Volcanic Landscapes, Red Elephants & Vast Savannah Plains
Overview
This 3 Days 2 Nights safari explores Kenya’s largest protected wilderness – Tsavo West National Park and Tsavo East National Park. Together, these two parks form the greater Tsavo ecosystem, renowned for dramatic volcanic scenery, open savannah plains and the famous red-dusted elephants.
Starting and ending in Nairobi, this safari offers diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and classic game viewing within a short yet immersive itinerary.
Trip Highlights
- Scenic drive from Nairobi to Tsavo West
- Visit to Mzima Springs
- Exploration of Shetani Lava Flow
- Game drives in Tsavo West and Tsavo East
- View Tsavo’s famous red elephants
- Wildlife viewing at Aruba Dam
- Vast open landscapes and diverse habitats
Itinerary
Discover the contrasting landscapes of Tsavo West and Tsavo East - from lava flows and natural springs to sweeping plains and waterhole wildlife concentrations - all within three unforgettable days.
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Pickup from Nairobi
Pickup from your Nairobi hotel, residence, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Depart via the Nairobi - Mombasa highway towards Tsavo West.
Distance: Approx. 250 km
Drive Time: 4 to 5 hours
Arrive at Tsavo West National Park mid-morning and begin a game drive en route to your lodge.
Tsavo West features rugged terrain, volcanic cones, lava fields and rolling hills. Wildlife includes elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes and numerous antelope species.
Visit key attractions including:
Mzima Springs - crystal-clear pools fed by underground streams from the Chyulu Hills, home to hippos and crocodiles.
Shetani Lava Flow - a striking expanse of black volcanic rock formed by past volcanic activity.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Check in and enjoy lunch at your lodge or at a designated picnic site.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring Tsavo West’s diverse habitats, which support rich birdlife and strong predator populations.
Return to the lodge before sunset.
Evening | Dinner and 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
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the park’s scenic landscape.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Depart Tsavo West and drive towards Tsavo East National Park.
Distance: Approx. 120 km
Drive Time: 3 to 4 hours including game viewing en route
Arrive in Tsavo East mid-morning and proceed with a game drive en route to your lodge.
Tsavo East is characterised by vast open plains, semi-arid savannah and scattered acacia woodland. The park is particularly famous for its large elephant herds often coated in the region’s distinctive red soil.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Check in and enjoy lunch at your lodge or camp or designated picnic area.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore key areas including Aruba Dam, a man-made water source that attracts a high concentration of wildlife.
Wildlife commonly encountered in Tsavo East includes elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and various antelope species. The open terrain provides excellent visibility for wildlife viewing and photography.
Return to the lodge before sunset.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation as per the options 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
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast while overlooking the expansive plains.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Depart Tsavo East National Park and begin your return journey to Nairobi via the Nairobi - Mombasa highway.
Distance: Approx. 325 km
Drive Time: 5 to 6 hours
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional lunch stop at a selected restaurant (at own cost unless specified).
03:00 p.m. - 04:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi and drop off at your hotel, residence, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the end of your Tsavo safari experience.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Pickup and drop-off in Nairobi
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- 2 nights accommodation
- Full board meals (Lunch and Dinner Day 1; Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 2; Breakfast Day 3)
- All park entry fees
- All scheduled game drives
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- All government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Lunch on Day 3 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Tsavo West National Park features rugged terrain, volcanic landscapes and natural springs, while Tsavo East National Park is characterised by vast open plains and large wildlife concentrations around water sources.
The elephants dust themselves in the region’s iron-rich red soil, giving them a distinctive reddish appearance.
Yes. The combination of dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife makes it an excellent introduction to Kenya’s safari experience.
The parks host elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and various antelope species, along with diverse birdlife. Wildlife activity varies naturally from day to day.
A custom-built 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof is used for optimal comfort and wildlife viewing.
Yes. All park entry fees for Tsavo West and Tsavo East are included unless otherwise specified.
Light breathable clothing in neutral colours, a light jacket for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, binoculars and a camera are recommended.
