This 3-day safari to Tsavo East National Park is the perfect getaway from Mombasa, offering incredible wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and the chance to explore one of Kenya’s largest and oldest national parks. Tsavo East is famous for its vast open plains, red elephants, and a diverse range of wildlife. Below is a detailed itinerary of the safari, including key highlights, activities, and logistical information.
Day 1: Mombasa to Tsavo East National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
- Early Morning Pickup: Your safari adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel or the airport in Mombasa. After a brief introduction by your guide, you will start your journey along the Mombasa-Nairobi Trans-African Highway, heading toward Tsavo East National Park. The drive offers scenic views of the Kenyan countryside, and your guide will point out interesting landmarks along the way.
- Arrival in Tsavo East: You will enter the park through the Voi Gate, one of the main entrances to Tsavo East. After completing the park entry formalities, enjoy a short game drive en route to your accommodation.
- Check-in at Voi Wildlife Lodge: Upon arrival at Voi Wildlife Lodge, you’ll check in just in time for lunch. The lodge offers stunning views of the park and nearby watering holes where wildlife gathers. After lunch, take some time to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the lodge.
- Afternoon Game Drive: At 3:30 PM, set off for an exciting afternoon game drive through Tsavo East. This is your first chance to experience the wildlife that makes Tsavo famous, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and, if you’re lucky, some of the Big Cats like lions and leopards. The drive will take you through the open savannahs and along the Galana River, a key water source for many animals.
- Return to the Lodge: After the game drive, you’ll return to the lodge for dinner. Enjoy a relaxing evening and the opportunity to spot wildlife from the comfort of the lodge, especially around the nearby watering holes.
- Overnight at Voi Wildlife Lodge.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Tsavo East National Park
- Morning Game Drive: After an early breakfast, you’ll embark on a full-day game drive, exploring more of the vast expanse of Tsavo East. Your guide will take you to key areas of the park, focusing on the loop side and other sections known for rich wildlife. The area near Aruba Dam is a popular spot where large herds of elephants, zebras, and antelopes gather to drink and bathe.
- Pipeline Area: Continue toward the pipeline area, known for its concentrations of elephants, as it features water holes that attract these large mammals for mud bathing. The sight of the “red elephants” of Tsavo covered in the park’s characteristic red soil is truly unique.
- Visit Lugard Falls: Next, head to Lugard Falls, a scenic and geologically fascinating spot where the Galana River tumbles over a series of rugged rocks and creates fast-moving rapids. You can disembark to explore the falls and take in the beauty of the surrounding area.
- Yatta Plateau: The Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world, is another highlight of your full-day drive. The plateau offers stunning views over the park and is a great spot for birdwatching, with numerous raptors soaring above.
- Picnic Lunch: A picnic lunch will be served at one of the designated areas within the park, allowing you to relax in the wild before continuing with the afternoon game drive.
- Return to the Lodge: After a full day of exploring, return to Voi Wildlife Lodge for dinner. Relax in the evening with views of the park as you reflect on the day’s adventures.
- Overnight at Voi Wildlife Lodge.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Return to Mombasa
- Early Morning Game Drive: Begin the day with an early morning game drive. This is one of the best times to see predators like lions and cheetahs, which are often active during the cooler hours. You may also witness a hunt or find the animals feasting on a recent kill. The early morning light also provides perfect conditions for photography.
- Return to Lodge for Breakfast: After the game drive, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast before checking out.
- Departure for Mombasa: After breakfast, you will begin your return journey to Mombasa. Enjoy a final short game drive as you exit the park, with one last opportunity to spot wildlife.
- Arrival in Mombasa: You’ll arrive back in Mombasa in the early afternoon, concluding your 3-day Tsavo East safari adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Inclusions
- Accommodation at Voi Wildlife Lodge.
- Bottled water in the safari vehicle.
- All meals as per the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- Transport in either a 4×4 Land Cruiser or safari van.
- Park fees for Tsavo East National Park.
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or airport in Mombasa.
- Assistance throughout the safari.
Exclusions
- Drinks and beverages.
- Tips for guides, drivers, or lodge staff.
Safari Highlights:
- Explore Tsavo East National Park: Famous for its vast open plains and iconic red elephants, the park offers breathtaking landscapes and a wide variety of wildlife.
- Aruba Dam: A hotspot for wildlife gathering, particularly during the dry season, with excellent views of elephants, buffaloes, and bird species.
- Lugard Falls: Witness the dramatic rapids of the Galana River and enjoy the unique rock formations around the falls.
- Yatta Plateau: The world’s longest lava flow, offering stunning panoramic views and a great spot for birdwatching.
- Full Day Game Drives: Opportunities to explore the expansive wilderness of Tsavo East, with both morning and afternoon drives ensuring you encounter a wide range of animals.
- Big Cat Sightings: Early morning drives increase your chances of seeing lions, leopards, and cheetahs on the prowl.
Safari Vehicle:
- 4×4 Land Cruiser: For optimal comfort and off-road capability, especially in the more rugged areas of the park. These vehicles have pop-up roofs for excellent game viewing and photography opportunities.
- Customized Safari Vans: Ideal for budget travelers and small groups. Vans come equipped with pop-up roofs for good visibility and wildlife spotting, particularly on the flatter terrains of Tsavo East.
Expert Driver-Guide:
- You will be accompanied by a professional, KPSGA-certified driver-guide with extensive knowledge of Tsavo East’s wildlife, landscape, and history. The guide will offer valuable insights into animal behavior, park conservation efforts, and the best locations for sightings.
- Your guide will also ensure you follow ethical wildlife viewing practices, maintaining a safe and respectful distance from the animals while providing you with close and memorable encounters.
What to Expect:
- Scenic Drives: The drive from Mombasa to Tsavo East is an adventure in itself, with beautiful views of the countryside. Once in the park, expect long stretches of open savannah, semi-arid bushlands, and seasonal rivers.
- Relaxing Lodge Experience: After a day of exploring, unwind at Voi Wildlife Lodge, with its proximity to wildlife watering holes offering more opportunities to view animals even when you’re not on a game drive.
- Comfort and Safety: The safari vehicles are designed to handle the terrain of Tsavo East, and your guide will ensure you are comfortable and informed throughout the trip.
Animals Sightings to Expect:
- Elephants: The famous “red elephants” of Tsavo, coated in the park’s red soil, are a must-see. Large herds often gather around waterholes like Aruba Dam.
- Lions: Tsavo East is known for its lion population, including the historical “man-eaters” of Tsavo. Early morning game drives are the best time to spot them.
- Leopards: Although elusive, leopards are often spotted near riverine forests and rocky outcrops.
- Buffaloes, Zebras, and Giraffes: These herbivores are abundant throughout the park, especially near water sources.
- Birdlife: With over 500 bird species, expect to see African fish eagles, herons, storks, and kingfishers, especially near water bodies.
- Cheetahs and Hyenas: Keep an eye out for these predators during your drives, particularly in open plains where cheetahs tend to hunt.
This 3-day Tsavo East safari offers a perfect blend of wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and expert guidance to ensure an unforgettable experience in one of Kenya’s most iconic parks.