Tsavo East
Tsavo East is the larger and flatter of the two, with wide plains of red earth, scattered doum palms and the Galana River. Elephants here are famously red from dust-bathing in the soil. Highlights include Lugard Falls, where the Galana churns through rock channels, the Aruba Dam waterhole and the Yatta Plateau, one of the longest lava flows in the world.
Tsavo West
Tsavo West is hillier and more varied, shaped by volcanoes. At Mzima Springs, crystal-clear water from the Chyulu Hills bubbles up into pools where hippos and crocodiles live, and an underwater viewing chamber lets you watch them. The Shetani lava flow, a black river of rock, and the Ngulia rhino sanctuary are other highlights.
Wildlife
Elephants are Tsavo’s headline, along with lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, lesser kudu, gerenuk and fringe-eared oryx. Birdlife is rich, especially in the wetter months. Because the bush can be thick, sightings take patience, and the reward is having them to yourself.
Things to do
- Game drives across the plains of Tsavo East.
- Mzima Springs and its underwater hippo viewing chamber.
- Lugard Falls and the Galana River.
- The Shetani lava flow and volcanic scenery of Tsavo West.
A sample stay
Travel from Nairobi on the train to Voi or by road, and spend two nights in Tsavo East for elephants and open plains. Cross to Tsavo West for Mzima Springs and the lava flows, then continue to Amboseli or down to the coast at Diani.
What to expect
Tsavo is hot and dry for much of the year, and distances are long. Lodges range from tented camps to classic safari lodges overlooking waterholes. Tsetse flies can be found in thick bush; wear neutral colours.
Combining Tsavo with your trip
Tsavo is the natural link between Amboseli and the beaches of Diani. Read how much a Kenya safari costs and best time to visit Kenya, then get safari pricing.
Practical tips
- Allow at least two nights to cover any distance in these large parks.
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection.
- The train from Nairobi is a comfortable and scenic way to arrive.
Who it suits
Tsavo suits travellers who love space and solitude, photographers drawn to its red elephants and open horizons, and anyone combining a safari with the beach at Diani or Watamu. It is also a good choice for travellers on a budget, as it is easy to reach by train or road and has good-value lodges.
Where to stay
Classic safari lodges overlook waterholes in both parks, and tented camps along the rivers offer a more intimate stay. In Tsavo West, lodges near Mzima Springs and the Chyulu Hills make good bases, while in Tsavo East many camps lie along the Galana River.
