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Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park

Together they make up Kenya’s largest national park, yet these two wild paradises couldn’t be more different.

Tsavo West | Tsavo East | Lumo Conservancy | Rukinga Conservancy | Frequently asked questions

Tsavo West | Tsavo East | Lumo Conservancy | Rukinga Conservancy | FAQ 

Red elephants and green hills

Both Tsavo East and Tsavo West are perfect stopovers between Kenya’s coast and the capital Nairobi. Depending on where you go, this vast wilderness shifts between deep red plains and lush green hills. With volcanic mountains, lava fields and river oases, there’s always something to explore. Tsavo East is famous for its red elephants and the Galana River winding through the plains, while Tsavo West is greener and wilder, with underground rivers and sweeping views. Most travelers visit just one of the parks, but together they form the ultimate safari combo. 

Things to do around Tsavo East and Tsavo West

Get lost in two very different safari worlds that share the same name.

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Tsavo West National Park

This part of Tsavo is easy to reach via Mtito Andei, accessible both by road and by SGR train. It also sits close to Amboseli and the Chyulu Hills. Wildlife spotting is great here, but Tsavo West also offers some unique natural highlights. Head to Mzima Springs to see hippos and fish through an underwater viewing hut, or visit Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, home to protected black rhinos.

Tsavo East National Park

If elephants are on your bucket list, Tsavo East is the place to be. With over 13,000 square kilometers of open landscapes and dramatic scenery, this park is a dream for classic safaris. The Galana River cuts through the park, attracting a wide range of wildlife, and at Lugard Falls you can watch the water rush over volcanic rock. Tsavo East is also home to a dark bit of history — the infamous man-eating lions of Tsavo. Back in 1898, when the old railway line was being built through the park, two lions terrorized the workers, a story that still gives the park a legendary edge.

Lumo Conservancy

Close to both Tsavo parks, Lumo Conservancy borders the Taita Hills and is home to some of the region’s most stunning lodges. Because it’s a conservancy, you can do activities that aren’t allowed in national parks like night drives. Setting out after dark to watch the savannah come alive is an experience unlike any daytime safari.

Rukinga Conservancy

If you’re after a lesser-known safari experience surrounded by red earth and raw wilderness, this is the place for you. Rukinga Conservancy is full of elephants, cheetahs and lions, and has a fascinating past as a British World War II base. You can still find remnants of airstrips, bunkers and other old military structures here. Today, it’s a peaceful haven where you can enjoy guided walking safaris, night drives and a classic bush breakfast under the rising sun. 

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All your burning questions about Tsavo answered

What makes Tsavo National Park special?

Tsavo is one of Kenya’s oldest and largest parks, known for its red soil, dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife including elephants, lions and giraffes.

FAQ What’s the difference between Tsavo East and Tsavo West?

Tsavo East is wide, dry and open with huge elephant herds, while Tsavo West is hillier, greener and full of springs, rivers and volcanic scenery.

What are Lumo and Rukinga Conservancies?

They’re private wildlife reserves in the Tsavo region that focus on conservation and offer exclusive safari experiences, often including night drives and walking safaris.

What activities can I do in Tsavo?

Game drives, birdwatching, guided walks and in some conservancies, night drives and cultural visits.

How do I get to Tsavo National Park?

You can drive from Nairobi in about four to six hours, fly into one of the small nearby airstrips, or take the SGR train to Voi and enter either park from there.

Are there places to stay around Tsavo?

Yes, there are plenty of lodges, tented camps and campsites both inside the parks and in surrounding conservancies.

When is the best time to visit Tsavo?

The dry season from June to October is ideal, when animals gather around water sources and visibility is at its best.

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