Wild savannah drama, exclusive sanctuary encounters and Kilimanjaro’s iconic elephant plains.
Overview
This four-day safari blends the raw wilderness of Tsavo East National Park, the exclusivity of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, and the iconic landscapes of Amboseli National Park.
Tsavo East offers vast open plains, dramatic red-earth terrain and large herds of the famous red elephants, alongside predators such as lions and cheetahs that roam freely across the savannah.
The journey continues into Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a privately managed conservation area known for its intimate safari experience, high wildlife density and unique accommodation overlooking active waterholes.
The safari concludes in Amboseli National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, where large elephant herds roam against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, creating one of the most iconic safari scenes on the continent.
Trip Highlights
- Large herds of Tsavo’s famous red elephants
- Game drives across the vast plains of Tsavo East
- Exclusive wildlife viewing in a private sanctuary
- Close-range animal encounters at waterholes in Taita Hills
- Iconic elephant sightings in Amboseli
- Spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro
Itinerary
This four-day safari begins with an early morning departure from Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, travelling inland to the expansive wilderness of Tsavo East National Park. The journey continues to the exclusive Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary before proceeding to Amboseli National Park, famed for its elephants and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The safari concludes with a scenic drive to Nairobi.
Distance: Approx. 200–250 km
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
05:30 a.m. - 07:00 a.m. | Pickup from Coastal Hotel
Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from your beach hotel or residence in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu.
Journey inland along the Mombasa–Nairobi highway as the coastal landscape gradually gives way to the vast, untamed wilderness of Tsavo.
Upon entering Tsavo East National Park through Bachuma Gate, your first game drive begins immediately, immersing you in one of Kenya’s largest and most wildlife-rich ecosystems.
Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes:
-Large herds of red elephants
-Lions including the famous Tsavo lions
-Buffalo, giraffes and zebras
-Impalas, waterbucks and lesser kudu
-Cheetahs and other predators across the plains
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp and enjoy lunch while overlooking the expansive savannah.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Head out for an afternoon game drive exploring the vast plains and the life-giving Galana River, where wildlife congregates in search of water.
Golden light casts long shadows across the plains as elephants roam, giraffes browse and predators begin to stir.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy a refined dinner in tranquil surroundings before retiring for the evening at your preferred accommodation as per the option below.
Option 1: Budget | Lion Hill Lodge | Boma Simba Lodge | Impala Safari Lodge | Tausa Tsavo Eco Lodge | Two Oceans Hotel | Afrika Lodges Voi
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 overlooking the Tsavo plains
-Guided nature walk in private conservancy areas
Distance: Approx. 100 km
Drive Time: 2–3 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive and Breakfast
Begin the day with an early morning game drive as the savannah comes alive with activity.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Elephants moving in family herds
-Giraffes feeding on acacia trees
-Zebras and antelope grazing in open plains
-Lions occasionally seen in the early morning light
Return to the lodge for breakfast.
09:30 a.m. | Drive to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Depart Tsavo East and journey towards the lush, private wilderness of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, where landscapes become greener and more compact.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive and enjoy lunch at your lodge, often overlooking a busy waterhole where wildlife gathers throughout the day.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore the sanctuary’s rich wildlife environment, known for its high concentration of animals within a relatively small area.
Wildlife commonly observed in the sanctuary includes:
-Elephants frequently visiting waterholes
-Buffalo and giraffes
-Zebras and various antelope species
-Lions and occasional leopards
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner at the lodge while overlooking the floodlit waterholes, where wildlife can often be observed directly from the viewing decks or underground hide at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1: Standard | Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa
Option 2: Luxury | Salt Lick Safari Lodge
Option 3: Above Luxury | Lions Bluff Lodge
Optional Activities (at additional Cost)
-Guided Night game drive within the sanctuary (where permitted)
-Guided nature walk
-Private Sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 250 km
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast as wildlife gathers near the lodge’s waterhole.
08:00 a.m. | Departure for Amboseli
Depart Taita Hills and journey north through changing landscapes, from rolling hills to open plains.
As you approach Amboseli, the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro often emerges, creating a dramatic and unforgettable arrival.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge in Amboseli and enjoy lunch with views across the plains.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Set out across Amboseli’s iconic plains, where wildlife roams beneath the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes:
-Large elephant herds moving gracefully across the plains
-Lions resting in tall grass
-Buffalo, giraffes and zebras
-Wildebeests and antelope species
-Rich birdlife around wetlands
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight relaxation at the accommodation 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)
-Guided nature walks in Amboseli
-Cultural visit to a Maasai village near Amboseli
-Balloon safari experience in Amboseli (subject to availability)
Distance: Approx. 240 km
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast with views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the morning light.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Optional short morning game drive before exiting the park.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional lunch stop at a selected restaurant along the highway.
03:00 p.m. - 04:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Arrival and drop-off at your hotel, residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the end of your safari experience.
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
-Souvenir shopping stop en route to Nairobi
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park and sanctuary entrance fees
- 3 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Lunch on Day 4 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is privately managed, offering a more exclusive safari experience with fewer vehicles, closer wildlife encounters and consistent animal activity around waterholes.
Mount Kilimanjaro provides a stunning backdrop in Amboseli National Park, especially during early mornings and late afternoons when visibility is at its best.
Salt Lick Safari Lodge is uniquely built on stilts overlooking waterholes, allowing guests to observe wildlife directly from viewing decks and underground hides.
You are likely to see elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and various antelope species. Birdlife is also abundant, particularly in Amboseli’s wetlands.
Yes. Tsavo East and Taita Hills both host significant elephant populations, while Amboseli is world-renowned for its large, free-ranging elephant herds.
A 4×4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with a pop-up roof is used, ensuring comfort and excellent visibility during game drives.
Pack light neutral clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and a camera or binoculars.
Yes. Accommodation standards, routing and additional nights can be tailored to suit your preferences and travel plans.
