Tsavo National Park
Safari suitability: 9/10
Find your tourFrom red elephants and crocodile-infested pools to hippos bathing in crystal-clear springs, this enormous park proffers much
What YAS members think
Highlights
- Grasslands and mountains
- Rock climbing
- Big five in Tsavo East
- June through October are the best times of year to visit
About Tsavo National Park
Established in 1948 and divided into Tsavo East National Park and Park Tsavo West National Park by road and railway is southeast Kenya’s Tsavo National Park. The park is the namesake of the Tsavo River, which flows from east to west within the park and beyond, and its two sections jointly comprise one of the world’s largest, most scenic national parks in Kenya, at 22,000 km² (8,306 miles²).
Tsavo East
Located east of Nairobi, Tsavo East is known for the biodiversity represented by its grasslands, savannah, waterfalls, rivers and inselberg. The Yatta Plateau—the world’s longest lava flow—forms the western boundary of the park; the visible strata of Mudanda Rock catch and cull water and wildlife; the Galana River conjures the white water rapids and crocodile-infested pools of the Lugard Falls; and Aruba Dam entices animal and bird. Elephant, dusted red by the park’s rich, rust-colored soil, are only one of the big five mammals that occupy Tsavo East—masai lion, black rhino, cape buffalo and leopard also homestead Tsavo East, as do hippopotamus and more than 500 species of bird. Although this park features all of the big five, it is often difficult to spot many of them, which is what prevents this park from receiving a perfect 10/10.
Tsavo West
Tavo West, located 240 km (149 miles) from Nairobi, is wetter, more topographically diverse, and more often visited than its eastern counterpart, from the scenery of lake and spring to the park’s ascendable cliffs. The clear Mzima Springs, fed by clear water filtered through the Chyulu Hills’ volcanic rock, are rife with elephant, hippo, crocodile and endemic fishes that can be viewed under water. On the ground, the “big five” mingle with the inhabitants of the Tsavo West’s black rhino reserve; in the air fly the 300 m (984 foot) face of Kichwa Tembo and varied species of bird.
Game viewing, camping, trekking, mammal- and bird-watching are available on both sides of the park, though large parts of the park are closed to the public; for the experienced and daring, Tsavo West is known for its rock climbing.
When to is the best time of year to visit Tsavo East and Tsavo West?
Tsavo National Park is accessible year-round. The heavy rains occur between March and May; visibility and accessibility may be impaired during this time.
The Tsavo National Park remains Kenya's largest and also one of the oldest. Once a mega park, it was later divided into West and East. The boundary lies closely along the Mombasa - Nairobi highway. The west remains the busiest through out the year. It bears the history of man-eating lions where many Indians were killed as they constructed the Kenya-Uganda railway. These lions are still usual inhabitants of Tsavo, but I think they stopped eating people! The Tsavo West has varied geographical features which also determine the distribution of the wildlife as opposed to the East which is a vast flat land of winding plains. A splendid attraction in the Tsavo West is the Mzima Springs. This is a continuous number of springs which form small lakes of very clear water shaded by huge acacias and fig trees. As Tsavo is dry for the better part of the year, these springs form a massive attraction for almost every kind of animal in the park. Herds of elephants, buffalo and most of the big animals can be seen as they come in their numbers to drink. The water also has its resident dwellers, large crocodiles, hippos and some species of fish. A small boat ride in the clear water provides a good sighting of the marine and can provide good photo opps. Up the park are small and large hills with massive lava flow evident on the roads. History has it that that a massive volcanic eruption occurred barely 300 years ago. The lava is quite young and the neighboring Kamba people still talk of ghosts who thunder at night. Getting off the vehicle sometimes for a small hike gives a cool stretch of the feet. Most of the animals in this side move in groups and can be sighted from a far.
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We booked a 3 day safari with "White Stork Safaris". Huge thanks to Mahmud who guided us through his experience to all the animals - giving us a chance to see the Big Five. The overnight stays in the 2 lodges (Tsavo East and Tsavo West) were a unique experience - so close to the animals. Simply world class! Thank you again for the wonderful time. _________________________________________________________________ Völlig begeistert und mit ganz vielen Eindrücken sind wir von unserer ersten Kenia Reise zurück. Als absoluten Höhepunkt haben wir uns eine 3 Tägige Safari bei " White Stork Safaris " gebucht. Ein riesiges Dankeschön an Mahmud, der uns durch seine Erfahrung zu allen Tieren führte-so hatten wir die Möglichkeit die Big Five zu sehen. Auch die Übernachtungen in den 2 Lodges (Tsavo Ost und Tsavo West) waren ein einmaliges Erlebnis- den Tieren so nah. Mahmud ist ein fantastischer Fahrer, Guide und Mensch. Einfach Weltklasse! Nochmals herzlichen Dank für die wunderschöne Zeit. Andreas und Anja
Well, I am at a lost for words to describe my visit to Tsavo.. I think the distance and the treatment given to us by Simon, our navigator at the time far exceeded our money. Simon took us to right places at the right time to find the right animal we needed… I have a feeling that most of the people that went that day but didn’t follow us went back home with least than what we experienced… this deserves another visit.. God bless Mr. Simon and the Team … Stephen Baya thank you for the services…
Tsavo East is one of the underrated National parks of Kenya. On a recent visit during the Covid Pandemic, this was after the rainy season, we got to see thousands of wild elephants with the utmost silence. This is not among the top rated park and you get less traffic in the park and more serenity. We got to also get close to cheetahs, lions, giraffes, wild dogs and had an amazing wildlife experience. One of my favorite parks in Kenya.
Turkey
This trip was amazing. It was a one life time experience and I really enjoyed it more than any other trip I've been to in my life. They have good services and it was a very good experience. They say experience is the best teacher than means you have to experience it and feel the joy in your heart when you go and see the beautiful sites and animals. I went in April and there were many lions to see.
This is the largest national reserve in Kenya with a size of 22,000 square kilometers hence being split into two (East and West) Tsavo. It's not densely populated in terms of wildlife compared to other parks but it has variety of wildlife including vast species of birds which is a plus to birdwatchers. Tsavo has the longest lava flow and you'll get to see the shetani lava which s really awesome. While there, we spotted a leopard along the lava flow. Animals in Tsavo, especially the elephants, have red dust on them because of the red soil. Tsavo is a really awesome park where you can full day game drives and treks and you won't get bored for it has a lot to offer. Also you can get to visit Mzima springs- a really beautiful destination. The lodges in Tsavo are very good.
Sweden
This park is huge with varying landscapes from grasslands, rocky outcrops, rivers and hills. There are loads of wildlife and in many different varieties. There are also many birds for those who love bird watching. The park is home to large herds of elephants and buffalo as well as the sizable lion population. Game drives are easy and you will not drive for more than a few hundred meters before you see the next animal. The park is easily accessible from Mombasa, only 2.5 hours drive coupled with many not so expensive accommodations. It is the perfect family getaway for a short safari. I would recommend a minimum of two nights to get the most out of your trip. There are far too many attractions to see. Favorite was having lunch at the Mudanda rock.
Tsavo National Park (east & west) is an amazing spot reflecting a lot of history, geography and wildlife. The scenery is amazing, as is the plateau, the wild game, the red elephants of Tsavo and much more.
While visiting Tsavo East and West for three days, we were really satisfied with the whole journey, the guide we used was very professional and knew a lot of the animals. The driver always drove good and secure. They took good care of us. We were also very satisfied with the lodges. Tsavo is a really exiting park and we promised ourselves that we will have to go back again soon.
Tsavo East National Park is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries known for the vast elephant herds and a variety of wild animals including lions, leopards, cheetah, giraffe, buffalo among other plains game. Tsavo West National Park also offers tremendous views with diverse habitats, ranging from mountains, river forest, plains, lakes and wooded grassland. Its plains borders with Tanzania. Bird life is prolific. A diverse variety of game can be seen most of the year round visiting the river to quench their thirst.
Tsavo-East is recommended for photographers with its fabulous light and unbelievable views, in particular the Mudanda Rock and the Yatta Plateau, the worlds largest lava flow. Lugard Fall on the Galana River is remarkable for the shaped water-worn rocks. Game includes: elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, crocodile, waterbuck, kudu, gerenuk and zebra and Hunters Hartebeest can be seen with its lyre-shaped horns.
Driving to Tsavo National Park
The drive from Nairobi's international airport to Tsavo is around five hours, even more depending on which area and which side of the park you plan on visiting.
If you are landing at JRO in Tanzania, the drive is around 3.5 hours in normal conditions and not including border crossings.
Domestic flights to Tsavo East and Tsavo West
Safarilink offers direct flights from Nairobi Wilson to Tsavo West. The flights are just under an hour in duration.
The following airlines travel to Tsavo National Park
Mombasa Air Safari is a Kenya coast scheduled airline. MOMBASA AIR SAFARI has been based at Mombasa's Moi International Airport since 1974. Our offices at Mombasa and Diani Beach Ukunda Airport are open during normal business hours. Our agent in Malindi Southern Sky Safaris have offices in the centre of Malindi. Our fleet consists of five aircraft with a seat capacity exceeding 100 seats. We have our own maintenance capability based at Moi International Airport Mombasa. Visit website
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Premier safari airline and charter. Safarilink is Kenya's premier safari airline with a network of connecting domestic scheduled services to all the best safari destinations within Kenya and across the border into northern Tanzania. From it's base at Wilson Airport, Nairobi SafariLink provides daily scheduled flights to Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo West, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Lewa Downs, Samburu, Lamu, Kilimanjaro, Loisaba, Migori and Diani Beach. Additionally it can also provide private charter flights if a client's particular requirement as regards destination or timing cannot be met by the scheduled services. Visit website
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