From Beach to Bush: A Safari Journey from Malindi to Tsavo West

While Malindi is known for its soft sands, coral reefs, and warm coastal breeze, few visitors realize that just beyond its laid-back beaches lies a wilderness filled with elephants, lava flows, and ancient springs. If you’re craving more than just the ocean, a safari from Malindi to Tsavo West National Park offers a thrilling contrast: one moment you’re sipping coconut water on the shore, and the next, you’re tracking lions through volcanic plains.

This is the journey I took—and it turned out to be one of the most breathtaking experiences in all of Kenya.

The Road to the Wild

Leaving Malindi just after sunrise, our 4×4 rolled out of the sleepy Swahili town and into Kenya’s changing landscape. The palm trees slowly gave way to scrubland and baobab-dotted hills. As the coastal humidity faded, the terrain grew drier, tougher—and far more dramatic.

We were headed to Tsavo West National Park, one of Kenya’s oldest and most scenic reserves. While Tsavo East is known for wide-open plains, Tsavo West is rugged and mysterious—home to blackened lava fields, misty hills, and some of the country’s most elusive wildlife.

If you’re planning your own safari adventure, Steve and Richard Safaris offers a variety of options starting right from Malindi, Watamu, or Diani.

Into the Park: First Glimpses of Wildlife

After entering the park through the Tsavo River Gate, we began our first game drive. Within minutes, we saw giraffes moving elegantly through the acacia trees, zebras grazing near the road, and a herd of elephants coated in red dust—blending into the landscape like moving mounds of earth.

But what makes Tsavo West unique isn’t just the wildlife—it’s the landscape itself.

Mzima Springs: Water in the Wild

One of the highlights of the park is Mzima Springs, a natural oasis fed by underground water from Chyulu Hills. Here, hippos float lazily in crystal-clear pools while crocodiles bask in the sun nearby. A clever underwater viewing chamber gives visitors a rare chance to see fish and hippos below the surface—a surreal experience in the middle of a dry savannah.

Standing by the edge of the spring, I was struck by how this single water source sustains an entire ecosystem. It’s a powerful reminder of the balance that exists between life and land in Tsavo.

Lava Flows and Rhinos

Later that afternoon, we visited Shetani Lava Flow, a vast field of jagged black rock formed by a volcanic eruption just a few hundred years ago. The name “Shetani” means “devil” in Kiswahili—locals once believed the lava was the work of evil spirits. Today, it’s one of the most dramatic geological sights in the park.

Nearby lies the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, where efforts to protect Kenya’s endangered black rhinos are ongoing. We didn’t spot any that day (they’re incredibly shy), but just knowing that they roam these hills gave the experience even more weight.

Want a longer stay in the bush? Consider one of Steve and Richard’s camping safaris for a night under the stars in true African wilderness.

The Return to Coast

After an overnight stay in a lodge perched above a valley, we rose early for one last game drive. This time we spotted a pride of lions resting near a rocky outcrop and several hartebeests sprinting through the open plain. The contrast to Malindi couldn’t have been more striking—and that’s what made the journey so unforgettable.

By afternoon, we were back on the road, retracing our steps to the coast. The moment the salty air returned and the coconut palms reappeared, I knew I had just experienced one of Kenya’s most dramatic contrasts: from beach to bush, all within 48 hours.

Why This Trip Matters

Beyond the beauty and the animals, safaris like these support real conservation and community work. When you travel with companies like Steve and Richard Safaris, you also support initiatives like the Haller Foundation, which is restoring land, water, and livelihoods in Kenya’s coastal region through regenerative agriculture and education.

Every trip leaves a footprint. Make yours count.