3 Days Tsavo East Safari
Safari Highlights
Tsavo East National Park, one of Kenya’s largest and oldest national parks, offers a vast expanse of untamed wilderness. Established in 1948 and covering over 13,700 square kilometers, it is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including endless plains, ancient baobab trees, and the iconic red-dusted elephants that roam freely across the park. The park is part of the greater Tsavo ecosystem, which, together with Tsavo West, forms the largest wildlife reserve in Kenya.
The park is home to an array of wildlife, including the “Big Five” — lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. Tsavo East is particularly famous for its large herds of elephants, often seen rolling in the red dust, which gives them a unique, reddish appearance. Other common sightings include giraffes, zebras, impalas, gazelles, and a variety of bird species.
Key attractions within Tsavo East include the Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow, the Galana River, which flows through the park and provides a lifeline for its wildlife, and the Lugard Falls, where the river forms a series of rapids and pools. The Mudanda Rock, a massive rock formation that attracts elephants and other animals during the dry season, offers a panoramic view of the park and is a perfect spot for wildlife observation.
Tsavo East provides a true wilderness experience, with less-crowded game drives, expansive horizons, and an authentic sense of adventure, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari.
Safari Itinerary
Morning: Depart early from your hotel in Mombasa and drive to Tsavo East National Park (about 2-3 hours). Enjoy a scenic drive through the Kenyan countryside.
Mid-Morning: Enter Tsavo East through the Bachuma Gate and begin a game drive en route to your lodge or camp. Look out for wildlife such as elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species.
Lunch: Arrive at your lodge or camp for check-in and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Afternoon: Relax at the lodge or camp, perhaps taking a swim or a guided nature walk.
Evening: Embark on an afternoon game drive to explore more of Tsavo East’s vast landscapes, like the famous red elephants, Aruba Dam, and Mudanda Rock.
Dinner and Overnight: Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Morning: After breakfast, head out for an early morning game drive to catch the wildlife during its most active period. Explore areas like the Galana River, which is known for its diverse birdlife and crocodile sightings.
Lunch: Enjoy a bush lunch or return to your lodge/camp for a meal.
Afternoon: Continue with a game drive, visiting other attractions such as the Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world.
Evening: Return to the lodge or camp for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Morning: After an early breakfast, embark on a final game drive in Tsavo East, seeking any wildlife you might have missed.
Mid-Morning: Exit the park and begin the journey back to Mombasa.
Lunch: En route back to Mombasa, with a stop for lunch.
Afternoon: Arrive in Mombasa and drop off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of the safari.
Safari Price Includes
- Accommodation in Tsavo East (lodge or tented camp)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
- Tsavo East National Park entry fees
- Services of a professional safari guide/driver.
- Bottled water during the game drive.
- Game drives as per itinerary
Safari Price Excludes
- Flights (international or domestic)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities (e.g., Maasai village visit)
- Drinks and personal expenses