6 days, 5 nights
Amboseli and Masai Mara Safari
Amboseli's elephants, then Masai Mara's big cats in one trip.
5 days, 4 nights
Amboseli and Tsavo West Safari
Elephant plains beneath Kilimanjaro, then volcanic Tsavo West.
- Duration
- 5 days, 4 nights
- Starts
- Nairobi hotel or airport
- Vehicle
- Private 4x4, pop-up roof
- Group type
- Couples, friends, families
- Price
- From USD 1,550 pp sharingDraft per person price, season dependent
Or call +254 725 431 452
The short answer
The Amboseli and Tsavo West Safari is 5 days and 4 nights: two nights in Amboseli National Park for elephants and Kilimanjaro, then two nights in Tsavo West for Mzima Springs and the Shetani lava flow. The drive between the parks takes about 3 hours via Kimana and Chyulu Gate. From USD 1,550 pp sharing.
Overview
Amboseli and Tsavo West Safari
Amboseli and Tsavo West sit close together but feel completely different. Amboseli is open plains, swamps and a huge mountain. Tsavo West is rocky, volcanic and full of springs.
You drive between them through the Chyulu Hills region, a scenic leg that adds a third landscape to your trip.
Highlights
- Two nights in Amboseli, two nights in Tsavo West
- Mzima Springs and Shetani lava flow in Tsavo West
- Road link between the parks via Kimana and Chyulu Gate
- Exit via Mtito Andei back to Nairobi
Day by day
Itinerary
- Day01
Nairobi to Amboseli
Drive via Emali to Iremito Gate (about 204 km, 4 to 5 hours). Lunch and an afternoon game drive.
- Day02
Full day in Amboseli
Dawn drive for Kilimanjaro and elephants, Observation Hill and an afternoon game drive.
- Day03
Amboseli to Tsavo West
Leave through Kimana Gate and drive east toward Chyulu Gate. The road is rough in places, so a 4x4 is essential (about 3 hours). Afternoon game drive in Tsavo West.
- Day04
Tsavo West
Mzima Springs and the Shetani lava flow, with game drives between. Overnight in Tsavo West.
- Day05
Return to Nairobi
Exit via Mtito Andei Gate and join the highway to Nairobi (about 4 to 5 hours), arriving in the evening.
What you get
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and a window seat for every guest
- Professional driver-guide for the whole safari
- Fuel, vehicle running costs and park game drives as set out in the itinerary
- Accommodation and meals as listed in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- KWS park entry fees (USD 90 per adult per day at Amboseli for non-residents, rate checked 17 Oct 2026)
- Pickup and drop-off in Nairobi (hotel or airport) unless stated otherwise
- KWS fees for both parks (Amboseli USD 90 and Tsavo West USD 80 per non-resident adult per day, rates checked 17 Oct 2026)
Plan for
Not included
- International flights and Kenya entry authorisation
- Travel and medical insurance
- Drinks other than water, and personal items
- Tips for your guide and camp staff
- Optional extras such as a Maasai community visit (about USD 25 to 50 per person, agreed with the host before you go)
Where you stay
Accommodation in three tiers
These are the Amboseli nights. For the Tsavo West nights we pick a lodge or camp to match your tier. For example, Ngulia Safari Lodge or Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge for a classic lodge stay, Voyager Ziwani for a tented camp beside the Sante River, or Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp for a high-end stay, all subject to availability. These are independent properties, named as examples only.
Route
Route and drive times
Amboseli to Tsavo West via Kimana Gate and Chyulu Gate is about 74 to 95 km, roughly 3 hours on rough road. Return via Mtito Andei Gate on the Nairobi to Mombasa highway.
- Leg01
Day 1: Nairobi to Iremito Gate via Emali
204 km, 4 to 5 hours. Lunch and an afternoon game drive.
- Leg02
Day 1 to 3: Amboseli
Two nights in Amboseli. Dawn drive for Kilimanjaro and elephants, Observation Hill and an afternoon drive on day two.
- Leg03
Day 3: Amboseli to Tsavo West via Kimana Gate and Chyulu Gate
About 74 to 95 km, about 3 hours. Rough in places, so a 4x4 is essential. Afternoon game drive in Tsavo West.
- Leg04
Day 4: Tsavo West
Two nights in Tsavo West. Mzima Springs and the Shetani lava flow, with game drives in between.
- Leg05
Day 5: Tsavo West to Nairobi via Mtito Andei Gate
About 4 to 5 hours. Join the Nairobi to Mombasa highway and reach Nairobi in the evening.
Gallery
On safari
FAQ
Questions about this safari
How long is the drive between Amboseli and Tsavo West?
The drive between Amboseli and Tsavo West takes about 3 hours via Kimana Gate and Chyulu Gate. The road is rough in places, so a 4x4 is recommended.
Can I do Amboseli and Tsavo West in fewer than 5 days?
Amboseli and Tsavo West can be done in fewer days, but 5 days gives you two nights in each park without long driving every day.
Is there a combined Amboseli and Tsavo West park ticket?
KWS sells a combined Tsavo West and Amboseli ticket at USD 150 per non-resident adult, against USD 170 bought separately. It must be paid in one go for a continuous stay on fixed dates, so we check your dates before we choose which ticket to buy.
Is fuel available inside Amboseli and Tsavo West?
Fuel is not sold inside Amboseli or Tsavo West. We fuel in towns such as Emali and Kimana before entering the parks.
Related
Other safaris to consider
3 days, 2 nights
3 Day Amboseli Safari
A full day at the swamps and Observation Hill, with two dawns for Kilimanjaro.
Guides
Read before you go
Short, practical guides from our team.
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