Diani Beach in 2 Days for Couples - Dust-red elephant sightings along the Galana River
In Collaboration with Elky Diani Beach Taxis. Updated on February 25, 2026.
The sight of dust red elephant wallowing, rolling and spraying each other with the midnight blue waters of palm-shaded Galana River is one of the most evocative images in Africa. Along with the 300km long Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world, make for an adventure unlike any other in Tsavo East. The park forms the largest protected area in Kenya and is home to most of the larger mamm-
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Elky Diani Beach Taxis, inspired by the tour Elky Tours 2 Days Tsavo East Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Dust-red elephant sightings along the Galana River
- Scenic drive over the Yatta Plateau lava flow
- Chance to see the Big Five and over 500 bird species
- Overnight at Voi Safari Lodge adjacent to Tsavo East
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup from the coast and full-day safari in Tsavo East with overnight at Voi Safari Lodge.
Pickup from coastal hotel and depart for Tsavo East National Park
Driver-guide collects you from your Diani/Mombasa/Malindi/Watamu coastal hotel reception at the agreed time and begins the drive toward Tsavo East National Park (approximately 4 hours by road).
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your exact pickup point (hotel reception or main gate) the evening before and have the hotel reception call the driver if needed.
- Keep passports or ID and any necessary travel documents handy in a small daypack for pickup.
- Charge phones/cameras overnight and bring a power bank; road mobile signal can be intermittent en route.
Morning game drive, check-in and lunch at lodge
Arrive at Tsavo East National Park and start a guided morning game drive at 10:00. Game drive continues until 12:30 when you will check in and have lunch at the lodge or camp. After lunch there is time to rest until the afternoon drive.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear neutral, layered clothing and a hat for daytime sun; avoid bright colors that may disturb wildlife.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with zoom — keep extra memory cards and batteries accessible during the drive.
- Carry a small refillable water bottle; bottled water is provided but having one handy makes short stops easier.
Lunch and afternoon rest at the lodge
Check in and enjoy a midday meal at the lodge or camp. Relax at the property after lunch to recharge before the evening game drive.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian), remind the lodge at check-in; vegetarian meals are provided as standard on this tour.
- Use this time to reapply sunscreen and pack any small items you'll want during the afternoon drive (binoculars, windbreaker).
- Ask the lodge staff about the nearest restroom locations and wake-up times for afternoon departures.
Afternoon game drive (late afternoon / golden hour)
Depart the lodge for an afternoon game drive at 16:00. Drive through plains and riverine areas in search of elephants, predators and birdlife; return to the lodge around 18:00 for dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Golden hour (late afternoon) is prime for wildlife activity and photography — arrive at the vehicle with camera settings checked.
- Keep voices low during drives and follow the guide’s instructions for approaching or staying with wildlife.
- Bring a light sweater; temperatures can drop noticeably after sunset even on warm days.
Evening at the lodge and overnight
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Enjoy an evening meal and rest; accommodation will be at Voi Safari Lodge (3*).
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm wake-up and pickup times for the following morning with reception before turning in.
- Leave a small flashlight or phone torch handy for short walks around the lodge after dark.
- Secure valuables and any wet clothing; laundry and luggage handling differ by lodge so clarify with staff if needed.
Day 2
Early morning game drive, breakfast, final viewing en route and return transfer to the coast for lunch.
Route overview: Tsavo East to coastal beaches
Plan for the return route from Tsavo East National Park to Diani/Mombasa/Malindi/Watamu beaches after morning game drives; the drive back to the coast is scheduled after checkout and final viewing en route.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your beach hotel name and approximate arrival time ready to share with the driver before departure.
- Expect bumpy road sections; store small bags in the vehicle’s secure area and keep essentials in a daypack.
- Carry motion-sickness medication if you are prone to travel sickness for the return drive.
Early coffee and morning game drive; breakfast and final viewing en route
Start the day with an early cup of coffee, then a morning game drive of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Return to the lodge for breakfast and check-out, then enjoy a final game drive viewing as you exit the park before the transfer back to the coast for lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Morning drives are cold — wear layers and bring a warm jacket for the vehicle.
- Keep passport copies and any checkout paperwork ready to speed up lodge departure after breakfast.
- Ask the guide to point out bird species common to the area if you prefer quieter wildlife experiences.
Return drive and drop-off at coastal hotel (arrival for lunch)
Drive from the park back to your original coastal hotel area (Diani/Mombasa/Malindi/Watamu). Arrival time is planned for early afternoon so you can have lunch at your beach hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm the preferred drop-off point at your beach hotel (main entrance or reception) the morning of departure.
- Keep some light snacks or bottled water handy for the drive back; bottled water is included on the tour.
- Expect variable mobile coverage en route; arrange a local meeting plan with your hotel if arrival is delayed.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Experience, Hotel, Outdoor |
