3-Day Tsavo Safari from Mombasa: Elephants & Volcanic Landscapes

Walk across black lava fields and watch hippos in underground springs.

A 3-day private safari from Mombasa explores Tsavo East and Tsavo West national parks with a dedicated guide, hotel pickup, and all park entry fees included. Day one takes you through Tsavo East's red elephant herds and Aruba Dam wildlife gathering; day two crosses into Tsavo West's volcanic terrain, the Shetani Lava Flow, and the crystal-clear Mzima Springs; day three offers a final game drive before the return to the coast. You travel at your own pace with personalized stops for wildlife and photography.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Mombasa to Tsavo East Safari

• Pick up from hotel in Mombasa or Diani
• Drive to Tsavo East National Park
• Check in at Voi Wildlife Lodge
• Lunch at lodge
• Afternoon game drive in Tsavo East
• Visit Aruba Dam for wildlife viewing
• Dinner and overnight at lodge

Day 2: Tsavo East to Tsavo West Safari

• Early morning game drive in Tsavo East
• Breakfast at lodge
• Drive to Tsavo West National Park
• Check in at Ngulia Safari Lodge
• Lunch at lodge
• Afternoon game drive in Tsavo West
• Walk Shetani Lava Flow
• Visit Mzima Springs viewing chamber
• Dinner and overnight at lodge

Day 3: Tsavo West to Coast Return

• Breakfast at lodge
• Final morning game drive in Tsavo West
• Check out of lodge
• Drive back to Mombasa or Diani Beach
• Drop off at hotel or resort

The experience

You start with an early pickup from your Mombasa or Diani Beach hotel and drive inland to Tsavo East National Park, arriving in time for lunch at Voi Wildlife Lodge. The afternoon game drive takes you through open plains where red elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras move across the landscape. Aruba Dam, built across the seasonal Voi River, concentrates wildlife around its water source: a reliable spot for photography and viewing. Tsavo East holds over 500 bird species and carries the historical weight of the "Man-Eaters of Tsavo," whose story shaped the region's legend.

Day two shifts the terrain entirely. An early morning game drive catches predators and elephants as the park wakes, then you travel west into Tsavo West, where volcanic rock replaces grassland. At Ngulia Safari Lodge, you walk the Shetani Lava Flow: a vast expanse of black lava fields created centuries ago by volcanic activity, now a striking contrast to the wildlife parks. The afternoon leads to Mzima Springs, where millions of litres of crystal-clear water flow from underground each day. You walk shaded nature trails to viewing platforms and look down into an underwater chamber to watch hippos, Nile crocodiles, and fish moving through the transparent water while birds gather in the lush surroundings. A final game drive hunts for lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos before dinner at the lodge.

The third morning brings one last early game drive through Tsavo West before checkout. You then begin the scenic drive back to the coast, with afternoon arrival at your hotel in Mombasa or Diani. Private transportation, all park fees, taxes, and bottled water travel with you throughout. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or other languages you arrange at booking.

What’s included

• Private transportation throughout the safari.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Mombasa or Diani Beach.
• all national park entry fees and taxes.
• bottled drinking water.
• accommodation at Voi Wildlife Lodge and Ngulia Safari Lodge.
• all game drives and guided walks at Mzima Springs and Shetani Lava Flow.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (36 to 90 years) · Youth (12 to 35 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Johnbow Tours And Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you're starting from the coast and want to see both parks' distinct landscapes (Tsavo East's red elephants and open plains, then Tsavo West's volcanic terrain and springs) with a private guide who can pause for photography and adjust timing to your pace.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 35 years); Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What wildlife can I expect to see in Tsavo East?

Tsavo East is home to red elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, leopards, and antelope species. The park also holds over 500 recorded bird species. Aruba Dam is the most reliable spot to see animals gathering at water, especially during dry periods.

What is Mzima Springs and what will I do there?

Mzima Springs is a crystal-clear underground water source in Tsavo West that flows millions of litres daily, creating a lush oasis. You walk shaded nature trails to viewing platforms and look through an underwater viewing chamber to watch hippos, crocodiles, and fish in the transparent water.

Can I walk on the Shetani Lava Flow?

Yes. The Shetani Lava Flow is a vast expanse of black volcanic rock created hundreds of years ago. You walk across its rugged surface, learn local legends about its name, and take photographs while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.

How does the private safari differ from a group tour?

As a private safari, you travel with a dedicated guide at your own pace, allowing for personalized wildlife viewing, photography stops, and a more relaxed experience. Your guide can adjust timing and stops based on what you want to see and photograph.

What is included in the price?

Private transportation, hotel pickup from Mombasa or Diani Beach, all national park entry fees and taxes, and bottled drinking water are included. Tips are not included.