This 4-day safari itinerary takes you through some of Kenya’s most diverse and scenic wildlife parks, offering breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, the vast plains of Tsavo East, and the rugged volcanic landscapes of Tsavo West. Each park offers a unique ecosystem and wildlife experience, from large elephant herds to volcanic scenery and diverse birdlife. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, this safari is ideal for those seeking a compact but memorable safari experience in Kenya.
Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
Travel:
- Morning Departure: Begin your safari with an early morning departure from Nairobi for Amboseli National Park. The 4-hour drive takes you through the scenic Kenyan countryside, offering glimpses of rural life along the way. (Alternatively, you may opt for a short flight from Nairobi to Amboseli to maximize safari time.)
Late Morning Arrival in Amboseli:
- Check-In at Lodge: Upon arrival, transfer to your safari lodge or camp and settle in. Amboseli’s open plains provide a beautiful backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Afternoon Game Drive:
- Lunch at the Lodge: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the lodge, which may offer views of the surrounding savannah and Mt. Kilimanjaro.
- Afternoon Game Drive: After lunch, head out for your first game drive in Amboseli. The park is famous for its large herds of elephants, often spotted against the backdrop of Africa’s tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro. You may also see lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and a wide variety of birds.
- Observation Hill: Stop at Observation Hill for panoramic views of Amboseli’s swamps, plains, and wildlife.
Highlights: Elephants with Kilimanjaro backdrop, diverse birdlife, and Observation Hill views.
Evening:
- Dinner and Relaxation: Return to your lodge for dinner, followed by relaxation and stargazing in the tranquil surroundings of the park.
Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Ol Tukai Lodge, or similar.
Day 2: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park
Travel:
- Early Morning Game Drive: Start your day with a sunrise game drive to capture Kilimanjaro’s early morning light and catch predators such as lions and cheetahs before they retreat from the heat. Return to the lodge for breakfast afterward.
- Drive to Tsavo West: After breakfast, depart for Tsavo West National Park, a scenic 2-hour drive through rural landscapes and rolling hills.
Late Morning Arrival in Tsavo West:
- Check-In at Lodge: Upon arrival in Tsavo West, check into your lodge and take some time to freshen up.
Afternoon Safari and Mzima Springs Visit:
- Lunch at the Lodge: Enjoy lunch with a view of the dramatic Tsavo West landscape.
- Mzima Springs Visit: Visit Mzima Springs, a series of freshwater springs that attract hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. You can observe underwater life through a special viewing chamber.
- Evening Game Drive: Continue your game drive to explore Tsavo West’s rugged terrain, lava flows, and unique volcanic landscapes. The park is home to “red elephants” (colored by the volcanic soil), leopards, lions, giraffes, and other wildlife.
Highlights: Mzima Springs, Shetani lava flows, red elephants, and scenic volcanic terrain.
Evening:
- Dinner and Relaxation: Return to the lodge for dinner, where you can unwind with evening views of Tsavo West’s wild landscape.
Accommodation: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Severin Safari Camp, or similar.
Day 3: Tsavo West to Tsavo East National Park
Travel:
- Early Morning Safari: Begin the day with an early game drive in Tsavo West, maximizing sightings of animals like leopards, lions, and other early risers. Return to the lodge for breakfast afterward.
- Transfer to Tsavo East: After breakfast, set out on a 2-hour drive to Tsavo East National Park, known for its vast, open plains and large herds of elephants.
Late Morning Arrival in Tsavo East:
- Check-In at Lodge: Arrive at your lodge or camp in Tsavo East, where you can refresh and settle in before the afternoon activities.
Afternoon Game Drive:
- Lunch at the Lodge: Relax with a lunch overlooking the open plains or a nearby waterhole where wildlife may gather.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Head out for an afternoon game drive through Tsavo East, known for its impressive red elephants, big game, and iconic African landscapes. You’ll visit popular sites like the Yatta Plateau, one of the world’s longest lava flows, and the Galana River, which winds through the park.
- Lugard Falls: Stop at Lugard Falls, a beautiful rock formation where the Galana River cascades through narrow gorges. This area is great for viewing hippos, crocodiles, and spectacular rock formations.
Highlights: Yatta Plateau, Lugard Falls, red elephants, and vast open plains.
Evening:
- Dinner and Relaxation: Return to your lodge for a peaceful evening with dinner, enjoying the sounds and sights of the African bush at night.
Accommodation: Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Satao Camp, or similar.
Day 4: Tsavo East to Nairobi or Mombasa
Early Morning Game Drive:
- Sunrise Safari: Begin your final day with a sunrise game drive in Tsavo East, a perfect opportunity to spot more wildlife as the animals begin their day. Look out for elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and abundant birdlife.
Breakfast at the Lodge: Return to the lodge for breakfast before packing up for your return journey.
Return to Nairobi or Optional Transfer to Mombasa:
- Scenic Drive Back to Nairobi: Depart Tsavo East for the drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.
- Optional Journey to Mombasa: For those continuing to the coast, transfer to Mombasa for a relaxing beach extension or onward travel. The drive from Tsavo East to Mombasa takes around 2-3 hours, allowing you to arrive at the coast by early afternoon.
Optional Activities in Mombasa:
- Explore Mombasa’s Old Town: If time permits, explore Mombasa’s Old Town and Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Portuguese, Arab, and Swahili influences.
- Relax on Mombasa’s Beaches: Alternatively, unwind at one of Mombasa’s renowned beaches, such as Diani or Nyali Beach, with their soft white sands and warm Indian Ocean waters.
End of Safari
This 4-day itinerary offers a rich and varied experience, showcasing Kenya’s iconic landscapes, unique wildlife, and remarkable national parks. The journey from Amboseli’s stunning views of Kilimanjaro, through Tsavo’s volcanic landscapes, and ending with a possible coastal extension to Mombasa, promises a safari filled with unforgettable memories of Kenya’s natural wonders.