5-Day Tsavo East & West Safari – Big Five Adventure

Depart Nairobi early in the morning and head southeast toward Tsavo East National Park, Kenya’s iconic wildlife haven known for its vast red-dust plains and enormous elephant herds. Enjoy a scenic drive through rolling landscapes, stopping at viewpoints to capture panoramic vistas and photograph the contrasting highland scenery before descending into the park.

Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in the afternoon and check in. Embark on a late afternoon game drive, spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and other antelopes as the golden sunset casts dramatic shadows across the savannah.

Highlights:

• Scenic drive from Nairobi to Tsavo East
• Arrival and check-in at lodge or tented camp
• Sunset game drive spotting elephants, lions, and giraffes

Distance & Drive Time: ~320 km | 5–6 hours

Accommodation Options:

Budget

Voi Safari Lodge

Midrange

Voi Safari Lodge

Upper Midrange

Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Sentrim Tsavo Camp, Voi Wildlife Lodge, Galana Crocodile Camp, Ngutuni Safari Lodge

Luxury

Satao Camp, Ashnil Aruba Tents, Galdessa Camp

Spend a full day exploring the sweeping plains of Tsavo East. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal large elephant herds, lions resting under acacia trees, leopards stealthily moving through thickets, and cheetahs chasing prey. Spot zebras, giraffes, and diverse antelopes as dust rises from herds crossing the red-dust landscape.

Optional Experiences:

• Maasai cultural village visit en route
• Private photography safari with your guide
• Birdwatching along Galana River

Highlights:

• Full-day game drives in Tsavo East
• Abundant wildlife sightings including Big Five
• Scenic photography opportunities at sunrise and sunset
• Maasai cultural encounter with local communities

Accommodation Options:

Same as Day 1 

After breakfast, depart Tsavo East and drive west to Tsavo West National Park, where dramatic volcanic hills, lava flows, escarpments, and lush landscapes create a stunning contrast to the open plains of Tsavo East. Stop at scenic viewpoints and enjoy picnic lunch en route.

Upon arrival in Tsavo West, embark on an afternoon game drive along the scenic escarpments, spotting elephants, buffaloes, lions, zebras, and hippos. Optional visits to Mzima Springs allow you to observe hippos and crocodiles in crystal-clear waters, while birdlife flourishes in this greener environment.

Highlights:

• Transfer from Tsavo East to Tsavo West with scenic stops
• Afternoon game drive in lush escarpments and volcanic landscapes
• Mzima Springs wildlife viewing (hippos, crocodiles, birds)

Distance & Drive Time: ~180 km | 4 hours

Accommodation Options:

Budget

Ngulia Safari Lodge

Midrange

Kilanguni Serena Lodge

Upper Midrange

Severin Safari Camp, Ziwani Tented Camp, Salt Lick Safari Lodge, Soroi Lions Bluff Lodge

Luxury

Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in Tsavo West National Park. Explore its contrasting ecosystems — from riverine forests and volcanic ridges to open plains. Witness lions on the hunt, herds of elephants crossing valleys, giraffes browsing treetops, and rhinos grazing in protected areas.

Optional Experiences:

• Guided photography safari
• Maasai cultural village visits
• Birdwatching and nature walks

Highlights:

• Sunrise and sunset game drives in Tsavo West
• Encounter Big Five and diverse wildlife
• Scenic landscapes with photographic opportunities
• Optional Maasai cultural engagement

Accommodation Options:

Same as Day 1 

After an early morning game drive, depart Tsavo West and return to Nairobi. Stop en route for a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Kenyan countryside. Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Highlights:
• Morning game drive in Tsavo West
• Scenic drive back to Nairobi with picnic lunch
• Wildlife and landscape photography along the route

Distance & Drive Time: ~320 km | 5–6 hours