Red Elephants, Rhino Territory & Exclusive Conservancy Experience
Overview
The 4 Days Tsavo East, Tsavo West & Taita Sanctuary Safari is a classic Kenyan safari departing from the coast, ideal for travellers seeking iconic wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and a private conservancy experience.
Tsavo East National Park is renowned for its red-dusted elephants, open savannahs, and the Galana River, providing excellent sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo.
Tsavo West National Park features rugged volcanic hills, the Shetani Lava Flow, and the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, offering opportunities to see black rhinoceros alongside elephants, lions, and diverse wildlife.
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a private conservancy, delivers close-range encounters with elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo in a more intimate setting, with optional night game drives enhancing the experience.
Together, these three destinations combine expansive plains, volcanic terrain, and private conservancy wildlife for a rich safari adventure before returning to Kenya’s coast.
Trip Highlights
- Red-dusted elephants in Tsavo East
- Black rhinoceros sightings in Tsavo West
- Mzima Springs hippos and crocodiles
- Shetani Lava Flow and volcanic landscapes
- Exclusive safari experience in Taita Hills
- Elevated wildlife viewing at Salt Lick Safari Lodge
- Optional night game drive in Taita Hills
Itinerary
This 4-day safari takes you through Kenya’s iconic Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks and the private Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. Witness red-dusted elephants in open savannahs, explore volcanic landscapes and the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, and enjoy intimate wildlife encounters in a private conservancy. The journey concludes with a smooth transfer back to Kenya’s coast, making it ideal for combining a safari and beach escape.
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. Enjoy the scenic drive inland as coastal palms gradually give way to open savannah landscapes.
10:30 a.m. | Arrival and Game Drive En Route to Lodge
Enter Tsavo East and embark on your first game drive. The park supports four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. Red-dusted elephants, giraffe, zebra, and antelope are commonly seen along the Galana River. Hippos and crocodiles can also be spotted near water sources.
01:00 p.m. | Lunch and Check-in
Arrive at your lodge or camp for lunch and some relaxation.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore the plains and riverine habitats, observing wildlife interactions and enjoying photography opportunities.
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
Distance: Approx. 100 km
Drive Time: 2 – 3 hours
06:15 a.m. – 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive and Breakfast
Enjoy an early morning drive in Tsavo East while wildlife is active. Return to the lodge for breakfast before departure.
09:30 a.m. | Departure for Tsavo West
Travel westwards through scenic landscapes towards Tsavo West National Park. En route, enjoy views of rolling hills and river valleys.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch with panoramic views.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Exploration
Visit Mzima Springs to see hippos and crocodiles. Explore the Shetani Lava Flow and wooded valleys where elephants and buffalo gather. Black rhinoceros are protected in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Distance: Approx. 100 km
Drive Time: 2 – 3 hours
06:15 a.m. – 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive and Breakfast
Enjoy an early morning drive in Tsavo East while wildlife is active. Return to the lodge for breakfast before departure.
09:30 a.m. | Departure for Tsavo West
Travel westwards through scenic landscapes towards Tsavo West National Park. En route, enjoy views of rolling hills and river valleys.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch with panoramic views.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Exploration
Visit Mzima Springs to see hippos and crocodiles. Explore the Shetani Lava Flow and wooded valleys where elephants and buffalo gather. Black rhinoceros are protected in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner and 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. 50 km
Drive Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
06:30 a.m. – 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive and Breakfast
Enjoy a final early morning drive in Tsavo West, spotting active wildlife against the morning light. Return to the lodge for breakfast.
09:30 a.m. | Departure for Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Drive south-east towards Taita Hills, enjoying the scenic landscape of rolling hills and bush-covered valleys.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival, Lunch and Check-in
Arrive at your selected lodge and enjoy lunch while observing wildlife at nearby waterholes.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Search for lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and antelope in this private conservancy. Wildlife is often concentrated around watering points, offering excellent photo opportunities.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
inner and overnight at Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
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 game drive in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. Early mornings provide excellent opportunities to observe predators before they retreat into thicker bush. Elephants and buffalo are often seen near waterholes, and the soft golden light enhances photography.
09:00 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Return for breakfast while enjoying views of wildlife gathering at waterholes.
10:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
After check-out, begin the scenic drive back to the coast. Inland hills gradually transition to flatter terrain and coastal vegetation with coconut palms.
02:00 p.m. – 06:00 p.m. | Arrival at Coastal Hotel
Arrive at your pre-booked hotel in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Watamu, or Malindi, marking the conclusion of your Tsavo East, Tsavo West, and Taita Sanctuary safari.
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
- Drop-off at your selected 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. Pick-up and drop-off are provided from hotels or private residences in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Watamu, or Malindi.
You will travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, ideal for wildlife viewing and photography. Each vehicle accommodates 4–6 guests comfortably.
Yes. All entrance fees for Tsavo East, Tsavo West, and Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary are included in the package price.
No safari can guarantee sightings of all Big Five animals. However, these parks support four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo – and sightings are common. Black rhinoceros can be seen in Tsavo West, especially within the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
The safari is year-round. The dry seasons (June–October & January–March) offer easier wildlife viewing, while the green seasons (April–May & November–December) provide lush landscapes and fewer visitors.
Yes. This safari is family-friendly. Some lodges may have age restrictions for optional night drives. Always check with your operator before booking.
Pack lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing, a warm jacket for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and a small daypack. Soft-sided luggage is recommended for ease of storage in the vehicle.
Yes. Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical emergencies, cancellations, or personal belongings.
