Spend the first night exploring the red plains of Tsavo East and the second night discovering the volcanic landscapes of Tsavo West before returning to Nairobi by road.
Overview
This 3-day safari focuses on the contrasting landscapes and wildlife habitats of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, Kenya’s largest protected wilderness. Tsavo East is characterised by expansive red-soil plains, baobab-studded savannahs and the life-giving Galana River that attracts elephants, lions, giraffes and other iconic species. Tsavo West presents a more rugged terrain of volcanic hills, Shetani Lava Flows, Mzima Springs and dense riverine vegetation that shelters black rhinos and elusive predators. Together, the two parks provide a remarkable combination of dramatic scenery and diverse wildlife encounters.
Trip Highlights
- Large elephant herds dusted in Tsavo’s famous red soil
- Scenic game drives across vast baobab-studded plains
- Scenic game drives across vast baobab-studded plains
- Visit to the Galana River and Aruba Dam wildlife areas
- Exploration of Mzima Springs with hippos and crocodiles
- Shetani Lava Flows and volcanic landscapes in Tsavo West
- Possible sightings of black rhinos at Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
Itinerary
This compact yet immersive 3-day safari explores the dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife of the greater Tsavo ecosystem. Beginning in Tsavo East National Park with its vast red-earth plains and iconic elephants, the journey continues into the rugged volcanic terrain of Tsavo West where lava flows, crystal-clear springs and rhino conservation areas define the landscape. The safari concludes with a scenic return journey to Nairobi, offering a rewarding wilderness experience within a short timeframe.
Distance: 325 km
Drive Time: 5 – 6 hours
07:00 a.m. – 07:30 a.m. | Pick-up and Departure from Nairobi
Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or airport. After meeting your professional driver-guide, depart south-east along the Nairobi–Mombasa highway as the landscape gradually transitions from urban scenery to open countryside and savannah.
07:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Scenic Drive to Tsavo East
Enjoy the journey through rural Kenya with views of distant hills, agricultural settlements and occasional wildlife sightings near the park boundaries.
01:00 p.m. – 02:00 p.m. | Arrival, Check-in and Lunch at Lodge
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp located within or near Tsavo East National Park and enjoy a relaxed lunch while overlooking the surrounding wilderness.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive in Tsavo East
Begin your exploration of Tsavo East’s vast landscapes. The open terrain allows excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.
Wildlife:
Red-dust elephants, lions, buffalo, Maasai giraffes, zebras, hartebeest, waterbuck, warthogs and numerous bird species.
Scenery:
Expansive red-soil plains, baobab-dotted savannah, termite mounds and the Galana River ecosystem.
07:30 p.m. – 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight at Lodge
Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation as the sounds of the African wilderness surround you.
Evening | 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:
- Sundowner experience overlooking the plains.
Distance: 140 km
Drive Time: 3 – 4 hours (including game viewing en route)
06:30 a.m. – 08:30 a.m. | Early Morning Game Drive
Depart at sunrise when wildlife is most active and temperatures are cooler.
Wildlife:
Elephants moving in family groups, lions returning from night hunts, giraffes browsing acacia trees, zebras and antelope grazing across the plains.
Scenery:
Golden sunrise over red-earth plains with dramatic baobab silhouettes.
08:30 a.m. – 09:30 a.m. | Breakfast at Lodge
Return to camp for a hearty breakfast before departing for Tsavo West National Park.
09:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Scenic Transfer to Tsavo West National Park
Travel through the greater Tsavo ecosystem as the terrain gradually changes from open plains to rugged volcanic hills and thicker vegetation.
01:00 p.m. – 02:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch at Lodge
Check into your lodge set within Tsavo West’s dramatic landscape and enjoy lunch.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive Including Mzima Springs and Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
Explore Tsavo West’s diverse habitats including the crystal-clear Mzima Springs, where hippos and crocodiles can be viewed from an underwater observation chamber.
Wildlife:
Elephants, buffalo, black rhinos within Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, leopards, lesser kudu, klipspringers and numerous bird species.
Scenery:
Volcanic hills, Shetani Lava Flows, natural springs, riverine forest and rocky escarpments.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation within or near Tsavo West National Park as per the options below.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner & Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation as per 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 Additional Cost:
-Guided visit to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
-Sundowner overlooking the hills
Distance: 250 km
Drive Time: 4 – 5 hours
Distance: Approx. 250 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 – 5 hours
06:30 a.m. – 08:30 a.m. | Early Morning Game Drive
Enjoy a final game drive through Tsavo West’s dramatic terrain as the rising sun illuminates volcanic ridges and acacia woodlands.
Wildlife:
Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, occasional lions or leopards.
Scenery:
Rolling volcanic hills, lava fields and panoramic savannah views.
08:30 a.m. – 09:30 a.m. | Breakfast at Lodge
Return to the lodge for breakfast before beginning your journey back to Nairobi.
09:30 a.m. – 02:30 p.m. | Scenic Drive Back to Nairobi
Depart Tsavo West and travel north-west along the highway towards Nairobi. The journey passes through scenic plains and rural towns before arriving in the capital.
Drop-off at your Nairobi hotel or airport, marking the end of your safari.
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 and beverages not specified
- Optional activities listed above
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, crocodiles, hippos and a wide variety of bird species are frequently encountered.
The elephants often appear red because they dust themselves with the iron-rich red soil found throughout the Tsavo ecosystem.
Yes. Tsavo West’s Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary protects a population of black rhinos, offering a chance to see these endangered animals.
Game drive routes are generally well maintained and navigated by experienced safari guides in specially adapted 4×4 safari vehicles.
Tsavo is far larger and wilder, offering fewer vehicles, more dramatic landscapes and a more remote safari atmosphere.
Light neutral clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and a camera.
Yes. It provides an excellent introduction to Kenya’s wilderness with diverse landscapes and strong wildlife viewing opportunities.
Yes. Accommodation levels, additional nights and routing can be tailored depending on your preferences.
