Immerse yourself in the land of giants on this focused 4 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 impactful journey through southern Kenya, this itinerary showcases dramatic landscapes, enormous elephant herds, and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Let Bubble Tours & Travel craft your bespoke Kenya itinerary, balancing adventure with premium comfort.

Brief Day by Day Itinerary Outline

• Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
• Day 2: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park
• Day 3: Tsavo West to Tsavo East National Park
• Day 4: Tsavo East to Nairobi (or connect to Coast)

 

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:

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

Tailoring Your Southern Kenya Safari

This 4 day itinerary offers a focused 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 where time permits within the schedule.
• Coastal Extension: This itinerary combines seamlessly with a relaxing beach stay on the nearby Kenyan coast (e.g., Diani Beach) due to Tsavo East's proximity.
• Pacing: Please note that adding other major parks generally requires extending the trip duration beyond 4 days. If a more relaxed pace is desired, consider fewer parks or a longer itinerary.

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 and clearer views of Mount Kilimanjaro are more likely. Road travel is generally easier.
• Wet Seasons (March May, November December): Feature greener landscapes, fewer crowds, and dramatic skies. Some road sections can become challenging, making the optional flights potentially more advantageous.

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 found in Tsavo and Amboseli.
• 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 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 details (including road travel times and optional flight info), follows below. If this journey into the land of giants appeals to you, contact our specialists.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park (Approx. 4-5 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 Amboseli National Park.
• Mid-morning: The drive takes you south, passing through diverse landscapes and local Maasai villages. A stop for lunch will be arranged en route, often in a town like Emali.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp in or near Amboseli National Park. Check in and have some time to freshen up.
• Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in Amboseli. This park is famous for its large herds of elephants, often seen against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting).
• Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

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

Day 2: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)

• Morning: 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: Return to the lodge for breakfast.
• Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Depending on timing and preference, enjoy a final short game drive or relax at the lodge before checking out and driving to Tsavo West National Park. Lunch will be en route.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp in or near Tsavo West. Check in.
• Late Afternoon: Begin exploring 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 3: Tsavo West to Tsavo East National Park (Approx. 2-3 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 Tsavo East National Park.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp in or near Tsavo East. Check in and have lunch.
• Late Afternoon: Begin your game drive in Tsavo East. This park is known for its vast plains and large herds of "red elephants" (due to the red soil).
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

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

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

• Morning: Enjoy a final early morning game drive in Tsavo East.
• Mid-morning: Return to the lodge for breakfast.
• Late Morning: Check out and begin the 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 (especially for early mornings and evenings), comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long are the drives between parks on this 4 day itinerary? Travel times by road between Amboseli, Tsavo West, and Tsavo East are significant, often involving several hours of driving on potentially varied road conditions. The detailed itinerary provides estimates. Using the optional light aircraft flights dramatically reduces this travel time.

2. Is 4 days enough time to see these three large parks? This itinerary provides a highlights experience, typically involving one night in each park. It allows you to see the key features and some wildlife but involves moving locations daily. It is fast paced. For more in depth exploration, a longer duration or focusing on fewer parks is recommended.

3. What are the key differences between Tsavo East and Tsavo West? Tsavo East is generally characterized by vast, open, arid plains known for 'red' elephants. Tsavo West features more varied, dramatic landscapes including volcanic hills, denser bush, swamps like Mzima Springs, and lava flows alongside its diverse wildlife.

4. How easily can this safari connect to the Kenyan coast? Very easily. Tsavo East National Park borders the coastal region. After your final activities in Tsavo East, it's relatively straightforward to transfer by road or a short flight to destinations like Diani Beach, Malindi, or Watamu.