2-Day Tsavo East Extension
Tsavo's red elephants and the Yatta Plateau in two days. Runs from Nairobi or from the coast, and pairs naturally with a Diani beach stay.
Duration
2 days / 1 night
Group
1 - 12 guests
Pickup
Hotel pickup included
Package overview
Tsavo's red elephants and the Yatta Plateau in two days. Runs from Nairobi or from the coast, and pairs naturally with a Diani beach stay.
Tsavo East is the biggest protected area in Kenya and the least crowded of the major parks, which is its whole appeal. The elephants here are famous for being red, not by species but because they dust-bathe in the park's iron-rich soil and stay that colour. You also get the Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world, the Galana River with its crocodile and hippo, and Lugard Falls. Lion, buffalo, giraffe, oryx and gerenuk are all here, and this is the country the man-eating lions of Tsavo came from in 1898, which the guides will tell you about properly rather than as a gimmick. Because it is vast and lightly visited, sightings take more patience than in the Mara and reward it more when they come. This works two ways. From Nairobi it is a four to five hour drive and a good short break. From Diani or Mombasa it is only two to three hours, which makes it the natural safari component of a beach holiday, and that is how most people use it. Pair it with three nights in Diani and you have the classic Kenyan bush-and-beach trip. On price, Tsavo entry is Kenya Wildlife Service at USD 80 per adult per day, flat year-round with no July doubling, and it is inside our price. Be aware that some listings still quote around USD 52 for Tsavo; that is the pre-October-2025 rate and it is out of date. Prices per person sharing at mid-range accommodation: from USD 490 at six sharing, USD 615 to USD 865 at two depending on season. Budget and luxury tiers on request. Tell us whether you are starting from Nairobi or the coast and we will price it accordingly, because the transfer difference is substantial.
The route
The Itinerary
Day 1 — Into Tsavo East
Pickup from Nairobi, Diani or Mombasa. Four to five hours from Nairobi via Voi, or two to three from the coast. Afternoon game drive along the Galana River for crocodile, hippo and the red elephants that take their colour from the iron-rich dust. Overnight full board inside or beside the park.
Day 2 — Yatta Plateau and the return
Dawn drive out toward Lugard Falls and the Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world. Lion, buffalo, oryx and gerenuk are all here, and because Tsavo is vast and lightly visited, sightings reward patience rather than arriving on cue. Late morning departure and return to your start point.
What's Included
Not Included
- We believe in transparency. No hidden fees.
Sister Company
Explore Kibera Tours
Interested in community-led cultural experiences? Our sister company Explore Kibera Tours runs safe walking tours through Kibera — markets, artisans, schools, and community projects with local guides.