South-east + central Kenya · 7 days · 6 nights · Best Jun – Oct
Tsavo + Rift
If you've done the Mara and want something rougher, this is it. Tsavo is enormous — three times the size of the Mara — and almost empty of tourists. The elephants are dyed red by the soil. Then we move north into the Rift Valley: Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, flamingos and rhino.
From $3,250 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 West
Early road transfer south, arrive Tsavo West by lunch. Afternoon at Mzima Springs — crocodiles, hippos from an underwater viewing chamber.
Day 2: Tsavo West — red elephants
Full day game driving. Tsavo's elephants are dyed dark red from rolling in the volcanic soil — unmistakable. Lava flows from the Shaitani eruption.
Day 3: Tsavo — Chyulu hills
Drive to the foot of the Chyulus, sundowner with a view over the whole park.
Day 4: Tsavo → Naivasha
Long driving day north through Nairobi to Lake Naivasha. Afternoon boat ride on the lake — hippos, fish eagles.
Day 5: Hell's Gate + Crescent Island
Morning cycle through Hell's Gate (the only Kenyan park where you can walk and cycle). Afternoon walk on Crescent Island — giraffe and zebra at arm's length, no predators.
Day 6: Lake Nakuru day
Day trip to Nakuru — flamingos when the lake is right, rhino reliably. Back to Naivasha for the night.
Day 7: Return to Nairobi
Morning drive back to Nairobi, lunch on arrival.
Trip inclusions
- All accommodation on full-board
- Private 4x4 + driver-guide throughout
- All park entry fees
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
- Hell's Gate bicycle hire
- All transfers
- 24/7 WhatsApp line
Trip exclusions
- International flights
- Kenya eVisa
- Travel insurance
- Hot-air balloon over the Rift ($380 pp, optional)
- Tips
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 + Rift? 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.