Tsavo East and Tsavo West Sanctuary Safari

Setting out on a safari in Kenya’s Tsavo region offers a chance to witness some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitat, combined with the comfort of well-chosen lodges. This particular tour, offered by Frenzy Adventures Limited Kenya, promises a well-balanced mix of game drives, scenic walks, and cozy evenings overlooking waterholes—making it an appealing option for both first-timers and seasoned safari lovers.

What immediately catches the eye about this experience is its focus on authentic wildlife encounters—not just the classic game drives, but also guided walks that bring you closer to the waterhole activity. The inclusion of Ngutuni Lodge and strategic access to diverse parks makes it a fantastic value when considering the price of $806 per person. However, a potential consideration is the early mornings and long days involved, which might not suit everyone’s pace. This tour suits travelers eager for a comprehensive, immersive experience packed with wildlife and scenic moments, especially those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and meaningful movement through Kenya’s stunning landscape.

Key Points

• Wildlife Diversity: Expect to see the famous red elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, and more, especially during the early morning game drives.
• Guided Walks: Unique to this tour are nature walks, offering an intimate perspective on waterhole activity, with chances to see hippos, crocodiles, and turtles.
• Comfortable Lodging: Ngutuni Safari Lodge provides a memorable stay with a balcony overlooking a waterhole, perfect for relaxed wildlife watching.
• Expert Guides: The tour features professional, multilingual guides, whose knowledge adds depth to every game drive and walk.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Meals, park entry fees, game drives, and accommodation are included, making this a straightforward, hassle-free experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Game Drive in Tsavo East

The adventure begins bright and early. You’ll be picked up at 6:00 AM from Diani or Mombasa—an early start but worth it for the prime wildlife viewing conditions. The drive from the coast to Tsavo East takes around three to four hours, depending on traffic and stops, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Once inside Tsavo East National Park, you’ll immediately notice the park’s distinct color palette—scarlet elephants, known for their vivid hue thanks to the red soil dusting their skin—and the sprawling plains dotted with buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes. The game drives are conducted in a safari van with a pop-up roof, ensuring optimal viewing angles. Expect to encounter lions lounging in the shade, waterbucks, gazelles, and a kaleidoscope of bird species—over 500 types have been recorded here.

The highlight of this day is the waterhole viewing at Ngutuni Safari Lodge, where animals come to quench their thirst. The lodge’s balcony provides a front-row seat to the activity, making it perfect for photography and simply soaking in the ambiance. Reviewers praise the top-notch guides who share insights about animal behavior, enhancing the experience.

Day 2: Waterhole Walk and Transfer to Tsavo West

The second morning starts with an early sanctuary safari, giving you the chance to see animals grazing during their most active time. After breakfast, the focus shifts to guided nature walks in Tsavo West, specifically around Ziwani Dam. Here, you’ll get up close to hippos, crocodiles, and turtles—an experience that adds a different dimension compared to vehicle-based game drives.

Lunch is served at Voyager Ziwani, a strategic spot that offers excellent views and a relaxing ambiance. Post-lunch, the journey continues to Ngutuni for dinner and overnight stay. The lodge’s balconies overlooking the waterhole are consistently praised for their tranquillity and wildlife sightings.

Day 3: Final Morning Game Drive and Departure

The last day kicks off with another early game drive within the sanctuary, ensuring you maximized your chances of spotting animals before departure. After breakfast and check-out, your safari concludes, but the memories of Kenya’s wilderness will stay with you.

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What Makes This Safari Stand Out?

Wildlife Encounters and Diversity

The tour is heavily praised for the variety and quality of wildlife sightings. As one reviewer notes, “We saw practically all the animals, except the leopard and rhinoceros,” which isn’t unusual in such expansive parks. The chance to see Jumbo red elephants, especially in Tsavo East, is a highlight, alongside lions, giraffes, and lesser-known species like gerenuks and waterbucks. The waterhole visits provide an excellent opportunity to observe animals in more relaxed, natural settings.

Excellent Guides and Service

The feedback about the guides is consistently positive. “Hussein and Jerimiah were the best,” one reviewer mentions, emphasizing how guides add value with their knowledge and friendliness. They help identify animals, share interesting facts, and make the experience more engaging, especially during early morning drives and nature walks.

Comfortable and Strategic Accommodation

Ngutuni Safari Lodge is frequently described as “simply fabulous,” with guests loving the balcony views overlooking the waterhole, especially at sunset or dawn. It’s a strategic location that offers a genuine safari feel without sacrificing comfort. The lodge’s staff and amenities seem to enhance the overall experience, making it more than just a place to rest.

Authentic Waterhole Experiences

The guided walk to Ziwani Dam is a standout feature. Seeing hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun, or turtles gently making their way across the water, adds a layer of intimacy that vehicle safaris can’t match. The reviews reinforce how these experiences bring the safari alive in a different way.

Practical Details and Value

Transportation and Timing

Traveling in a safari van with a pop-up roof is a practical choice, allowing unobstructed views and easy photography. The early start—6:00 AM pickups—maximizes wildlife sightings, but prepare for long days, as the entire experience spans roughly three days with early mornings and late afternoons.

Cost and Inclusions

At $806 per person, this safari offers good value given the inclusions: all meals, park entry fees, game drives, and two nights of accommodation. The full-board basis ensures you don’t need to worry about meals—lunch and dinner are catered for on the first two days, with breakfast included on departure.

Language and Flexibility

The tour is offered in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Polish, and Italian—perfect for international travelers. Plus, the “reserve and pay later” option provides flexibility, while the 24-hour cancellation policy adds peace of mind.

Potential Drawbacks

The only downside mentioned is the night drive in Tsavo West, which is not recommended by some travelers—possibly due to limited visibility or the nocturnal wildlife activity not always aligning with expectations. Plus, early mornings and long drives might challenge those not used to such schedules.

Who Is This Safari Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers looking for an immersive wildlife experience with a mix of game drives and waterhole visits. It’s perfect if you value guides with good expertise and want a comfortable lodge experience overlooking waterholes. If you’re keen to see a wide variety of animals and enjoy scenic walks, this safari offers a well-rounded taste of Kenya’s Tsavo parks.

However, if you prefer shorter excursions, luxury-only experiences, or are sensitive to early mornings, you might want to consider other options. This safari suits those who appreciate authentic encounters and don’t mind the long days.

FAQs About the Tsavo East and West Sanctuary Safari

How early do I need to wake up each day?
You’ll typically start your game drives at 6:00 AM with some sessions from 6:30 AM, so early mornings are expected to maximize wildlife sightings.

Are meals included in the price?
Yes, all meals are covered—lunch and dinner on the first two days, breakfast on departure. The tours are booked on a full-board basis.

Can I see big cats during this safari?
While lions are often spotted, the reviews mention that leopards and rhinoceroses weren’t seen during these trips. Animal sightings can vary depending on luck and timing.

What is the accommodation like?
Ngutuni Safari Lodge offers comfortable rooms with balconies overlooking a waterhole, providing scenic wildlife viewing opportunities and a relaxing stay.

Are guided walks safe?
Yes, guided walks are conducted by professional rangers, offering close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and turtles around Ziwani Dam.

Is transportation comfortable?
Transport is in a safari van with a pop-up roof, optimized for game viewing and photography.

Can I book this tour with flexible payment options?
Yes, you can reserve your spot and pay later, with full refunds available if you cancel 24 hours in advance.

How long does the entire safari last?
The tour covers approximately three days, with early starts and packed schedules to make the most of your wildlife viewing.

Is it suitable for families or solo travelers?
Given the group nature of safaris and early mornings, it’s best suited for those comfortable with group travel and long days in the wild.

Final Thoughts

This Tsavo East and West safari offers a compelling blend of wildlife viewing, scenic waterhole encounters, and comfortable lodge stays—all at a reasonable price. The emphasis on guided walks and expert guides ensures deeper engagement with Kenya’s wilderness, making it a great choice for travelers seeking both adventure and comfort.

You’ll love the chance to see a diverse array of animals, especially the famous red elephants, and enjoy the tranquility of waterhole views from Ngutuni Lodge. The knowledgeable guides make all the difference, turning each game drive into a story worth telling long after you’re back home.

While early mornings and long days might not suit everyone, the immersive experiences and strategic locations make this safari a memorable journey into Kenya’s most iconic parks. Whether it’s your first safari or a return visit, this tour provides a genuine, well-rounded taste of Tsavo’s wilderness beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: