From Kilimanjaro’s Giants to Tsavo’s Red Elephants
Overview
This carefully curated safari combines the majestic open plains of Amboseli National Park with the expansive wilderness of Tsavo East National Park, delivering two distinct yet complementary ecosystems in a single journey.
From the moment your professional driver-guide welcomes you in Nairobi, every detail is managed with precision. The itinerary transitions from Amboseli’s swamp-fed habitats beneath Mount Kilimanjaro to Tsavo East’s red-dust plains before concluding with a smooth transfer to the Kenyan coast.
Trip Highlights
- Large elephant herds set against Mount Kilimanjaro
- Scenic swamp ecosystems in Amboseli
- Tsavo East’s iconic red elephants
- Wildlife viewing at Aruba Dam
- Big cats, giraffes, buffalo and diverse birdlife
Itinerary
This refined three-day safari begins in Nairobi and journeys south to the elephant-rich plains of Amboseli, framed by Mount Kilimanjaro, before continuing east into the vast savannahs of Tsavo East. Designed for discerning travellers, the experience blends iconic landscapes, immersive wildlife encounters and seamless logistics - concluding with a comfortable transfer to your selected beach hotel along Kenya’s coast.
Distance: Approx. 240 km
Drive Time: 4 – 5 hours
07:00 a.m. | Personalised Pickup in Nairobi
Your safari begins with a professional meet-and-greet at your Nairobi hotel, residence or the airport. After a short briefing, depart southward via the Nairobi–Mombasa highway.
As you approach Amboseli, the scenery opens into wide plains dominated by the snow-capped silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting).
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Arrival & Game Drive En Route to Lodge
Upon entering Amboseli, your first game drive unfolds across open plains and lush swamps sustained by underground water from Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.
Amboseli is celebrated for its impressive concentration of elephants, many with remarkable tusks, moving gracefully across the landscape. The park’s marshlands attract buffalo, zebras and wildebeests, while lions patrol the grasslands and cheetahs survey the plains from elevated vantage points. The combination of abundant wildlife and dramatic mountain scenery creates one of Africa’s most photogenic safari settings.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival & Lunch
Check in at your selected lodge or luxury tented camp and enjoy a relaxed lunch overlooking the wilderness.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
The afternoon drive explores Amboseli’s diverse habitats, including acacia woodlands and open grasslands where wildlife gathers in the cooler hours.
Return to the lodge as the sun sets behind the plains.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner & 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 Extra Cost)
-Maasai village cultural visit
-Sundowner experience overlooking the plains
-Private vehicle upgrade
Distance: Approx. 250 km
Drive Time: 4 – 5 hours (excluding wildlife viewing stops)
06:30 a.m. – 08:00 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive & Breakfast
Begin the day with a final early drive in Amboseli when wildlife is most active and the morning light enhances the landscape.
Return to the lodge for breakfast.
08:30 a.m. | Depart for Tsavo East
Travel eastward across scenic countryside, gradually entering the expansive Tsavo ecosystem.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival & Game Drive En Route to Lodge
Tsavo East greets you with vast, open plains stretching beyond the horizon. The park is renowned for its striking red elephants, coloured by the iron-rich soil in which they dust-bathe. Lions move strategically across the grasslands, cheetahs take advantage of open terrain, and graceful giraffes stride among scattered acacia trees. Large herds of buffalo and plains game congregate near seasonal water sources, particularly around the renowned Aruba Dam, creating dynamic wildlife scenes throughout the day.
01:30 p.m. | Lunch & Leisure
Check in and enjoy lunch before a brief rest.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Aruba Dam and surrounding plains, an area known for concentrated wildlife activity.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner & 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 | 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
Distance: Approx. 200 – 300 km
Drive Time: 4 – 6 hours
06:30 a.m. – 08:00 a.m. | Morning Game Drive & Breakfast
Enjoy your final sunrise safari across Tsavo East’s sweeping plains, offering memorable closing encounters.
Return to the lodge for breakfast.
09:30 a.m. | Departure to the Coast
Exit the park via Voi Gate and proceed towards your coastal destination.
02:00 p.m. – 04:00 p.m. | Arrival at Your Beach Hotel
You are personally dropped off at your hotel, marking a smooth and elegant conclusion to your safari adventure.
Optional (At Extra Cost)
-Extended morning game drive (subject to park regulations)
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees for Amboseli and Tsavo East
- 2 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled mineral water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Drop-off is available in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Watamu and Malindi.
A customised 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing and comfort.
Kilimanjaro is visible in clear weather, typically in the early mornings and late afternoons.
Both parks host abundant wildlife; however, animal movements are natural and sightings vary accordingly.
Absolutely. The itinerary can be tailored to suit families, couples or private executive travellers.
