Dreaming of an African safari that combines breathtaking landscapes with incredible wildlife encounters? Look no further than this compact yet comprehensive 5-day journey through Kenya’s most iconic southern parks. This adventure takes you from the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli to the vast, rugged wilderness of Tsavo East and the diverse volcanic landscapes of Tsavo West. Prepare for an immersive experience that promises unforgettable memories.
Day 01 :
Arrival Nairobi – Transfer to Amboseli National Park
- Morning: Upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide. After a brief introduction, you'll embark on a scenic drive south towards Amboseli National Park (approximately 4-5 hours). The journey itself offers glimpses of rural Kenyan life and changing landscapes.
- Lunch: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp in Amboseli, check-in, and enjoy a delicious lunch.
- Afternoon Game Drive: After settling in, head out for your first exhilarating afternoon game drive. Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds, often seen grazing in the marshes or walking across the dusty plains with the magnificent backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, and various bird species.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay, listening to the sounds of the African bush.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/Camp in Amboseli
Day 02 :
Full Day Exploration in Amboseli National Park
- Morning Game Drive: Start your day early with a cup of coffee or tea, followed by a sunrise game drive. This is often the best time to spot predators in action and witness the savanna waking up. You'll explore different sections of the park, including the swamps where large numbers of elephants, buffalo, and hippos congregate.
- Lunch & Relaxation: Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and lunch. Enjoy some leisure time, perhaps a swim in the pool, or relax on your private veranda, soaking in the views of Kilimanjaro.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Head out again in the late afternoon for another game drive, traversing new areas of the park. Your guide will continue to track down various wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and an array of birdlife, against the ever-present, awe-inspiring backdrop of Kili.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner and share your day's sightings around a campfire.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/Camp in Amboseli
Day 03 :
Amboseli – Tsavo East National Park
- Morning: After breakfast, bid farewell to Amboseli and begin your journey towards Tsavo East National Park (approximately 3-4 hours drive). The landscape gradually changes from the dusty plains of Amboseli to the vast, open savannas of Tsavo.
- Arrival & Lunch: Enter Tsavo East and head to your lodge or camp for check-in and lunch. Tsavo East is one of the largest protected areas in Kenya, known for its sheer vastness and unique reddish-brown color of its elephants.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Embark on an afternoon game drive. Explore attractions like the Lugard Falls on the Galana River, where you can often spot hippos and crocodiles. You'll search for the "red elephants," lion prides, buffalo, giraffe, and a multitude of antelopes and gazelles.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/Camp in Tsavo East
Day 04 :
Tsavo East – Tsavo West National Park
- Enjoy an early breakfast before departing Tsavo East. Your journey continues to Tsavo West National Park (approximately 2-3 hours drive), which offers a dramatic contrast with its rugged, volcanic landscapes, dense acacia woodlands, and rocky outcrops.
- Mzima Springs: Upon entering Tsavo West, your first stop will be the enchanting Mzima Springs. This series of four natural springs produce 50 million gallons of fresh water daily, forming a lush oasis fed by the Chyulu Hills. Take a guided walk to the underwater viewing chamber, where you can observe hippos and crocodiles swimming in crystal-clear waters.
- Lunch & Afternoon Game Drive: Proceed to your lodge or camp for check-in and lunch. In the afternoon, head out for a game drive in Tsavo West. The park is known for its excellent opportunities to spot leopards and rhinos (in the Rhino Sanctuary). Keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. The volcanic terrain and lush riverine forests add to the park's unique charm.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight at your Tsavo West accommodation.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/Camp in Tsavo West
Day 05 :
Tsavo West – Drive back to Nairobi
- Morning Game Drive: Start your final day with an early morning game drive in Tsavo West. This is a fantastic opportunity for some last-minute wildlife viewing and to capture the beautiful sunrise over the Chyulu Hills.
- Breakfast & Departure: Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, then check out.
- Transfer to Nairobi: Begin your journey back to Nairobi (approximately 5-6 hours drive), enjoying the changing scenery. You'll be dropped off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your onward flight or at your hotel in Nairobi, concluding your unforgettable Kenyan safari adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast
