This 3-day safari takes you from Mombasa through the wild and rugged landscapes of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, two of the largest and most wildlife-rich parks in Kenya. The itinerary balances thrilling game drives with opportunities to explore the unique landscapes, wildlife diversity, and scenic highlights of both parks.
Day 1: Mombasa to Tsavo East National Park
- 6:30 AM – Pickup and Transfer to Tsavo East
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Mombasa. You will travel along the Mombasa-Nairobi Trans-African Highway, heading towards Tsavo East National Park. - Morning Game Drive
Enter Tsavo East through the Bachuma or Voi Gate, with a game drive en route to your lodge. Tsavo East is famous for its vast landscapes, red elephants, and a variety of wildlife including lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and more. - Check-in and Lunch at Sentrim Tsavo Camp
Arrive at Sentrim Tsavo Camp, where you’ll check in and enjoy a delicious lunch while admiring the surrounding savannah. - Afternoon Game Drive
At 3:30 PM, embark on a second game drive in Tsavo East. Drive toward popular spots like Aruba Dam where large groups of elephants and other wildlife gather to drink. The flat, open terrain of Tsavo East provides excellent game viewing opportunities. - Return to the Lodge
After an exciting day of wildlife watching, return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.- Accommodation: Sentrim Tsavo Camp (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, offering the chance to spot predators like lions and cheetahs as they hunt in the cooler morning hours. Return to the lodge for breakfast. - Transfer to Tsavo West National Park
After breakfast, journey west to Tsavo West National Park. The landscape changes dramatically, with more hills, volcanic craters, and lava fields. Tsavo West’s varied terrain is more rugged and scenic than Tsavo East, offering a different game-viewing experience. - Check-in and Lunch at Ngulia Safari Lodge
Upon arrival at Ngulia Safari Lodge, check in and enjoy a delicious lunch while soaking in views of the park’s rugged hills and plains. - Visit Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
In the afternoon, visit the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, a secure area dedicated to the conservation of the critically endangered black rhino. The sanctuary increases your chances of spotting these rare animals, as well as other wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. - Afternoon Game Drive
Continue with a game drive across Tsavo West’s rocky terrain, searching for elephants, buffaloes, and, if lucky, leopards that frequent the park’s dense bush areas. You’ll pass key features like Mzima Springs, where hippos and crocodiles can be seen in crystal-clear waters. - Return to the Lodge
Return to Ngulia Safari Lodge for a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay.- Accommodation: Ngulia Safari Lodge (Mid-range)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Tsavo West to Mombasa
- Morning Game Drive
Enjoy an early morning game drive, the perfect opportunity to see wildlife in action, from predators hunting to elephants moving across the plains. - Breakfast and Checkout
Return to the lodge for breakfast and check out of your accommodation. - Scenic Drive Out of Tsavo West
After breakfast, embark on a scenic game drive out of the park. On your way out, you’ll pass through key areas like the Shetani Lava Flow, a vast field of black lava from ancient volcanic eruptions. - Lunch in Voi Town
En route back to Mombasa, stop for lunch in Voi Town, a small town at the edge of the park. - Return to Mombasa
After lunch, continue your drive back to Mombasa, arriving in the late afternoon. Drop-off at your hotel marks the end of your incredible 3-day safari adventure through Tsavo East and Tsavo West.- Accommodation: None (End of tour)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Safari Highlights:
- Two iconic parks in one tour: Explore both Tsavo East (famed for its vast open plains and elephants) and Tsavo West (known for its scenic beauty, hilly landscapes, and volcanic features).
- Big Five sightings: Expect to see elephants, buffaloes, lions, and possibly leopards and rhinos.
- Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary: A special visit to this sanctuary to see the critically endangered black rhino.
- Lugard Falls and Aruba Dam: Scenic landmarks in Tsavo East where wildlife often congregates.
- Mzima Springs: Crystal-clear waters home to hippos and crocodiles.
Safari Vehicle:
- 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser: Perfect for navigating the rugged terrain of Tsavo West and East. The Land Cruiser comes equipped with a pop-up roof for uninterrupted views and excellent photo opportunities.
- Customized Safari Van: For a more budget-friendly option, the van also offers a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing and is ideal for groups.
Expert Driver-Guide:
Your safari will be led by an expert guide, certified by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA), with in-depth knowledge of the park’s wildlife, geography, and conservation efforts. They will help you spot elusive animals, explain their behavior, and provide insights into the park’s unique ecosystem.
What to Expect:
- Early morning and afternoon game drives, the most active times for wildlife.
- Spectacular landscapes, ranging from Tsavo East’s flat savannah to Tsavo West’s volcanic hills and rocky outcrops.
- Opportunities to see a variety of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, and a myriad of bird species.
- A balanced mix of wildlife viewing and scenic landmarks, providing an immersive safari experience.
Animals You Can Expect to See:
- Elephants: Abundant in both parks, especially around Aruba Dam and Mzima Springs.
- Lions: Best spotted during early morning drives, especially in open plains.
- Leopards: Elusive but can be found in the rocky hills and dense bush areas of Tsavo West.
- Rhinos: A visit to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary gives you a high chance of seeing black rhinos.
- Birdlife: Over 500 bird species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and ostriches.
This 3-day safari offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation as you explore two of Kenya’s most remarkable national parks. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this trip provides unforgettable encounters with Africa’s iconic animals and scenic landscapes.