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FROM US$5,120-US$6,240

Elephant Safari

This example of a mid-range Kenya safari and beach trip explores the wildlife of Tsavo West's volcanic plains and woodlands, Tsavo East's immense plains and the white-sand beaches and lush environment of Diani Beach.

Elephant Safari: Summary

Elephant Safari in a nutshell

The Elephant Safari incorporates two of Kenya's best-loved national parks – Tsavo East and Tsavo West – 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 southern tip.

You start with a light aircraft flight to Kilaguni Airstrip in the heart of Tsavo West National Park, staying at the delightful Severin Safari Camp. Set on the wooded plains near a seasonal waterhole, it's well-placed for watching birds and large mammals from the camp itself, with game drives and bush walks built into your itinerary, along with 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 before reaching Satao Camp in a remote corner of Tsavo East National Park. Stay alert as you search the plains and rivers for leopards and cheetahs, crocodiles and antelopes – as well as magnificent, big-tusker elephants, coloured orange by the red earth.

South of Tsavo East, the altitude drops and the temperature climbs as you approach 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 Severin Safari Camp - Tsavo West National Park, Kenya Full Board & Activities
3 nights Satao Camp - Tsavo East National Park, Kenya Full Board & Activities
4 nights Water Lovers - Kenya Coast, Kenya Half Board
Ends: JKI Airport Nairobi

Severin Safari Camp

Days 1-4

Of the limited number of accommodation options in Tsavo West, Severin Safari Camp is one of just three tented camps and unusual in being built on a flat plain that usually teems with wildlife. German owned, and run with enthusiastic devotion by a German couple, it is very centrally located for Mzima Springs, the Tsavo River and Tsavo West’s spectacular volcanic landscapes. The camp has an Eco-Tourism Kenya Silver Award and our impression is that it’s run on strong eco-tourism principles.

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Satao Camp

Days 4-7

Spread out among tamarind and acacia trees near the seasonal Voi River, Satao Camp is the only camp in this area of Tsavo East National Park. Fairly large by safari standards, it is owned and managed by one of Kenya’s most respected safari companies, and is regularly visited by baboons, impalas, giraffe and hippo, while the central area is an oasis for birdlife and various nocturnal creatures, including genets: in the bar, one regular genet drapes himself on an overhead rafter.

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Water Lovers Beach Resort

Days 7-11

Water Lovers is a small, mid-range boutique hotel close to the heart of Diani Beach. Built and opened in 2008, it is set on a lovely, beachfront site shaded by coconut palms, flamboyant and neem trees and a venerable old baobab.

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Severin Safari Camp

Severin Safari Camp

Tsavo West National Park, Kenya

Satao Camp

Satao Camp

Tsavo East National Park, Kenya

Water Lovers Beach Resort

Water Lovers

Kenya Coast, Kenya

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Elephant Safari.

  • Watching hippos from an underwater hide
  • Tracking the vast Tsavo East in search of big tuskers
  • Enjoying light aircraft and privately guided drives
  • Revelling in luxury en-suite camping in the bush
  • Relaxing on white-sand beaches by the Indian Ocean

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

About image

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.


Buffalo

100% chance

Eland

100% chance

Elephant

100% chance

Gerenuk

100% chance

Giraffe

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Hippo

99% chance

Oryx

98% chance

Lion

93% chance

Spotted Hyena

89% chance

Leopard

77% chance

Cheetah

39% chance

Wild dog

28% chance

Striped Hyena

20% chance

Aardvark

0% chance

Black Rhino

0% chance

Pangolin

0% chance

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