This 4-day safari offers an immersive experience through three of Kenya’s most renowned national parks: Tsavo East, Tsavo West, and Amboseli National Park. Beginning in Nairobi, the tour takes you through diverse landscapes, from Tsavo’s vast plains and volcanic terrain to Amboseli’s majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Below is a detailed itinerary, including wildlife highlights, accommodation details, and safari activities.
Day 1: Nairobi to Tsavo East National Park
- Morning Departure: The safari begins with a pick-up from your hotel or airport in Nairobi. After a brief introduction by your guide, you will head out along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway toward Tsavo East National Park. Tsavo East is one of Kenya’s largest and oldest parks, known for its expansive landscapes and iconic red elephants.
- Arrival and Lunch at Voi Safari Lodge: After a scenic drive, you’ll arrive at Voi Safari Lodge in time for lunch. The lodge provides panoramic views of the plains and waterholes where elephants and other animals gather.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Post-lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive. Tsavo East’s open terrain allows for excellent wildlife viewing. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and possibly lions and cheetahs. Visit key spots like Aruba Dam where wildlife often congregates to drink, and enjoy the park’s tranquil beauty.
- Dinner and Overnight: Return to the lodge for a relaxing evening, a delicious dinner, and your first night in the African wilderness.
- Main Destination: Tsavo East National Park
- Accommodation: Voi Safari 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. Morning is the best time to spot predators like lions as they hunt. After the drive, return to the lodge for breakfast.
- Transfer to Tsavo West: After breakfast, you will depart for Tsavo West National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes, volcanic features, and rich wildlife. The journey between the parks includes an en-route game drive as you make your way west.
- Arrival at Man Eaters Lodge: Check in at Man Eaters Lodge, situated near the banks of the Tsavo River. The lodge is famed for its connection to the “Man-Eaters of Tsavo,” two lions that terrorized railway workers during the early 1900s.
- Afternoon Game Drive & Visit to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary: After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive in Tsavo West. You will visit the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, where critically endangered black rhinos are protected. The sanctuary offers a high chance of spotting rhinos, alongside elephants, lions, and other wildlife.
- Dinner and Overnight: After a full day of adventure, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
- Main Destination: Tsavo West National Park
- Accommodation: Man Eaters Lodge (Mid-range)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Tsavo West to Amboseli National Park
- Early Morning Game Drive: Begin your day with an early morning game drive through Tsavo West. Visit the famous Mzima Springs, a crystal-clear water source where hippos and crocodiles can be seen. Mzima Springs is fed by the melted snow and rainwater from Mount Kilimanjaro, and its lush, green surroundings stand in stark contrast to Tsavo’s dry savannah.
- Transfer to Amboseli National Park: After breakfast, depart Tsavo West and head toward Amboseli National Park. This journey takes approximately 2-3 hours, with scenic views along the way.
- Lunch and Check-in at Sentrim Amboseli Lodge: Arrive at Sentrim Amboseli Lodge, located just outside the park. Check in, enjoy lunch, and rest briefly before the afternoon game drive.
- Afternoon Game Drive in Amboseli: In the afternoon, set out for a game drive in Amboseli National Park, famed for its large elephant herds and stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Visit the park’s seasonal lakes, where buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests often gather. Amboseli is also home to predators such as lions and cheetahs, along with the endangered black rhino.
- Dinner and Overnight: After a fulfilling day of wildlife viewing, return to Sentrim Amboseli Lodge for dinner and a restful night.
- Main Destination: Amboseli National Park
- Accommodation: Sentrim Amboseli Lodge (Mid-range)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Amboseli to Nairobi
- Early Morning Game Drive: Begin the final day with an early morning game drive in Amboseli. Early mornings are the best time to spot predators and see Mount Kilimanjaro in all its glory before the clouds set in.
- Breakfast and Departure: After breakfast at the lodge, check out and start your journey back to Nairobi, with an en-route game drive as you exit the park.
- Arrival in Nairobi: You will arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your 4-day adventure through Tsavo East, Tsavo West, and Amboseli.
- Main Destination: Nairobi
- Accommodation: None (End of Tour)
- Meals: Breakfast
Safari Highlights:
- Explore Three Iconic Parks: Visit the vast plains of Tsavo East, the rugged volcanic terrain of Tsavo West, and the breathtaking views of Amboseli National Park, all in one trip.
- Big Five Wildlife Viewing: With game drives in all three parks, expect to see elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and possibly rhinos, along with many other species.
- Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary: Visit one of the few remaining habitats for the endangered black rhino.
- Mount Kilimanjaro Views: Enjoy the incredible backdrop of Africa’s highest peak during your game drives in Amboseli.
Safari Vehicle:
- 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser: The ideal vehicle for the rugged terrain of Tsavo West and Amboseli, equipped with a pop-up roof for excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.
Expert Driver-Guide:
- Your safari will be guided by a certified KPSGA guide, knowledgeable about the wildlife, park ecosystems, and local conservation efforts. Your guide will enhance your experience by helping you spot animals, explaining their behaviors, and sharing interesting facts about the parks’ history and geography.
What to Expect:
- Early morning and afternoon game drives, offering optimal chances to see a wide range of wildlife.
- Dramatic landscapes, from the arid, red-soil plains of Tsavo East to the hilly, volcanic terrain of Tsavo West, and Amboseli’s open plains with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- A rich variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, cheetahs, hippos, and crocodiles, alongside diverse birdlife.
This 4-day safari through Tsavo East, Tsavo West, and Amboseli National Park offers a perfect balance of adventure, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty, providing an unforgettable experience of Kenya’s natural wonders.