3-Day Tsavo East & West Safari — Mzima Springs & Rhino Sanctuary

3-Day Tsavo East & West Safari — Mzima Springs, Rhino Sanctuary & Red Elephants

Duration: 3 days / 2 nights · 

Starting from: [From USD 395 pp] · 

Start/End: Diani/Mombasa or Nairobi (options) · 

Group size: Private or small-group departures

Book now — Request a quote · Phone: +254-722 496 558

Quick snapshot — Highlights

• See the red-dust elephants of Tsavo East and large plains herds.

• Visit Mzima Springs underwater hippo & fish viewing chamber. Wikipedia

• Explore Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary (Tsavo West) for chances to see black rhino.

• Ideal for travellers based in Diani/Mombasa or Nairobi wanting a short, wildlife-packed escape.

At a glance

Itinerary 

Day 1 — Diani / Mombasa / Nairobi → Tsavo East (Afternoon game drive)

• Morning pickup from your hotel (Diani/Mombasa) or Nairobi (early departure). Drive to Tsavo East National Park (approx. 3–5 hours from Diani/Mombasa; 4–6 hours from Nairobi depending on traffic).

• Arrive in time for lunch at the lodge/camp. Afternoon game drive: look for elephants, giraffes, plains game and the Aruba dam area.

• Dinner and overnight at a selected lodge or tented camp. (Lodge suggestions: Ashnil Aruba / Voi Safari Lodge / Manyatta Camp — choose category.)

Day 2 — Full morning game drive Tsavo East → transfer to Tsavo West

• Early morning game drive for predators and early-active grazers. After breakfast, depart for Tsavo West (transfer ~1–2 hours).

• Afternoon arrival at Tsavo West: visit Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary and explore vistas such as the Shetani Lava Flows and rolling ridges. Overnight at a Tsavo West lodge.

Day 3 — Early morning drive Tsavo West → Mzima Springs → Return to Diani/Mombasa or Nairobi

• Early game drive followed by a visit to Mzima Springs for underwater viewing of hippos, fish and crocodiles. Depart after lunch and drive back to Diani/Mombasa (approx. 3–5 hours) or return to Nairobi (approx. 4–6 hours). Wikipedia+1

Accommodation & transport options

Accommodation tiers: Budget / Mid-range / Luxury — we assign lodges based on your budget. Popular choices: Ngulia Safari Lodge (mid), Kilaguni Serena (upscale), Aruba / Satao Camp.

Transport: 4×4 Landcruiser with pop-up roof. Flying option: charter to Voi/Manyani/Aruba airstrips — recommended if you prefer less road time and more game viewing. (Flying reduces drive fatigue and increases park time). Tsavo National Park

Wildlife & highlights (what you might see)

• Elephants (often red-dust coated in Tsavo East), lions, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, cheetah, leopard (less common), hippos & crocodiles at Mzima, rare black rhino in Ngulia Sanctuary, and over 500 bird species across the two parks.

What’s included

• 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and driver-guide

• Full board accommodation (2 nights)

• All park entrance fees (unless otherwise stated)

• Bottled water & meals as specified

• Local taxes

Excluded

• International flights to/from Kenya

• Personal items (calls, laundry), alcoholic drinks, tips / gratuities, travel insurance

• Optional domestic flight (charter) — on request and charged separately

Practical info — drive times, packing & health

• Typical drive times: Diani → Tsavo East ~3–5 hrs; Nairobi → Tsavo East ~4–6 hrs; Tsavo East → Tsavo West ~1–2 hrs; Tsavo West → Diani ~3–5 hrs (varies). Include buffer for road conditions.

• Packing essentials: neutral clothing, warm layer for early mornings, hat, sunscreen, binoculars, good camera, malaria prophylaxis (consult your doctor), motion-sickness meds if needed.

• Safety & rules: Always follow your guide’s instructions in parks; do not leave the vehicle except in designated areas.

Optional add-ons & upgrades

• Domestic charter flights to/from Voi / Aruba / Manyani airstrips (reduces road time). Tsavo National Park

• Night game drive (where permitted), cultural visit to local Maasai community, private guide, lodge upgrades, beach extension to Diani.

FAQs (use FAQ schema)

How long is the Tsavo East to Tsavo West transfer?
Typically 1–2 hours depending on gate chosen and road conditions. We schedule transfers to maximize game time.

Is Mzima Springs open to visitors year-round?
Mzima Springs is accessible year-round, though water levels and animal visibility vary seasonally. The underwater viewing chamber offers excellent photo opportunities when open. Wikipedia

Can I start this safari from Nairobi and end in Diani (or vice versa)?
We can pick you up from Nairobi or Diani/Mombasa and drop you off at either location (road or flight options available).

Are children allowed on this safari?
Family friendly, though some lodges have age policies for children. Contact us for child rates and family accommodation options.

Book & next steps

Ready to book or want a customized quote? Request a quote or call +254-722 496 558. We offer flexible dates, lodge upgrades, and private departures for groups.