Safari Tours from Mombasa

What our customers ask about Safari Tours from Mombasa

• Which national parks can I visit on safari tours starting from Mombasa?

  From Mombasa, you can easily reach Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West National Park, and the Taita Hills Sanctuary - all about 150-200 miles from the city. These parks are where you'll spot the distinctive red elephants, lions, leopards, and hundreds of bird species. One of our travelers mentioned "We managed to see the big five within a short time at Tsavo East." If you can stay longer, some tours also take you to Amboseli National Park, which has amazing views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Masai Mara Reserve.

• What's the best time of year for a safari starting from Mombasa?

  Most people visit between June and October when it's dry and temperatures stay between 75-85°F (24-29°C) - perfect for spotting animals. You'll find the most tour options in July and August. If you don't mind some rain, March to May is less crowded and cheaper. The short rains in November and December turn Tsavo East incredibly green and beautiful - it's actually a great time to visit if you're okay with occasional showers.

• How early do safari tours typically depart from Mombasa?

  Be ready for an early start - most tours pick you up between 5:30 and 6:30 AM. If you're heading to Tsavo East, South Coast hotel pickups start at 5:30 AM, while North Coast pickups are at 6:30 AM. You'll reach Buchuma Gate around 9:00 AM. As one of our travelers pointed out, "Early departure allows you to watch the beautiful sunrise during your drive and maximizes game viewing time in the parks."

• What accommodation options are available on safari tours from Mombasa?

  You can choose from regular lodges to fancy tented camps. Many people stay at Voi Safari Lodge in Tsavo East, which has great views of the animals at the waterhole. In Tsavo West, there's Severin Safari Camp, and in Taita Hills, you can stay at the unique Salt Lick Safari Lodge built on stilts. For longer trips, you might stay at places like Karen Blixen Camp in Masai Mara or Elerai Camp near Amboseli - our travelers really love how these camps feel like a real safari experience.

• What wildlife can I expect to see on safari tours from Mombasa?

  In Tsavo East and West, you'll likely see the famous red elephants covered in the park's distinctive dust, lions (including the area where the infamous man-eating lions once roamed), leopards, buffalo, and lots of antelopes. At Mzima Springs in Tsavo West, you can watch hippos and crocodiles. One of our travelers shared, "We were incredibly lucky to see so many beautiful animals and benefited from our guide's extensive knowledge of their behavior."

• What should I pack for a safari starting from Mombasa?

  Pack light clothes in neutral colors, good walking shoes, and sun protection - it can get up to 85°F (29°C) during the day. Bring a warm jacket for morning game drives when it might be around 65°F (18°C). Our travelers always recommend bringing binoculars, a camera with extra batteries, and a water bottle. You'll be spending lots of time watching animals in places like Tsavo East, so you'll want to be comfortable and prepared.

• Are safari tours from Mombasa suitable for families with children?

  Yes, most tours welcome kids aged 3-6 and older. If you're traveling with children, consider a shorter trip like the 2-day Tsavo East tour or Taita Hills Sanctuary visit. Places like Voi Safari Lodge and Salt Lick Game Lodge are great for families - they're safe and comfortable, and you can see lots of animals from a good distance. Our guides are really good with kids, helping them spot animals and learn about wildlife along the way.