South-east Kenya · 4 days · 3 nights · Best Jun – Oct & Jan – Mar
Tsavo East & West
Together, Tsavo East and Tsavo West make up the largest protected area in Kenya — over 40,000 square kilometres of raw, cinematic bush that most itineraries skip. Tsavo East is classic Africa: open red-earth plains where the famous dust-red elephants roam and the Galana River draws big herds. Tsavo West is greener and more dramatic — the crystal-clear Mzima Springs where hippos and crocodiles laze underwater, the Shetani lava flows, and Kilimanjaro on the southern horizon. It's an easy 4x4 hop from either Nairobi or the coast, which makes it the ideal wild add-on to a Diani or Mombasa beach stay.
From $1,730 per person
Specimen itinerary for planning purposes only — not a confirmed booking document.
Logistics & transport
- Pickup
- Confirmed 24 hours before departure on WhatsApp
- Guide language
- As selected at booking
- Group
- Private / small group · max 6 guests
Where you'll stay
Lodging varies by trip — tented camp, safari lodge, beach hotel, or city hotel as your package requires. The property for this package is confirmed in writing after you book — ask us on WhatsApp if you want options before paying.
Included in your package price — exact camp, lodge, or hotel confirmed after booking.
Indicative schedule — day by day
Planned rhythm for your trip — your guide may adjust on the day for conditions, light and wildlife.
Day 1: Nairobi → Tsavo East
Morning pickup and the scenic drive south-east to Tsavo East, arriving for lunch. Afternoon game drive across the open plains toward the Aruba area — the red elephants dusting themselves are the signature sight, alongside lion, buffalo, giraffe and vast herds of zebra. Dinner and overnight at a safari lodge inside or bordering the park.
Day 2: Tsavo East → Tsavo West
A morning drive along the Galana River — hippo, crocodile and the palm-lined banks — then transfer across to Tsavo West. The landscape shifts to green hills and volcanic rock. Afternoon visit to Mzima Springs, where an underwater viewing chamber lets you watch hippos and fish beneath the surface. Overnight at a Tsavo West lodge.
Day 3: Tsavo West
A full day exploring Tsavo West — the Shetani lava flows, the Chaimu crater, and game drives with a chance of the elusive leopard and the park's black rhino in the Ngulia sanctuary. On a clear morning Kilimanjaro floats on the horizon. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 4: Tsavo West → Nairobi or the coast
A final morning game drive, then transfer out — north-west back to Nairobi, or south-east down to Mombasa and the Diani beaches to continue your trip. We arrange the onward connection either way.
Trip inclusions
- 3 nights full-board accommodation
- All Tsavo East & West park entry fees
- Private 4x4 · experienced English-speaking driver-guide
- Mzima Springs visit
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- 24/7 WhatsApp support
Trip exclusions
- International flights
- Kenya eVisa ($51 — we help you apply)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Optional experiences (see below)
- Drinks, tips & personal expenses
Preparation & packing
Before you go
- This section is general Kenya travel guidance — not a substitute for official advice or your doctor.
- We confirm trip-specific details (property, pickup times, park rules) with you on WhatsApp before departure.
- Questions about Tsavo East & West? Message us anytime — we'd rather you ask than guess.
Visa & entry
- Most visitors need a Kenya eVisa before travel — apply at evisa.go.ke and check current fees and rules.
- Passport usually needs 6+ months' validity and blank pages — verify with your airline and immigration.
- Keep a printed copy of this itinerary and your eVisa for border control.
Health
- Yellow fever certificate may be required depending on where you are travelling from — check Kenya's latest entry rules.
- Malaria prevention is commonly recommended for safari areas — ask your doctor well before you fly.
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
- Bring personal medication in original packaging.
Weather & clothing
- Safari mornings and evenings are often cooler than midday — layers work better than one heavy coat.
- Neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige) are standard for game drives.
- Rain can appear in any season — a light waterproof layer is worth packing.
- We send a short weather note for your dates once your trip is confirmed.
Packing list
- Comfortable closed shoes for walking + sandals for camp or lodge
- Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Binoculars if you have a pair (optional — ask us if you'd like a recommendation)
- Power bank + travel adaptor (Kenya commonly uses Type G plugs, 240V)
- Soft bag often works better than a hard suitcase if your trip includes light-aircraft legs — we'll confirm luggage limits for your routing
- Some cash in USD (clean, newer bills) or KES for tips and small purchases
- Insect repellent
Money & connectivity
- Cards work in Nairobi and at many properties; cash is still useful for tips and markets.
- M-Pesa is widely used in Kenya — we can walk you through it on arrival if helpful.
- Wi‑Fi varies by property (lodge, camp, or hotel) — signal on game drives is usually limited.
- Tipping customs vary by property and guide — we share current guidelines for your trip before you travel.