Skip to content

Tsavo National Park

Spanning Tsavo East and Tsavo West, Kenya’s Tsavo National Park is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, covering an area roughly the size of Wales. Established over a century ago, it is rich in history and legend—from the notorious man-eating lions of Tsavo East, which terrorized railway workers in the early 20th century, to the First World War skirmishes fought across its plains.

The park’s landscapes are strikingly diverse. Tsavo West is shaped by volcanic activity, with cones, lava flows, and hardened formations such as Shaitana, aptly named “devil” in Swahili. Its caves, volcanic outcrops, and elevated moorlands are home to eland, oryx, klipspringer, and leopards, while water sources like Mzima Springs attract hippos, crocodiles, and barbels. The springs, fed by Kilimanjaro’s icecap and the Chyulu Hills, produce 50 million gallons of water daily, sustaining both wildlife and local communities. Lake Jipe in the southwest supports important wetland species, including knob-billed geese, African skimmers, and pied kingfishers.

Tsavo East, by contrast, is vast, open, and less visited—a paradise for wildlife photographers. Its scrubland plains are home to large herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, and buffalo. The dramatic Yatta Plateau, formed by the world’s longest lava flow, and Lugard’s Falls on the Galana River, provide iconic scenery. Rare and colourful birds, including yellow-throated longclaws, carmine bee-eaters, and white-headed buffalo weavers, enrich the experience, contributing to over 500 recorded species across the park.

Tsavo is also a land of contrasts—intense heat and arid plains interspersed with lush riverine corridors and verdant volcanic slopes. From hippo sightings at Mzima Springs to the elusive predators of the volcanic hills, a safari here offers a uniquely wild and unforgettable encounter with Kenya’s natural heritage.

A Taste of Tsavo

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya

Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.

How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya

Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.

How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya

Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.

Curating ultimate tailor-made safari experiences for 35 years