8-Day Tsavo Wilderness & Malindi Charm (Midrange Safari)
Tour Type: Solo / Group Tour
Style: Midrange Safari – Comfortable lodges and beach resorts with essential amenities, guided wildlife and marine activities, and authentic cultural experiences
Destinations: Tsavo East & West National Parks • Malindi Town • Watamu Marine National Park • Nairobi
Kenya’s Wild Heart & Coastal Soul
This 8-day itinerary takes you deep into the red-earth savannahs of Tsavo, Kenya’s largest and most untamed national park, before whisking you away to the palm-lined beaches and coral reefs of Malindi and Watamu. It’s a journey that balances thrilling game drives with laid-back coastal charm, offering encounters with elephants, lions, hippos, dolphins, and vibrant Swahili culture. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, this circuit delivers a rich and varied safari experience.
Key Tour Highlights & Unique Selling Points
- Game drives in Tsavo East & West with chances to spot the Big Five and red elephants
- Visit to Mzima Springs and Shetani Lava Flow in Tsavo West
- Scenic drive along the Galana River and Yatta Plateau
- Relaxation on Malindi’s beaches and snorkeling in Watamu Marine Park
- Cultural visit to Gede Ruins and Swahili markets
- Midrange accommodations with nature views, local cuisine, and group-friendly amenities
- Ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups
Major Attractions
| Location | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Tsavo East NP | Red elephants, Galana River, Yatta Plateau |
| Tsavo West NP | Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava Flow, rhinos |
| Malindi Town | Swahili culture, craft markets, beach life |
| Watamu Marine Park | Coral reefs, snorkeling, dolphins |
| Gede Ruins | Swahili archaeological site |
Accessibility Options
- By Road: Nairobi → Tsavo (~5–6 hours), Tsavo → Malindi (~4 hours), Malindi → Nairobi (~9 hours or 1-hour flight)
- By Air (Optional): Charter flights available to Tsavo airstrips and Malindi Airport
- Transfers: All ground and optional air transfers provided in licensed safari vehicles with bottled water and onboard guide
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi & Transfer to Tsavo East
Activities:
- Morning arrival in Nairobi and scenic drive to Tsavo East
- Afternoon game drive along the Galana River
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Ashnil Aruba Lodge / Voi Safari Lodge Amenities: En-suite rooms, pool, restaurant, waterhole views
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Tsavo East
Activities:
- Morning game drive to spot red elephants, lions, and giraffes
- Afternoon visit to Lugard Falls and Yatta Plateau viewpoint
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 3: Transfer to Tsavo West & Mzima Springs
Activities:
- Morning transfer to Tsavo West via the Tsavo River Bridge
- Afternoon visit to Mzima Springs and Shetani Lava Flow
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Ngulia Safari Lodge / Kilaguni Serena Lodge
Amenities: Scenic views, en-suite rooms, pool, restaurant
Day 4: Game Drive & Transfer to Malindi
Activities:
- Morning game drive in Tsavo West’s rhino sanctuary
- Afternoon transfer to Malindi via scenic Taita Hills
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Ocean Beach Resort / Driftwood Beach Club
Amenities: Beachfront rooms, pool, Wi-Fi, spa, restaurant
Day 5: Malindi Beach Leisure & Town Tour
Activities:
- Morning relaxation on the beach or optional spa treatment
- Afternoon guided tour of Malindi town and Swahili market
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Day 6: Watamu Marine Park Snorkeling & Gede Ruins
Activities:
- Morning snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tour in Watamu Marine Park
- Afternoon visit to Gede Ruins and Arabuko Sokoke Forest
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Day 7: Optional Dolphin Watching & Sunset Dhow Cruise
Activities:
- Morning dolphin watching excursion (seasonal)
- Evening dhow cruise with drinks and coastal sunset views
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Day 8: Malindi → Nairobi & Departure
Activities:
- Morning flight or road transfer to Nairobi
- Optional visit to Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum (time permitting)
- Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for departure
What to Carry & Requirements
- Valid passport and Kenyan visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Lightweight safari clothing (neutral colors)
- Swimwear and beachwear
- Sturdy walking shoes and sandals
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle and personal medications
- Respectful attire for cultural visits
- Moderate fitness level for game drives and water activities
✅ Inclusions
- All ground and optional air transfers
- 7 nights midrange accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Game drives in Tsavo East & West with professional guide
- Snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tour in Watamu
- Gede Ruins and Malindi town tour
- Park entry fees and ranger support
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
❌ Exclusions
- International flights
- Kenyan visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not listed (e.g., scuba diving, spa treatments)
Accommodation Overview
| Lodge Name | Location | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Ashnil Aruba Lodge | Tsavo East | Pool, waterhole views, en-suite rooms |
| Ngulia Safari Lodge | Tsavo West | Scenic views, restaurant, pool |
| Ocean Beach Resort | Malindi | Beachfront suites, spa, gourmet dining |
| Driftwood Beach Club | Malindi | Boutique style, pool, beach access |
Safari in the Savannah & Unwind by the Sea
This midrange safari offers the perfect balance of wilderness adventure and coastal charm, ideal for solo travelers and group explorers.