Package Overview

8 Day Tsavo East, Tsavo West & Amboseli Safari from Mombasa

An 8-day safari to Tsavo East, Tsavo West, and Amboseli from Mombasa is the perfect way to blend Kenya’s breathtaking coast with its wild interior. This extended journey takes you deep into three of the country’s most famous parks, offering red-dust elephants, volcanic hills, and the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop.

Unlike shorter trips, eight days allow you to experience wildlife at a relaxed pace, compare the parks side by side, and enjoy the journey without rushing.

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How Far Is Tsavo East From Mombasa? Driving Times Explained

Many travelers ask: “How long does it take to drive from Mombasa to Tsavo East?” The main gate at Tsavo East, Bachuma Gate, is roughly 180 km (about 3 hours by road) depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Mombasa to Tsavo East: ~3 hours

• Tsavo East to Tsavo West: ~2 hours

• Tsavo West to Amboseli: ~4–5 hours

• Amboseli back to Tsavo East (stopover before Mombasa): ~5–6 hours

Adding these realistic driving times helps travelers plan better and is often missing from many operator sites.

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Day-by-Day 8-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Mombasa – Tsavo East (3 Hours Drive)
Depart from Mombasa early morning, drive through rolling countryside, and enter Tsavo East. Afternoon game drive with chances to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and more. Overnight in Tsavo East lodge/camp.

Day 2: Full-Day Tsavo East Safari
Enjoy morning and afternoon drives. Visit Lugard Falls and the Galana River, and witness large herds of elephants with their striking red dust coats.

Day 3: Tsavo East – Tsavo West (2 Hours Drive)
Travel westwards, checking into Tsavo West. Afternoon visit to Mzima Springs, where hippos and crocodiles gather.

Day 4: Tsavo West Game Drives
Explore volcanic landscapes, rhino sanctuary at Ngulia, and search for leopards along rocky outcrops.

Day 5: Tsavo West – Amboseli (4–5 Hours Drive)
Drive to Amboseli, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive. Enjoy panoramic views of elephants with Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak in the background.

Day 6: Full Day in Amboseli
Explore Amboseli’s swamps, plains, and acacia woodland. Spot lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 bird species.

Day 7: Amboseli – Tsavo East Stopover (5–6 Hours Drive)
Return towards the coast with an overnight stop in Tsavo East to break up the journey.

Day 8: Tsavo East – Mombasa (3 Hours Drive)
Final game drive before heading back to Mombasa. Drop-off at your beach hotel or the airport.

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Tsavo East vs Tsavo West vs Amboseli – Which Park to Choose?

One of the most common questions on Reddit and travel forums is: “Should I go to Tsavo East, Tsavo West, or Amboseli?” This 8-day safari solves the dilemma by combining all three.

• Tsavo East: Best for wide open plains and red elephants.

• Tsavo West: Known for volcanic landscapes, rhino sanctuary, and Mzima Springs.

• Amboseli: Famous for large elephant herds and Kilimanjaro views.

With this itinerary, you don’t have to choose—you experience all three.

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Cost Breakdown for an 8-Day Safari From Mombasa

Travelers often ask: “How much should I budget for an 8-day safari from Mombasa?”

Typical costs include:

• Budget option: $1,600–$2,000 per person (shared vehicle, budget lodges).

• Mid-range: $2,200–$3,000 per person (4×4 vehicle, mid-tier lodges/camps).

• Luxury: $3,500+ per person (private vehicle, luxury lodges with Kilimanjaro views).

Families may benefit from discounts for children or shared accommodations. Always confirm what’s included (park fees, meals, game drives) before booking.

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Can You Take the Train to Tsavo From Mombasa?

Another popular question is whether the Mombasa–Nairobi train can be used for safaris. The train passes directly through Tsavo National Park and has stopovers at Voi Station. From here, you can connect with a safari vehicle to enter Tsavo East or West. This option saves time and is a great alternative for budget-conscious travelers.

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Best Time to Visit Tsavo and Amboseli From Mombasa

The dry seasons (June–October, January–March) are ideal for safaris, as animals gather around water sources and visibility is excellent.

• June–October: Cooler, less vegetation, best for big game.

• January–March: Clear skies, best Kilimanjaro views in Amboseli.

• November & April–May: Rainy but lush, great for birding and fewer crowds.

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Packing List for Your Safari

• Binoculars & camera gear for photography

• Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors)

• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses

• Insect repellent & basic medications

• Lightweight jacket for cool mornings and evenings

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Why This 8-Day Safari From Mombasa Is Perfect

By combining Tsavo East, Tsavo West, and Amboseli, this safari offers unmatched diversity: elephants, predators, rhinos, volcanic landscapes, and Kilimanjaro backdrops—all accessible from Kenya’s coastal hub.

It also answers key traveler concerns often missed online: realistic driving times, train stopover options, park comparisons, family costs, and best months to visit.

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Ready to Book Your Safari?

An 8-day Tsavo East, Tsavo West, and Amboseli safari from Mombasa is more than a holiday—it’s an adventure that takes you from the coast to the heart of Kenya’s wilderness.

Get in touch today to customize your itinerary, compare budget vs luxury options, or combine your safari with a relaxing beach stay in Mombasa or Diani.