This 3-day group safari offers an exciting and comprehensive tour of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, two of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations. With abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences, this package is perfect for both first-time and seasoned safari-goers. Below is the complete itinerary and details of the package.
What Shared Tsavo Group Safaris are All About
A shared group safari is a type of organized tour where you join a group of other travelers to explore wildlife destinations, such as Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, together in a single vehicle. Rather than booking a private safari, a group safari allows you to share the experience—and the costs—with others. This setup often involves traveling in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, designed for optimal game viewing and photography.
Group safaris are ideal for solo travelers, couples, or smaller groups looking for a more affordable option. These tours typically follow a fixed itinerary, with set departure times and routes planned out by the safari company. Since you’re joining others, flexibility in terms of personalized stops or changes in the schedule may be limited, but the structured itinerary ensures everyone enjoys key highlights and sightings in the parks.
When preparing for a shared group safari, it’s essential to keep in mind that you’ll be traveling with other participants, so punctuality is crucial to keep the schedule running smoothly. The shared experience also fosters a sense of camaraderie, as you bond with fellow travelers over wildlife sightings, photography, and park adventures. Group sizes typically range between 4 and 7 people, creating a balance between affordability and personal comfort.
Expect to follow established routes in Tsavo, visiting key locations like Mzima Springs, Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, and Aruba Dam, ensuring you witness a variety of animals while adhering to the planned schedule.
3-Day/2-Nights Itinerary for Tsavo Group Joining Safari
Day 1: Nairobi to Tsavo East National Park
- Departure from Nairobi (6:30 AM): Begin your adventure with an early morning pickup from your hotel or agreed meeting point in Nairobi. After a brief introduction by your guide, you will head toward Tsavo East National Park via the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. This scenic drive offers glimpses of Kenya’s beautiful countryside.
- Arrive at Tsavo East (Mid-Morning): Enter Tsavo East through the Bachuma or Voi Gate, renowned for its vast open landscapes and iconic red soil. Upon arrival, enjoy an en-route game drive as you head to your accommodation.
- Check-in at Voi Safari Lodge / Ashnil Aruba Lodge: Check into your lodge, located inside the park, and enjoy a delicious lunch while overlooking the vast savannahs and potential wildlife sightings at nearby waterholes.
- Afternoon Game Drive: In the afternoon, set out for a game drive in Tsavo East. This is the best time to see animals such as elephants, zebras, giraffes, and if lucky, lions or cheetahs. Explore areas around Aruba Dam where wildlife often gathers to drink.
- Return to Lodge: After an exciting day of wildlife viewing, return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation under the African night sky.
- Accommodation: Voi Safari Lodge or Ashnil Aruba Lodge (Mid-range)
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Tsavo East to Tsavo West National Park
- Early Morning Game Drive: Start the day with an early morning game drive in Tsavo East. The early morning hours offer the best chance to see predators like lions or leopards on the hunt. After the drive, return to the lodge for breakfast.
- Depart for Tsavo West: After breakfast, check out and drive toward Tsavo West National Park. The landscape here is more rugged and dramatic, with volcanic hills, lava flows, and dense bushlands.
- Arrive at Tsavo West (Mid-Morning): Enter Tsavo West through Mtito Andei Gate and enjoy an en-route game drive on the way to your lodge. Tsavo West is known for its breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and unique geological features.
- Check-in at Ngulia Safari Lodge / Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge: Upon arrival, check into your lodge, located in the heart of Tsavo West, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes and potential wildlife at nearby watering holes.
- Visit Mzima Springs: After lunch, embark on a game drive and visit Mzima Springs, a series of clear pools fed by underground streams from Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, you can observe hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat, with crystal-clear views from the underwater observation chamber.
- Afternoon Game Drive to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary: Continue your game drive with a visit to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, a secure reserve that protects the critically endangered black rhino. This is a great opportunity to see these rare animals up close, alongside elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife.
- Return to Lodge: After a full day of exploration, return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
- Accommodation: Ngulia Safari Lodge or Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge (Mid-range)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Tsavo West to Nairobi
- Morning Game Drive and Shetani Lava Flow Visit: Begin your final day with an early morning game drive through the scenic Chyulu Hills and around the Shetani Lava Flow, a vast expanse of blackened volcanic rock formed by ancient eruptions. This geological feature contrasts beautifully with the surrounding landscape and is a must-see for visitors.
- Breakfast at Lodge: Return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out.
- Final Game Drive: On your way out of the park, enjoy a final game drive with chances to see more wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and various bird species.
- Drive back to Nairobi: After exiting Tsavo West, you will begin your journey back to Nairobi. You will stop for lunch en route in Voi Town before arriving in Nairobi in the late afternoon. Drop-off at your hotel or the airport marks the end of your incredible 3-day safari.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Safari Package Inclusions:
- Transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing and photography.
- Accommodation for two nights at mid-range lodges in Tsavo East and Tsavo West.
- All meals as per the itinerary (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners).
- Game drives in both Tsavo East and West, including visits to Mzima Springs, Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, and Shetani Lava Flow.
- Park entrance fees for Tsavo East and West National Parks.
- Professional English-speaking guide/driver.
- Bottled water during game drives.
Safari Package Exclusions:
- Drinks and alcoholic beverages.
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.).
- Tips for the guide/driver.
- Travel insurance.
- Any extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Safari Pricing:
- USD 640 per person for a group of 4-6 people.
- USD 580 per person for a group of 7 or more.
- Prices may vary based on the season and availability of lodges.
What to Expect:
This 3-day safari provides an excellent balance of wildlife viewing and scenic exploration. Tsavo East’s wide, open plains offer great opportunities to spot large game like elephants and giraffes, while Tsavo West’s rugged landscape, with its volcanic features and dense bush, adds a layer of adventure. The itinerary is designed to ensure maximum wildlife encounters and to immerse travelers in the natural beauty of these two iconic parks.
This 3-day Tsavo East and West safari offered by TSavoKenya.org is available once a month, ensuring that both locals and international travelers have the chance to experience it throughout the year, regardless of the season. The safari departs from Nairobi at 8:00 AM sharp, using the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway to enter Tsavo East through the Bachuma or Voi Gate. In Tsavo East, the typical route leads through iconic spots like Aruba Dam, where large wildlife congregates, providing great opportunities for game viewing. In Tsavo West, the safari enters through the Mtito Andei Gate and follows scenic routes around Mzima Springs, known for its hippos and clear pools, as well as the rugged volcanic landscapes around the Shetani Lava Flow.
Expert Tips for Group Safari Preparation:
- Punctuality: Be prepared to depart at 8:00 AM from Nairobi; group safaris follow strict schedules to maximize park exploration time.
- Pack Light, but Smart: Bring essentials like sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, and a camera for the best wildlife and landscape viewing.
- Clothing: Wear neutral-colored, lightweight clothing for game drives to avoid attracting insects and maintain comfort in Tsavo’s varying temperatures.
- Know the Wildlife: Familiarize yourself with Tsavo’s wildlife, especially its famed red elephants and big cats, so you know what to expect and ask about during game drives.
- Bring Snacks: Although meals are provided, it’s advisable to bring light snacks and plenty of water, especially during long game drives.
This safari promises memorable wildlife encounters in both parks, with experienced guides offering insights along the way.