Elephant Safari: Summary
Elephant Safari in a nutshell
This sample Expert Africa itinerary that we have called the Elephant Safari incorporates two of Kenya's best loved national parks and one of the best beaches in Africa. You'll cross the country from Nairobi to the coast and back again, taking in rolling savannah and dense woodland, vast plains, streams and lakes, as well as the contrasting atmosphere of Diani Beach on the country's south coast.
You start with a light aircraft flight to Kilaguni Airstrip in the heart of Tsavo West National Park and a stay for three nights at the delightful Severin Safari Camp, set on the wooded plains near a seasonal waterhole. You can watch countless birds and many large mammals from the camp itself, and game drives and bush walks are built into your itinerary to enhance the experience, as is a trip to see the fabled hippos and crocs of Mzima Springs from an underwater hide. Along the way, lions, giraffes, zebras and buffalos, among many other species, will all be in your sights.
Driving east, you cross the Nairobi-Mombasa highway and the famous old Lunatic Line railway (a new railway line goes overhead) before reaching Satao Camp in a remote corner of Tsavo East National Park. This is your base for the next few days as you search the plains and rivers with eyes, ears and binoculars in the hunt for leopards and cheetahs, crocodiles and antelopes, to name just a few animals - as well as magnificent, big tusker elephants, coloured orange by the red earth.
Driving south from Tsavo East, the altitude drops and the temperature climbs as you approach the bright colours and completely different natural environment of the Indian Ocean coast, with its white sand beaches, warm, azure sea and offshore coral reef. Water Lovers is a charming, simple hotel, right on the beach, with great opportunities for water sports, including snorkelling, diving and windsurfing.
At a glance
| Starts: | JKI Airport Nairobi | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights | Satao Camp - Tsavo East National Park, Kenya | Full Board & Activities |
| 3 nights | Severin Safari Camp - Tsavo West National Park, Kenya | Full Board & Activities |
| 4 nights | Water Lovers - Kenya Coast, Kenya | Half Board |
| Ends: | JKI Airport Nairobi |
Satao Camp
Tsavo East National Park, Kenya
Severin Safari Camp
Tsavo West National Park, Kenya
Water Lovers
Kenya Coast, Kenya
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Elephant Safari.
- Vist Mzima Springs to see hippos and crocodiles under water.
- Track the vast spaces of Tsvo East in seach of big tuskers.
- Combine light aircraft flights with privately guided travel.
- Experience en-suite luxury camping in the bush.
- Relax on the Indian Ocean coast with plenty of optional activities.
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Elephant Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Guided walking safari
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Key species to see on the Elephant Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Elephant Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
71% chance
37% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
Let us help you customise your trip
Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.
Talk to an Expert
Browse this Expert Africa website, then call us. We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Other ideas for Kenya trips
Look at these ideas in Kenya: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.
Wahlberg's Eagle Fly-in Safari
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A great value safari in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara that provides an immersive, authentic bush camp experience with activities for families of all ages.
Visiting Laikipia, Mara Conservancies
US$4,220 - US$4,990 per person
Steppe Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Two comfortable tented camps overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro and Mara River put you at the heart of the action. Experience spectacular diversity in species and habitat with safari in Samburu and the Masaai Mara National Reserve.
Visiting Maasai Mara, Samburu
US$4,020 - US$6,430 per person
Striped Hyena Safari
5 days • 3 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Expert Africa's Striped Hyena safari is an example of a possible safari itinerary for keen walkers, enabling you to experience the sounds and sights of the bush, and its wildlife, in a more direct way.
Visiting Mara Conservancies
US$3,980 - US$4,810 per person
Gabar Goshawk Fly-in Safari
10 days • 4 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Experience Amboseli, the Maasai Mara ecosystem and Laikipia during this economically priced safari. Two simple camps offer adventure before a stopover in Nairobi and a final stay in the charming, wildlife-rich Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge.
Visiting Laikipia, Nairobi and 2 other areas
US$4,790 - US$4,790 per person
Tawny Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Explore Laikipia and the Maasai Mara ecosystem with stays in the Ol Pejeta and Naboisho conservancies. Two smart yet authentically rustic bush camps provide a traditional safari experience, offering a high standard of guiding and excellent level of care.
Visiting Laikipia, Mara Conservancies
US$4,810 - US$6,920 per person
Big Cat Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Combining two of Kenya’s best wildlife viewing areas, this slow-paced safari to the Lewa Conservancy and Maasai Mara guarantees iconic wildlife. The long established, well-rated camps are great value too.
Visiting Maasai Mara, Laikipia
US$5,060 - US$7,460 per person
Hamerkop Fly-In Safari
8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Different wildlife, contrasting camps and a whole host of activities, this is a safari for those wanting to get out and about and not just sit in a vehicle.
Visiting Laikipia, Mara Conservancies
US$5,500 - US$8,280 per person
Purple Grenadier Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Fantastic guiding from intimate, well-run mid-range tented camps, in superb conservancy locations: this safari is all about making the most of the incredible wildlife in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara.
Visiting Laikipia, Mara Conservancies
US$5,680 - US$6,750 per person
Peregrine Falcon Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Discover two of Kenya’s quieter wildlife havens with visits to Meru National Park and Mara North Conservancy. Top-quality sister-camps provide considerable comfort and a range of activities by which to explore the game-rich surroundings.
Visiting Mara Conservancies, Meru
US$5,710 - US$6,550 per person
Golden Weaver Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI WILSON AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A rustic, adventurous week on safari with great community involvement that offers incredible value for money in two very different locations – the Amboseli and Maasai Mara ecosystems.
Visiting Amboseli & Chyulu Hills, Mara Conservancies
US$2,830 - US$2,830 per person
Other holiday ideas across Africa
Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a holiday that will really suit you.
Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari
20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Explore Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Namaqualand, amongst other memorable destinations, during this leisurely self-driven safari. Fine dining, varied activities and impressively comfortable lodges, estates and country houses await.
US$4,240 - US$6,390 per person
Turaco Safari
12 days • 4 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.
US$4,550 - US$5,030 per person
Hartebeest Self-drive Safari
16 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
This self-drive safari focuses on the best cultural experiences in Namibia. Visit a Himba village and enjoy three days living with the San Bushmen interspersed with some excellent wildlife watching.
US$4,040 - US$4,420 per person
Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari
12 days • 4 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Fine dining, luxurious accommodation and a wide of range of leisurely activities make this a superbly comfortable self-driven safari. Visit the cosmopolitan Cape Town, tranquil coastal retreats, stylish wine farms and spectacularly peaceful nature reserves.
US$3,990 - US$6,730 per person
Orange Cap Cichlid Safari
7 days • 2 locations
LILONGWE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Combine a safari in the lush and resurgent Liwonde National Park with down time at an island eco-retreat in the middle of Lake Malawi. A great way to explore Malawi.
US$3,860 - US$4,360 per person
Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari
19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.
US$3,790 - US$3,880 per person
Utaka Cichlid Safari
10 days • 3 locations
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Explore two of Malawi's safari parks - Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park - before finishing your trip with some beach time relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.
US$3,730 - US$4,240 per person
Rock Agama Self-drive Safari
9 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Big on experience and light on time, this self-drive trip packs in Namibia’s highlights while staying in a selection of luxury camps and lodges for an unforgettable 10 days.
US$5,000 - US$6,040 per person
Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari
18 days • 10 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.
US$5,230 - US$7,160 per person
Red Colobus Monkey Safari
11 days • 3 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This luxury holiday suggestion combines a wildlife safari in Ruaha National Park with a week on Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets and relaxing on a palm-shaded beach.
US$5,260 - US$6,510 per person