Immerse yourself in the land of giants on this focused 5 day Kenya luxury safari, exploring the vast wilderness of Tsavo and the iconic plains of Amboseli. Expertly designed by Kenyan based specialists for Canadian travellers seeking an efficient yet impactful journey through southern Kenya, this itinerary showcases dramatic landscapes, enormous elephant herds, and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the distances covered in a short timeframe, this adventure typically utilizes light aircraft flights for a seamless and comfortable luxury experience.

Brief Day by Day Itinerary Outline

Day 1: Nairobi to Tsavo East National Park
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Tsavo East
Day 3: Tsavo East to Tsavo West National Park
Day 4: Tsavo West to Amboseli National Park
Day 5: Amboseli National Park to Nairobi

 

Activities:

* Multiple game drives in each of the three national parks
* Explore the unique landscapes and geological formations of each park
Optional activities: Visit the Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava Flow, and Chaimu Crater, enjoy a bush walk, or experience a Maasai village visit (additional cost).

Optional Travel Upgrade:

Travel Between Parks with Light Aircraft: For a seamless and time-efficient experience, consider upgrading your transportation between parks with a scenic light aircraft flight. This option offers breathtaking aerial views of the Kenyan landscape and significantly reduces travel time, allowing you to maximize your time on safari.

Wildlife & Scenic Highlights:

Tsavo East National Park: Elephants (including the famous "red elephants"), lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, antelopes, and a diverse array of bird species, such as ostriches, eagles, and vultures.
Tsavo West National Park: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, black rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Amboseli National Park: Elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species, including ostriches, eagles, and secretary birds.
Scenic Landscapes: The Yatta Plateau (the world's longest lava flow) in Tsavo East, the Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava Flow, and the Chaimu Crater in Tsavo West, and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli.

Tailoring Your Southern Kenya Safari

This 5 day itinerary offers a fantastic immersion into Tsavo and Amboseli. Customization options often include:

• Accommodation Choices: Selecting specific premium lodges or camps based on your style preferences.
• Activity Focus: Prioritizing certain optional activities like bush walks or specific geological sites.
• Coastal Extension: This itinerary combines seamlessly with a relaxing beach stay on the nearby Kenyan coast (e.g., Diani Beach) due to Tsavo's proximity.
• Note: Adding other major parks like the Maasai Mara generally requires extending the trip duration beyond 5 days.

Best Time for This Safari

This southern circuit is rewarding year round:

• Dry Seasons (June October, January February): Typically offer the best wildlife viewing as animals congregate near water sources (like Tsavo's rivers or Amboseli's swamps) and clearer views of Mount Kilimanjaro are more likely.
• Flight Advantage: Utilizing flights makes travel comfortable regardless of season, bypassing potential road challenges during wetter periods (March May, November December).

Consult with our specialists for optimal timing based on your interests.

Why Choose This Tsavo & Amboseli Journey?

• Focus on Elephants & Landscapes: Ideal for travellers captivated by large elephant herds and dramatic, unique scenery (Tsavo's red earth, volcanic features, Amboseli's plains below Kilimanjaro).
• Iconic Views: Offers the potential for unforgettable photographs of wildlife against the backdrop of Africa's highest peak.
• Efficient Highlights Tour: Covers key southern parks effectively within a short timeframe.
• Excellent Coastal Combination: Perfectly positioned for easy connection to Kenya's beautiful coastline.

Plan Your Southern Kenya Adventure

The detailed day by day itinerary, featuring specific accommodation suggestions and logistical recommendations, follows below. If this journey into the land of giants appeals to you, contact our specialists.

---

Itinerary

---

Day 1: Nairobi to Tsavo East National Park (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)

• Morning (Arrival/Departure): Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi, you will be met by your professional driver/guide. After a brief welcome and safari briefing, depart for Tsavo East National Park.
• Mid-morning: The drive takes you southeast, passing through changing landscapes. A stop for lunch will be arranged en route.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp inside or near Tsavo East National Park. Check in and have some time to freshen up.
• Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in Tsavo East. This park is known for its large herds of elephants, often referred to as "red elephants" due to the red soil they dust themselves with.
• Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Satao Elerai Camp, Voi Safari Lodge, or similar.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Tsavo East National Park

• Morning: Early morning game drive to witness the sunrise and observe wildlife during their most active hours.
• Mid-morning: Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast.
• Late Morning/Afternoon: Continue exploring Tsavo East with extended game drives, focusing on different areas of the park. Consider visiting the Lugard Falls, where the Galana River plunges through a narrow gorge, or the Mudanda Rock, a long outcrop of rock that attracts many animals, especially during the dry season.
• Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Tsavo East to Tsavo West National Park (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Tsavo East, perhaps focusing on any species you may have missed.
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and drive to Tsavo West National Park.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp in or near Tsavo West. Check in and have lunch.
• Late Afternoon: Explore Tsavo West, known for its dramatic landscapes, including volcanic hills, lava flows, and springs. Visit the Mzima Springs, a series of natural springs home to hippos and crocodiles.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Finch Hattons Camp, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Severin Safari Camp, Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp, or similar.

Day 4: Tsavo West to Amboseli National Park (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Tsavo West. You could visit the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary (check availability and pre-booking requirements) if it aligns with your interests.
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and drive to Amboseli National Park.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp in or near Amboseli. Check in and have lunch.
• Late Afternoon: Begin your game drive in Amboseli, famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its large elephant herds.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Tortilis Camp Amboseli, Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli, Sopa Amboseli Lodge, or similar.

Day 5: Amboseli National Park to Nairobi (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final early morning game drive in Amboseli for the best chance to see Kilimanjaro clearly and observe wildlife activity in the cool morning air.
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and drive back to Nairobi.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your departure flight or to a hotel for onward travel.

Important Notes :

• This is a sample itinerary and can be customized.
• Driving times are estimates and depend on road conditions.
• It is recommended that you book your safari well in advance.
• Pack appropriate clothing for varying weather, including warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does the wildlife viewing compare in Tsavo and Amboseli vs the Maasai Mara? Tsavo and Amboseli are renowned for vast elephant herds and stunning landscapes. Tsavo West offers unique geological sites and diverse habitats. While you can see lions and other predators, the sheer density and variety of big game are generally higher in the Maasai Mara. This itinerary offers a different, but equally rewarding, focus primarily on elephants and scenery.

2. Is 5 days enough time to see Tsavo East, Tsavo West, and Amboseli? This itinerary provides a highlights experience of each park. Given the size of the Tsavo parks especially, it involves focused game drives rather than exhaustive exploration. Utilizing the recommended light aircraft flights is crucial to make the pace comfortable and maximize your time within the parks over the 5 days.

3. What are the key differences between Tsavo East and Tsavo West? Tsavo East is generally characterized by vast, open, arid plains and is famous for its large herds of 'red' elephants (dusted with the red soil). Tsavo West is more varied geographically, featuring volcanic hills, denser bush, swamps like Mzima Springs, and dramatic lava flows alongside its wildlife.

4. How easy is it to add a beach extension from this safari? Very easy. Tsavo East National Park is relatively close to the Kenyan coast. After finishing in Amboseli, a short flight can connect you to coastal destinations like Diani, Malindi, or Watamu for a relaxing beach stay. This is a very popular combination.