Quick Facts
| Duration | 3 days / 2 nights |
|---|---|
| Style | Private safari — your own vehicle and guide |
| Vehicle | 4x4 Land Cruiser jeep |
| Parks Covered | Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park |
| Pickup | Watamu or Malindi hotels |
| Price From | USD 790–1,280 pp (season-dependent, 2–6 people sharing) |
| Best For | Coastal travellers wanting a short bush break, with an extra transfer day compared to the standard 2-day route |
This 3-day safari takes you from the Watamu coast into Kenya's largest wilderness. You cover both Tsavo East and Tsavo West in one trip. Tsavo East is known for red elephants and open plains. Tsavo West has Mzima Springs, volcanic hills, and the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary. Together the two parks cover over 20,000 km², making this one of the biggest protected wildlife areas on earth.
This route suits travellers based in Watamu, Malindi, or nearby coastal hotels who want a short bush break without flying inland. You travel in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser jeep with a professional driver-guide, all park fees, and full-board accommodation included.
Expect red-dust elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and, with some luck, black rhino and leopard. Over 500 bird species are recorded across both parks.
Safari Highlights
- 3 days / 2 nights across two parks, with an extra transfer day for a more relaxed pace
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser jeep
- Tsavo East's red-dust elephants, Galana River and Aruba Dam
- Mzima Springs underwater viewing chamber
- Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary and the Shetani Lava Flow
- Over 500 recorded bird species across both parks
- Pickup and drop-off from Watamu or Malindi hotels
- Can extend to include Amboseli or Taita Hills
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Watamu to Tsavo East
Pickup from your Watamu or Malindi hotel around 6:00–7:00 AM. Drive to Tsavo East National Park, roughly 3–4 hours, entering through Sala or Buchuma Gate.
Afternoon game drive toward the Galana River and Aruba Dam, prime spots for red elephant herds, lions, and buffalo. Check in at your lodge or camp. Dinner and overnight in Tsavo East.
Day 2: Tsavo East to Tsavo West
Early morning game drive in Tsavo East before breakfast. Check out and drive to Tsavo West, about 1.5–2 hours, crossing near Mtito Andei. Stop at Mzima Springs for a short walk to the underwater viewing chamber, where hippos and crocodiles are visible year-round.
Afternoon game drive through Tsavo West's volcanic terrain, with a stop at the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary. Dinner and overnight in Tsavo West.
Day 3: Tsavo West to Watamu
Early breakfast, then a final morning game drive covering the Shetani Lava Flow area. Check out by mid-morning.
Drive back to Watamu/Malindi, with a lunch stop en route in Voi or Mariakani. Drop-off at your hotel by early evening.
Get Free Quote ›Tour Cost & Pricing
Prices are per person, sharing, full board, in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser jeep, and include park fees.
Season Guide
- Low SeasonApril, May, November
- High SeasonJanuary–March, June–October
- Peak SeasonJuly, August, December–early January
Private Land Cruiser Safari Rates (Per Person Sharing)
| Season | 2 People | 4 People | 6 People |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season | $980 | $860 | $790 |
| High Season | $1,120 | $980 | $890 |
| Peak Season | $1,280 | $1,120 | $1,020 |
What's Included & Excluded
| ✓ | Pickup and drop-off from Watamu/Malindi hotels |
| ✓ | Transport in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser jeep |
| ✓ | Professional English-speaking driver-guide |
| ✓ | 2 nights full-board accommodation (lodge or tented camp) |
| ✓ | All game drives as per itinerary |
| ✓ | Tsavo East and Tsavo West park entry fees |
| ✓ | Bottled water during game drives |
| ✗ | International and domestic flights |
| ✗ | Visa fees |
| ✗ | Travel insurance |
| ✗ | Alcoholic and soft drinks outside meal times |
| ✗ | Tips for driver-guide and lodge staff |
| ✗ | Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, spa) |
| ✗ | Optional activities (walking safaris, night drives) where not listed |
Getting There
The safari starts and ends at your Watamu or Malindi hotel. Drive time from Watamu to Tsavo East's Sala Gate is roughly 3–4 hours by road; from Malindi it's slightly longer. The route runs through Kilifi, Malindi town, and rural coastal roads before reaching the park boundary.
Between Tsavo East and Tsavo West, expect a 1.5–2 hour transfer through Voi or Mtito Andei. On the return leg, most vehicles stop in Voi town for lunch before heading back to the coast. Roads are tarmac for most of the journey, with murram/dirt tracks inside the parks. A 4x4 vehicle is standard for game drives.
