5 Day Safari Adventure to Mount Elgon National Park, Tsavo East & Tsavo West

This 5-day safari adventure takes you through three iconic national parks in Kenya: Mount Elgon National Park, Tsavo East, and Tsavo West. Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Elgon, home to salt-mining elephants and scenic caves, before heading to Tsavo East and Tsavo West, known for their vast wilderness, red elephants, Mzima Springs, lava flows, and diverse wildlife. This safari is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers looking for an immersive safari experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Mount Elgon National Park (Scenic Drive & Game Drive)

Depart Nairobi in the morning and enjoy a scenic drive through the Rift Valley and western Kenya, arriving at Mount Elgon National Park in the afternoon. Check in at your lodge or campsite and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive and nature walk, exploring:

Kitum Caves, famous for salt-mining elephants

Wildlife such as buffaloes, leopards, colobus monkeys, and giant forest hogs

Spectacular cliffs, waterfalls, and dense montane forests

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay, with an optional night safari for a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Day 2: Mount Elgon – Tsavo West National Park (Game Drive & Mzima Springs Visit)

After an early morning safari drive, depart for Tsavo West National Park, passing through scenic landscapes of western and central Kenya. Arrive at Tsavo West in the afternoon, check in at your lodge, and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, explore:

Mzima Springs, home to hippos, crocodiles, and crystal-clear waters

Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, a protected area for endangered black rhinos

Shetani Lava Flows, showcasing the park’s volcanic history

Enjoy a sunset game drive before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Tsavo West – Tsavo East National Park (Big Game Safari & Lugard Falls)

Enjoy a morning game drive in Tsavo West before heading to Tsavo East National Park, known for its vast open plains and large elephant herds covered in red dust. Check in at your lodge and have lunch before setting out for an afternoon game drive.

Key highlights include:

Lugard Falls, a series of spectacular rapids on the Galana River

The Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow

Wildlife sightings of lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Full-Day Safari in Tsavo East National Park

Spend a full day exploring Tsavo East, maximizing your wildlife sightings and photography opportunities. Morning and afternoon game drives will take you to:

Mudanda Rock, a natural viewpoint for elephant and buffalo herds

Aruba Dam, a key water source attracting a variety of wildlife

Birdwatching opportunities with species such as ostriches, hornbills, and eagles

Enjoy picnic lunch in the wilderness before returning to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Day 5: Tsavo East – Nairobi (Final Game Drive & Departure)

After breakfast and a morning game drive, check out and start the journey back to Nairobi, with an optional stop at local cultural centers to learn about the Taita and Maasai communities. Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, concluding your 5-day safari adventure.

Tour Highlights

• Scenic safari drive through western and southeastern Kenya
• Exploration of Mount Elgon’s Kitum Caves and salt-mining elephants
• Wildlife encounters in Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks
• Visits to Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava Flows, and Lugard Falls
• Rhino tracking at Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
• Birdwatching opportunities with rare and endemic species
• Red elephants of Tsavo and the Yatta Plateau lava flow

What’s Included

• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional guide
• Four nights accommodation in lodges or tented camps
• All park entrance fees
• Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
• Pick-up and drop-off from Nairobi
• Game drives and guided nature walks

What’s Not Included

• Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities
• Optional cultural visits to local communities
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Travel insurance

What to Bring

• Binoculars for better wildlife spotting
• Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
• Comfortable safari clothing in neutral colors
• Hiking shoes for Mount Elgon’s nature walks
• Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Warm clothing for early mornings and evenings