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5-Day Fly-In Safari: Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks
tour features
| Length | 5 Days |
|---|---|
| Highlights | Explore both Tsavo East’s vast red-earth savannahs and Tsavo West’s rugged volcanic landscapes. |
| Key Information | A 5-day luxury fly-in safari through Tsavo East and West. Includes scenic flights, full-board lodging, big game drives, guided nature walks, and visits to volcanic landscapes and conservation sanctuaries. |
From Red Elephants to Volcanic Shadows: A Tsavo Safari in Style
This 5-day fly-in safari offers the ultimate deep dive into Tsavo’s wild and contrasting landscapes. Tsavo East enchants with wide open spaces, dusty-red elephants, and the life-giving Galana River, while Tsavo West astounds with volcanic formations, lush springs, and endangered species sanctuaries. With flights connecting you swiftly between Nairobi and Tsavo, this journey is perfect for travelers seeking intense wildlife encounters balanced with comfort and minimal drive time.
Kenya’s Raw Beauty, Revealed
- Tsavo East National Park: Iconic red elephants, big cats, Lugard Falls, Aruba Dam, Galana River.
- Tsavo West National Park: Mzima Springs, Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, Shetani Lava Flow, rocky hills, and lava plains.
- Optional: Walking safaris available at additional cost.
Five Days of Elemental Safari Landscapes
Day 1: Nairobi to Tsavo East – Flight, Arrival & Afternoon Game Drive
Morning:
Transfer from your Nairobi hotel to Wilson Airport.
Scheduled flight to Tsavo East. Aerial views of the Athi Plains and sprawling wilderness.
On arrival, meet your safari guide and enjoy a mini game drive en route to the lodge.
Afternoon:
Check in at your lodge/tented camp.
Lunch overlooking a waterhole, with elephants, zebras, and other wildlife often visible.
Late Afternoon:
4:00 PM game drive focused on finding Tsavo’s famed “red elephants,” along with lions, leopards, and more along the Galana River.
Evening:
Return to the lodge at sunset.
Dinner under the stars with the sounds of Africa around you.
Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Tsavo East – Big Game & Lugard Falls
Early Morning:
Sunrise game drive: prime time for predators like lions and hyenas on the move.
Mid-Morning:
Breakfast at the lodge.
Continue your game drive towards Lugard Falls, dramatic rock formations carved by the Galana River.
Afternoon:
Return for a relaxed lunch.
Leisure time at the lodge, perhaps by the pool or watching wildlife at the waterhole.
Late Afternoon:
Another game drive focusing on Aruba Dam, a magnet for thirsty elephants, buffalo, and birds.
Evening:
Dinner followed by an atmospheric bonfire storytelling session — hear tales of the “Man-Eaters of Tsavo,” the infamous lions that halted a railway project in the 1890s.
Day 3: Tsavo East to Tsavo West – Scenic Transfer & Mzima Springs
Morning:
Breakfast and checkout.
Scenic transfer and game drive crossing from Tsavo East into Tsavo West.
Notice the striking change from dusty plains to rolling volcanic hills and lava fields.
Afternoon:
Check in at your new lodge nestled within Tsavo West.
Lunch with views of the Chyulu Hills or Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting).
Late Afternoon:
Guided excursion to Mzima Springs.
Walk along platforms built over crystal-clear pools teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and shimmering fish.
Evening:
Sunset game drive exploring the hills, valleys, and hidden springs of Tsavo West.
Return for a bush dinner under the stars, with Kilimanjaro as a distant, silent witness if skies are clear.
Day 4: Rhino Sanctuary & Shetani Lava Flow
Early Morning:
Game drive to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, a secured zone working to protect endangered black rhinos.
Mid-Morning:
Breakfast back at the lodge.
Visit the Shetani Lava Flow, a dramatic and surreal lava field formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.
Afternoon:
Lunch and afternoon at leisure — relax at the lodge, enjoying stunning views and potential wildlife sightings.
Late Afternoon:
Final game drive to spot any elusive wildlife you may have missed — perhaps a cheetah, leopard, or striped hyena.
Evening:
Dinner and your last night in Tsavo’s wild heartland.
Day 5: Morning Safari & Return to Nairobi
Early Morning:
Sunrise game drive — your final chance to capture beautiful photos of the African wilderness bathed in golden light.
Mid-Morning:
Breakfast and checkout.
Transfer to the airstrip.
Afternoon:
Flight back to Nairobi.
Upon arrival at Wilson Airport, transfer to your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward journey.
When to Travel & What to Expect
Best Time to Visit:
- January–March: Dry season, excellent wildlife sightings and clear views.
- June–October: Peak season with cooler temperatures, minimal rain, and abundant animals.
- November–December: Short rains; landscapes turn lush but game viewing remains strong.
