This 4-day itinerary combines some of Kenya’s best safari destinations: Amboseli National Park, Tsavo West, and Tsavo East, ending with a scenic journey to the coastal city of Mombasa. This trip offers opportunities to see herds of elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, explore volcanic landscapes, spot diverse wildlife, and enjoy iconic scenery. Ideal for those wanting a comprehensive safari experience with a blend of landscape, wildlife, and a touch of coastal culture.
Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
Travel:
- Morning Departure: Depart Nairobi in the early morning for Amboseli National Park, a 4-hour drive with beautiful views of the countryside. Alternatively, you may choose a short flight from Nairobi to Amboseli if you prefer a quicker journey.
Late Morning Arrival in Amboseli:
- Transfer to Lodge and Check-In: Upon arrival, check into your safari lodge or camp and settle in. Amboseli’s landscape is famous for its flat, open plains, which offer incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Afternoon Game Drive:
- Lunch at the Lodge: Enjoy lunch at the lodge, soaking in the stunning surroundings.
- Afternoon Game Drive: After lunch, head out for a game drive to explore Amboseli’s unique ecosystem, renowned for its large elephant herds and iconic views of Kilimanjaro. Alongside elephants, keep an eye out for lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and a variety of bird species.
Highlights: Elephants with Kilimanjaro backdrop, big game viewing, and Amboseli’s diverse birdlife.
Evening:
- Dinner and Relaxation: Return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and an evening of relaxation or stargazing.
Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Ol Tukai Lodge, or similar.
Day 2: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park
Travel:
- Early Morning Game Drive: Begin the day with a sunrise game drive in Amboseli, making the most of the early light to see predators and other wildlife 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, which is about a 2-hour drive. En route, enjoy scenic views of rugged hills and volcanic landscapes.
Late Morning Arrival in Tsavo West:
- Transfer to Lodge and Check-In: Check into your Tsavo West lodge, refresh, and prepare for an afternoon of exploring this diverse park.
Afternoon Safari and Mzima Springs Visit:
- Lunch at the Lodge: Have lunch at the lodge, which may offer panoramic views of Tsavo West’s stunning landscape.
- Mzima Springs Visit: Visit Mzima Springs, a series of natural springs that are a popular spot for hippos and crocodiles. You can also see a variety of fish and bird species through an underwater viewing chamber.
- Evening Game Drive: Continue your game drive through Tsavo West, exploring lava flows, rocky outcrops, and the unique vegetation of this volcanic park. Look out for leopards, lions, giraffes, and the park’s famous “red elephants” stained by the red volcanic soil.
Highlights: Mzima Springs, Shetani lava flows, red elephants, and volcanic scenery.
Evening:
- Dinner and Relaxation: Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation, enjoying the unique sounds of the African night.
Accommodation: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Severin Safari Camp, or similar.
Day 3: Tsavo West to Tsavo East National Park
Travel:
- Early Morning Safari: Enjoy a pre-dawn game drive in Tsavo West to maximize sightings of early risers like leopards and other elusive wildlife.
- Breakfast and Transfer to Tsavo East: After breakfast, set out on a 2-hour drive to Tsavo East National Park, Kenya’s largest national park known for its vast open plains.
Mid-Morning Arrival in Tsavo East:
- Transfer to Lodge and Check-In: Check into your lodge or camp in Tsavo East. Relax and get ready for an afternoon game drive.
Afternoon Game Drive:
- Lunch at the Lodge: Enjoy lunch at your lodge, with views of the surrounding plains.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Head out for a game drive in Tsavo East, exploring the iconic landscapes of Yatta Plateau (one of the world’s longest lava flows) and the open savannah. The park is known for large herds of elephants, as well as lions, cheetahs, zebras, and a variety of antelope species.
- Lugard Falls and Galana River: Visit Lugard Falls, where the Galana River cascades over stunning rocks, creating a dramatic landscape and a unique spot to view hippos and crocodiles.
Highlights: Yatta Plateau, Lugard Falls, red elephants, and vast open plains.
Evening:
- Dinner and Relaxation: Return to your lodge for dinner, where you can unwind and share stories of the day’s adventures.
Accommodation: Satao Camp, Ashnil Aruba Lodge, or similar.
Day 4: Tsavo East to Mombasa
Travel:
- Early Morning Game Drive: Begin the day with a final sunrise game drive, taking in the morning light and soaking up last views of Tsavo’s wildlife. Spot elephants, giraffes, and various birds as they start their day.
Breakfast at the Lodge: Return to the lodge for breakfast after your game drive.
Departure to Mombasa:
- Scenic Drive to Mombasa: After breakfast, depart Tsavo East for the coastal city of Mombasa, a 3-4 hour drive. As you travel, enjoy the transition from savannah to coastal landscapes.
Arrival in Mombasa:
- Transfer to Beach Hotel: Upon reaching Mombasa, you can either be dropped off at a hotel on the beautiful Mombasa beaches to continue your Kenyan holiday or be taken to Moi International Airport for your return journey.
Optional Afternoon in Mombasa:
- Explore Mombasa’s Old Town and Fort Jesus: If time allows, take a tour of Mombasa’s historical sites, such as Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese fort, and the vibrant Old Town with its mix of Arab, Swahili, and Indian architecture.
- Relax at the Beach: Alternatively, unwind at one of Mombasa’s famous white-sand beaches like Diani or Nyali Beach.
End of Safari
This 4-day Amboseli, Tsavo West, and Tsavo East safari with a scenic transfer to Mombasa offers a perfect blend of thrilling wildlife encounters, spectacular scenery, and a smooth transition from the savannah to the coast. From Kilimanjaro’s backdrop in Amboseli to the red-soil landscapes of Tsavo, and concluding at Kenya’s tropical coastline, this itinerary provides a comprehensive East African adventure.