3D / 2NKilimanjaro views
Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks
2-Day Tsavo East Overnight Safari
The quickest proper safari from Mombasa: two days of game drives in Tsavo East, Kenya's largest park, with one night at a lodge or tented camp.
- 2 days · 1 night
- From Mombasa
- Budget overnight
Overview
If you only have a weekend, or you want to try a safari before committing to a longer one, this is the trip. Tsavo East is the closest major national park to Mombasa, and its Bachuma Gate is roughly two and a half to three hours inland, so you can leave after an early breakfast and be watching elephants before lunch.
Tsavo East is Kenya's largest national park, and its open, red-earth plains make wildlife easy to spot. The park is best known for its red elephants, coloured by the dust they throw over themselves, but you can also expect buffalo, giraffe, zebra, gerenuk and a good chance of lion. Waterholes such as Aruba Dam and the area around Mudanda Rock draw animals through the dry months.
Keeping it simple
Two afternoon and morning game drives, one night in the bush and home the next afternoon. Staying overnight means you're in the park for the best light, late afternoon and early morning, when the animals are most active and the day-trippers have gone.
- Return transport from Mombasa
- Game drives in Tsavo East
- One night at a lodge or tented camp
- A budget-friendly first safari
Ask us about upgrading the night's stay, or adding a second night and Tsavo West for the full three-day trip.
- Close to Mombasa, with game viewing before lunch
- Red elephants on the open plains
- Sunset and sunrise game drives
- Night at a lodge or tented camp
- Budget-friendly introduction to safari
Day by day
- Day 1
Mombasa → Tsavo East
Pick-up from your hotel in Mombasa, Nyali, Bamburi or the North Coast at around 06:30. Drive inland to Bachuma Gate, about two and a half to three hours, then game drive on the way to your lodge or camp. After lunch and a rest, head out on the afternoon game drive around Aruba Dam or Mudanda Rock until dusk, when elephants come to drink. Dinner and overnight.
- Day 2
Tsavo East → Mombasa
Rise early for a sunrise game drive, the best time to see predators on the move, then return for breakfast. Check out and continue game viewing on your way to the exit gate. Leave the park around midday and drive back to Mombasa, arriving in the mid to late afternoon, depending on traffic and where you are staying. Drop-off at your hotel or home.
What's included
Included
- Return transport from Mombasa in a safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Driver-guide
- 1 night at a lodge or tented camp on full board
- Tsavo East National Park entry fees
- Game drives as per the itinerary
- Drinking water during game drives
Not included
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
- Upgrades to premium lodges
- Travel insurance
Rates
| Option | Kenya resident (KES) | Non-resident (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Day trip (no overnight) | 9,500 | 165 |
| 2D/1N budget lodge (Apr-Jun) | 19,500 | 395 |
| 2D/1N mid lodge (Jul-Dec) | 23,500 | 450 |
Per person sharing a double or twin room. Under 5 free park entry; citizen child KES 500/day. 3-11 sharing 75%; 12+ adult.
Good to know
- Bring a light jacket for the early morning drive; the rest of the day is hot.
- Park fees are charged per person per day and differ for citizens, residents and non-residents. Carry your ID or alien card for resident rates.
- Pick-ups from Diani or Kilifi can be arranged with an earlier start time.
- Kenya bans single-use plastics in national parks, so bring a refillable water bottle.
Questions about this trip
Is one night in Tsavo East enough?
It's enough for a satisfying first taste. You get an afternoon drive, a sunrise drive and game viewing on the way in and out, which covers the best wildlife hours. If you want to see more of the park, or add Tsavo West's Mzima Springs and lava flows, our three-day Tsavo East and West safari is the natural next step.
What kind of accommodation is used?
This is our budget overnight safari, so you stay at a comfortable lodge or tented camp in or near the park, with en-suite rooms and meals included. If you would like a specific lodge, a pool or a waterhole view, tell us when you enquire and we'll quote the upgrade options available on your dates.
Can I do Tsavo East as a day trip instead?
It is possible, but you spend around five to six hours of the day on the road and see the park in the midday heat, when many animals rest. Staying overnight gives you the late-afternoon and sunrise drives, which are usually the most rewarding. That's why we recommend this overnight safari as the shortest worthwhile option.
What should I pack for an overnight safari?
Keep it light: comfortable neutral-coloured clothes, a warm layer for the early morning, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, your camera or binoculars and any medication you need. Bring your ID or passport for the park gate. A small soft bag is easier to fit in the vehicle than a hard suitcase.
2-Day Tsavo East Overnight Safari
Request to book
Tell us when and who's travelling. We check availability, then send a written quote with the total, the deposit and the due dates. Nothing to pay until you're happy with it.
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