Welcome to TsavoKenya.org

Discover the Untamed Wilderness of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks

Learn More

Wildlife Safari in Tsavo

Welcome to TsavoKenya.org, your ultimate guide to exploring the vast and untamed wilderness of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks. Together, these parks form the Tsavo Conservation Area, one of Kenya’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations, encompassing breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and some of the world’s most iconic wildlife.

7 Elephants Walking Beside Body of Water during Daytime

Adventure Awaits in Tsavo West National Park

Leopard on Brown Trunk Tree

Tsavo West is known for its dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and fascinating geological features. Key highlights include:


Mzima Springs: Crystal-clear waters bubbling from underground streams, providing fresh water for the park’s wildlife. Don’t miss the underwater viewing chamber for an intimate look at hippos and crocodiles.
Chaimu Crater: A volcanic cone with panoramic views, perfect for those seeking a short hike and incredible scenery.
Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary: A conservation success story, this sanctuary is home to the endangered black rhino. Explore the sanctuary and learn about efforts to protect this majestic species.
Shetani Lava Flow: Walk across the eerie, blackened landscape of an ancient lava flow that erupted just a few hundred years ago.
Poacher’s Lookout: This vantage point offers sweeping views over Tsavo’s vast plains—ideal for spotting wildlife.
Roaring Rocks: An iconic lookout point offering panoramic views, where the sound of the wind seems to roar.
Lake Jipe: A beautiful freshwater lake on the border of Kenya and Tanzania, teeming with birdlife, hippos, and other wildlife.
Wildlife in Tsavo West: Tsavo West offers one of the best chances to spot a variety of large mammals, including elephants, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles. The park also boasts some of the most diverse birdlife in Kenya, with over 400 species recorded.

Get Started

The Tsavo Conservation Area: A Shared Wilderness

Tsavo East and Tsavo West are connected by vital wildlife corridors, allowing animals to migrate and ensuring healthy ecosystems across the Tsavo Conservation Area. The Tsavo River flows through both parks, providing a lifeline for the diverse flora and fauna.
The history of Tsavo is steeped in legend, from the infamous Man-Eaters of Tsavo, two lions who terrorized railway workers in the 19th century, to the heroic efforts of modern conservation initiatives such as the Tsavo Trust and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), both of which play a crucial role in protecting this rich ecosystem.

Get Started

Safari Lodges and Camps

Tsavo is home to some of the finest safari lodges and camps in Kenya, offering luxury and comfort in the heart of the wilderness. Popular options include:

zSatao Camp: Located in the heart of Tsavo East, this camp offers excellent game viewing opportunities.

Finch Hattons: A luxury tented camp in Tsavo West, offering world-class accommodations and unforgettable safaris.

Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge: One of Kenya’s first lodges, located in Tsavo West, with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Best Time to Visit Tsavo National Parks

Choosing the right time for your safari is crucial. The best time to visit Tsavo is typically during the dry seasons from June to October and January to February when wildlife congregates around water sources, making them easier to spot. If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, the wet seasons of November and April are perfect for migratory bird species.

Luxury Lodges in Tsavo National Parks

For those seeking a high-end safari experience, Tsavo offers a range of luxury lodges. Top options include Finch Hattons and Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge in Tsavo West, and Satao Camp in Tsavo East. These lodges provide not only comfort but also proximity to prime wildlife-viewing areas, allowing you to enjoy the splendors of the wilderness without sacrificing modern amenities.

Tsavo East vs. Tsavo West: Which is Right for You?

Tsavo East and Tsavo West each offer distinct experiences. Tsavo East is known for its vast savannah landscapes and large herds of elephants, while Tsavo West is famed for its dramatic scenery, including Mzima Springs and the Shetani Lava Flow. For travelers deciding between the two, consider what kind of adventure you’re seeking: wide-open plains and big game in Tsavo East, or volcanic landscapes and diverse wildlife in Tsavo West.

How to Get to Tsavo from Nairobi and Mombasa

Tsavo National Park is conveniently accessible from both Nairobi and Mombasa. For those traveling from Nairobi, the park is about a 5-6 hour drive via the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. Mombasa is much closer, with a 2-3 hour drive to Tsavo East’s Sala Gate. Additionally, you can access both parks via airstrips like Voi Airstrip or Tsavo Airstrip for a quicker entry.

Tsavo National Park Maps and Resources

To get the most out of your visit, download the official Tsavo National Park maps available on TsavoKenya.org. These resources will help you navigate the park’s vast terrain, from Tsavo East’s Yatta Plateau to the volcanic landscapes of Tsavo West.

Eco-Friendly Lodges in Tsavo

If sustainability is important to you, consider staying at one of Tsavo’s eco-friendly lodges, such as Finch Hattons. These lodges are committed to minimizing their environmental footprint while offering luxury in the heart of the wilderness.

Tsavo’s Elephant Migration

Elephant migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in Tsavo, where large herds move across the savannah in search of water and food. Visitors are often treated to the sight of hundreds of elephants traversing the parks, especially near the Galana River and Aruba Dam in Tsavo East.

Day Trips and Local Attractions Near Tsavo

For travelers staying along the coast, day trips to Tsavo from Mombasa or Diani Beach are an excellent way to experience the wildlife without staying overnight. Visit the TsavoKenya.org Day Trip Guide for detailed information on local attractions and trip itineraries.

Explore Tsavo East National Park

lion, feline, pet

Tsavo East is renowned for its open savannahs, vast herds of elephants, and its awe-inspiring natural landmarks. Here are some of the must-see attractions:


Voi Gate: The main entry point to Tsavo East, offering easy access to thrilling wildlife encounters.
Sala Gate: Convenient for those visiting from the coastal region, this gate opens to stunning views of the Galana River.
Lugard Falls: A series of roaring rapids on the Galana River, where water cascades through ancient rock formations.
Mudanda Rock: This natural dam and lookout point attracts large numbers of animals, offering some of the best wildlife viewing.
Aruba Dam: A hotspot for wildlife as animals congregate at the water’s edge, especially during the dry season.
Yatta Plateau: Marvel at the world’s longest lava flow, a geological wonder that stretches through the park.
Kanderi Swamp: A lush, green oasis where birdlife thrives, and large game species come to drink.
Wildlife in Tsavo East: Tsavo East is home to some of the most iconic African wildlife, including vast herds of elephants, majestic lions (including the famed Man-Eaters of Tsavo), zebras, buffalo, giraffes, and numerous antelope species. Birdwatchers will be thrilled with the rich avian life, from raptors to aquatic species.

Get Started

Plan Your Tsavo Adventure

Whether you’re seeking a thrilling safari, an educational experience in wildlife conservation, or a tranquil escape to one of the world’s most pristine wilderness areas, Tsavo offers something for every traveler. Let TsavoKenya.org be your guide to the unforgettable experiences waiting in Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks.
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime—start your journey with TsavoKenya.org today!

Learn More

Our Latest Guides

  • 170 Elephants Lost to Drought: A Wake-Up Call from Tsavo

    The headline event: 170+ elephants lost in Tsavo during the 2022 drought During the 2022 Horn of Africa drought, Tsavo experienced unusually severe, prolonged dry conditions that caused widespread wildlife mortality—including reports of 170+ elephant deaths linked to drought in Tsavo.At a national scale, Kenya’s wildlife authorities and partners documented large-mammal drought mortalities during the…

  • Tsavo East Itineraries and Trip Plans

    Tsavo East NP rewards people who plan around water, light, and distance. The park is huge and sightings are often built around water anchors like Aruba Dam, Mudanda Rock, the Galana River corridor, and Lugard Falls—the same landmarks repeatedly highlighted in itineraries and visitor descriptions. Below are field-tested itinerary templates you can adapt by starting…

  • Tsavo East Safari Deals and Discounts: The Complete Money-Saving Guide

    Tsavo East is one of Kenya’s easiest parks to do well on a budget—but only if you understand where discounts are real (park fees, group structures, off-season rates, SGR bundles) and where “cheap” is just marketing (few drives, outside-park bases, hidden add-ons). This pillar guide shows you the actual deal landscape—what’s commonly offered, who it…

  • Tsavo East Reviews and Comparisons: An Honest Local Guide

    If you spend time reading Tsavo East reviews on travel forums, Google, or booking sites, you’ll notice something interesting: most people either love it or say it was not what they expected. Very few say it was “just okay.” That’s not because Tsavo East is inconsistent. It’s because people arrive with different expectations—and Tsavo is…

  • How to Book a Tsavo East Safari: A Local Guide’s Honest Advice

    If you’re thinking about visiting Tsavo East National Park, you’re looking at one of Kenya’s easiest, most flexible, and best-value safari destinations. I’ve guided and planned trips here for years, and I can tell you this: Tsavo East is forgiving—but the way you book still makes a huge difference. On travel forums and review sites,…

  • Satao Camp – Iconic Waterhole Safari Luxury in Tsavo East

    Satao Camp is not “luxury” because it has glossy hotel finishes. It is luxury because it delivers something rare in Tsavo East: a genuinely wild, unfenced tented camp anchored by a permanent waterhole, where the main event often happens 10–30 metres from the lounge—sometimes all day, sometimes deep into the night. The camp’s own positioning…

  • Nairobi National Park – A Key Safari Addition to Tsavo East & Tsavo West Itineraries

    For readers of TsavoKenya.org, one of the most popular and logical parks to combine with a visit to Tsavo East or Tsavo West is Nairobi National Park. As Kenya’s most accessible Big Game destination and the only national park bordering a capital city, Nairobi National Park offers a high-impact safari experience that complements the vast…

  • Nairobi National Park + Tsavo East & Tsavo West: The Ultimate 2-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary

    A perfect city-to-wilderness contrast for Tsavokenya.org visitors Combining Nairobi National Park with Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park creates one of Kenya’s most efficient and rewarding short safaris. In just two days, you experience urban-edge wildlife, vast red-elephant plains, and dramatic volcanic landscapes with springs and hills—three very different ecosystems in one…

  • Galana Crocodile Camp – Riverside Safari Experience Near Tsavo East

    🌍 Introduction Nestled along the banks of the Galana River, just a short distance from the Sala Gate of Tsavo East National Park, Galana Crocodile Camp provides guests with a unique blend of comfort and wilderness immersion. The camp’s strategic location offers unparalleled access to the park’s diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes, making it an…

  • Doa Doa Safari Camp – A Riverside Safari Escape in Tsavo East

    🌍 Introduction Doa Doa Safari Camp is an intimate, eco-friendly camp tucked away on the banks of the Galana River, just a short distance from Sala Gate in Tsavo East National Park. Known for its breathtaking location, direct views of wildlife, and warm, personalized service, this camp is ideal for travelers looking for a serene…

  • Guide to Landmarks & Geography of Tsavo East National Park

    Tsavo East National Park, established in 1948 and covering over 13,700 km², is Kenya’s oldest and one of its most ecologically diverse parks. Its vast, semi-arid landscape is defined by red earth, scattered acacia trees, dramatic rock outcrops, and meandering rivers that support a rich diversity of wildlife. The park is part of the larger…

  • Galdessa Camp – Timeless Safari Luxury on the Galana River

    🌍 Introduction Galdessa Camp is a premier eco-luxury safari retreat nestled under doum palms and fig trees along the banks of the Galana River, in the heart of Tsavo East National Park. Known for its privacy, rustic elegance, and extraordinary wildlife encounters, Galdessa offers an exclusive experience that combines comfort with conservation. This camp is…

  • Impala Safari Lodge – Your Gateway to Tsavo East Adventures

    🌍 Introduction Nestled at the foothills of Mwakingali Hills in Voi, Impala Safari Lodge offers guests a harmonious blend of modern comfort and traditional African charm. Its strategic location provides easy access to Tsavo East National Park, making it an ideal choice for safari enthusiasts and travelers seeking a tranquil retreat. 📍 Location & Accessibility…

  • Red Elephant Safari Lodge

    🌍 Introduction Situated just 700 meters from the Voi Gate of Tsavo East National Park, Red Elephant Safari Lodge offers guests a blend of traditional African ambiance and modern comforts. Its proximity to the park’s entrance makes it an ideal base for exploring the vast wilderness of Tsavo East, renowned for its diverse wildlife and…

  • Sentrim Tsavo Lodge

    🌍 Introduction Nestled within the expansive Tsavo East National Park, Sentrim Tsavo Lodge provides guests with an immersive bush experience, combining traditional safari ambiance with modern comforts. The lodge’s strategic location offers unparalleled access to the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.​ 📍 Location…

  • Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp – Tranquility on the Ziwani River

    🌍 Introduction Tucked away on the banks of the Sante River near the western boundary of Tsavo West National Park, Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp offers a serene and uncrowded safari experience. Its lush riverine setting and wide-open plains make it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful, nature-filled escape. Ideal for couples, families, and…

  • Voi Safari Lodge

    🌍 Introduction Perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the vast savannah of Tsavo East National Park, Voi Safari Lodge is a classic safari destination that has hosted generations of travelers. With sweeping views of the park’s open plains, active waterholes teeming with wildlife, and one of the best observation hides in Kenya, Voi Safari Lodge…

  • Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

    🌍 Introduction Set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro and the rolling Chyulu Hills, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge is a pioneer in Kenya’s safari scene — the first lodge ever built in a Kenyan national park. Located in the heart of Tsavo West National Park, this elegant stone-built lodge blends heritage charm with modern luxury…

  • Ashnil Aruba Lodge

    🌍 Introduction Ashnil Aruba Lodge is one of the most well-established safari lodges in Tsavo East National Park, positioned on the edge of the Aruba Dam — a seasonal water reservoir that attracts animals all year round. This tranquil and picturesque setting offers guests the rare opportunity to view wildlife without even leaving the lodge.…

  • Patterson’s Safari Camp

    🌍 Introduction Nestled along the banks of the Athi River in Tsavo East National Park, Patterson’s Safari Camp offers guests an intimate connection with nature, steeped in rich history. The camp is named after Colonel John Henry Patterson, renowned for his role in dealing with the infamous man-eating lions during the construction of the Kenya-Uganda…

  • Ndololo Safari Camp

    🌍 Introduction Ndololo Safari Camp is a classic tented safari camp located deep within Tsavo East National Park, Kenya’s oldest and largest wildlife reserve. Set near the banks of the Voi River, this eco-friendly camp offers a laid-back, immersive bush experience at a great value. With easy access to key game-viewing areas and stunning landscapes,…