2 Days Private Safari in Tsavo from Diani Beach with Pick Up

Exploring the 2 Days Private Safari in Tsavo from Diani Beach: A Complete Review

Planning a safari in Kenya? This 2-day private tour to Tsavo from Diani Beach is a popular choice for those craving a close encounter with Africa’s iconic wildlife. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed itineraries offer a clear picture of what to expect. It’s a chance to see the Big Five, relax in comfortable lodges, and enjoy the scenic landscapes — all in a manageable two-day package.

What I love about this safari? First, it offers personalized attention with a private guide and vehicle. Second, the inclusive nature—meals, accommodation, and entrance fees—means no hidden costs or logistical worries. Third, the chance to see filming locations for Ghost and The Darkness adds a fun twist for movie buffs. A potential consideration? The tour’s early starts and long days might not suit everyone, especially those not used to early mornings.

This safari is best suited for travelers who want a focused wildlife experience without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s ideal for those who appreciate comfort, value, and the chance to tick off the Big Five in just two days.

Key Points

• Private and personalized experience ensures you get undivided attention from your guide.
• All-inclusive package covers entrance fees, meals, and overnight accommodation.
• Early mornings and long game drives are part of the adventure — perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.
• Good value considering the price includes transportation, lodgings, and park fees.
• Authentic experiences with visits to historic waterholes like Aruba Dam.
• Suitable for most travelers who can handle early starts and are eager for wildlife sightings.

An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Safari in Tsavo

Booking and Overall Value

Priced at $595 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. For the price, travelers get round-trip pick-up and drop-off from Diani Beach, which saves the hassle and expense of arranging transport independently. The tour also includes accommodation at Voi Safari Lodge, meals, and all entry fees, making it a straightforward, stress-free experience.

Considering the tour is booked on average 197 days in advance, it’s clearly popular among those planning ahead—the kind of trip that fills up quickly when safari season hits. The high booking rate indicates good value, especially when you compare the convenience of everything being arranged for you versus piecing it together independently.

Itinerary Breakdown: What’s Included and What to Expect

Day 1: Safari Begins with a Long Drive and Game Watching

Your adventure kicks off early at 6:00 am with a pickup from your Diani hotel. The drive along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway takes roughly three hours to Bachuma gate, arriving around 9:00 am. From here, the real adventure begins with your game drives in Tsavo National Park East.

The highlight of the morning is a visit to Aruba Dam, a waterhole built by the British Army in 1952. This spot is known for frequent wildlife sightings, especially during dry seasons when animals gather around water sources. The review from a previous traveler mentions that “We loved the way the vehicle’s pop-up roof gave us a great view,” emphasizing how the vehicle design enhances game viewing.

After the morning drive, you’ll check into your lodge around 12:30 pm for lunch and some rest. The Voi Safari Lodge offers comfortable accommodations with scenic views, making it easy to relax during the siesta time. In the late afternoon, you’ll head out for an evening game drive until sunset, increasing your chances of spotting elusive predators like lions or leopards.

Dinner and your overnight stay at the lodge wrap up a fulfilling first day. As one reviewer notes, the organization of pickups, drives, and lodge arrangements was “superb,” ensuring a smooth experience.

Day 2: Early Morning Game Drive and Return

Your second day begins with another 6:00 am wake-up call for a morning game drive. The early start is perfect for catching animals active at dawn. After about two hours in the park, you’ll return to the lodge for a hearty full breakfast at 8:00 am, giving you energy for the journey home.

Check-out is at 10:00 am, but you’ll still have time for a quick game drive en route to the park exit. The drive back to Diani or the airport begins at 11:00 am, with an expected arrival around 3:00 pm — a fairly quick return considering the full-day safari experience.

What Makes the Experience Stand Out

Wildlife Viewing: With game drives scheduled for early mornings and late afternoons, you’ll have optimal chances to see a variety of animals, possibly including the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. The inclusion of all park entrance fees means you don’t need to worry about extra costs for these sightings.

Historic and Scenic Stops: Aruba Dam adds a special touch, connecting visitors with Kenya’s colonial past, and offers opportunities for fascinating wildlife photos. Many travelers appreciate the chance to see where some famous movie scenes, like those from Ghost and The Darkness, were filmed, adding a layer of cultural interest.

Accommodation & Meals: Staying at Voi Safari Lodge offers a comfortable base with authentic African decor and great views, while all meals are included—an important factor for travelers wanting a hassle-free experience.

Transportation & Comfort: The use of a customized safari van with a pop-up roof makes game viewing more accessible and enjoyable. The vehicle’s design allows for unobstructed views, which many reviewers say greatly enhances their ability to spot animals.

Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer shared that their safari was well-organized, with clear instructions and smooth pickups. However, there was a notable experience from another traveler who was disappointed they didn’t receive a guide who spoke French, only a driver who couldn’t communicate in that language. This highlights the importance of clarifying guide preferences before booking, especially for non-English speakers.

Another reviewer described their safari as “unbeschreiblich wundeschönes Erlebnis” (indescribably wonderful), praising the arrangements from pick-up to return. Their comments suggest that excellent organization and knowledgeable guides are key to making the most of this adventure.

Considerations for Travelers

While the tour is generally praised, the early start times and long drive on the first day mean it’s best suited for those who are comfortable with early mornings and extended days in the vehicle. If you’re not a fan of early risings or have mobility concerns, it’s worth considering this when booking.

Also, since the tour is private, it offers a more tailored experience—no large group to contend with—and provides flexibility in your game drive timings and stops. This makes it particularly appealing for couples, families, or small groups wanting a personalized adventure.

Final Thoughts: Is This Safari for You?

This 2-day private safari in Tsavo offers a well-rounded, value-packed wildlife experience. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see Kenya’s famous Big Five, enjoy authentic safari lodges, and avoid the stress of planning logistics. The private guide and vehicle ensure you get a customized experience, while the inclusion of all fees and meals simplifies budgeting.

If you’re after a comfortable, efficient, and authentic safari close to Diani Beach, this tour hits the mark. Just be prepared for early mornings and full days—if you’re ready to embrace the adventure, it’s a trip you’ll remember.

For those needing a quick, comprehensive safari with minimal hassle, this tour ticks all the boxes and delivers genuine value for the price.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Diani, all park entrance fees, accommodation at Voi Safari Lodge, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), bottled water, and transportation in a customized safari van with a pop-up roof.

How long are the game drives?
You will have a morning and evening game drive on the first day, plus a morning game drive on the second day, each lasting around 6 hours total for the day.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best for those comfortable with early mornings and long drives. Check with the provider if you have specific needs or young children.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a private tour, so some flexibility in timing and stops is possible. However, the core schedule is fixed to maximize wildlife viewing.

What is the accommodation like?
You will stay at Voi Safari Lodge, which offers comfortable, scenic lodgings designed for safari stays, with meals included.

Are drinks and beverages included?
No, drinks such as alcohol are not included, so you should plan to purchase your preferred beverages separately.

How early do I need to wake up?
The tour begins with pickup at 6:00 am each day, so prepare for early mornings, which are prime times for wildlife sightings.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours in advance, with a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

To sum it up, this safari offers an excellent balance of adventure, comfort, and value. It’s best suited for wildlife lovers and those wanting a hassle-free, immersive experience in Kenya’s iconic Tsavo National Park. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-timer, this tour provides a meaningful glimpse into Africa’s wildlife and landscapes—all within a manageable two days.