5-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Tsavo West & Tsavo East

5-Day Kenya Safari
Amboseli, Tsavo West & Tsavo East

A classic 5-day Kenya safari to Amboseli & Tsavo West/East National Parks. See elephants with Kilimanjaro views, visit Mzima Springs & spot the ‘red elephants’.

This 5-day safari combines the iconic views of Amboseli with the rugged wilderness of Tsavo West and East, famous for its red elephants and diverse wildlife.

Classic Wilderness Experience: This safari explores some of Kenya's largest and most iconic parks, offering a fantastic blend of breathtaking scenery (Amboseli), volcanic landscapes and springs (Tsavo West), and vast, wildlife-rich plains (Tsavo East).
Wildlife Highlights: The key attractions are the elephant herds of Amboseli against the Kilimanjaro backdrop, the hippos and crocodiles at Mzima Springs, and the famous 'red' elephants of Tsavo.
Accommodation: Comfortable and well-located lodges within the parks, offering easy access for game drives and great opportunities to see wildlife from the lodge itself.
Best Time to Visit: Good year-round. The best wildlife viewing is during the Dry seasons (January-February and June-October) when animals gather around water sources.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Amboseli National Park

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), meet your guide, and drive to Amboseli National Park. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. After a short rest, embark on an afternoon game drive. Amboseli is famed for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 2: Full Day in Amboseli National Park

Enjoy a full day of game viewing in Amboseli with both early morning and late afternoon game drives. The open plains provide excellent opportunities to photograph elephants, lions, cheetahs, and countless birds with the majestic backdrop of Africa's highest peak. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Amboseli – Tsavo West National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive as you depart Amboseli. Drive to Tsavo West National Park, arriving at your lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, head out for a game drive. A key highlight is a visit to Mzima Springs, an oasis of crystal-clear water where you can watch hippos and crocodiles from an underwater viewing hide. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Tsavo West – Tsavo East National Park

After breakfast and a short game drive en route, cross into Tsavo East National Park. The park is famous for its ‘red’ elephants, which dust-bathe in the red soil. Check into your lodge for lunch. Embark on an afternoon game drive on the vast, open plains, offering fantastic chances to see lions, buffalo, and large herds of elephants. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation: Ashnil Aruba Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Tsavo East – Nairobi – Departure

Enjoy one last early morning game drive in Tsavo East. After breakfast, check out and drive back to Nairobi. You will be dropped off either at a Nairobi hotel or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Details

Included in the Price:

All park entry fees
All accommodation as specified
All meals on Full Board basis
Mineral water on safari
All game drives and excursions (including visit to Mzima Springs)
Transport in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof
Services of a professional, English-speaking safari guide/driver

Not Included:

International flights and taxes
Visa fees for Kenya
Items of a personal nature (e.g., laundry, souvenirs)
All drinks at the lodges (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Travel insurance (Highly recommended)

Tour Cost

Starting from: USD $1,200 per person sharing

Country Information Sheet: Kenya | The Safari Heartland

Key Facts

Population: 55 million people.
Languages: English (official), Swahili (national).
Geography: Diverse landscapes from savannah grasslands and mountain highlands to the Great Rift Valley.

Climate

Amboseli/Tsavo: Generally hot and dry. Days can be very warm, while nights and early mornings are cool. Dust can be prevalent in Tsavo.Best Time: Dry seasons (Jan-Feb & Jun-Oct) for best game viewing.

Visas

An eVisa is required for most international travelers and must be obtained online in advance.
Check requirements via the Directorate of Immigration Services.
.

Health

Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country.
Malaria Prophylaxis: Essential for this safari. Consult your doctor.
Vaccinations: Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus.

Packing List

Essentials: Neutral-colored clothing, warm layers for cool mornings/evenings, binoculars, camera, sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent.

Gratuities

Tipping is customary. We recommend:

Safari Guide/Driver: $20-25 per day from the group
Lodge Staff: $10-15 per day from the group, placed in a communal tip box.

Currency

KES (Kenyan Shilling): US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted.
ATMs: Available in major towns; carry cash for remote areas and tips.
Credit Cards: Accepted at major lodges but not for small purchases.

Travel Insurance

Highly recommended. Your policy should cover emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and safari activities.

Recommended Tours

5-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Tsavo West & Tsavo East

This 5-day safari combines the iconic views of Amboseli with the rugged wilderness of Tsavo West and East, famous for its red elephants and diverse wildlife.

15-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday

This 15-day tour offers the perfect blend of wildlife and relaxation, featuring a safari in Tanzania's Northern Circuit and a extended beach stay on the spice island of Zanzibar.

Aberdare Safari – 9 Days of Wildlife Adventure Across Kenya

Embark on a thrilling 9-day Kenyan safari through the country’s most iconic destinations. Start from the lush Central Highlands at Aberdare Country Club, journey north to spot the rare "Samburu