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3 days - Tsavo East and West to the coast

East and west of Tsavo and the Indian Ocean

Three days across both halves of Tsavo National Park, from the arid red eastern plains to the green western hills and the Shetani lava flows, finishing at Diani on the coast.

1 Country
2 Stops
2 Nights
Medium Service level
  • The storyThe headline tells the journey in a few lines, one after another.
  • At a glanceThe figures beneath it are the essential facts of the trip.

The journey

When to go

Tsavo East and West
Diani beach finish
Tsavo East and West Diani beach finish Avoid
January Primary window

Hot and dry. Game gathers at the waterholes and the red Tsavo earth shows in the light. Hot, dry and sunny, with the clearest water for snorkelling and dhow trips.

Hot and dry

The route

Tsavo East Tsavo West
01

Kenya

Tsavo East, then Tsavo West, ending with a drive to the Indian Ocean coast at Diani.

Our guide-driver will pick you up from the MOI airport or from your hotel and take you to Tsavo. Tsavo National Park is the largest park in Kenya. It comprises two parts - western and eastern. Today you will visit the eastern part. It showcases traditional landscapes of arid savannah and red lands. The most famous inhabitants here are the red Tsavo elephants. You will arrive at the lodge in time for lunch and after having a rest, you will go for a game drive. In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
After breakfast, you will drive to the western part of Tsavo. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will do a check-in, will have a good rest and then your game drive will begin. You'll go on a wildlife photo hunt and take incredible sunset photos at the Shetani Lava Flows. You will visit Mzima Springs as well. These waters are home to hippos and crocodiles. After the game drive, you will return to the lodge.
Relaxing on the snow-white beaches of Diani is the best way to finish your Kenyan adventure. After a morning game drive and breakfast, you'll head for the Indian Ocean coast.

Choose your route

The Taita Hills route: Tsavo East and a watering-hole lodge · 3 days / 2 nights · lower-cost option · from $900 per person sharingThis version visits Tsavo East for the red elephants and a first game drive, then spends a night at the Taita Hills in a lodge built around a watering hole that draws elephants and buffalo, before the drive to the Indian Ocean coast at Diani. It replaces Tsavo West, Mzima Springs and the Shetani lava flows. Ask us to build this version around your dates.

The detail

About this trip

Tsavo National Park is the largest park in Kenya. It is the closest to the Indian Ocean coast. Therefore, it is ideal for those who have chosen Mombasa as their destination.

Tsavo comprises two parts–western and eastern. The eastern side is more arid. Yellow grass, red earth, and prickly acacia trees are the landscape you see here. The west side is green and hilly. It's an amazing contrast when you cross the road and find yourself in a different universe.

The lodge where you will be staying in West Tsavo has a direct view of Kilimanjaro. On cloudless days, you will be lucky enough to get a good view of it.

What is included

  • Tsavo Safari – discover Kenya’s largest and wildest park.
  • Red Elephants – watch herds dusted in the park’s signature crimson soil.
  • Scenic Landscapes – lava fields, rolling hills, and endless open plains.
  • Mzima Springs – crystal waters alive with hippos and crocodiles.

What is not included

  • International flights (From/ home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Increase in taxes and/or fees for parks set by the government

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How do we get between Tsavo East, Tsavo West and the coast?
It is a road trip. On day 1 your driver-guide picks you up from Moi International Airport or your hotel and takes you to Tsavo East, arriving in time for lunch. On day 2, after breakfast, you drive to Tsavo West and stay at a lodge there. On day 3, after a morning game drive and breakfast, you head for the Indian Ocean coast and the beaches of Diani.
When is the best time for the Tsavo safari and a Diani beach finish?
January, February, July to October and December score highest, when it is dry and game gathers at the waterholes, with calm, clear seas on the coast. June and November are alternatives. March to May bring the long rains, with tall grass hiding game, muddy tracks in the west and some beach hotels closed, and April is the wettest.
What does a typical day look like on this 3-day Tsavo trip?
Day 1 is a drive to Tsavo East, lunch at the lodge, a rest and an afternoon game drive. Day 2 begins with breakfast and the drive to Tsavo West, then a game drive to Mzima Springs, home to hippos and crocodiles, and sunset photos at the Shetani Lava Flows. Day 3 starts with a morning game drive before the journey to the coast.
What is flexible on the Tsavo itinerary?
The itinerary finishes with a drive to the Indian Ocean coast, described as relaxing on the beaches of Diani, so tell us your onward plans and flight times. On day 1 the pick-up can be from Moi International Airport or from your hotel. The days between the parks follow a set route, so the main choice is your travel month. Dates and lodges are confirmed in your proposal.
Can you combine more than one country in a single trip?
Yes. Many of our journeys cross borders, for example Botswana with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or Cape Town with a safari and the Falls. Tell us the places you have in mind through the enquiry form and we will plan the route and transfers as one itinerary.
What meals are included on safari?
Meals depend on the camp or lodge and are set out in your itinerary. On safari they are usually taken at camp, with a picnic or packed meal on some days. Tell us about any dietary needs when you enquire.
Do I need vaccinations or medication before an African safari?
Health requirements depend on where you are travelling from and where you are going, and they change. Check your country's official travel health advice or TravelHealthPro (travelhealthpro.org.uk), and see a travel clinic well before you depart. Ask about malaria prevention early.
What should I pack for an African safari?
Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs helps against sun and insects, in neutral colours. Bring comfortable closed shoes (boots if you will walk), a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards. Your itinerary lists any luggage limits for charter flights.
How do I stay safe on safari?
Your guides brief you on how to behave around wildlife. Follow their instructions, stay in the vehicle or camp area as told, and never approach or disturb animals. Conditions differ by country and change over time, so check your government's current travel advice before you book and again before you travel.

On this trip

Photographs from the route, not stock library scenery.

Cape buffalo with a red-billed oxpecker on its back in golden grass

Book it in this order

Work down the list. Each step depends on the one above it.

Field notes

The practical detail that decides whether a trip runs smoothly.

Two parks, two landscapes

Tsavo East is arid, with yellow grass, red earth and acacia. Tsavo West is green and hilly. The change when you drive west is part of the trip.

Mzima Springs

The springs are home to hippos and crocodiles and are a cool, clear stop in the heat. Walk with a guide and keep to the paths.

The lava flows at sunset

The Shetani lava flows are worth a sunset stop for photographs, with dark rock and long shadows. Bring a wide-angle lens.

A view of Kilimanjaro

The lodge in Tsavo West looks towards Kilimanjaro, which shows on cloudless days, mostly early in the morning.

Heat and dust

Wear a hat, sunscreen and light long sleeves, and carry water on each drive.

Plan this journey

Make this trip your own

Every journey is planned around your dates and your party. Tell us who is travelling and when, and a specialist will come back with a tailored itinerary and a quote. Payment is by invoice.

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