Kilimanjaro Giants, Rhino Territory & The Red Elephants of Tsavo
Overview
This safari combines three iconic Kenyan wilderness areas: This safari combines three iconic Kenyan wilderness areas: Amboseli National Park, Tsavo West National Park & Tsavo East National Park.
Trip Highlights
- Trip Highlights
- Large elephant herds in Amboseli
- Mount Kilimanjaro scenic backdrop
- Big Five potential including rhinoceros in Tsavo West
- Big Five potential including rhinoceros in Tsavo West
- Mzima Springs hippos and crocodiles
- Shetani Lava Flow volcanic landscape
- The red elephants of Tsavo East
- Lion sightings near Aruba Dam
- Seamless drop-off at Kenya Coast beach destinations
itinerary
This 4-day safari journey takes you from the elephant-rich plains of Amboseli beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, through the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Tsavo West, and into the vast red-dust wilderness of Tsavo East before concluding at the Kenya Coast. Expect diverse ecosystems, strong Big Five potential including rhinoceros in Tsavo West, and seamless transfer to Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu.
Distance: Approx. 230 km
Drive Time: 4 - 5 hours
07:00 a.m. | Pickup in Nairobi
Depart Nairobi and travel southeast toward Amboseli.
11:30 a.m. | Arrival & Game Drive En Route to Lodge
Begin your safari upon entering the park.
Amboseli supports four of the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. The park is particularly renowned for its large elephant herds, often seen crossing open plains or feeding in swamp areas.
You may also encounter cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras and over 400 bird species.
01:30 p.m. | Lunch & Check-in
Enjoy lunch at your lodge or tented camp.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore swamp ecosystems and open savannah. Lions are often seen resting under acacia trees, while elephants move in large family groups.
On clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro provides a stunning photographic backdrop.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner & Overnight
Dinner and overnight stay at your chosen accommodation inside or just outside 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
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 110 km
Drive Time: 3 - 4 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive & Breakfast
Enjoy early morning wildlife viewing when predators are still active.
Return for breakfast.
09:30 a.m. | Depart for Tsavo West
Enter Tsavo West National Park.
Tsavo West is one of the few Kenyan parks supporting the full Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. Black rhinos are primarily protected within the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival & Lunch
Check in and enjoy lunch.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Exploration
Visit Mzima Springs, a crystal-clear oasis inhabited by hippos and crocodiles.
Explore the Shetani Lava Flow and search for elephants, buffalo and predators among rocky ridges and riverine vegetation.
Leopards are occasionally spotted in dense thickets, while lions patrol open clearings.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner & Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation.
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 hills
Distance: Approx. 120 km
Drive Time: 3 - 4 hours excluding game drives
06:30 a.m. | Early Breakfast
07:00 a.m. - 09:00 a.m. | Morning Game Drive in Tsavo West
Search for predators and elephants among volcanic terrain before exiting.
09:30 a.m. | Transfer to Tsavo East
Proceed to Tsavo East with game viewing en route.
Tsavo East supports four of the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. It is especially known for its red elephants that dust themselves in the park’s distinctive soil.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival & Lunch
Check in and enjoy lunch at your lodge or camp.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore the vast open plains and visit Aruba Dam, a permanent water source attracting elephants, buffalo and lions.
Tsavo East’s open landscape offers excellent visibility for predator sightings.
Large elephant herds and prides of lions are often observed near water sources.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner & Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation within Tsavo East 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
Optional Activities at Extra Cost:
-Sundowner experience
-Guided bush walk where permitted
Distance: Approx. 150-240 km (depending on drop-off location)
Drive Time: 3 - 4 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive & Breakfast
Enjoy a final early morning drive in Tsavo East. Elephants and buffalo are often active at dawn, and lions may still be moving before the heat intensifies.
Return for breakfast.
09:30 a.m. | Depart for the Coast
Exit the park and begin the scenic drive toward the Kenyan coastline.
You will pass through changing landscapes from semi-arid savannah to coastal vegetation and palm-lined roads.
01:00 p.m. - 03:00 p.m. | Arrival at Your Beach Hotel
Drop-off at your resort or accommodation.
Lunch on this day can be arranged at your beach hotel or at a reputable restaurant (at cost) en route depending on arrival time.
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
- 3 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entrance fees
- 3 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities listed above
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine safari and beach easily with this itinerary?
Can I combine safari and beach easily with this itinerary?
Tsavo West within Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
Absolutely. It combines iconic landscapes, strong wildlife density and varied ecosystems.
Tsavo East National Park.
