3-Day Private Tour in Tsavo West National Parks

Planning a safari to Kenya? We recently took a close look at a 3-day private tour in Tsavo West National Parks, a journey praised for its remarkable wildlife sightings, expert guiding, and breathtaking landscapes. While we haven’t done this exact trip ourselves, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect from this adventure.

What we love most? The chance to see big game like elephants, lions, and rhinos in their natural habitat, the inclusion of iconic waterholes and springs like Mzima Springs, and the flexibility of a private tour that caters to your interests. A potential consideration is the early start times, which demand some stamina but are well worth it for the wildlife activity and cooler temperatures. This tour suits wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone eager to explore Kenya’s oldest and largest reserves with personalized guidance.

Key Points

Exceptional guides: Knowledgeable and friendly guides enhance the experience, often sharing local stories and spotting tips.
Diverse landscapes: From the vast, red-dusted plains of Tsavo East to the lush greenery of Tsavo West, the scenery is varied and stunning.
Wildlife abundance: Expect large herds of elephants, lions, and other iconic African animals, plus rare sightings like hippos and crocodiles.
Private, flexible experience: With only your group participating, the tour is tailored to your pace and interests.
Value for money: The price includes multiple game drives, meals, and transportation, offering a comprehensive safari experience.
Early mornings: Be prepared for early starts, but those dawn game drives promise some of the best animal sightings.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Tsavo East

Your adventure begins bright and early at 6:00 am, with a pickup from your Nairobi hotel or airport. The drive along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway in a private 4×4 Landcruiser is part of the fun, offering scenic views and the chance to observe local life en route. Our sources note the drive is comfortable, with planned stops to rest and refresh, making the long journey more enjoyable.

By noon, you’ll arrive at Tsavo East, a park known for its expansive vistas and iconic red dust. The landscape here is truly impressive—big skies, endless plains, and distant hills. The park’s size means you’ll likely see large herds of elephants, often slathering themselves in the reddish soil, a sight that travels enthusiasts find both humorous and quintessentially Kenyan.

After a hearty lunch, the exploration begins. Expect your guide to point out wildlife around waterholes, where animals gather to escape the arid environment. Several reviews emphasize the thrill of spotting elephants, with one saying, “the elephants in Tsavo East are just amazing.” The park’s open terrain makes for excellent wildlife viewing, especially if you’re lucky with timing.

Day 2: Tsavo West – The Green Corner

Day two kicks off early again, with a game drive in Tsavo West, a park celebrated for its lush scenery and volcanic features. The morning light enhances the beauty of the rolling hills and verdant foliage. Here, the landscapes contrast sharply with Day 1’s red plains, offering a new visual palette.

Expect encounters with buffalo, impala, eland, and possibly lions during the game drives. Our review mentions that guides are particularly skilled at tracking game, with one reviewer stating, “our driver Patric was brilliant—friendly and very informative.” His local knowledge and keen eyes are invaluable, especially for spotting elusive predators or shy prey.

A highlight of Tsavo West is Mzima Springs, where hippos, crocodiles, and exotic birds thrive. This lush oasis provides a refreshing break from the dry plains and is often cited as a favorite stop. Reviewers mention the vibrant wildlife here—”the hippos and crocodiles in Mzima Springs were fascinating to watch,” one noted.

Day 3: Final Morning and Departure

On the last morning, an early game drive is recommended to maximize wildlife sightings—this is prime time for animals to be active and visible. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot bushbabies, hartebeests, or monkeys in the acacia trees. The cool morning light creates perfect conditions for photos and animal spotting.

After breakfast, a final game drive takes you out of Tsavo West, with a scenic drive back to Nairobi. The tour concludes in the late afternoon, with drop-off at your hotel, airport, or other preferred location.

Practical Details & What You Can Expect

Transportation & Comfort

Traveling in a private 4×4 Landcruiser ensures comfort, flexibility, and the ability to access remote areas without the constraints of larger groups. Reviewers consistently praise the professionalism of drivers like Patric and David, who combine friendliness with expert guidance. The early starts mean you’ll be on the move for a good part of the day, but the experience of being close to wildlife makes it worthwhile.

Meals & Accommodation

The package includes two dinners, three lunches, and two breakfasts, giving you plenty of fuel for the game drives. While specific lodges aren’t detailed, reviews mention comfortable lodges and stunning accommodations, making the experience relaxing after long days out in the parks.

Duration & Pace

Spanning roughly three days, the tour balances extensive game drives with ample time to enjoy scenery and wildlife. The early mornings and full days mean you get to witness the parks in their most active state, while evenings are free for rest or optional activities.

Price & Value

At $1,790 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive, private safari experience. When considering inclusions like multiple guided game drives, meals, and private transportation, it presents solid value—especially for those seeking a personalized adventure.

What Reviewers Say

A common theme among reviews is the high quality of guiding. One reviewer remarked, “Our driver Patric was brilliant! So friendly and informative,” highlighting how knowledgeable guides can make or break the experience. Another noted, “the tour guide Pascal provided local stories and guidance, making the trip even more memorable,” emphasizing the value of expert narration.

Wildlife sightings are frequently described as spectacular. A solo traveler called their experience “a safari dream come true,” with many guests noting seeing elephants, lions, and hippos up close. The guides’ skill in spotting animals, often hidden or distant, is a highlight noted by multiple reviewers.

Accommodation also receives praise, with mentions of “stunning lodges” that provide comfort after long days in the parks. The convenience of organized meals and transportation allows travelers to focus solely on enjoying their safari without logistical worries.

The Authentic Experience

What sets this tour apart is its intimate, private nature. Guests appreciate the personalized touch, with one reviewer saying, “The whole package was so easy to arrange,” and “only our group participated,” which meant customized timings and fewer crowds. This is particularly appealing for those wanting a more flexible, relaxed safari experience.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This 3-day private safari is ideal for wildlife lovers wanting to see a wide variety of animals in iconic landscapes without feeling rushed. It’s perfect for travelers who value expert guides, personalized service, and the comfort of private transport. The inclusion of key highlights like Mzima Springs and the diverse scenery of Tsavo East and West makes this a well-rounded choice.

However, be prepared for early starts and full days—if you dislike waking up before dawn or long road trips, this might require some extra energy. Still, the payoff of abundant wildlife sightings and stunning vistas makes it a worthwhile investment.

For those seeking a deeper connection with Kenya’s wilderness in a private setting, this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and unforgettable scenery.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers all transportation in a private 4×4 Landcruiser, guided game drives, three lunches, two breakfasts, and two dinners.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the tour is private, meaning it can be tailored to your pace and interests. However, the early mornings may require some stamina.

How long are the game drives each day?
Each day generally features around 5 hours of game drives, giving ample time to see a variety of wildlife and enjoy scenic stops.

Can I expect to see big game like lions and elephants?
Absolutely. Multiple reviews mention seeing elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and other iconic animals, often in large herds.

What about accommodation?
While specific lodges aren’t detailed, reviews describe the lodges as “stunning” and comfortable, perfect for relaxing after a day in the parks.

How flexible is the schedule?
Since this is a private tour, your guide can accommodate your interests and preferences, within the framework of the itinerary.

To sum it up

This 3-day private safari through Tsavo East and West offers travelers an affordable yet full-bodied opportunity to experience Kenya’s wild side. With expert guides, scenic diversity, and abundant wildlife, it’s a trip that captures the essence of a traditional African safari without feeling rushed.

It’s best suited for those who want a personalized, flexible experience with plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings and landscape photography. The early starts might be a challenge, but the reward is being actively immersed in some of Kenya’s most iconic natural habitats.

If you’re looking for an authentic and well-organized safari that balances adventure with comfort, this tour could be just what you need to check “Africa wildlife safari” off your bucket list.