3 DAYS TSAVO EAST- AMBOSELI PARKS FROM MOMBASA/DIANI

A Detailed Look at the 3 Days Tsavo East and Amboseli Safari from Mombasa

Planning a safari to Kenya often feels overwhelming with so many options, but this 3-day tour from Mombasa to Tsavo East and Amboseli offers a balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, and comfort. While it’s not a budget trip, the $767 per person price covers most essentials—game drives, park fees, accommodations, and transport—making it a good value for those wanting a well-rounded experience without the stress of planning every detail.

What drew us in was the promise of seeing Kenya’s famous elephants, lions, and cheetahs, combined with the chance to get close to Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peaks. The reviews also pointed out the knowledgeable guides and stunning landscapes, which are key for an authentic safari feel. One potential consideration? The drive from Amboseli back to Mombasa can be long and bumpy, especially in the early hours, so travelers prone to motion sickness should prepare accordingly.

This tour is perfect for first-timers wanting a taste of Kenya’s wildlife, or seasoned travelers eager to explore multiple parks in a short time. If you love wildlife photography, stunning vistas, and guided insights, this trip will check those boxes. Now, let’s explore what makes this safari special—and what to keep in mind.

Contents show

Key Points

Comprehensive 3-day experience combining Tsavo East and Amboseli National Parks
Inclusion of park fees and meals offers good value and stress-free planning
Game drives in open-sided safari vans for excellent animal sightings and photo opportunities
Stunning scenery, especially the views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli
Expert guides like Bindo make the journey informative and engaging
Long drives may be challenging for those with motion sickness or limited stamina

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

This tour strikes a balance between adventure and comfort, with a well-paced itinerary that maximizes wildlife sightings. Over the three days, you’ll visit two renowned parks, enjoy multiple game drives, and stay in comfortable lodges designed to relax after long days in the wild.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Mombasa

Day 1: Departure from Mombasa to Tsavo East

Your adventure kicks off with a hotel or airport pickup in Mombasa. The drive to Tsavo East is scenic, with the landscape gradually transforming from coastal to savannah. The journey is approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Reviewers like Francesca praised their guide, Bindo, for his helpfulness and expertise, which can make what might seem a long drive much more enjoyable.

Arriving at Tsavo East, you’ll go on your first game drive en route to the lodge, giving you an immediate taste of Kenya’s wildlife. Tsavo East is famed for its “man-eating lions” historically, but today it’s a vibrant habitat for elephants, buffalos, cheetahs, and giraffes. After check-in and a hearty lunch, the afternoon game drive in a pop-up safari van offers excellent opportunities for animal encounters and photography.

Staying overnight at Voi Wildlife Lodge, you’ll appreciate the comfort and the chance to unwind before more adventures. The lodge’s location provides good proximity to wildlife hotspots, and reviewers have highlighted the convenience of such accommodations for game viewing.

Day 2: Tsavo East to Amboseli

After an early breakfast, you’ll check out and set off towards Amboseli National Park, approximately a 2-3 hour drive. This drive is notable for its changing scenery, from the semi-arid plains of Tsavo to the lush wetlands and open plains of Amboseli.

Arriving in Amboseli in time for lunch and a short game drive, you’ll settle into Nyati Safari Camp. Known for its scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, this area offers iconic photo opportunities. The snow-capped peak is a dramatic backdrop to the park’s wildlife, especially in the late afternoon light.

In the afternoon, a game drive in Amboseli reveals large herds of elephants, often seen at the swamp area, along with lions, cheetahs, and buffalos. The park’s open plains are perfect for spotting predators and prey alike. Reviewers like Estelle marveled at the “breathtaking landscapes” and the “magnificent views of Kilimanjaro,” which add a magical quality to the safari experience.

Day 3: Early Morning Game Drive & Return to Mombasa

Your final morning begins before dawn with an early game drive—one of the best times to see active predators and elusive wildlife. After breakfast, a short game drive en route to the exit, and then you’ll start the long drive back to Mombasa, with a lunch stop along the way.

The return journey can take around 8 hours, with the first three hours on rough roads, as one reviewer mentioned. This part of the trip may be less comfortable, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness, but the stunning views and wildlife sightings often make up for the bumpy ride.

You’ll arrive back in Mombasa in the evening, with drop-off at your hotel or the airport, completing your memorable Kenyan safari.

More Great Tours Nearby

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Wildlife Encounters and Guides: The reviews highlight the presence of knowledgeable guides like Bindo, who help you spot animals and share insights into their behavior and environment. Their expertise truly enhances the experience, especially when you’re trying to identify the elusive cheetah or distinguish between lion prides.

Stunning Photographic Opportunities: The scenery, particularly the views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli, offers world-class backdrop shots. The open plains and wetlands create perfect conditions for both wildlife photography and capturing the landscape’s grandeur.

Comfort and Convenience: Staying in well-rated lodges like Voi Wildlife Lodge and Nyati Safari Camp ensures you rest well after long days. The included meals and park fees mean less hassle and more focus on the experience.

Authentic Kenyan Wilderness: Despite being a guided tour, you’ll get an authentic feel for different ecosystems—dry plains of Tsavo East and lush wetlands of Amboseli—each home to distinct animal populations.

There's plenty more to explore in Mombasa

Practical Tips for Your Safari Experience

Prepare for the Road: Expect some long drives, especially on the return trip. Pack motion sickness remedies if needed, and bring snacks and water for the journey.

Dress Comfortably: Wear lightweight, neutral-colored clothing suited for game drives, along with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Closed shoes are advisable for walking around the lodges and parks.

Bring Powerful Binoculars: As Francesca shared, borrowing binoculars from guides like Bindo can dramatically improve your viewing experience. If you’re serious about wildlife photography, consider bringing your own.

Safety First: Follow your guide’s instructions, stay inside the vehicle during game drives, and keep personal belongings secure.

Timing Matters: Early morning and late afternoon drives increase your chances of spotting active predators and get you the best lighting for photos.

Is This Tour Worth the Cost?

At $767 per person, the price covers nearly everything: park entrance fees, accommodations, meals, transportation, and a professional guide. For a compact, well-organized safari that hits two major parks, it’s a strong value—especially considering the quality of wildlife sightings and scenery you’ll experience.

The inclusion of experienced guides and comfortable lodges means you won’t need to worry about logistics, and the opportunity to see elephants, lions, cheetahs, and Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowy peak makes it a memorable trip. That said, the long drive back might be tiring, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with bumpy roads and early mornings.

Who Will Love This Safari?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a quick yet immersive Kenyan safari. It suits wildlife enthusiasts eager to spot a variety of animals in diverse landscapes, as well as photographers looking for stunning backdrops.

Travelers who appreciate expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and included park fees will find this package offers solid value. However, those prone to motion sickness or seeking a more leisurely pace might need to consider additional rest days or different routes.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

What is included in this tour?
The package covers pickup and drop-off at your hotel or airport, game drives in open-sided safari vans, park entrance fees, meals as specified, accommodations, and bottled water in the vehicle.

Are park fees included?
Yes, all park entrance fees are included in the price, so you won’t need to worry about additional costs for entry.

What kind of vehicles are used for game drives?
The game drives are done in pop-up safari vans, which provide good visibility and photo opportunities in wildlife-rich areas.

Is transportation comfortable?
While the tour provides air-conditioned transportation for the journey, be prepared for some rough roads on the return trip. The drive from Amboseli to Mombasa can be lengthy and bumpy.

What should I bring?
Bring identification for park entry, comfortable and neutral-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and binoculars. Consider motion sickness remedies if you’re sensitive.

Can I book and cancel easily?
Yes, you can reserve now with the option to pay later. Cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour suitable for families or solo travelers?
It’s suitable for most travelers, including families with older children, given the structured schedule and guided nature. Solo travelers will benefit from the small group setting and expert guides.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day safari from Mombasa to Tsavo East and Amboseli offers a well-rounded, immersive wildlife adventure. The combination of diverse landscapes, big game viewing, and iconic scenery like Mount Kilimanjaro makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a taste of Kenya’s wilderness.

While the journey involves some long drives, the inclusion of expert guides, comfortable lodges, and all logistics handled makes it accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re a wildlife photography buff or simply want to experience Kenya’s extraordinary fauna, this tour delivers memorable moments wrapped in scenic beauty.

If you’re eager to see elephants bathing, lions lounging, and the dancing shadows of Kilimanjaro, this safari could be your perfect introductory trip to the wild heart of Kenya.