Mount Kilimanjaro Views, Lava Landscapes & Red Elephant Wilderness
Overview
This 4-day safari combines the scenic beauty of Amboseli National Park with the rugged volcanic terrain of Tsavo West National Park and the vast open plains of Tsavo East National Park.
Amboseli is world-famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park offers excellent opportunities to see four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo – with occasional sightings of rhinoceros in protected zones.
Tsavo West presents a dramatic contrast with lava flows, rolling hills and natural springs. It is home to the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros – particularly in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
Tsavo East, one of Kenya’s largest parks, is known for its red-dust elephants, open savannah and strong populations of lions, elephants and buffalo.
Together, these three parks deliver extraordinary wildlife diversity, varied landscapes and immersive safari experiences within a compact 4-day journey.
Trip Highlights
- Close encounters with large elephant herds in Amboseli
- Views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear mornings
- High chances of seeing the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros
- Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary visit in Tsavo West
- Mzima Springs with hippos and crocodiles
- Shetani Lava Flow volcanic landscape
- Red elephants of Tsavo East
- Aruba Dam wildlife viewing
- Diverse ecosystems within one safari
Itinerary
Explore three of Kenya’s most diverse wildlife destinations in four unforgettable days. Experience close-up elephant encounters beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, discover volcanic landscapes and natural springs in Tsavo West, and enjoy classic savannah game drives among the famous red elephants of Tsavo East. This safari offers exceptional chances to see the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros - across dramatically different ecosystems.
Distance: Approx. 230 km
Drive Time: 4 - 5 hours
07:00 a.m. | Pickup in Nairobi
Depart Nairobi and drive southeast toward Amboseli with scenic countryside views.
11:30 a.m. | Arrival & Game Drive En Route to Lodge
Begin your safari immediately upon entering the park. Amboseli is renowned for large elephant herds that often move gracefully across the plains with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.
You may encounter four of the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo - along with cheetahs, giraffes and numerous bird species.
01:30 p.m. | Lunch & Check-in
Enjoy a hot lunch at your lodge or tented camp.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore swamp areas where elephants, hippos and buffalo gather.
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 Activity at Extra Cost.
-Maasai village cultural visit
Distance: Approx. 110 km
Drive Time: 3 - 4 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Morning Game Drive & Breakfast
Enjoy sunrise views of Mount Kilimanjaro before returning for breakfast.
09:30 a.m. | Depart for Tsavo West
Drive through scenic countryside entering Tsavo West.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival & Lunch
Check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Visit Mzima Springs, a crystal-clear oasis fed by underground streams from Mount Kilimanjaro. Observe hippos and crocodiles in the water.
Continue to explore lava flows and rolling hills.
Tsavo West is home to the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros - particularly within the protected Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
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 experience
Distance: Approx. 120 km
Drive Time: 3 - 4 hours excluding game drives
Tsavo West is one of the few parks in Kenya where you may encounter the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros - particularly within the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, a protected area dedicated to black rhino conservation.
06:30 a.m. | Early Breakfast
Enjoy an early breakfast surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Tsavo West as the wilderness slowly awakens.
07:00 a.m. - 09:30 a.m. | Extended Morning Game Drive in Tsavo West
Set out for a scenic morning exploration across Tsavo West’s rugged terrain of volcanic hills, lava flows and acacia woodland. This is an excellent time to search for predators returning from nocturnal hunts. Lions are often spotted resting near rocky outcrops, while leopards may be seen retreating into dense bush. Elephants move through the valleys feeding on shrubs, and buffalo gather in open clearings.
The morning light over the Shetani Lava Flow and surrounding hills offers exceptional photographic opportunities.
09:30 a.m. | Game Drive En Route to Exit Gate
Continue your game drive toward the park exit, maximizing wildlife viewing as you traverse different habitats.
10:30 a.m. | Proceed to Tsavo East National Park
Drive toward Tsavo East, Kenya’s largest national park and one of the country’s most iconic wilderness areas.
12:30 p.m. - 01:00 p.m. | Arrival in Tsavo East & Game Drive En Route to Lodge
Upon entry, begin your game drive immediately. The landscape transforms into expansive open savannah dotted with baobab trees and seasonal rivers.
Tsavo East is famous for its red elephants, which coat themselves in the park’s distinctive red soil. You may encounter large elephant herds crossing the plains or congregating near water sources. It supports four of the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. Leopard sightings require patience but are possible in riverine vegetation. Large elephant herds are one of the park’s defining features.
01:30 p.m. | Lunch & Check-in
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp for lunch and a short rest.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Extended Afternoon Game Drive
Head out for a comprehensive exploration of Tsavo East’s most wildlife-rich areas, including the famous Aruba Dam.
Aruba Dam is a magnet for wildlife, attracting elephants, buffalo, zebras and antelopes. Lions are frequently seen in this region, sometimes resting under acacia trees overlooking the water. The wide, open plains provide excellent visibility and dramatic sunset photography opportunities.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner & Overnight
Relax at camp with dinner under the African sky in your choice of 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
Distance: Approx. 325 km
Drive Time: 5 - 6 hours
06:00 a.m. | Early Morning Breakfast
Wake before sunrise to experience the wilderness at its most peaceful.
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive
Enjoy a final game drive as the golden light spreads across the savannah. Early morning is one of the best times to observe predators before temperatures rise.
Lions may still be active after night hunts, and elephants move toward watering points. The cool air also increases chances of spotting leopards near riverbeds.
This final drive offers a last opportunity to capture photographs of Tsavo’s red elephants and sweeping landscapes.
08:30 a.m. | Return to Lodge for Full Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast before preparing for departure.
09:30 a.m. | Depart for Nairobi
Exit Tsavo East and begin the scenic drive back toward Nairobi.
01:30 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Stop at a reputable restaurant for a relaxed lunch break, allowing guests to stretch and refresh before continuing the journey.
02:30 p.m. | Continue to Nairobi
Drive through changing landscapes from semi-arid savannah to cultivated highlands.
04:30 p.m. - 05:30 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Drop-off at your hotel, residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
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 for Amboseli, Tsavo West and Tsavo East
- 3 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities listed above
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Across the three parks you may see the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. Amboseli and Tsavo East are especially known for elephants, while Tsavo West offers opportunities to see rhinoceros within protected areas.
Early mornings offer the clearest views before cloud cover develops.
Each park offers a different ecosystem and wildlife experience, maximizing diversity within a short timeframe.
Yes. It offers a comprehensive introduction to Kenya’s southern circuit.
Light neutral clothing, warm jacket for early mornings, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, binoculars and personal essentials. Soft-sided luggage is recommended.
