Package Overview
3 Days Tsavo East & West Safari: From Coastal Luxury to Wild Wonder
Are three days enough to experience both Tsavo East and Tsavo West? Absolutely, if planned with precision and passion. Departing from the coast (Mombasa, Diani, Malindi or Watamu), this safari takes you through Tsavo East’s iconic red-dust plains and Tsavo West’s lush springs, rhino sanctuaries, and dramatic escarpments. You’ll enjoy daily game drives, expert guiding, comfortable lodging, and a seamless return to your beach or city destination.
This is the ideal safari for travelers who want maximum wildlife exposure without sacrificing coastal time.
Why Choose a 3-Day Tsavo East & West Safari?
The magic in this route lies in contrast. Tsavo East enchants you with sweeping red plains, Galana River elephants, and Yatta Plateau vistas; Tsavo West rewards you with cool springs, rhino sanctuaries, lava flows, and dramatic escarpments. Combine that with short transfer times from the coast, and you have a safari that maximizes adventure without wasting your holiday.
For beachgoers in Diani, Malindi, Watamu or Mombasa, this blend offers a perfect escape, no need for long detours inland. You get to pack wildlife, drama, and storytelling into a tight but deeply rewarding itinerary.
Itinerary Overview: Day by Day
Below is a realistic, optimized itinerary with drive times, wildlife focus, and flexibility built in:
| Day | Route / Game Drives | Key Highlights | Approx Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Coast → Tsavo East → Afternoon game drive | Enter via Bachuma or Sala Gate; first look at red elephants at Galana, plains game | ~3–4 hrs from coast to East boundary, plus internal drive |
| Day 2 | Tsavo East (morning) → Tsavo West (midday) → Afternoon in West | Morning East drive, then transfer; arrive West, explore Rhino Sanctuary, scenic landscapes | ~2–3 hrs transfer plus game drives |
| Day 3 | Early sunrise drive in West → Breakfast → Return to coast | Visit Mzima Springs, hippo house, final wildlife time, then depart | ~3–4 hrs to coast |
What to Expect & Wildlife Tips
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Red-dust Elephants: In Tsavo East, you’ll often catch elephants wallowing and dust-spraying in Galana or around waterholes.
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Rhino in West: Only Tsavo West hosts black rhino (in sanctuary). If spotting rhino is a core desire, emphasize West game time.
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Mzima Springs & Aquatic Life: Visit the underground viewing tank for hippos and fish; crocodiles bask in the clear pools.
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Birding: Over 500 species across East & West — keep an eye for kingfishers, bee-eaters, secretive rails near water, and African Fish Eagle.
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Predator Activity: Early mornings and late afternoons are your best window for lion, leopard, or cheetah sightings.
Accommodations & Where You’ll Stay
To help you compare, here’s a sample comparison table of lodge / camp options:
| Tier | Camp / Lodge | Location | Highlights & Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury | Kilaguni Serena Lodge | Tsavo East rim | Panoramic views, upscale rooms, full services |
| Mid-range | Voi Safari Lodge / Ashnil Aruba | Tsavo East | Comfortable, good views, full board |
| Mid-range West | Ngulia Safari Lodge / Rhino Valley Lodge | Tsavo West | Closest to rhino sanctuary, good for transfers |
| Budget | Loyk Tsavo Safari Camp / Simple tented camps | East & West outskirts | Essential comfort, immersed in bush |
Logistics, Maps & Travel Notes
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Route Map: .
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Drive Times / Distances:
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Coast → Tsavo East: ~180–220 km (~3–4 hrs)
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East → West: ~60–100 km (~2–3 hrs) depending on entry gates
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West → Coast: similar to inbound route
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Note: Road conditions, ranch detours, and weather may increase these times.
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Vehicle & Setup: Use 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for photography. Ensure window seats are assigned.
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Drop-off Flexibility: You can often choose to return to Mombasa, Malindi, Watamu, or even Nairobi depending on your travel plan.
What to Pack, Health & Safety Tips
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Pack Essentials:
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Lightweight neutral safari clothing (khaki, olive)
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Long sleeves & pants for insects
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Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
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Binoculars & camera with zoom lens
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Rain jacket (seasonal months)
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Basic first-aid kit, hand sanitizer
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Reusable water bottle (filters optional)
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Power bank and charging cables
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Health & Safety:
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Check routine vaccines (yellow fever if transiting, tetanus, hepatitis A/B).
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Malaria prophylaxis recommended — carry insect repellent.
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Drink only bottled water.
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Avoid walking outside lodges after dusk.
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Follow guide instructions — wildlife is unpredictable.
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Tipping Culture: Tip your guide, driver, lodge staff (e.g. USD 10–20/day per traveler, discretionary).
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Children / Age Suitability: We accept children 6+; clarify vehicle seat belts, lodging.
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Hidden Costs to Ask:
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Optional internal flights
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Drinks, laundry, communication, extras at lodges
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Fuel surcharges or park fee increases
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Single supplement charges (if solo traveler)
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Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Advice
| Season | Conditions | Wildlife Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Hot, occasional showers | Great for elephants, newborns, fewer mosquitoes |
| Jul–Oct | Dry season (July–September) | Excellent visibility, congregations at waterholes |
| Apr–June & Nov–Dec | Short rains / transitional | Fewer tourists, green landscapes, occasional muddy roads |
Price & Booking
We offer starting-from rates depending on lodge class and group size. Contact us for a custom quote based on your preferred lodge tier, group size, drop-off point, and travel dates.
Why Book This Package with Steve & Richard Safaris?
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15+ years of proven local experience, deep knowledge of East Africa’s parks
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Expert, friendly guides who know hidden gems and optimal animals locations
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Flexible, tailor-made itineraries to match your schedule
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Trustworthy, responsive 24/7 customer support
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Transparent pricing, no hidden charges
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Strong reviews (4.7/5) from past clients, with glowing stories of close wildlife encounters.
Ready to secure your safari? Contact us today to check availability, view current rates, and personalize your 3-Day Tsavo East & West Safari. Let us turn your wildlife dreams into unforgettable reality.
3 Days Tsavo East and West Safari Itinerary
Day 1 (Red Plains Awakening):
You’ll depart early from your coastal hotel (e.g., Malindi, Watamu, Mombasa). After crossing the highway and traversing rural landscapes, you enter Tsavo East via Bachuma or Sala Gate. En route to your lodge, your guide will scan for elephants dusting themselves in Galana River, herds of buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and elusive cats. After lunch and rest, an afternoon drive extends into dusk.
Day 2 (From Savannah to Springs):
Wake before dawn for an early drive in East, this is prime time for predators, large herds, and golden light for photography. After breakfast, depart toward Tsavo West. On route, you may drive through safari corridors and gradually shift into more forested, hillier terrain. In the afternoon, head toward Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary and explore the lush West prospects.
Final Day (Final Immersion & Return):
Begin with a morning game drive or visit to Mzima Springs, known for its underwater hippos and crocodiles. After a hearty breakfast, depart toward the coast, enjoying wildlife sightings en route until your drop-off.
- Transport by 4×4 Landcruiser with open roof
- Transport by 4×4 Toyota Van with open roof
- Mineral Water
- Unlimited and most rewarding game drives
- All government levies
- Accomodation and Meals (full board basis) based on chosen option
- Pick and drop from your hotel or Airport
- Soft and Alcoholic drinks
- Tips and other gratitude
- Things of personal nature
- Costs incurred while Visiting, local homesteads or villages
FAQs
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Is 3 days too short?
It’s tight, you’ll spend a fair chunk of time driving, but you still get a rich experience if well-paced. -
Which park is better for wildlife?
Tsavo East excels in large herds, iconic red elephants; West offers rhino, springs, more dramatic landscapes. -
Do I need a guide qualification?
Yes, choose accredited guides from from Steve and Richard for safety, knowledge, and authority. -
Are park fees included?
They should be, but always verify with the operator, as fees may fluctuate. -
What if I want more time in West?
Extend a day (to 4 days) or ask for a later drop-off to soak more time in West.
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