Overview
This itinerary explores three diverse ecosystems in southern Kenya: Tsavo East National Park, Amboseli National Park & Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tsavo East National Park
One of Kenya’s largest and oldest parks, Tsavo East is famous for its red-dusted elephants, open savannah plains and the Galana River ecosystem. It supports four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is internationally renowned for large free-ranging elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park supports four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo – and offers excellent wildlife visibility.
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
This private conservancy provides a more exclusive safari environment with controlled vehicle numbers and concentrated wildlife viewing around waterholes. It supports four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo – and offers optional night game drives.
Together, these destinations deliver varied landscapes, strong wildlife density and a refined conservancy finish.
Trip Highlights
- Red elephants of Tsavo East
- Game viewing along the Galana River
- Large elephant herds in Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop
- Private conservancy safari experience at Taita Hills
- Elevated wildlife viewing from Salt Lick Safari Lodge
- Optional night game drive in Taita Hills
- Seamless return transfer to Kenya Coast
Itinerary
This 4-day safari begins from Kenya’s coast and journeys inland through the vast red plains of Tsavo East, the elephant-rich ecosystem of Amboseli beneath Mount Kilimanjaro and the private conservancy setting of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. The itinerary combines expansive national parks with an intimate conservancy finale before returning comfortably to the coast.
Distance: 250 - 340 km (depending on pick-up location)
Drive Time: 4 - 7 hours
06:00 a.m. | Collection from Coastal Hotel
Depart early from your selected hotel in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Watamu or Malindi. Travel inland along the Mombasa Highway and enjoy the transition from coastal palms to open savannah landscapes.
10:30 a.m. | Arrival and Game Drive En Route to Lodge
Upon entering Tsavo East, begin your first game drive. The park supports four of the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. Elephants are often seen coated in the distinctive red soil that gives the park its character.
Wildlife activity is commonly concentrated near the Galana River, where crocodiles and hippos inhabit the waters.
01:00 p.m. | Lunch and Check-in
Arrive at your lodge or camp for lunch followed by time to relax.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore areas surrounding Lugard Falls and the riverine ecosystem. Search for lions resting in shaded areas, giraffe browsing on acacia trees and herds of buffalo across the plains.
07:30 p.m. | 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
Optional Activities at Extra Cost:
-Sundowner experience
-Guided bush walk where permitted
Distance: Approx. 315 km
Drive Time: 5 - 6 hours
06:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive and Breakfast
Enjoy an early morning game drive in Tsavo East while wildlife is active. Return to the lodge for breakfast before departure.
08:30 a.m. | Departure for Amboseli National Park
Travel north-west through changing terrain and rural settlements as you head towards the Amboseli ecosystem.
02:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking the plains.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Amboseli supports four of the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. Large elephant herds are frequently seen crossing open ground with Mount Kilimanjaro forming a dramatic backdrop.
Observe hippos in the swamps and a variety of plains game including zebra and wildebeest.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner and 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)
-Hot Air Balloon Ride
-Night game drive
-Guided nature walk
-Sundowner experience
-Maasai cultural village visit
Note:
Hot Air Balloon Ride and Maasai cultural village visit are conducted within Amboseli National Park and must be pre-booked.
Distance: Approx. 150 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive and Breakfast
Enjoy a final early morning drive in Amboseli, with another opportunity for clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro before breakfast.
09:30 a.m. | Departure for Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Drive south-east towards Taita Hills, enjoying scenic countryside and gradually rising terrain as you approach the private conservancy.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival, Lunch and Check-in
Arrive at your selected lodge and enjoy lunch. Relax while overlooking waterholes that frequently attract elephants and antelope.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary supports four of the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo.
The sanctuary’s compact nature increases chances of productive sightings within shorter distances. Watering holes attract elephants, buffalo and antelopes, while lions are frequently sighted within the conservancy.
The elevated Salt Lick Safari Lodge offers panoramic wildlife viewing directly from the lodge decks.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
Optional Activities at Additional Cost:
-Night game drive
-Guided nature walk
-Sundowner experience
Distance: 240 - 350 km (depending on drop-off location)
Drive Time: 4 - 7 hours
06:15 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Early Morning Game Drive
Depart at sunrise for your final safari drive within Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. Early mornings provide excellent opportunities to observe predators before they retreat into thicker bush as temperatures rise. Watch elephants gathering at waterholes and enjoy the soft golden light across the rolling hills.
09:00 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Return to the lodge for a relaxed breakfast overlooking the surrounding landscape and active waterholes.
10:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
After check-out, begin your return journey to the coast. The drive offers scenic contrasts as inland hills gradually transition into flatter terrain and coastal vegetation dotted with coconut palms.
02:00 p.m. - 06:00 p.m. | Arrival at Coastal Hotel
You will be dropped off directly at your pre-booked beach hotel or residence in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Watamu or Malindi, marking the conclusion of your Tsavo East, Amboseli and Taita Sanctuary safari adventure.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park and conservancy entrance fees
- 3 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Return transfer to your coastal hotel
- 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
Yes. Collection and drop-off are provided at your selected coastal hotel.
They are found in Tsavo East National Park, where elephants dust themselves in the red soil.
Yes, within Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary at an additional cost.
Visibility depends on weather conditions, with early mornings offering the best chance.
This safari operates year-round. Dry seasons (June–October & January–March) offer easier wildlife viewing.. Green seasons (April–May & November–December) offer lush landscapes and fewer visitors.
Yes. This safari is family-friendly. Some lodges may have age restrictions for certain optional activities such as night game drives.
No. The Hot Air Balloon Ride in Amboseli is optional and available at an additional cost. Advance booking is recommended.
Yes, but only within Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary at an additional cost.
Pack lightweight neutral-coloured clothing, a warm jacket for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal toiletries, camera and binoculars. Soft-sided luggage is recommended for ease of storage in the safari vehicle.
