This 3-day safari combines Tsavo East, Tsavo West, and Amboseli National Parks, offering a whirlwind tour of three distinct ecosystems. This itinerary covers a significant amount of ground and provides a broad overview of Kenya’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Day 1: Tsavo East and Tsavo West
1. Very early morning departure from your starting point (e.g., Mombasa or Malindi)
2. Drive to Tsavo East National Park (2-3 hours)
3. Game drive in Tsavo East, including a stop at a viewpoint like Mudanda Rock
4. Lunch at a Tsavo East lodge or picnic lunch
5. Afternoon drive to Tsavo West National Park (2-3 hours)
6. Evening game drive in Tsavo West, possibly visiting Mzima Springs
7. Dinner and overnight at a Tsavo West lodge

Day 2: Tsavo West to Amboseli
1. Early morning game drive in Tsavo West
2. Breakfast at the lodge
3. Optional visit to Shetani Lava Flow or Chyulu Hills
4. Drive to Amboseli National Park (3-4 hours)
5. Afternoon game drive in Amboseli
6. Dinner and overnight at an Amboseli lodge

Day 3: Amboseli National Park
1. Early morning game drive in Amboseli (best time for clear views of Mt. Kilimanjaro)
2. Return to lodge for breakfast
3. Mid-morning game drive or optional visit to a Maasai village
4. Lunch at the lodge
5. Final game drive in Amboseli
6. Depart for your original starting point in the late afternoon/evening

Key Locations

Tsavo East National Park
– One of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks
– Known for its large elephant herds and the “red elephants” covered in red dust
– Flat, semi-arid landscape with the Galana River as a key feature

Tsavo West National Park
– More mountainous and wetter than Tsavo East, with scenic volcanic hills and lava rock formations
– Features Mzima Springs, a series of natural springs with underwater viewing chambers
– Home to diverse wildlife, including black rhinos in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary

Amboseli National Park
– Famous for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro
– Diverse landscape including dried-up lake bed, wetlands, savannah, and woodlands
– Excellent for wildlife photography, especially with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
– Tsavo East & West: Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles
– Amboseli: Large elephant herds, lions, cheetahs, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas
– All parks offer excellent bird watching opportunities

Key Attractions
1. Galana River (Tsavo East): Excellent for wildlife viewing
2. Mzima Springs (Tsavo West): Crystal clear water springs with underwater viewing chamber
3. Shetani Lava Flow (Tsavo West): Vast expanse of folded black lava
4. Mount Kilimanjaro views (Amboseli): Best seen at dawn and dusk
5. Observation Hill (Amboseli): Panoramic views of the entire park

Accommodation Options
– Tsavo West: Kilaguni Serena Lodge, Severin Safari Camp, Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp
– Amboseli: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Ol Tukai Lodge, Tortilis Camp

Best Time to Visit
– June to October and January to February (dry seasons) for optimal wildlife viewing
– July to October for the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli

What to Pack
– Light, neutral-colored clothing
– Warm layers for early morning and evening game drives
– Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
– Insect repellent
– Camera and binoculars
– Comfortable, closed shoes for walking

Important Notes
– This itinerary covers a lot of ground in a short time. Be prepared for long drives between parks.
– Game viewing times may be limited due to travel between parks.
– Consider extending your trip by a day or two for a more relaxed pace and extended wildlife viewing.