3-day Tsavo East safari from Malindi: Red elephants and lions

Three days tracking wildlife across Tsavo East's red earth and grassland

A 3-day private safari from Malindi in a minivan or Jeep, departing at 8am on day one and returning to Malindi on day three. You drive through Tsavo East National Park, Kenya's largest, and the Taita Hills game sanctuary, with game drives morning and evening, lodge accommodation and daily breakfast included. The route is built around seeing elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and antelopes across the park's distinctive red earth savanna. A live guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and three additional languages.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Malindi to Tsavo East Safari

• Depart Malindi at 8 am
• Drive 2 hours to Tsavo East
• Game drive en route to lodge
• Check in and have lunch
• Relax until 4 pm
• Evening game drive until 6:20 pm

Day 2: Tsavo East to Taita Hills Sanctuary

• Depart Tsavo East for Taita Hills
• Visit lion sanctuary
• Game viewing of elephants and wildlife

Day 3: Taita Hills to Malindi Return

• Morning game drive in Taita Hills
• Check out of park
• Return to Malindi

The experience

The safari leaves Malindi at 8am and reaches Tsavo East after a two-hour drive, with a game drive en route to your lodge. After lunch and rest, an evening game drive runs until dusk. Day two moves from Tsavo East into the Taita Hills game sanctuary, where a lion sanctuary is the focal point. The final morning brings one last game drive before checkout and the return to Malindi. Breakfast is included each day. Lodge options range from Voi Wildlife Lodge and Ashnil Aruba to Satao Camp and Saltlick Lodge, depending on availability.

The minivan or Jeep is private to your group or family, so the pace and stops follow what you want to see. A live guide in your chosen language navigates the park and points out wildlife. Tsavo East is known for its red elephants (the distinctive color comes from the iron-rich soil), and the open grassland makes wildlife spotting possible from dawn through the evening hours.

What’s included

• Daily breakfast.
• private minivan or Jeep for your group.
• all game drives on days one, two and three.
• lodge accommodation for two nights in Tsavo East or Taita Hills.
• live guide in your choice of language.
• pickup and return transport from Malindi.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Czech and Polish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 32 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by KT & Safaris

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a dedicated vehicle and guide for three full days. You control the pace and stops, unlike shared group tours that follow a fixed itinerary.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Czech and Polish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals will I see on a 3-day Tsavo East safari?

Elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes and warthogs are all present in Tsavo East and the Taita Hills game sanctuary. The red elephants unique to the region are a signature sighting, and the Taita Hills includes a dedicated lion sanctuary.

How much driving is involved each day?

Day one includes a two-hour drive from Malindi to the lodge, plus a morning game drive en route and an evening game drive after rest. Day two is a full transfer day from Tsavo East to Taita Hills with game viewing. Day three is a final morning game drive before the return journey to Malindi.

What lodges are available on this safari?

Tsavo East lodging options include Voi Wildlife Lodge, Voi Safari Lodge, Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Sentrim Camp and Satao Camp. In the Taita Hills, you stay at either Taita Lodge or Saltlick Lodge. Availability determines which lodge you are assigned.

Is pickup from Malindi included?

Yes, pickup is included. Departure is at 8am on day one from Malindi, and the return to Malindi happens on day three after the final game drive.

Is breakfast included in the price?

Yes, breakfast is included each morning of the three-day safari at your lodge.