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4 days - Tsavo East, Amboseli and Tsavo West

Tsavo's elephants, Kilimanjaro at dawn and the coast

Four days across two Tsavo parts and Amboseli, with Kilimanjaro views at dawn, ending on the Indian Ocean coast at Diani.

1 Country
3 Stops
3 Nights
Medium to Luxury 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
Amboseli and Kilimanjaro
Tsavo East and West Amboseli and Kilimanjaro Avoid
January Primary window

Hot and dry. Game gathers at the waterholes and the red Tsavo earth shows in the light. A short dry season. Dusty plains, elephants in the swamps and some of the clearest mornings for Kilimanjaro.

Hot and dry Clear mornings

The route

Tsavo East Amboseli Tsavo West
01

Kenya

Tsavo East, Amboseli and Tsavo West, ending with a drive to Diani on the Indian Ocean coast.

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.
Today, after breakfast, you will head to the gates of the park with a game en route. You will transfer to one of the most beautiful parks in Kenya, Amboseli. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will have lunch and rest and then head out for another exciting game drive. Besides the many animals that live there, especially the African elephants, you will be drawn to the picturesque ponds and the birds that live there. And of course, on a clear day, you will see the main attraction of the park, Mount Kilimanjaro, in all its beauty. After the game drive, you will return to your lodge.
Today, you should wake up early in the morning to see one of the most beautiful things in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro in the rising sun. It plays with every shade of pink. If there are no clouds in the sky, you will be lucky to witness this spectacular sight. 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.

The detail

About this trip

Safari in Tsavo National Park and Amboseli National Park is one of the best ways to explore the natural diversity of this country. A visit to the legendary Tsavo Park will show you the striking contrast between the arid savannah and the picturesque green slopes. During the 4-Day Kenya, you will also see a completely different park, Amboseli. Its territory is covered with green pastures and many ponds. The view of Mount Kilimanjaro adds a special charm to this park. Although the mountain is in neighbouring Tanzania, it is considered to be the best view from Amboseli.

What is included

  • Tsavo East Safari – red-dust elephants roam the vast savannah.
  • Amboseli Magic – elephant herds beneath the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • Tsavo West Wilderness – explore lava flows, springs and memorable landscapes.
  • Scenic Diversity – arid plains, volcanic terrain and mountain backdrops all in four days.

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, Amboseli, Tsavo West and the coast?
The trip is by road with a guide-driver. On day 1 you are picked up from Moi International Airport or your hotel and taken to Tsavo East, arriving in time for lunch. Day 2 goes to Amboseli with game on the way to the park gates. Day 3 drives to Tsavo West after breakfast. Day 4 starts with a morning game drive and breakfast, then you head for the Indian Ocean coast.
When is the best time for Tsavo and Amboseli?
January, February, June to October and December score highest, when it is dry and game gathers at the waterholes. Kilimanjaro often shows at dawn in July, and August is the peak dry season. November is an alternative, with short rains. March to May bring the long rains, with cloud on the mountain, soft tracks and tall grass hiding game, and April is the peak of the rains.
What does a typical day look like on this 4-day trip?
Day 1 is the drive to Tsavo East, lunch, a rest and an afternoon game drive. Day 2 is a drive to Amboseli, lunch and rest, then a game drive among the elephants and ponds. Day 3 can start early to see Kilimanjaro in the rising sun, then the drive to Tsavo West and a game drive to Mzima Springs and the Shetani Lava Flows.
What is flexible on the Tsavo and Amboseli itinerary?
Kilimanjaro views depend on clear skies, so early mornings give the best chance of seeing it uncovered. The itinerary ends with a drive to the 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 the airport or your hotel. 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.

4-Day Kenya
4-Day Kenya
4-Day Kenya
4-Day Kenya
Elephants with red-dusted skin crowded together on bare red-brown earth

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.

Kilimanjaro at sunrise

The mountain is in Tanzania, but the best views in Kenya are from Amboseli. Rise early on day three, when it can turn pink in the first light.

Three nights, three landscapes

Tsavo East is dry and red, Amboseli is green, with ponds and elephants, and Tsavo West is hilly. Expect long drives between them.

Mzima Springs and the lava flows

Visit Mzima Springs for hippos and crocodiles and the Shetani lava flows for sunset photographs.

Dust and heat

Pack neutral clothes, a hat and sunglasses. Wipe lenses often.

Binoculars

The ponds in Amboseli draw birds. A pair of binoculars is useful for both birds and distant elephants.

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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