Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East’s vast open plains make it ideal for spotting the park’s dust-red elephants, alongside lion, leopard, giraffe and zebra. The Galana River sustains the park’s wildlife, the Yatta Plateau ranks among the world’s longest lava flows, and Lugard Falls offers one of Tsavo’s most photographed landscapes.

Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West trades open plains for rugged, volcanic terrain and lush pockets of greenery. Mzima Springs is the highlight, crystal-clear spring water where hippos and crocodiles can be watched from an underwater viewing chamber, while the Shetani Lava Flow and Chyulu Hills add striking contrast to the landscape. Dense vegetation here also shelters the elusive leopard.

Wildlife & Conservation

Beyond the Big Five, Tsavo is home to cheetah, hyena, antelope and more than 500 recorded bird species. It plays a significant role in Kenya’s elephant conservation efforts, with ongoing work to protect its herds across both sections of the park.

Things to Do in Tsavo

Game drives, guided bush walks and birdwatching are all well established here, alongside cultural visits to communities on the park’s margins for travelers who want a fuller picture of the region.

Best Time to Visit Tsavo

The dry season, June to October and January to February, is best, when wildlife gathers more predictably around rivers and springs.

Getting to Tsavo

Tsavo sits conveniently between Nairobi and Mombasa, reachable by road, rail or air, with several gates offering different access points into the park.

Plan Your Tsavo Safari With Tailored Luxe Holidays

Whether you’re drawn to Tsavo East’s red-earth plains or Tsavo West’s springs and volcanic hills, we’ll help you choose the right lodges and combine Tsavo with a coastal stay if you’d like to extend the journey.