East
- Volcanic landscapes and natural springs in Tsavo West
- Hippos and crocodiles at Mzima Springs
- Iconic elephant encounters in Amboseli
- Spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro
Itinerary
This four-day safari begins with an early morning departure from Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, travelling inland to the vast wildlife plains of Tsavo East National Park. The safari then continues to the rugged volcanic landscapes of Tsavo West National Park before proceeding to Amboseli National Park, where large elephant herds roam beneath the majestic slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey concludes with a scenic drive across southern Kenya to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon.
Distance: Approx. 200–250 km
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
05:30 a.m. - 07:00 a.m. | Pickup from Coastal Hotel
Your safari adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your beach hotel or residence in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu.
Depart inland along the Mombasa–Nairobi highway as the landscapes gradually shift from coastal plains to the wildlife-rich savannahs of Tsavo.
Entering Tsavo East National Park through Bachuma Gate, your first game drive begins immediately as you venture into one of Kenya’s largest and oldest national parks.
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
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp and enjoy lunch overlooking the surrounding wilderness.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
The afternoon game drive explores the vast plains of Tsavo East and the wildlife-rich areas surrounding the Galana River.
Wildlife frequently gathers near water sources where elephants, buffalo and numerous antelope species come to drink, while predators patrol the nearby plains.
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)
Sundowner overlooking the Tsavo plains
Guided nature walk in private conservancy areas
Distance: Approx. 120 km
Drive Time: 2–3 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive and Breakfast
Begin the day with an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Elephants and buffalo moving across the plains
-Giraffes browsing acacia trees
-Zebras and antelope grazing in open grasslands
-Lions occasionally seen returning from night hunts
Return to the lodge for breakfast before continuing the safari.
09:30 a.m. | Drive to Tsavo West
Depart Tsavo East and travel westward through the park’s rugged terrain toward Tsavo West National Park, where dramatic volcanic landscapes and rocky hills dominate the scenery.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch while overlooking the surrounding hills and wilderness landscapes.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore some of Tsavo West’s most famous attractions including Mzima Springs, where crystal-clear waters host hippos, crocodiles and numerous fish species.
Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes:
-Elephants roaming the acacia woodland
-Buffalo and giraffes
-Zebras and antelope species
-Lions and leopards concealed in rocky terrain
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
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
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
Guided visit to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
Sundowner overlooking the volcanic hills
Distance: Approx. 120 km
Drive Time: 3–4 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Morning Game Drive and Breakfast
Enjoy an early morning wildlife drive before breakfast.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Elephants moving across the plains
-Giraffes browsing tall acacia trees
-Zebras and antelope grazing in small herds
-Predators occasionally spotted near rocky outcrops
Return to the lodge for breakfast before departing.
09:30 a.m. | Scenic Drive Towards Amboseli
Depart Tsavo West and travel north toward Amboseli National Park. As the journey progresses, the immense snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro often begins to appear above the horizon.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge in Amboseli and enjoy lunch with views of the surrounding plains.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Amboseli’s famous elephant habitats and wetlands.
Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes:
-Large elephant herds often seen beneath Mount Kilimanjaro
-Lions resting in tall grasslands
-Buffalo, giraffes and zebras across the plains
-Wildebeests and numerous antelope species
-Abundant birdlife around the marshes
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight relaxation 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)
Guided nature walk with Maasai guides
Cultural visit to a Maasai village
Balloon safari over the Amboseli plains (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 Amboseli plains as the morning light illuminates Mount Kilimanjaro.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Optional short morning game drive before exiting the park.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional lunch stop at a selected restaurant along the 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 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entrance fees for Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Amboseli National Parks
- 3 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Lunch on Day 4 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Tsavo East is known for its vast open plains, dramatic red soil landscapes and large herds of “red elephants” that dust themselves with the park’s iron-rich earth.
Tsavo West features rugged volcanic landscapes, lava flows and natural springs such as Mzima Springs, creating a more varied and scenic safari environment.
Mount Kilimanjaro forms a spectacular backdrop in Amboseli National Park, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon when skies are clearest.
Visitors commonly encounter elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and numerous antelope species. Predators including lions, cheetahs and hyenas may also be spotted.
Yes. All three parks support significant elephant populations, with Amboseli being particularly famous for its large free-ranging elephant herds.
The safari typically uses a 4×4 Land Cruiser equipped with a pop-up roof for excellent wildlife viewing and photography.
Guests should bring lightweight clothing in neutral colours, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, a camera or binoculars and a light jacket for cool mornings.
The dry seasons from June to October and January to March generally provide the best wildlife viewing, though safaris operate year-round.
