A Short, Scenic & Wildlife-Rich Kenya Safari Adventure
Experience the best of Kenya’s southern safari circuit on this 3-day Tsavo West & Amboseli National Parks safari, perfectly designed for travelers seeking iconic wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro—all in a short, well-paced journey from Nairobi or the coast.
Safari Overview
This safari combines the rugged, volcanic beauty of Tsavo West National Park with the wide-open plains of Amboseli National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. Expect diverse scenery, excellent Big Five sightings, and unforgettable photographic moments.
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Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
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Parks Visited: Tsavo West & Amboseli National Parks
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Safari Style: Private / Customizable
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Best For: Big Five viewing, photography, short safari escapes
Wildlife Highlights – Big Five & More
This safari offers strong chances of encountering the Big Five, along with a rich variety of other wildlife species:
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Elephants – Amboseli is renowned for its large herds and iconic big tuskers
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Lions – Frequently seen in both parks, especially during early morning and evening game drives
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Leopards – Elusive but present in Tsavo West’s rocky hills and dense vegetation
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Buffaloes – Common in open plains and near water sources
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Black Rhinos – Protected within the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in Tsavo West
Additional sightings may include cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, elands, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, and over 500 species of birds, making this safari ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Attractions & Scenic Highlights
Tsavo West National Park
One of Kenya’s most dramatic landscapes, featuring volcanic terrain and lush springs:
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Mzima Springs – Crystal-clear waters with underwater viewing of hippos and crocodiles
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Shetani Lava Flows – Striking black lava fields from ancient volcanic activity
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Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary – A conservation success story for endangered black rhinos
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Roaring Rocks & Chaimu Crater – Elevated viewpoints with sweeping park panoramas
Amboseli National Park
Famous for its postcard-perfect scenery and elephant encounters:
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Mount Kilimanjaro Backdrop – Africa’s highest peak towering over the plains
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Observation Hill – Panoramic views of swamps, plains, and wildlife
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Permanent Swamps – Wildlife-rich areas attracting elephants, buffaloes, and birdlife
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Optional Maasai Village Visit – Cultural insight into traditional Maasai life
Safari Experience & Comfort
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Travel in a 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing
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Led by an experienced professional driver-guide
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Carefully selected safari lodges or tented camps in or near the parks
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Flexible itinerary with optional upgrades and add-ons
Why Choose This Safari?
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Combines two iconic parks in just 3 days
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Excellent Big Five and elephant sightings
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Diverse landscapes—from volcanic hills to open savannahs
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Ideal for short stays, weekend safaris, or add-ons to longer Kenya itineraries
3-Day Tsavo West & Amboseli Big Five Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi → Tsavo West National Park 270 km | Approx. 4–5 hours
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
07:00 AM – Safari Begins
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel, residence, or Nairobi airport. Settle into your private 4×4 Land Cruiser Safari Jeep and head south along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway.
As the city fades behind, the landscapes open into rural Kenya. You’ll pass local homesteads, open plains, and Maasai grazing lands, offering a glimpse into authentic countryside life.
Upon entering Tsavo West National Park, the scenery transforms dramatically—rolling volcanic hills, riverine forests, open savannah, and dense bushland create a wild and untamed atmosphere.
After arriving at your safari lodge or tented camp for lunch, the afternoon is dedicated to your first game drive. Expect exciting wildlife encounters with lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, cheetahs, giraffes, ostriches, and more.
Tsavo West is also a bird lover’s paradise. Your guide will help identify colorful species such as kingfishers, weavers, starlings, herons, and goshawks.
A special highlight is a visit to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, a protected 70 sq. km reserve dedicated to the conservation of endangered black rhinos—one of the best places in Kenya to spot these rare animals.
As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Day 2: Tsavo West → Amboseli National Park – 200 km | Approx. 2–3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Early Morning Game Drive
Wake up before sunrise to experience the magic of Africa at dawn. As golden light spills across the landscape, wildlife stirs—this is one of the best times to spot predators and active game.
One of Tsavo West’s most remarkable attractions awaits: Mzima Springs. This crystal-clear oasis, fed by underground springs from Mount Kilimanjaro, attracts hippos, crocodiles, birds, and fish. Enjoy a guided nature walk along the springs—one of the few places on safari where you can safely explore on foot.
After this refreshing stop, depart for Amboseli National Park. As you approach, the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro begins to dominate the horizon, creating a breathtaking backdrop.
Though smaller in size, Amboseli offers exceptionally dense wildlife viewing, especially its world-famous elephant herds. Afternoon game drives reveal elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, cheetahs, and smaller species such as hyenas, jackals, foxes, baboons, and monkeys.
With Kilimanjaro towering behind roaming wildlife, photo opportunities are simply outstanding—particularly when the clouds lift to reveal the snow-capped peak.
Later, arrive at your Amboseli safari lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight rest.
Day 3: Amboseli National Park → Nairobi – 265 km | Approx. 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Sunrise Game Drive & Farewell to the Wild
Begin your final safari morning with an early game drive. Weather permitting, you may enjoy a clear view of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit glowing in the morning light—a spectacular farewell scene.
After checking off a few more wildlife sightings, return to your lodge for breakfast before heading out for a final mid-morning game drive. Watch herds of elephants crossing the plains, predators resting in the shade, and birdlife in the swamps.
Eventually, it’s time to exit Amboseli with one last scenic drive through the park. Relax as you journey back to Nairobi, arriving by late afternoon.
You’ll be dropped off at your hotel, residence, or the airport, marking the end of an unforgettable 3-day safari adventure.
Safari Highlights
– Tsavo West National Park
- Rhino sanctuary
- Recent volcanoes
- Lava flows
- Mzima Springs – underwater hippo and fish watching
- Game viewing drives
– Amboseli National Park
- Most of the Big Five
- Large herds of elephants
- Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit (weather permitting)
- Observation hill – views of the park – the wetlands and elephants
- Marshes below Observation Hill host elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and waterfowl like pelican & Egyptian goose
- Contemporary Maasai culture and indigenous lifestyle
- Masai village visit (please arrange with your driver/guide) – $25 per person – Optional
Best hotels, safari lodges & tented camps at Tsavo West National Park. Choose from Economy, Comfort, Luxury or Superior Luxury.
| Economy level lodge/tented camp |
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| Comfort level lodge/ tented camp |
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| Luxury level lodge/ tented camp |
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| Superior Luxury level lodge/ tented camp |
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Best hotels, safari lodges & tented camps at Amboseli National Park. Choose from Economy, Comfort, Luxury or Superior Luxury.
| Economy level lodge/tented camp |
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| Comfort level lodge/ tented camp |
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| Luxury level lodge/ tented camp |
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| Superior Luxury level lodge/ tented camp |
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Start Your Safari Adventure
This 3-day Tsavo West & Amboseli Big Five Safari delivers an authentic African wildlife experience in a compact timeframe—perfect for travelers seeking adventure, scenery, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
👉 Contact us today to customize your safari itinerary and begin your journey into the wild.
