Kenya’s legendary red elephants, exclusive waterhole safaris and Kilimanjaro’s iconic elephant plains.
Overview
This five-day safari showcases the very best of southern Kenya through four diverse and complementary ecosystems: Tsavo East National Park, Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Tsavo West National Park, and Amboseli National Park.
Tsavo East introduces you to vast, untamed savannahs, red-earth landscapes and large herds of the famous red elephants. The journey then transitions into the exclusive Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the iconic Salt Lick Safari Lodge, where wildlife congregates dramatically around floodlit waterholes.
From there, the safari continues into the rugged and scenic terrain of Tsavo West, defined by volcanic hills, lava flows and the crystal-clear waters of natural springs. The experience culminates in Amboseli National Park, where large elephant herds roam beneath the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, creating one of Africa’s most iconic safari scenes.
Trip Highlights
- Large herds of Tsavo’s famous red elephants
- Game drives across vast open savannahs
- Unique waterhole wildlife viewing at Salt Lick
- Volcanic landscapes and Mzima Springs in Tsavo West
- Iconic elephant encounters in Amboseli
- Spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro
Itinerary
This five-day safari begins with an early morning departure from Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, travelling inland to the expansive plains of Tsavo East National Park. The journey continues to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, then onward to the dramatic landscapes of Tsavo West before concluding in Amboseli National Park. The safari ends with a scenic drive to Nairobi.
Distance: Approx. 200–250 km
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
05:30 a.m. - 07:00 a.m. | Pickup from Coastal Hotel
Your safari begins at first light with a pickup from your hotel or residence along the coast from from Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu,. As you leave the Indian Ocean behind, the scenery gradually shifts from palm-lined shores to open plains and acacia-dotted wilderness.
Upon entering Tsavo East, the scale of the landscape becomes immediately apparent — vast, untamed and alive with movement. Your first game drive begins en route to your lodge, offering an exciting introduction to one of Kenya’s largest 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 camp and enjoy lunch overlooking the sweeping savannah, where wildlife may already be visible in the distance.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Head out into the golden afternoon light for a deeper exploration of Tsavo East. The plains stretch endlessly toward the horizon, broken only by scattered trees and the winding Galana River, a vital lifeline for the park’s wildlife.
As temperatures cool, animals become more active — elephants move in family herds, giraffes stride gracefully across the plains and predators begin to emerge.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge as the sun sets in a blaze of orange and gold, casting long shadows across the savannah. Dinner is served in a relaxed setting, with the distant calls of wildlife providing a natural soundtrack to your evening.
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the accommodation of your choice from the accommodation 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. 100 km
Drive Time: 2–3 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive and Breakfast
The day begins with the soft glow of sunrise over the plains, one of the most rewarding times for wildlife viewing. Predators may still be active, while herbivores gather in the cool morning air.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Elephants and buffalo
-Giraffes browsing acacia trees
-Zebras and antelope grazing
-Lions occasionally active in early hours
Return to the lodge for breakfast.
09:30 a.m. | Drive to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Depart Tsavo East and journey toward the greener, more elevated terrain of Taita Hills, where the landscape becomes more compact and wildlife encounters more intimate.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking a waterhole, where animals frequently gather to drink, often just meters away.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Set out on a game drive through the sanctuary, known for its high wildlife density and rewarding sightings.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Elephants near waterholes
-Buffalo and giraffes
-Zebras and antelope species
-Lions and occasional leopards
7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
As dusk settles over the sanctuary, the landscape transforms into a softly lit wilderness where wildlife quietly gathers around illuminated waterholes. From the comfort of your lodge, you may witness elephants, buffalo and other animals emerging from the shadows for an evening drink, creating a truly atmospheric and intimate safari experience.
Dinner is served in a relaxed setting, accompanied by the distant sounds of the African night — a reminder that you are fully immersed in one of Kenya’s most unique wildlife environments.
Enjoy dinner at the lodge while overlooking the floodlit waterholes, where wildlife can often be observed directly from the viewing decks or underground hide at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1: Standard | Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa
Option 2: Luxury | Salt Lick Safari Lodge
Option 3: Above Luxury | Lions Bluff Lodge
Optional Activities (at additional cost)
-Guided Night game drive within the sanctuary (where permitted)
-Guided nature walk
-Private Sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 120 km
Drive Time: 3–4 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast as the sanctuary slowly comes to life, with early morning wildlife activity often visible from the lodge.
08:00 a.m. | Departure for Tsavo West
Journey onward into Tsavo West, where the scenery shifts dramatically into volcanic hills, rugged terrain and dense vegetation.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge set against a backdrop of rolling hills and enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Tsavo West’s diverse landscapes, including a visit to the crystal-clear Mzima Springs, where hippos and crocodiles can often be seen beneath the surface.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Elephants and buffalo
-Giraffes and zebras
-Antelope species
-Lions and leopards in rocky terrain
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge as twilight settles over the volcanic landscape. The stillness of Tsavo West, combined with its dramatic scenery, creates a uniquely serene safari atmosphere.
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the accommodation of your choice from the accommodation option 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 Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
-Guided visit to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
-Sundowner in the volcanic hills
Distance: Approx. 120 km
Drive Time: 3–4 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Morning Game Drive and Breakfast
Enjoy a final early morning drive in Tsavo West before breakfast.
09:30 a.m. | Scenic Drive to Amboseli
Depart Tsavo West and travel north as the landscape opens up and the majestic presence of Mount Kilimanjaro gradually dominates the horizon.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge in Amboseli and enjoy lunch with sweeping views across the plains.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Venture out into Amboseli’s iconic landscapes, where wildlife roams freely against one of Africa’s most photographed backdrops.
Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes:
-Large elephant herds
-Lions resting in grasslands
-Buffalo, giraffes and zebras
-Wildebeests and antelope
-Abundant birdlife
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
As the sun sets behind Mount Kilimanjaro, the sky transforms into a canvas of warm hues. Return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxed evening in this iconic setting at the accommodation of your choice from 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 extra 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
Enjoy a final morning in Amboseli with views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
08:00 a.m. | Departure
Optional short game drive before exiting the park.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional stop 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 and sanctuary entrance fees
- 4 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 5 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Tsavo East is famous for its vast open plains and red elephants, offering a classic and less crowded safari experience.
Salt Lick Safari Lodge is built on stilts overlooking waterholes, allowing close wildlife viewing directly from the lodge.
Tsavo West features volcanic landscapes, lava flows and natural springs, making it one of Kenya’s most scenic parks.
Yes, Mount Kilimanjaro forms a breathtaking backdrop, especially during early mornings and late afternoons.
Expect elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and various antelope species, along with diverse birdlife.
Yes, it offers a well-rounded introduction to Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes.
A 4×4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with a pop-up roof is used for optimal viewing and comfort.
Light neutral clothing, a warm layer, comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a camera or binoculars are recommended.
