Kenya · Safari

1-Day Tsavo East Safari from Mombasa with Aruba Dam and Lugard Falls

1 Day Round trip from Mombasa Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit Aruba Dam, a popular spot for elephant sightings
02 Explore Tsavo East's wildlife habitats in search of elephants, rhinoceros, lions, leopards, and more
03 Take in stunning views of the Yatta Plateau's unique lava-flow landscape
04 See Lugard Falls and watch for crocodiles basking nearby

Experience an exciting day trip from Mombasa to Tsavo East National Park, with morning game drives, a visit to Aruba Dam for elephant sightings, and time to discover the Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls. Watch for wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, lions, cheetahs, and leopards while capturing unforgettable moments in Tsavo East. Explore the breathtaking landscapes, flora, fauna, and varied ecosystems that make this park a go-to destination.

Experience an exciting day trip from Mombasa to Tsavo East National Park, with morning game drives, a visit to Aruba Dam for elephant sightings, and time to discover the Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Mombasa, Tsavo East National Park

Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Tsavo East Game Drives, Aruba Dam, Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls

Departure from Mombasa

Pick-up from your hotel in Mombasa.
Depart Mombasa for Tsavo East National Park. The drive takes around 2 to 3 hours via the Mombasa-Nairobi highway.

Arrive at Tsavo East National Park

Arrive at the park entrance and complete any necessary park formalities.
Begin your morning game drive through Tsavo East. In the early hours, animals are usually more active, making this one of the best times for wildlife viewing.

Visit Aruba Dam

Stop at Aruba Dam, a popular spot for elephant sightings and other animals such as buffaloes and waterbucks. It's an excellent opportunity to photograph and observe wildlife by the water.

Continue the game drive

Explore the park further, looking out for giraffes, zebras, lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Depending on luck and timing, you might witness a predator-prey interaction or see large herds of elephants, which Tsavo is famous for.

Lunch at a lodge

Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the lodges. Some lodges offer views of waterholes where animals may gather during lunch.

Explore the Yatta Plateau

After lunch, head towards the Yatta Plateau, which has the longest lava flow in the world. Take in panoramic views and photograph the unique landscapes of Tsavo East.

Visit Lugard Falls

Drive to Lugard Falls for a scenic view of the falls and the surrounding area. It's a good spot to see crocodiles basking in the sun and offers excellent photo opportunities.

Afternoon game drive

Continue your game drive towards the park's exit gate, watching for any remaining wildlife. This is a great time to spot more animals before heading out.

Depart from Tsavo East National Park

Begin the drive back to Mombasa.

Where this trip takes you

Aruba Dam elephant gatherings, Tsavo East National Park savannah, Yatta Plateau lava-flow landscape, Lugard Falls riverbank crocodiles

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mombasa 2 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport in a safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide
Lunch at one of the lodges in Tsavo East National Park
Game drives as per the itinerary
Park entry fees
Bottled water during the game drives

What's Not Included

International flights
Personal travel insurance
Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic outside of meals)
Tips for the driver-guide and lodge staff
Any other services not mentioned above

What to bring

Passport
Lightweight, breathable clothes, preferably khaki or neutral colors to blend in with the environment
Comfortable hiking shoes or closed-toe shoes for walking or safari drives
Wide-brimmed hat or cap to protect from the sun
Sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare
Light jacket or sweater, as it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings
Swimwear, if your lodge has a pool
Binoculars for better wildlife viewing
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards for capturing the wildlife and scenery
Smartphone with a portable charger, if needed for photos or emergency contact

Know before you go

Vast terrain: Tsavo East has an expansive and varied landscape, including savannahs, dry riverbeds, and the Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world.
Accessibility: The park is accessible by car (2-3 hours from Mombasa) and can be reached by both road and air. There are airstrips for those who prefer flying in.
Game drives: Game drives can range from a few hours to a full day. If you are traveling with a tour company, ensure they offer a knowledgeable guide to enhance your experience.

Logistics