Tsavo East & West National Parks

Quick Facts

  • Country: Kenya
  • Size: ~22,000 km² combined (East: 13,747 km²; West: 7,065 km²)
  • Established: 1948
  • Counties: Taita-Taveta
  • Wildlife: Famous for "Red Elephants," man-eating lion legends, and the Big Five.
  • Malaria Zone: Moderate risk.
  • GPS Coordinates: ~2°46′S 38°46′E
  • Fence Status: Mostly unfenced; divided by the A109 highway and railway.
  • Habitat: Semi-arid grasslands, savanna, and volcanic landscapes (West) vs. flat, dry plains (East).
  • Best Time to Visit: June–October and January–February (Dry seasons) for wildlife congregating at water holes.

Overview

Tsavo is Kenya’s largest protected area. Tsavo East is known for its vast, open horizons and the Yatta Plateau (the world's longest lava flow), while Tsavo West is more mountainous and lush, featuring the famous Mzima Springs. It offers a "true wilderness" feel with far fewer tourists than the Mara.

Location & Access

  • Main Entry Gates: Mtito Andei and Manyani (West); Voi, Buchuma, and Sala (East).
  • Air Travel: Several airstrips (e.g., Kilaguni, Finch Hattons) serve the parks via Safarilink or private charter.
  • Road Access: ~4–5 hours from Nairobi or ~2–3 hours from Mombasa.
  • Train Access: The SGR "Madaraka Express" stops at Mtito Andei and Voi, providing a unique way to reach the park.

Habitats & Landscapes

  • Volcanic Features (West): Shetani lava flows and ancient caves.
  • Mzima Springs (West): Crystal-clear pools where hippos and crocs are viewed from an underwater tank.
  • Arid Bush (East): Dotted with massive baobab trees and the Galana River.

Wildlife Highlights

  • Red Elephants: Named for the iron-rich red dust they spray on their skin.
  • The Big Five: All present, including a highly protected rhino sanctuary in Tsavo West.
  • Gerenuk: The "giraffe-necked" antelope often seen standing on hind legs to browse.

Best Time to Visit

Season
Months
Highlights
Dry
June–Oct
High concentrations of game at Mudanda Rock and Aruba Dam.
Wet
Nov–May
Bird migration; lush green landscapes; "Dust-free" photography.

Key Takeaway

Tsavo is for those seeking scale and solitude. It is the best destination to combine a safari with a beach holiday in Mombasa due to its proximity to the coast.