Tsavo is Kenya’s largest protected wilderness, made up of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks. Together they cover a vast area of savannah, volcanic hills, rivers and springs between Nairobi and the coast. Tsavo offers a wilder, less crowded safari experience and is easy to combine with a beach holiday in Mombasa or Diani.
Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East is known for its wide open plains and its “red elephants”, which take on the colour of the red soil as they dust-bathe. Highlights include the Galana River and Lugard Falls, Mudanda Rock where animals gather to drink, and the Yatta Plateau, one of the longest lava flows in the world. The flat terrain makes it easy to spot lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and large elephant herds.
Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West is more rugged, with volcanic landscapes, rocky outcrops and dense bush. At Mzima Springs, crystal-clear water fed from the Chyulu Hills attracts hippos and crocodiles, and an underwater viewing point lets you watch them from below the surface. The Shetani lava flow and the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary are other highlights.
Things to do in Tsavo
- Game drives in Tsavo East and Tsavo West
- Visits to Mzima Springs, Lugard Falls and Mudanda Rock
- Scenic drives through volcanic landscapes
- Safari and beach combinations with the Kenyan coast
Best time to visit
The dry months from June to October and from January to February are best for wildlife viewing, when animals concentrate around rivers and waterholes. The parks remain open all year.
Getting there
Tsavo lies along the Nairobi-Mombasa road and railway, making it accessible from both cities. From the coast, Tsavo East can be reached in a few hours, which makes it a popular add-on to a beach holiday.
Plan your Tsavo safari
Atzum Adventures offers two to four-day Tsavo safaris and Tsavo and coast packages that pair wildlife with time on Kenya’s white sandy beaches.
