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2 Days

2 Day Tsavo East National Park Safari

Swop the white sands of Watamu for the red-dust plains of Tsavo East on this action-packed, 2-day overnight safari. Perfect for travelers sh

About this safari

Swop the white sands of Watamu for the red-dust plains of Tsavo East on this action-packed, 2-day overnight safari. Perfect for travelers short on time but eager for adventure, this curated journey brings you face-to-face with Kenya's iconic big cats, massive elephant herds, and breathtaking landscapes like Mudanda Rock and Lugard's Falls. Complete with a magical lunch experience overlooking a bustling wilderness watering hole, it is the ultimate coastal escape into the heart of the wild.

Day-by-day itinerary

1

To Tsavo East

Your adventure begins at 6:00 AM with a prompt pickup from your hotel in Watamu. Leaving the Indian Ocean breeze behind, you will journey inland toward Tsavo East National Park, an expansive wilderness spanning over 13,500 square kilometers of open grasslands and towering ancient baobab trees. Arriving at the park gates around 10:30 AM, you will immediately dive into your first game drive, scanning the vast plains for lions, cheetahs, rhinos, and Tsavo's famous red-dust elephants. By midday, you will head to the remotely located Satao Camp for a fresh, delicious lunch. This unique camp directly overlooks a bustling natural watering hole, offering you the unforgettable experience of watching large elephant herds come down for a drink while you dine. After lunch, take some time to unwind and absorb the peaceful wilderness surroundings. In the late afternoon, you will head back out into the bush with your expert guide to explore iconic landmarks like Mudanda Rock—a massive rock formation that acts as a vital water catchment for wildlife—and the dramatic rapids of Lugard’s Falls on the Galana River. As the sun sets, you will head to your accommodation for a relaxing evening, dinner, and a peaceful night under the African stars.

2

Wake up early to catch the savannah at its most magical. After a hearty early morning breakfast at your lodge, you will head out for a sunrise game drive. The early morning hours offer the absolute best opportunity to witness big cats on the hunt and active plains game before the tropical sun heats the earth. Your guide will track the freshest prints through the morning dew, giving you plenty of chances for spectacular wildlife photography. At 10:00 AM, you will conclude your wildlife viewing, check out of the park gates, and begin your return journey back toward the Kenyan coast. Enjoy a relaxed drive as the rugged wilderness gradually shifts back into tropical palms, arriving safely at your Watamu hotel in the late afternoon with unforgettable safari memories.

What's included

check_circleIncluded
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
  • Park Entry Fees
  • Licensed local guide
  • Full safari insurance (replacement vehicle, rescue service, etc.)
  • All transfers aboard 4×4 jeeps with panoramic sunroof for photo safaris
  • Overnight stay in a lodge/camp with all-inclusive treatment (drinks with meals excluded)
cancelNot included
  • Breakfast on the day of departure
  • Tips and any personal extras
backpackWhat to carry
  • Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, lip balm. Insect repellent (preferably a tropical version, reapply approximately every 6-8 hours).
  • Comfortable clothing is essential; bring a long change of clothes for the evening and early morning, and a T-shirt and shorts for the day. Remember to bring several changes of clothes, as the red soil of the savannah can be uncomfortable.
  • A swimsuit, as accommodations often have a swimming pool
  • Comfortable shoes (preferably old ones, not white ones, to avoid staining them)
  • A UK-style power adapter and a power bank are also essential
  • A camera and, if you want to be sure of seeing animals even from a distance, binoculars

Safari glimpses

Common questions

How long is the drive from Watamu to Tsavo East National Park?expand_more
The drive from Watamu to Tsavo East takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours (roughly 160 km) depending on road conditions and the specific entry gate used, such as Sala Gate. We depart early at 6:00 AM to beat the coastal traffic and maximize your wildlife viewing time, ensuring you are in the park tracking animals by mid-morning.
What animals will I see on a 2-Day Tsavo East safari?expand_more
Tsavo East is a biodiversity stronghold famous for its iconic "red-dust elephants," which get their color from wallowing in the park's vibrant red volcanic soil. You also have excellent chances of spotting lions, cape buffalos, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and red-born hippos near the Galana River, alongside hundreds of tropical bird species.
Are park entry fees included in the safari package price?expand_more
When booking our complete package, all Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) park conservation entry fees for Tsavo East are fully arranged and included in your final quote. This ensures a seamless entry through the gates so you can begin your game drive without any payment delays.
What should I pack for a 2-day safari from the coast?expand_more
We recommend packing lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (tan, khaki, or green), a warm sweater or light jacket for the cool early morning game drives, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Don't forget your camera, extra memory cards, charger/power bank, and a pair of binoculars to spot distant predators.