Elephants beneath Kilimanjaro, lava landscapes and the vast red plains of Tsavo.
Overview
This spectacular five-day southern Kenya safari showcases dramatic scenery and diverse ecosystems. Begin in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro at Amboseli National Park, continue through the volcanic terrain of Tsavo West National Park, enjoy an exclusive stay at Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, and conclude in the sweeping red plains of Tsavo East National Park.
From large elephant herds and iconic mountain backdrops to lava flows, freshwater springs and vast open savannah, this safari offers exceptional variety within Kenya’s largest protected wilderness ecosystem.
Trip Highlights
- Large elephant herds in Amboseli
- Views of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting)
- Lava flows and Mzima Springs in Tsavo West
- Exclusive wildlife viewing in Taita Hills Sanctuary
- Vast red plains of Tsavo East
- Excellent lion, leopard and buffalo sightings
- Diverse landscapes within one seamless circuit
Detailed Itinerary
One night in Amboseli National Park, one night in Tsavo West National Park, one night in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and one night in Tsavo East National Park, offering a scenic and wildlife-rich southern Kenya safari before returning to Nairobi.
Distance: 240 km
Drive time: 4 - 5 hours
07:30 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Pick-up in Nairobi
Your safari begins with collection from your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After a briefing, depart south-east towards Amboseli.
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Comfort Stop
Pause briefly for refreshments before continuing through Maasai country.
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Scenic Drive to Amboseli
Proceed across open plains with increasing views of Mount Kilimanjaro as you approach the park.
12:30 p.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch at Lodge
Arrive at your lodge inside Amboseli National Park and enjoy lunch while taking in views of the surrounding plains.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Head out for your first game drive. Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds, often seen against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro. You may also encounter lions, cheetahs, buffalo and numerous bird species.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge for dinner and relax as the African night settles over the park at the accommodations 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
-Guided nature walk
-Sundowner experience
-Maasai cultural village visit
Distance:
Distance: 110 km
Drive Time: 3 - 4 hours
06:30 - 08:30 | Morning Game Drive
Early morning drive to spot elephants and lions while the temperatures are cool. Photograph the savannah in soft golden light.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast at Lodge
Return to the lodge for breakfast while reflecting on your morning sightings.
09:30 - 12:30 | Drive to Tsavo West
Travel east to Tsavo West National Park. The route passes volcanic hills, wooded valleys, and isolated waterholes.
12:30 - 13:30 | Arrival and Lunch at Lodge
Check-in and enjoy lunch while observing wildlife near the lodge.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore volcanic landscapes including Shetani Lava Flow. Visit Mzima Springs to see hippos and crocodiles. Stop at the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary for black rhino sightings. Lions, elephants, buffalo, and giraffes are also frequently seen.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner at the lodge. Relax and review the day’s photographic highlights.
Optional Activities (At Extra Cost)
-Guided nature walk
-Sundowner experience
-Maasai cultural village visit
Distance: 120 km
Drive Time: 3 - 4 hours
06:30 - 08:30 | Morning Game Drive
Final early drive in Tsavo West to enjoy wildlife before the heat of the day.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast at Lodge
Breakfast while watching the morning activity in the park.
09:30 - 12:30 | Drive to Taita Hills
Travel to the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. Scenic views and wildlife sightings punctuate the journey.
12:30 - 13:30 | Arrival and Lunch at Lodge
Check-in and enjoy lunch while observing waterholes, frequented by elephants, buffalo, and antelope.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore elevated hills and valleys in search of lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. Private sanctuary access allows for quiet and intimate wildlife encounters.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner at the lodge with wildlife visible nearby. Reflect on the day’s sightings and enjoy the tranquil surroundings, relaxing under the stars with the sounds of wildlife in the distance at Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
Optional Activities (At Extra Cost)
-Night game drive
-Guided nature walk
-Sundowner experience
-Maasai cultural village visit
Distance: Approx. 110 km
Drive Time: Approx. 3 - 4 hours
06:30 - 08:30 | Morning Game Drive
Early sunrise drive to catch wildlife activity before departure. Observe predators and grazing herds in the soft light.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast at Lodge
Breakfast with views over the sanctuary, reflecting on your morning sightings.
09:30 - 12:30 | Drive to Tsavo East
Travel to Tsavo East National Park. Watch the scenery change from hills to the vast red plains, home to the park’s iconic red-dust elephants.
12:30 - 13:30 | Arrival and Lunch at Lodge
Check-in at your lodge and enjoy lunch while watching wildlife at nearby water sources.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore open plains, Galana River areas, and hotspots for lions, leopards, elephants, and large buffalo herds. Capture striking photos of the red-dust elephants in their natural habitat.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner at the lodge with a chance to share stories of the day’s wildlife sightings. Relax under the stars before your final night in the wilderness at the accommodation 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)
-Guided nature walk
-Sundowner experience
-Maasai cultural village visit
Distance: Approx. 325 km
Drive Time: 6 - 7 hours
06:30 - 08:30 | Final Morning Game Drive
Early drive to catch your last wildlife sightings, ideal for photography of elephants, buffalo, and grazing plains game.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast at Lodge
Breakfast at the lodge while reviewing highlights of the safari.
10:00 - 16:30 | Drive Back to Nairobi
Return via the Mombasa Highway. Observe the changing scenery from plains to cultivated farmland as you approach Nairobi. Stop for refreshments en route if needed.
16:30 - 18:00 | Arrival in Nairobi
Drop-off at your hotel or airport. The safari concludes with memories of diverse wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park and sanctuary entrance fees
- Four nights’ accommodation
- All meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
Frequently Asked Questions
It combines four distinct ecosystems: Amboseli’s elephants, Tsavo West’s rhinos and volcanic terrain, Taita Hills’ private conservancy, and Tsavo East’s red-dust elephants.
Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, black rhinos, giraffes, zebras, antelope, hippos, and crocodiles.
Views are weather dependent. Early mornings offer the best opportunity.
Yes, only in Taita Hills at additional cost.
Yes. It balances iconic scenery, wildlife density, and a mix of public park and private conservancy experiences.
Neutral-coloured clothing, sunhat, warm jacket for mornings, walking shoes, binoculars, camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Wildlife is observable year-round. Dry seasons (June–October and January–February) concentrate animals around waterholes, improving sightings. Green seasons (March–May, November–December) offer lush scenery and birdlife, but some roads may be muddy.
Yes. Early morning and late afternoon drives provide ideal lighting. Amboseli offers perfect elephant-and-Kilimanjaro shots, Tsavo West and East have dramatic landscapes and red-dust elephants, and Taita Hills provides intimate close-ups at waterholes. A zoom lens (200-400mm) is recommended for predators.
