2 Days Tsavo East National Park Safari

Overview

This 2-day safari to Tsavo East National Park offers a short but exciting wildlife adventure in one of Kenya’s largest and oldest national parks. Located between Nairobi and the Kenyan coast, Tsavo East is famous for its vast open plains, red-dust elephants, and diverse wildlife populations.
The park is home to lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and many bird species. Its landscapes are dominated by savannah grasslands, seasonal rivers, and iconic landmarks such as Aruba Dam, which attracts animals from across the park

Highlights

Sightings of the famous red elephants of Tsavo
Scenic landscapes and vast savannah plains
Wildlife viewing around Aruba Dam
Excellent birdwatching opportunities

Itinerary

Expand all

A two-day safari to Tsavo National Park offers a concentrated burst of wilderness, typically beginning with a morning departure from either Nairobi or the coast to enter the "Theatre of the Wild." The first day focuses on the vast, open savannahs of Tsavo East, where you can spot the iconic "red elephants" dusting themselves in the volcanic soil and gather near the Aruba Dam for prime predator sightings as the sun sets over the Yatta Plateau. After an overnight stay in a safari lodge or tented camp, the second day shifts toward the more rugged and volcanic landscapes of Tsavo West, featuring a visit to the crystal-clear Mzima Springs to watch hippos and crocodiles from an underwater tank. The journey concludes with a final game drive through the hilly terrain, often providing glimpses of the Chyulu Hills or Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance, before you depart the park in the late afternoon.

Day 01 :

Mombasa – Tsavo East National Park

Depart from Mombasa early in the morning and drive towards Tsavo East National Park. Enter the park through the main gate and begin your first game drive en route to the lodge.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch. After a short rest, depart for an afternoon game drive exploring the park’s open plains in search of elephants, lions, and antelope.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 02 :

Morning Game Drive – Return to Mombasa

Enjoy an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active. After breakfast at the lodge, depart Tsavo East and drive back to Mombasa arriving in the afternoon

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Transport in a safari vehicle
Professional safari guide
Park entrance fees
Accommodation for 1 night
Meals as per itinerary
Game drives

Cost Excludes

Flights
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Expand all

What is the difference between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park?

Though they form one of the largest protected areas in the world, the two parks offer very different experiences. Tsavo East is characterized by flat, semi-arid plains and the massive Yatta Plateau, making it much easier to spot wildlife like the famous “red elephants” and large prides of lions across the open savanna. In contrast, Tsavo West is a more rugged, volcanic landscape featuring mountains, ancient lava flows, and lush springs. While the thicker vegetation in the West can make wildlife spotting more of a challenge, it offers more dramatic scenery and unique landmarks like the Mzima Springs and the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.

Why are the elephants in Tsavo famously called "Red Elephants"?

The elephants of Tsavo are the same species as those found elsewhere in East Africa, but they possess a distinct reddish hue due to the park’s vibrant volcanic soil. To protect their skin from the intense equatorial sun and to ward off biting insects, the elephants frequently wallow in waterholes and spray themselves with the fine, iron-rich red dust found throughout the region. This natural “makeup” coats their bodies, creating the striking and iconic appearance that has become a symbol of the Tsavo wilderness.

Map