4-Day Private Tsavo & Amboseli Safari from Nairobi: Game Drives

Summary

Private Kenya Safari: Tsavo, Amboseli & Kilimanjaro Views

If you want real wildlife encounters—elephants at watering holes, lions dozing under acacias—and those classic Kilimanjaro views without rushing from place to place, this private safari is hard to beat. You’ll travel with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The day started before sunrise—Nairobi was still waking up as we loaded our bags into the safari Land Cruiser. The city’s early chill faded fast once we hit the open road heading southeast. You’ll notice the landscape changing bit by bit; city blocks give way to acacia trees and red earth. Our guide, Peter, kept us entertained with stories about the old railway and pointed out little roadside stalls selling roasted maize. By midday, we reached Tsavo East National Park and checked in at Voi Safari Lodge—simple but with a view straight over the savanna. After lunch (the chapati was fresh), we set off for our first game drive. The air smelled dry and warm, dust swirling behind our wheels. At Aruba Dam, elephants gathered in small groups—some splashing water on their backs while zebras waited nearby for their turn. We stayed out until dusk, spotting giraffes stretching for leaves and a lion lounging under a thorn bush. Dinner back at the lodge tasted extra good after all that fresh air.

Next morning came early—honestly, I’m not usually up at 5am but there’s something about sunrise in the bush that makes it worth it. We drove slowly out of Tsavo East, eyes peeled for movement in the golden grass. After a couple of hours weaving through herds of impala and catching sight of a cheetah darting across the track (blink and you’ll miss it), we headed west. The road to Tsavo West is bumpy but you get used to it quick. Ngulia Lodge sits near rocky hills; baboons hung around hoping for crumbs at breakfast. That afternoon’s drive took us to the rhino sanctuary—a quiet spot where rangers keep watch over these rare animals—and then back just as bats started flitting around the lights outside our rooms.

On day three, breakfast was quick—strong Kenyan tea and mandazi—before we rolled out towards Mzima Springs. It’s cooler here; you can actually hear water bubbling up from underground streams and see hippos wallowing just below the surface if you’re patient enough. Crocodiles sun themselves on rocks while bright blue kingfishers dart past your feet. From there, we drove on towards Amboseli National Park, arriving just as clouds began to clear from Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowy top—a sight that never gets old no matter how many times you see it. The afternoon game drive felt almost surreal: huge elephant herds crossing dusty tracks with Kilimanjaro looming behind them like a postcard come alive.

The last morning in Amboseli was quieter—the park wakes up slowly and so did we. Early light made everything look soft and gold as we watched buffalo grazing near marshes and listened to distant calls of crowned cranes. There’s a small market near the gate where I picked up some beadwork from local Maasai women before heading back to Nairobi in time for sunset traffic (and honestly, nothing makes you appreciate city life like four days out in wild Kenya).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nairobi to Tsavo East Safari

• Drive to Tsavo East National Park
• Afternoon game drive at Aruba Dam

Day 2 — Tsavo East to Tsavo West

• Morning game drive en route to Tsavo West
• Afternoon game drive and visit rhino sanctuary

Day 3 — Tsavo West to Amboseli Safari

• Morning game drive to Mzima Springs
• Drive to Amboseli and afternoon game drive

Day 4 — Amboseli Morning Safari and Return

• Morning safari and drive back to Nairobi

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for families with kids?

Yes! Kids will love spotting animals from the vehicle and most lodges are family-friendly—just let us know ages when booking.

What kind of vehicle do we use?

You’ll ride in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for easy viewing and plenty of space for bags or camera gear.

Are meals included during the safari?

All main meals are included at your lodges or camps—expect hearty Kenyan dishes plus some international options too.

Can I request vegetarian or special diet meals?

No problem! Just mention any dietary needs when booking so lodges can prepare accordingly.

What’s included

Your private safari includes three nights’ accommodation (double/twin room), daily game drives in Tsavo East, Tsavo West & Amboseli parks, park entry fees, pick-up/drop-off at your hotel or airport in Nairobi, all transport in a comfortable Land Cruiser with an experienced driver-guide, plus drinking water throughout your journey.