Package Overview

Ultimate 2 Day Tsavo East & West Safari from Mombasa

The 2-Day Tsavo East and West Safari is a comprehensive wildlife adventure from Mombasa that explores both sections of Kenya’s largest national park system. This short safari covers Tsavo West National Park on day one, featuring Mzima Springs, red elephants, and the black rhino sanctuary, then continues to Tsavo East National Park on day two, home to massive elephant herds and the Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow.

This safari departs from any Mombasa hotel or beach resort, includes professional guide services, park fees, accommodation, and meals, and returns you to Mombasa within 48 hours, making it the ideal wildlife experience for travelers combining beach holidays with authentic Kenyan safari adventures.

Safari Overview: Tsavo East and West National Parks

Tsavo National Park, split into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, covers approximately 22,000 square kilometers, making it one of the world’s largest protected wilderness areas. Located between Mombasa and Nairobi along Kenya’s southern coast, Tsavo represents Kenya’s oldest and largest national park system, established in 1948.

Tsavo West National Park is known for volcanic landscapes, Mzima Springs crystal-clear pools fed by Chyulu Hills, the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary protecting critically endangered black rhinos, and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear mornings. The park’s red volcanic soil coats elephants, creating Tsavo’s famous red elephants.

Tsavo East National Park features vast open plains, massive elephant herds (some of Kenya’s largest), the Yatta Plateau stretching 300 kilometers, Galana River ecosystems supporting hippos and crocodiles, and exceptional predator sightings including the legendary Tsavo lions.

Distance from Mombasa: Approximately 120 kilometers to Tsavo West entrance (2.5 hours), 150 kilometers to Tsavo East entrance (3 hours).

Combined Tsavo Ecosystem: Both parks protect lions, leopards, cheetahs, African elephants, Cape buffalos, black rhinos, Maasai giraffes, zebras, diverse antelope species including the rare lesser kudu, and over 500 bird species.

Complete 2 Day Tsavo Safari Itinerary

 

 

Day 1: Tsavo West National Park Safari

Morning Departure from Mombasa (6:00 AM)

Your safari guide collects you from any Mombasa hotel, resort, or airport accommodation. Early departure ensures optimal wildlife viewing during cooler morning hours and arrival at Tsavo West by mid-morning.

Tsavo West Game Drive & Park Entry (9:00 AM)

Enter Tsavo West National Park through Manyani or Tsavo Gate. Your first game drive begins immediately, traversing volcanic landscapes with excellent chances of spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and various antelope species. Tsavo West’s terrain includes rocky outcrops, acacia woodlands, and open savanna.

Mzima Springs Visit (11:30 AM)

Visit Mzima Springs, a series of crystal-clear natural springs producing 250 million liters of water daily. Fed by underground streams from the Chyulu Hills, these springs support hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. An underwater viewing chamber allows observation of hippos and fish in their natural aquatic environment.

Lunch & Lodge Check-in (1:00 PM)

Arrive at your Tsavo West lodge or camp for lunch and brief relaxation. Accommodations overlook waterholes where wildlife congregates throughout the day.

Afternoon Game Drive (4:00 PM)

Explore Tsavo West during prime afternoon wildlife activity. Visit the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary where critically endangered black rhinos are protected in a 90-square-kilometer fenced area. Search for the park’s famous red elephants, coated in the region’s distinctive red volcanic soil. On clear days, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak rising above the plains.

Evening & Overnight

Return to lodge for dinner. Evening hours offer opportunities for stargazing and listening to African wilderness sounds. Overnight at Tsavo West lodge or tented camp with full board accommodation.

Day 2: Tsavo East National Park Safari & Return to Mombasa

Early Morning Game Drive in Tsavo West (6:00 AM)

Begin with an early morning game drive in Tsavo West to catch predators and other wildlife during their most active period. Witness the African sunrise over volcanic landscapes while searching for lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Breakfast & Departure to Tsavo East (8:00 AM)

Return to lodge for breakfast before departing Tsavo West. Transfer to Tsavo East National Park, continuing game viewing en route.

Tsavo East National Park Game Drive (10:00 AM)

Enter Tsavo East through Bachuma or Voi Gate. Tsavo East features more open terrain than Tsavo West, offering expansive savanna views and incredible wildlife concentrations. The park is renowned for massive elephant herds, sometimes numbering hundreds of individuals. These elephant populations represent some of Kenya’s densest concentrations.

Key Tsavo East Highlights:

• Yatta Plateau: The world’s longest lava flow at approximately 300 kilometers, creating a dramatic escarpment visible from the plains
• Galana River: A permanent water source attracting elephants, buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife
• Mudanda Rock: A 1.6-kilometer-long rock outcrop overlooking a natural dam where elephants and other wildlife gather
• Aruba Dam: Built across Voi River, this waterhole concentrates wildlife including large predators

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Search for the Tsavo lions, made famous by the “Man-Eaters of Tsavo” historical accounts. These lions are notable for maneless males adapted to the hot, arid climate. Spot massive elephant bulls, giraffe herds, zebras, buffalos, various antelope species including fringe-eared oryx, lesser kudu, and gerenuk, plus excellent predator opportunities.

Lunch Break (1:00 PM)

Picnic lunch within Tsavo East or at a designated rest area, continuing to observe wildlife at nearby waterholes.

Final Game Drive & Park Exit (2:30 PM)

Conduct final game drive through Tsavo East’s diverse landscapes before exiting the park. Your guide maximizes last opportunities for wildlife photography and viewing.

Return to Mombasa (3:30 PM onwards)

Depart Tsavo East for the return journey to Mombasa. Arrive at your Mombasa hotel or resort by approximately 6:00-7:00 PM, depending on traffic and exact location.

2 Days Tsavo East & Tsavo West Safari – Seasons

Tour Seasons

• Low Season: April to end of June

• Peak Season: July to October / 22nd December to 1st January

• High Season: November to 21st December / 2nd January to 30th March

The safari prices below are based on the level of accommodation selected. Guests can choose between High Level and Standard Level lodges depending on comfort preference and budget.

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Accommodation Categories

High Level Lodges / Luxury Tented Camps

Kilaguni Serena Lodge
Severin Safari Camp

Standard Level Lodges / Luxury Camps

Ngulia Safari Lodge

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Tsavo East & Tsavo West – 2 Days Safari Prices from Mombasa

Cost per person sharing a safari vehicle

High Level Accommodation

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Standard Level Accommodation

Wildlife You’ll See: Tsavo East and West Animals

What animals will I see on a 2 day Tsavo safari?

Tsavo National Parks protect Kenya’s most diverse wildlife populations within a single ecosystem. Expected sightings include:

The Big Five Presence:

• African Elephants: Tsavo hosts Kenya’s largest elephant population, with an estimated 12,000+ individuals. Tsavo elephants are notably larger than other populations and display distinctive red coloring from volcanic soil dust-bathing.
• Lions: The legendary Tsavo lions, including the unique maneless males of Tsavo East
• Leopards: Frequently spotted in rocky outcrops and along riverine forests
• Cape Buffalos: Large herds throughout both parks, particularly near water sources
• Black Rhinos: Protected in Tsavo West’s Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary (approximately 70 individuals)

Other Mammals:

Maasai giraffes, Burchell’s zebras, hippos (Mzima Springs and Galana River), Nile crocodiles, spotted hyenas, black-backed jackals, bat-eared foxes, cheetahs, caracals, servals, bushbabies, lesser kudus (rare antelope species), fringe-eared oryx, Grant’s gazelles, impalas, waterbucks, elands, hartebeests, gerenuks (long-necked gazelles), dik-diks, warthogs, olive baboons, and vervet monkeys.

Birdlife (500+ Species):

Tsavo ranks among Kenya’s premier birding destinations with recorded species including African fish eagles, martial eagles, secretary birds, kori bustards, yellow-throated sandgrouse, palm nut vultures, golden-breasted starlings, and migratory species during November-April.

Why is Tsavo Wildlife Unique?

Tsavo’s semi-arid ecosystem creates adaptations not seen elsewhere in Kenya. The red elephants phenomenon, maneless lions, vast unfenced wilderness supporting natural wildlife movements, and exceptional biodiversity within accessible distance from coastal resorts make Tsavo irreplaceable for authentic safari experiences.

Related Safaris & Kenya Wildlife Experiences

Enhance your Kenya adventure with these complementary safari experiences:

Extended Tsavo Safaris:

• 3 Days Tsavo East, West, and Amboseli Safari — Combine Tsavo with Mount Kilimanjaro-backdrop Amboseli
• 4 Days Tsavo and Mombasa Beach Safari Package — Wildlife and coastal relaxation combination

Other Mombasa Safari Options:

• 2 Days Amboseli National Park Safari from Mombasa — Focus on elephant herds beneath Kilimanjaro
• 3 Days Maasai Mara Safari from Mombasa — Kenya’s premier wildlife destination (includes flights)

Kenya Safari Packages:

• Complete Kenya Safari Tours Overview — Explore all Kenya national parks and reserves
• Mombasa Day Trips and Excursions — Additional coastal activities and cultural experiences

Wildlife Safaris from Nairobi:

• Nairobi to Tsavo Safari Options — Alternative departure point for Tsavo adventures

Book Your 2 Day Tsavo East and West Safari Today

Experience Kenya’s largest wilderness ecosystem on this expertly guided 2 day Tsavo East and West safari from Mombasa. Encounter red elephants, legendary Tsavo lions, endangered black rhinos, and diverse wildlife across two distinct national parks, all within an easy 48-hour adventure.

With professional guides, comfortable lodge accommodation, all park fees included, and convenient Mombasa hotel transfers, this safari delivers authentic African wildlife experiences perfect for beach holiday extensions, first-time safari visitors, or time-conscious travelers.