8-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli & Tsavo Wildlife Adventure
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Gateway to Adventure
Welcome to Kenya! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, our friendly safari representative will greet you with a warm Swahili welcome of Karibu Kenya! before transferring you to Sarova Panafric Hotel, a charming midrange retreat in the heart of Nairobi. Nestled amidst lush gardens, this elegant hotel offers modern comforts, a serene swimming pool, and an inviting atmosphere to relax before your adventure begins.
If time allows, explore Nairobi’s vibrant cultural and wildlife attractions. You may visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can interact with and feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes. Alternatively, explore the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the famous "Out of Africa" author. For those interested in conservation, a visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust offers the chance to see orphaned baby elephants being rehabilitated.
As evening falls, enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel or opt for a unique dining experience at Carnivore Restaurant, famous for its signature Kenyan-style barbecue, featuring an array of grilled meats. Savor the flavors of Africa as you prepare for the thrilling days ahead.
Accommodation: Sarova Panafric Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Nairobi to Amboseli – Elephants & Kilimanjaro Views
After an early breakfast, set off on a scenic 4-5 hour drive south to Amboseli National Park, a wildlife haven renowned for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. As you traverse the open countryside, you’ll pass through traditional Maasai homesteads (Manyattas), gaining insight into their fascinating way of life.
Upon arrival at Amboseli Sopa Lodge, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and a sumptuous lunch while soaking in panoramic views of the vast savannah. In the afternoon, embark on your first thrilling game drive, exploring Amboseli’s diverse landscapes, including open plains, acacia woodlands, and swampy marshes. The park is famous for its large herds of elephants, often seen silhouetted against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro. Keep an eye out for lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and over 400 bird species, including vibrant flamingos in the swamps. As the sun sets, return to the lodge for a delicious dinner under the African sky, followed by a relaxing evening by the campfire, sharing stories of the day’s wildlife encounters.
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full-Day Exploration in Amboseli
Rise early for a spectacular sunrise game drive, one of the best times to witness Amboseli’s wildlife in action. Watch as the golden morning light bathes the savannah, creating the perfect backdrop for photography. Predators like cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals are often seen returning from their nocturnal hunts, while elephants begin their daily march in search of water. After breakfast at the lodge, you have the option to relax or embark on a cultural visit to a Maasai village. Here, you’ll engage with the Maasai people, learn about their traditional nomadic lifestyle, intricate beadwork, and even witness their energetic jumping dance (Adumu).
In the afternoon, head out for another exhilarating game drive, focusing on Amboseli’s lush wetlands, where hippos, crocodiles, and numerous waterbirds thrive. Keep your camera ready for elusive leopards resting in acacia trees or ostriches striding gracefully across the plains. As the sun sets, return to the lodge for a hearty dinner, reminiscing about the day’s adventures.
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Amboseli to Tsavo West – Lava Flows & Mzima Springs
After an early breakfast, bid farewell to Amboseli and embark on a 2.5-hour drive to Tsavo West National Park, a rugged wilderness known for its volcanic landscapes, rocky outcrops, and hidden oases. Upon arrival at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, enjoy a refreshing drink and a delicious lunch while admiring the wildlife at the lodge’s private waterhole, frequently visited by elephants, buffaloes, and antelope.
In the afternoon, explore the dramatic Shetani Lava Flows, a vast expanse of black volcanic rock formed by ancient eruptions. Then, visit the enchanting Mzima Springs, a series of crystal-clear pools fed by underground rivers from Mount Kilimanjaro. Watch as hippos glide gracefully underwater, while crocodiles and fish thrive in the pristine waters. As the sun sets, enjoy sundowner drinks overlooking the breathtaking Tsavo landscape before returning to the lodge for a candlelit dinner.
Accommodation: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Full-Day Exploration in Tsavo West
Wake up to the soft golden glow of the African sunrise and set out on an exhilarating early morning game drive. Tsavo West comes alive in the cool dawn hours, with predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas finishing their nightly hunts. Keep an eye out for the elusive caracal, an agile wild cat often seen in this rugged terrain.
After a hearty breakfast at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, embark on a visit to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, a dedicated conservation area striving to protect the endangered black rhino. This sanctuary, nestled in the heart of Tsavo, offers a rare opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for a relaxed lunch, perhaps enjoying a siesta or soaking in the breathtaking views of the private waterhole, where elephants and buffalo often gather for a drink.
In the afternoon, head out for another thrilling game drive, this time exploring Poacher’s Lookout, a stunning vantage point offering sweeping views of the vast Tsavo landscape. As the golden sun begins to set, pause for a sundowner drink, savoring the tranquility of the African wilderness. As night falls, return to the lodge for a delightful dinner, followed by storytelling around a crackling campfire under the star-studded sky.
Accommodation: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Tsavo West to Tsavo East – The Land of Red Elephants
After an early breakfast, bid farewell to Tsavo West as you embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to Tsavo East National Park, Kenya’s largest and oldest protected area. Known as the "Theatre of the Wild," Tsavo East is famous for its vast open plains, dramatic rock formations, and the iconic red-dusted elephants, which acquire their unique color by rolling in the park’s rich red soil. Upon arrival at Ashnil Aruba Lodge, settle into your comfortable accommodations and enjoy a sumptuous lunch overlooking the Aruba Dam, a thriving watering hole that attracts a variety of wildlife, including elephants, zebras, and even lurking crocodiles.
In the afternoon, embark on your first Tsavo East game drive, traversing the endless savannah in search of lions, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and an impressive variety of birdlife. A visit to Lugard Falls, a stunning series of white-water rapids along the Galana River, offers a breathtaking photo opportunity. Here, you may spot crocodiles basking on the riverbanks or elephants wading through the water. As the sun sets, return to the lodge for an exquisite dinner, unwinding with the soothing sounds of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Ashnil Aruba Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Full-Day Safari in Tsavo East
Rise early for a sunrise game drive, when the golden light illuminates the savannah, creating a perfect setting for wildlife photography. Watch as cheetahs begin their morning hunt, while herds of buffalo and antelope graze peacefully in the open grasslands. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting lilac-breasted rollers, African fish eagles, and secretary birds soaring above the park’s acacia trees.
After returning to the lodge for breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning, perhaps lounging by the pool or taking a guided nature walk, where an experienced ranger will introduce you to the smaller wonders of Tsavo—unique plant species, animal tracks, and fascinating insect life.
In the afternoon, set out for another game drive, this time visiting Mudanda Rock, a massive, 1.6-kilometer-long rock formation that serves as a vital water catchment area. This natural viewpoint attracts hundreds of elephants, especially in the dry season, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a farewell dinner at the lodge, reminiscing about the unforgettable wildlife encounters of your journey.
Accommodation: Ashnil Aruba Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Return to Nairobi – Farewell to the Wild
Wake up to the tranquil sounds of nature as the golden rays of the African sun cast a warm glow over Tsavo East. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Ashnil Aruba Lodge, savoring the breathtaking views of the savannah one last time. If time allows, embark on a short morning game drive, offering a final chance to witness the park’s majestic wildlife in the crisp morning light. You may spot a pride of lions basking in the early sun, elephants making their way to a watering hole, or graceful giraffes browsing on acacia trees.
After check-out, bid farewell to Tsavo’s vast landscapes as you embark on your journey back to Nairobi. The scenic drive takes you through the heart of Kenya, passing through rustic villages, expansive sisal plantations, and undulating hills that showcase the country’s diverse terrain. Along the way, soak in the last glimpses of the wilderness that has been your home for the past few days.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, our safari representative will transfer you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight. As you reflect on the thrilling encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments of your safari, take with you the spirit of Africa—a land of untamed beauty and timeless adventure.
Asante Sana! Thank you for exploring Kenya with us. Safe travels and Karibu Tena – Welcome Again!
Meals: Breakfast
End of Safari – Safe Travels!
Inclusions
✔ Accommodation: Midrange lodges and tented camps on a private basis.
✔ Meals: Full-board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) throughout the safari.
✔ Transport: 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing, private transportation.
✔ Game Drives & Activities: Unlimited game drives in Amboseli, Tsavo West, and Tsavo East National Parks, a visit to Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava Flows, Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, and Mudanda Rock.
✔ Park Entry Fees: All national park entrance fees are covered.
✔ Professional Guide: Services of an English-speaking driver-guide (other language options available upon request).
✔ Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water during game drives.
✔ Airport Transfers: Pick-up from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on arrival and drop-off at the airport on departure.
✔ Government Taxes & Levies: All applicable VAT, conservation fees, and government levies are included.
Exclusions
✖ International Flights: Airfare to and from Kenya is not included.
✖ Visa Fees: Travelers are responsible for obtaining and paying for their visas.
✖ Personal Expenses: Costs for souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, extra snacks, and laundry services.
✖ Optional Activities: Any extra excursions such as Maasai village visits, hot air balloon safaris, or night game drives.
✖ Travel & Medical Insurance: Highly recommended but not included in the package.
✖ Tips & Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are at the traveler’s discretion.
