Amboseli & Tsavo Safari Circuit

Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Price
$1,100 – $2,200
Group Size
Max 6
Difficulty
Easy

This five-day safari circuit connects two of Kenya’s most dramatically different national parks. Amboseli delivers the classic postcard image — massive herds of elephants crossing dusty plains with the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro towering in the background. Tsavo, Kenya’s largest wilderness area, offers raw, rugged beauty with its iconic red elephants, volcanic landscapes, and the legendary Mzima Springs.

Amboseli National Park sits at the foot of Africa’s highest mountain. Despite its relatively compact size, the park supports large herds of free-roaming elephants that are among the most studied and photographed in the world. The park’s marshes and springs — fed by Kilimanjaro’s melting glaciers — attract a concentration of wildlife that creates extraordinary game viewing against an unmatched backdrop.

Tsavo is wild Kenya at its most untamed. Split into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, together they form one of the world’s largest protected areas. Tsavo East’s flat, semi-arid plains are home to the famous “red elephants” — herds that dust-bathe in the park’s iron-rich red soil. Tsavo West offers more varied terrain including the crystal-clear Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava Flow, and the Chyulu Hills.

This is an ideal tour for travellers seeking wildlife diversity, stunning landscapes, and fewer crowds than the more popular northern circuit.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Nairobi to Amboseli National Park

Early morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel and drive south through the Athi Plains towards Amboseli (approximately 4 hours). The road passes through Maasai land with views of Kilimanjaro appearing on the horizon. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. Afternoon game drive focuses on the park's famous elephant herds, with Kilimanjaro providing a dramatic backdrop for photography.

2

Full Day in Amboseli

Pre-dawn game drive to catch the best Kilimanjaro views before clouds build (the mountain is clearest between 6-9 AM). Drive to Observation Hill for a panoramic overview of the entire park and its swamps. After breakfast, visit the marshes where elephants, hippos, and waterbuck congregate. Afternoon drive covers the dry lake bed and woodland areas, searching for lions, cheetah, hyenas, and the diverse birdlife that thrives around the springs.

3

Amboseli to Tsavo West

After a morning game drive in Amboseli, drive east to Tsavo West National Park (approximately 3 hours). After lunch and check-in, visit the famous Mzima Springs — a series of crystal-clear pools fed by underground rivers from Kilimanjaro. Watch hippos and crocodiles from the underwater observation chamber. Continue to Shetani Lava Flow, a stark black volcanic landscape contrasting with the surrounding bush. Evening game drive before dinner.

4

Tsavo West to Tsavo East

Morning game drive in Tsavo West before crossing into Tsavo East via the Manyani Gate. The landscape transforms into vast open savannah dotted with baobab trees. Search for the famous "red elephants" — huge herds that coat themselves in the park's rust-colored dust. Visit the Mudanda Rock, a natural dam that attracts elephants during dry season, and drive along the Galana River where crocodiles bask on the banks.

5

Tsavo East to Nairobi

Early morning game drive along the Voi River circuit, one of Tsavo East's most productive wildlife areas. After breakfast and checkout, drive to Nairobi via the Mombasa Highway (approximately 5 hours). Arrive in Nairobi by mid-afternoon with drop-off at your hotel or the airport.

What's Included

  • Return transport from Nairobi in 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • All national park entry fees
  • Full-board accommodation (lodges or tented camps)
  • Professional driver-guide
  • Game drives as per itinerary
  • Bottled water during game drives
  • Airport transfers

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Kenya e-visa ($51)
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Activities not mentioned in itinerary

Interested in this tour?

Get in touch for availability, custom itineraries, and group rates.