As one of the world's largest national parks, Tsavo is a massive wilderness that offers a true sense of adventure. Split into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, the park is famous for its 'Red Elephants', which dust themselves with the park's reddish soil. Tsavo East is characterized by vast, open plains, while Tsavo West is more hilly, volcanic, and dramatic.
Best time to go
June to October & January to February
Location
South-east Kenya
Size
22,000 km² (8,500 mi²)
Good for
Red Elephants, Wilderness, Lava Flows
Wildlife
Known for the "Red Elephants" and the legendary man-eating lions of Tsavo.
Landscape
Volcanic hills, lava flows, and the crystal-clear Mzima Springs.
About Tsavo
The combined area of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks makes it one of the largest protected areas on the planet. Its sheer size gives it a wild, remote feel. Tsavo East is flat and arid, with the Galana River flowing through, while Tsavo West is a dramatic landscape of volcanic cones, rocky peaks, and the life-giving Mzima Springs.
The park is famous for the story of the "Man-Eaters of Tsavo," a pair of lions that terrorized railway workers in the late 19th century. Today, it's a vital conservation area, providing a vast habitat for its famous elephant herds and a wide range of other species. A visit here feels like a journey back in time to a wilder Africa.
Wildlife in Tsavo
Activities in Tsavo
Explore the vast, wild plains of Tsavo East and the dramatic landscapes of Tsavo West.
Visit the crystal-clear ponds in Tsavo West for underwater views of hippos and crocodiles.
Walk across the recent volcanic lava flow and explore the Shetani Caves.
For the adventurous, Tsavo West offers opportunities for rock climbing on its cliffs.
Tsavo Accommodation
Finch Hattons
A luxurious tented camp with a classic safari feel, set around natural springs in Tsavo West.
Galdessa Camp
An eco-lodge on the banks of the Galana River in Tsavo East, known for its privacy and elephant herds.
Severin Safari Camp
An unfenced camp in Tsavo West, offering close-to-nature experiences with comfort.
Sample Itineraries Featuring Tsavo
Map of Tsavo
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