2-Day Tsavo East Safari from Mombasa: 3 Game Drives

Tsavo's lions often have no manes at all.

A 2-day safari from Mombasa to Tsavo East National Park with 3 game drives (morning, noon and afternoon on day one; morning on day two), experienced guide with 20+ years in the park, overnight lodge stay and all meals. Pickup from Mombasa, Diani, Nyali, Watamu, Malindi or Nairobi; return to your hotel, residence or airport depending on your plans. The multiple drives across different hours increase your chances of encountering wildlife during their active periods.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Tsavo East Safari

• Pick up from Diani/Mombasa/Nairobi
• Drive to Tsavo East National Park
• Morning game drive in Tsavo East
• Lunch at lodge
• Relax at lodge
• Afternoon game drive in Tsavo East
• Overnight at lodge

Day 2 — Morning Safari and Return

• Breakfast at lodge
• Morning game drive on way out
• Drop off at Diani/Mombasa/Nairobi

The Experience

The drive from the coast to Tsavo East takes 3–4 hours from Mombasa and nearby towns, or 4 hours from Nairobi. You arrive in time for a morning game drive that runs until noon, then break for lunch and rest at your lodge before heading back out for an afternoon drive. On day two, after breakfast, a final morning game drive lets you catch animals moving in the aftermath of the night before you head home or to the airport.

Tsavo East is Kenya's largest game reserve, an undeveloped wilderness where you'll see African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson's gazelle, hyena and baboons. The park is famous for its lions—the adult males here often lack manes entirely. Over 103 bird species inhabit the park, including Verreaux's eagles, augur buzzards, vultures and the rare lammergeyer. Servals, klipspringer antelope and Chanler's mountain reedbuck also live here, though they're less commonly spotted. Your guide has 20+ years of experience reading the park and knowing where animals move at different times of day.

The safari vehicle has a pop-up roof for unobstructed viewing and photography. Accommodation is at a 4-star lodge. All meals—breakfast, lunch and dinner—are included, and the park entry fee is covered. The operator can arrange specialized infant seats and accommodates food restrictions (allergies, vegan, gluten-free) if you notify them in advance.

What’s included

• Accommodation at a 4-star lodge.
• all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
• Tsavo East National Park entry fee.
• transportation in a customized safari vehicle with pop-up roof.
• services of an experienced guide with 20+ years in the park.
• pickup and return transport from Mombasa, Diani, Nyali, Watamu, Malindi or Nairobi.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Expedition Happy Hour

Is this one for you?Book this if you want three separate game drives timed to catch animals at their most active—morning, noon, and afternoon—with an experienced guide who knows Tsavo East's patterns and hotspots.

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Top questions

What animals am I most likely to see on a Tsavo East safari?

Tsavo East holds large populations of African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson's gazelle, hyena and baboons. The park is home to over 103 bird species including Verreaux's eagles, augur buzzards, vultures and the rare lammergeyer. Lions are present—notably, the adult males in Tsavo often lack manes. Servals, klipspringer antelope and Chanler's mountain reedbuck also live in the park but are spotted less frequently.

How long is the drive from Mombasa to Tsavo East?

The drive from Mombasa, Diani, Nyali, Watamu or Malindi takes roughly 3–4 hours. If you're picked up from Nairobi, allow approximately 4 hours.

When do the game drives happen each day?

On day one, you have a morning drive (arrival to noon), lunch and lodge rest, then an afternoon drive. Day two includes a morning game drive before your return journey or airport transfer.

What's included in the 2-day safari price?

The package includes all three game drives, overnight lodge accommodation (4-star), all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), Tsavo East National Park entry fee, transportation in a safari vehicle with pop-up roof, and an experienced guide. Pickup and return transport from Mombasa, Diani, Nyali, Watamu, Malindi or Nairobi are included.

Can I be dropped at the airport instead of my hotel?

Yes. On day two after the morning game drive, you can choose to return to your hotel, residence or go directly to the airport depending on your plans.

Are infants and young children accommodated?

Specialized infant seats are available, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. The operator can also arrange food for any dietary restrictions—allergies, vegan, gluten-free—if you let them know in advance.