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Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks
3-Day Tsavo East & Tsavo West Safari
Both halves of Tsavo in three days from Mombasa: red elephants and the Yatta Plateau in Tsavo East, Mzima Springs and the Shetani lava flow in Tsavo West.
- 3 days · 2 nights
- From Mombasa
- From Mombasa
Overview
Tsavo is the coast's own safari country, and this is the trip that shows you both sides of it. Tsavo East and Tsavo West are separate parks divided by the Nairobi–Mombasa highway, and they could hardly look more different.
Tsavo East is wide, flat and red. Its elephants dust-bathe in the iron-rich soil until they glow rust-coloured, and the long ridge of the Yatta Plateau, one of the world's longest lava flows, runs above the Galana River and Lugard Falls. Tsavo West is volcanic and hilly. At Mzima Springs, crystal-clear water from the Chyulu Hills bubbles up into pools where hippos and crocodiles live, and an underwater viewing chamber lets you watch them below the surface. Further on, the black rock of the Shetani lava flow spreads across the plain, its name taken from the Swahili word for devil.
Why it works from the coast
Tsavo East's Bachuma Gate is roughly two and a half to three hours from Mombasa, so you're game viewing by late morning on Day 1. You spend a night in each park and drive home on Day 3 via Mtito Andei.
- Return transport from Mombasa
- 4x4 Land Cruiser game drives with a driver-guide
- 2 nights' accommodation on full board
- Park fees and drinking water included
- Tsavo East's famous red elephants
- Views of the Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls
- Hippos and crocodiles at Mzima Springs
- The black volcanic Shetani lava flow
- A night in each park, starting from Mombasa
Day by day
- Day 1
Mombasa → Tsavo East
Pick-up from your Mombasa, Nyali or Bamburi hotel at around 06:30. Drive inland through Mariakani to Tsavo East's Bachuma Gate, about two and a half to three hours. Game drive on your way to your accommodation, looking for red elephants, buffalo, giraffe and lion. Lunch and a rest, then an afternoon game drive around the waterholes until the park closes at dusk. Dinner and overnight in or near Tsavo East.
- Day 2
Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls → Tsavo West and Mzima Springs
An early game drive north towards the Galana River, with views of the Yatta Plateau and a stop at Lugard Falls, where the river squeezes through channels in the rock. Return for breakfast, then cross to Tsavo West, about two to three hours including game viewing. After lunch, visit Mzima Springs to watch hippos and crocodiles from the banks and the underwater viewing chamber. Dinner and overnight in Tsavo West.
- Day 3
Shetani lava flow → Mombasa
Breakfast, then a morning game drive to the Shetani lava flow, a sweep of black volcanic rock left by an eruption a few centuries ago, with a stop at the nearby Chaimu crater if time allows. Leave the park through Mtito Andei Gate around midday and drive back down the highway to Mombasa, about four to five hours. You should be home in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic.
What's included
Included
- Return transport from Mombasa
- Game drives in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional driver-guide
- 2 nights' accommodation (one in each park area) on full board
- Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park entry fees
- Drinking water during game drives
Not included
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
- Optional activities not in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
Rates
| Option | Kenya resident (KES) | Non-resident (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Pop-top van + budget lodge | 38,500 | 650 |
| Land Cruiser + mid lodges | 44,500 | 780 |
| Upper | 64,000 | 1,100 |
Per person sharing a double or twin room. Under 5 free park entry; citizen child (5-17) KES 500 per park day; non-resident child USD 40. 3-11 sharing 75%; 12+ adult.
Good to know
- Tsavo is hot and dusty. Light, neutral-coloured clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen will make the days much more comfortable.
- Park fees are charged per person per day, with separate citizen, resident and non-resident rates. Bring your ID or alien card for resident rates.
- At Mzima Springs you walk a short nature trail between viewing points, so wear closed shoes.
- Kenya bans single-use plastic bottles in national parks. A refillable bottle is the easiest way to stay hydrated.
Questions about this trip
Why are Tsavo's elephants red?
They're grey like any other elephant, but they cover themselves in Tsavo's red, iron-rich soil by dust-bathing and spraying, which protects their skin from sun and insects. The result is the rust-coloured elephants Tsavo East is famous for. Watch for them at waterholes, where you'll often see a herd turn darker red after a mud wallow.
What is the difference between Tsavo East and Tsavo West?
Tsavo East is flatter and more open, with long views, the Galana River and the Yatta Plateau, and it is generally easier for spotting large herds. Tsavo West is hillier and greener, with volcanic landscapes, Mzima Springs and the Shetani lava flow. Seeing both in one trip gives you two very different safari landscapes.
Can I see lions in Tsavo?
Yes, lions live in both parks, and Tsavo's lions are known for the males' sparse manes. Sightings are less predictable than in the Maasai Mara because the parks are huge and the bush can be thick, so allow your driver-guide to read the tracks and check the waterholes. Cheetah, leopard and buffalo are also present.
Is this safari suitable for families with young children?
Yes, as long as your children are comfortable with a few long drives. The journey to Tsavo East is short, Mzima Springs and Lugard Falls give everyone a chance to stretch their legs, and you sleep in a different place each night. Let us know your children's ages so we can confirm child park rates and family rooms.
3-Day Tsavo East & Tsavo West 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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