4 days Tsavo East, Amboseli and saltlick lodge safari

A 4-Day Journey Through Kenya’s Wildlife Treasures: Tsavo East, Amboseli, and Saltlick Lodge

If you’re dreaming of spotting elephants, lions, and other iconic African wildlife in their natural habitat, this 4-day safari in Kenya promises just that. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a picture of a well-rounded, immersive experience that offers both adventure and comfort. It’s perfect for those who want to make the most of their Kenyan safari without sacrificing quality or authenticity.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to see the famed Red Elephants and man-eating lions in Tsavo East. Second, the spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli, which is a highlight for many travelers. Third, the luxurious stay at Saltlick Lodge, renowned for its stunning salt lick setting and animal sightings. The main consideration? The trip packs in quite a bit over just four days, so it’s best suited for energetic travelers eager to maximize their wildlife viewing in a short time. This safari is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, first-timers, or anyone wanting a memorable, authentic adventure in Kenya.

Key Points

• Diverse Parks: Combines Tsavo East, Amboseli, and Taita Hills for a comprehensive wildlife experience.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides enhance the journey with insights and safety.
• Stunning Scenery: From Mt. Kilimanjaro to salt lick views, nature’s visuals are breathtaking.
• Full Board Comfort: Well-reviewed lodges with generous buffets ensure you’re well-fed after long game drives.
• Authentic Wildlife: Expect to see large herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, and more.
• Value for Price: At $1,420, the tour offers substantial value considering accommodations, transport, and park fees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete Breakdown of the 4-Day Safari Experience

Day 1: Mombasa/Diani/Nairobi to Tsavo East

The adventure kicks off early, with a pick-up around 6:30 am from your hotel, whether you’re staying on the coast or in Nairobi. The drive along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway is scenic, and you’ll arrive at Buchuma Gate in Tsavo East around 10 am, ready for your first game drive.

The game drive in Tsavo East is where you’ll start encountering the park’s iconic wildlife: large elephant herds, zebras, buffaloes, and impressive lions. The famous Aruba Dam, built during colonial times in 1952, is a prime spot to observe wildlife congregating around water. One reviewer, Lauren, shared how her guide was “so lovely, helpful, and knowledgeable,” making the experience both educational and fun. She also highlighted the chance to see lionesses hunting zebras, which adds an exciting touch to the safari.

After a morning of wildlife spotting, you’ll head to Voi Safari Lodge or Voi Wildlife Lodge for lunch and some relaxation. The mid-afternoon game drive continues until sunset, providing the opportunity to spot more animals such as ostriches, gnus, gazelles, and giraffes. Returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight, you’ll feel the thrill of your first day in the wild.

Day 2: Tsavo East to Amboseli

Waking up early for breakfast, you’ll set out on a morning game drive — a quiet, magical time when animals are most active. Expect to see lions, giraffes, and maybe even cheetahs if you’re lucky. Lauren’s review mentioned how her guide’s local knowledge made spotting wildlife easier and more insightful.

By about 9 am, you leave Tsavo East for Amboseli National Park, a journey that takes roughly four hours but offers scenic views along the way. Arriving around 1 pm, you’ll check into Sentrim Amboseli Lodge or Kilima Safari Camp. After a hearty lunch, there’s some downtime before the evening game drive.

In Amboseli, the landscape is stunning — wide plains with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. The park’s famous for its herds of elephants and frequent sightings of lions, cheetahs, and various antelope species. The twilight game drive until sunset is a highlight, giving you a chance to see animals in the softer light of evening.

Day 3: Amboseli to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

The morning begins again with an early breakfast and a game drive, where you’ll observe more wildlife in Amboseli. Expect to see herds of elephants, lions, and perhaps cheetahs stalking through the grasslands. The park is renowned for its breathtaking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, which many travelers find to be a once-in-a-lifetime sight.

Later, you’ll depart for Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, arriving around 1 pm for lunch at the Taita Hills Resort. The sanctuary is famous for the Salt Lick Lodge, perched on a hill with panoramic vistas and a close-up view of animals coming to lick the natural salt. Lauren described Saltlick Lodge as “stunning,” emphasizing the unique experience of watching animals from the comfort of a luxurious lodge.

The evening game drive in Taita Hills is particularly rewarding, with sightings of lions, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife. The setting, with the lodge overlooking a waterhole, is frequently praised for its privacy and natural beauty. Returning for dinner and overnight, you’ll have a relaxing end to a busy day.

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Day 4: Taita Hills to Mombasa/Diani/Nairobi

Your final morning begins with a quick game drive — a last chance to see the lions, gazelles, and ostriches before heading back. After breakfast, you’ll start the return journey, leaving the sanctuary around 9 am.

The drive back takes about six hours, arriving in Mombasa, Diani, or Nairobi by approximately 3:30 pm. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel, ending a trip filled with memorable sights and experiences.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Wildlife Diversity: Covering three premier parks means you’ll encounter a broad spectrum of animals and landscapes. From Tsavo’s vast plains to Amboseli’s iconic Mt. Kilimanjaro backdrop and the waterhole action at Saltlick Lodge, variety is the name of the game. The chance to see large herds of elephants and lions feeding or hunting is what many travelers dream of.

Expert Guides and Personal Service: Reviewers like Lauren praised their guides for being “knowledgeable and helpful,” which makes a difference in spotting wildlife and understanding their behaviors. Guides often also serve as safety officers, ensuring you stay comfortable and secure during long game drives.

Luxury and Comfort: Full board accommodations at both Tsavo East and Saltlick Lodge are highly rated, with Lauren describing Saltlick as “stunning.” The lodges are designed to provide a relaxing haven after a day in the wild, with hearty buffets and scenic views. This combination of adventure and comfort creates a balanced experience that appeals to many travelers.

Stunning Scenery and Unique Stops: The highlight for many is the view of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli, which provides a majestic backdrop to your wildlife encounters. The salt lick at Saltlick Lodge offers a rare opportunity to observe animals in action from a cozy vantage point.

Value for Money: At $1,420 per person, this tour includes all park entrance fees, transportation in a proper safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, full board accommodation, and airport pickup/drop-off. For a comprehensive experience across multiple parks, this is generally seen as a good investment in authentic wildlife encounters.

Practical Details to Consider

Transportation and Group Size: The tour uses a safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing and photography. The size of the group isn’t specified, but guided tours of this nature tend to be intimate enough for personalized attention while offering the camaraderie of shared adventure.

Timing: The itinerary’s start early in the morning and runs through most of the day, fitting well for travelers who want to maximize wildlife sightings. Game drives are scheduled for early mornings and late afternoons when animal activity peaks.

Inclusions and Extras: Everything from meals to park entry fees is included, making it straightforward to budget. However, extra drinks like beer or Champagne are not included — so if you want a cold one at sunset, bring some along.

Child and Age Restrictions: Children under six are not allowed at Saltlick Lodge for safety reasons. The tour is not recommended for children under 2 or for people over 95, reflecting the physically demanding nature of the trip.

The Sum Up

This 4-day safari offers a compelling peek into Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes. It balances wildlife viewing, comfortable lodging, and expert guidance to create an experience that feels both authentic and enjoyable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to tick off iconic animals or a seasoned safari-goer looking to explore multiple parks in one trip, this tour delivers.

The inclusion of Tsavo East’s sprawling plains, Amboseli’s stunning vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the wildlife-rich Taita Hills creates an itinerary packed with variety. The luxury lodges and knowledgeable guides elevate the experience, making it more than just a typical safari — it’s a memorable adventure with photo-worthy moments at every turn.

For those seeking a well-organized, value-packed safari with plenty of wildlife sightings and scenic highlights, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s best suited for active travelers who want to see Kenya’s top parks in a short span while enjoying comfortable accommodations and the company of experienced guides.

FAQ

How early do the game drives start?
The tours begin with early morning pickups around 6:30 am, and game drives typically start at dawn or shortly after, when animals are most active.

Are meals included?
Yes, all meals are covered as part of the full board accommodation in the lodges, ensuring you’re well-fed after long days of wildlife viewing.

Can I see Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli?
Absolutely. Many travelers mention the breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro from Amboseli, which is a major highlight of the park.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see large herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and various antelopes.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 6 are not allowed at Saltlick Lodge for safety reasons. The tour isn’t recommended for kids under 2 or for individuals over 95 due to the physical nature of the trip.

What’s the price, and does it include everything?
The price is $1,420 per person, which includes park fees, transport, accommodations, and meals. Extra drinks are not included.

This safari offers a well-rounded look at Kenya’s wildlife treasures, with the right mix of adventure, comfort, and awe-inspiring scenery. Perfect for travelers ready to tick off their bucket list in style.

You can check availability for your dates here: