Red Elephants, Kilimanjaro Plains & Rhino Territory
This itinerary explores three of southern Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations: Tsavo East National Park, Amboseli National Park & Tsavo West National Park.
savo East National Park
One of Kenya’s largest parks, Tsavo East is famous for its red-dusted elephants, expansive savannah plains and strong predator presence. The Galana River supports crocodiles, hippos and diverse birdlife.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is internationally renowned for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park supports four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo – and offers excellent photographic conditions.
Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West is characterised by rugged terrain, volcanic formations and dense bushland. It is one of the few parks in Kenya where the full Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros – may be encountered, particularly within the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
Together, these parks deliver scenic contrast, varied wildlife densities and a comprehensive southern Kenya safari experience.
Trip Highlights
- Red elephants of Tsavo East
- Galana River and Lugard Falls
- Large elephant herds in Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop
- Mzima Springs hippos and crocodiles
- Shetani Lava Flow volcanic landscape
- Big Five potential including rhinoceros in Tsavo West
Itinerary
This 4-day safari begins from Kenya’s coast and journeys inland through the vast plains of Tsavo East, the elephant-rich landscapes of Amboseli beneath Mount Kilimanjaro and the dramatic volcanic scenery of Tsavo West. The itinerary offers strong Big Five potential, diverse ecosystems and excellent photographic opportunities before returning to your coastal hotel.
Distance: 250-340 km (depending on pick-up location)
Drive Time: 4 - 7 hours
06:00 a.m. | Collection from Your Coastal Hotel
Depart early and travel inland via the Mombasa Highway. Enjoy the gradual transition from palm-lined coastline to open semi-arid savannah.
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 red soil.
Wildlife is commonly sighted near the Galana River, where crocodiles and hippos inhabit the waters.
01:00 p.m. | Lunch and Check-in
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp for lunch and relaxation.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Visit Lugard Falls and explore surrounding plains in search of lions, giraffe, zebra and large buffalo herds.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner and 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: 315 km
Drive Time: 5 - 6 hours
06:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive and Breakfast
Enjoy an early game drive in Tsavo East while wildlife is most active. Return for breakfast and check-out.
08:30 a.m. | Departure for Amboseli National Park
Travel north-west across changing landscapes, passing rural settlements and open countryside as you head towards the Amboseli ecosystem.
02:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch with views of 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. Elephant herds are frequently seen crossing open terrain 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:
-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: 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 in Tsavo West National Park. Early mornings provide optimal opportunities to encounter predators before they retreat into thicker bush as temperatures rise. The soft golden light across the volcanic hills and open plains creates ideal photographic conditions. You may encounter elephants moving between feeding areas, buffalo near watering points and, with luck, lion or leopard completing their nocturnal activity.
09:00 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Return to the lodge for a relaxed breakfast. Enjoy views across the surrounding landscape while reflecting on the highlights of your safari.
10:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
After check-out, begin your return journey to the coast. The drive offers scenic contrasts as rugged inland terrain gradually gives way to flatter landscapes and eventually coastal vegetation dotted with coconut palms. Your driver-guide will ensure a comfortable and smooth transfer.
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, marking the conclusion of your Tsavo East, Amboseli and Tsavo West 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 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
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
You can expect elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and various antelope species. Lion sightings are common, while leopard and cheetah are possible but depend on timing and luck.
They are primarily associated with Tsavo East, where elephants coat themselves in red soil.
Visibility depends on weather conditions, though early mornings offer the best chance.
Yes. All government park and conservancy entrance fees are included unless otherwise stated.
Yes. The itinerary is family-friendly, though long drive distances should be considered for very young children.
Wildlife viewing is good year-round. The dry seasons typically offer easier wildlife spotting due to thinner vegetation.
Yes. Your professional driver-guide will accompany you for the entire safari, ensuring continuity and personalised service.
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.
