Tsavo East and West National Parks

Overview

If you’re looking for an authentic African safari experience, look no further than Tsavo East and West National Parks in Kenya. Spanning over 20,000 square kilometers, these parks offer some of the most diverse and spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa.

Tsavo East National Park Tsavo East is the larger of the two parks, covering an area of 11,747 square kilometers. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and many more. The landscape is characterized by vast savannah plains, rocky hills, and the winding Galana River.

Tsavo National Park Map

Accommodation

Our top picks
Internal image of one of the suites at Finch Hattons showcasing its open plan design
A lavishly laid dining room table inside one of Finch Hattons' suites
The living area and spiral staircase at the Finch Hatton suite at Giraffe Manor
The luxurious Finch Hatton suite at Giraffe Manor showing the living area, spiral staircase and mezzanine level
One of the private balconies at Finch Hattons with a delightful view of the bush and the plunge pool to the side
Exterior view of a private heated plunge pool at one of Finch Hattons

Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp

Finch Hattons stands as a celebrated tented camp, having garnered accolades for delivering the quintessential Kenyan safari experience.

Highlights

Night Drives

Big 5

Cultural Visits

Spa

A tent at Aruba lit up in the evening showcasing the king size bed and two outdoor chairs
External view of one of Aruba's tents
View from outside looking into one of Ashnil Aruba's luxury tents
Exterior view of two of Ashnil Aruba's tented rooms
Interior view of the gift shop at Ashnil Aruba
View of a tented room at Ashnil Aruba showing the bedroom and the private balcony

Ashnil Aruba Lodge

Ashnil Aruba Lodge, nestled in the core of Tsavo East National Park in Kenya, offers an exquisite blend of comfort and nature with its 46 rooms and 6 tents.

Highlights

Big 5

Walking Safari

Bird Watching

Cultural Tours

Aerial view of the Cliff Villa at Kipalo Hills showcasing the private balcony with the bedroom lit up
Aerial image of the Rock Suite at Kipalo Hills blending seamlessly into its surroundings
The en suite bathroom in the Rock Suite at Kipalo Hills showing the twin sinks
Interior view of the en suite bathroom in the Rock Suite at Kipalo Hills
A bedroom in the Rock Suite at Kipalo Hills showing a inviting, freshly made bed
Interior view of the Rock Suite at Kipalo Hills with the bed and dining area in view
The view from inside the en suite bathroom looking out to the bedroom in the Cliff Villa
Exterior image of the rooftop bed at the Cliff Villa at Kipalo Hills
View from the bed at Kipalo Hills' Cliff Villa showcasing the private deck and a lovely view
View of both the bedroom and outdoor deck of one of the standard tents at Kipalo Hills
Interior view of a bedroom in one of Kipalo Hills' standard tents

Kipalo Hills

Perched on the slopes of the Mbulia Hills, Kipalo Hills presents a panoramic spectacle that captures the essence of untamed Africa.

Highlights

Big Cats

Walking Safari

Night Drives

Bird Watching

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The above properties are just a small sample of the 100’s of properties we have for you to choose from. Get in touch for more amazing property options, pricing and personalized itineraries!

Highlights

One of the highlights of Tsavo East is the opportunity to witness the “Red Elephants.” These elephants have a reddish-brown color due to the park’s red soil. The best time to spot them is during the dry season, when they tend to gather around the watering holes. Other must-see attractions in Tsavo East include the Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world, and the Lugard Falls, where the Galana River crashes through a series of rapids and waterfalls.

Tsavo West

Tsavo West National Park is smaller than its eastern counterpart, covering an area of 7,065 square kilometers. However, it’s no less impressive when it comes to wildlife and scenery. The park is home to the “Big Five” – elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos – as well as a variety of other animals like hippos, crocodiles, zebras, and giraffes.

One of the most unique features of Tsavo West is the Mzima Springs, a series of crystal-clear pools fed by underground springs. Visitors can watch hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of fish swim in the pools from a specially-built underwater viewing platform.

Shetani Lava Flow

Another must-see attraction in Tsavo West is the Shetani Lava Flow. This black lava flow, which dates back to around 200 years ago, covers an area of over 50 square kilometers and is an impressive sight.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Tsavo is during the dry season, which runs from June to October and January to February. During this time, the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife. However, it’s also the busiest time of the year, so be prepared for crowds. If you’re interested in a more exclusive safari experience, consider staying at one of the park’s private lodges. These lodges offer a range of activities, from guided walks to night game drives, and often have their own private wildlife reserves.

Something For Everyone

Tsavo East and West National Parks offer an unforgettable safari experience. With its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder that Tsavo is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa.

Experiences

Immerse yourself in the heart of Africa with our diverse range of experiences. Witness the grandeur of wildlife on safari drives, marvel at the kaleidoscope of birdlife, delve deep into rich cultural tours, and feel the pulse of the wild underfoot on guided bush walks. Adventure beckons.

A group of guests out on a game drive immersed in the middle of a vast herd of wildebeest on the Great Migration

The Great Migration

Tsavo East & West National Parks play a role in the celebrated Great Migration, where countless wildebeest and zebras navigate a remarkable 1,800-mile journey.

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A serene leopard rests and gazes intensely into the distance

The Big 5

The “Big Five” consists of the African elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros, historically known as the toughest challenges for pioneer big game hunters in Africa.

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A group of guests embark on a walking safari with their knowledgable guide

Walking Safari

Walking safaris through the renowned Chyulu Hills provide a true nature immersion, fostering close encounters with wildlife and connecting you to the fundamental essence of humankind.

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A safari vehicle heading out for a night drive with a hazy mountain backdrop

Night Drives

When night approaches, the wilderness shows its authentic side, ideal for observing nocturnal creatures such as owls and hyenas engaging in their evening routines.

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A male lion sits pensively as a group of guests observe from their safari vehicle

Big Cats

Regularly spotting Africa’s renowned big cats – the swift cheetah, elusive leopard, and majestic lion – is a valued and frequent highlight for guests visiting either Tsavo East or West National Parks.

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A magnificent white-fronted bee-eater perched gracefully on a branch

Birdwatching

Tsavo East & West are home to a remarkable diversity of birds, with hundreds of species ranging from common to rare and endangered, flourishing in a variety of habitats.

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A guest listens attentively during a cultural tour

Cultural Tours

Tsavo National Park offers enriching cultural tours, providing visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local traditions and lifestyles of the communities surrounding the park.

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A woman on safari with her high powered camera with a herd of zebra in the background

Photography Trips

Expansive scenery, diverse wildlife, and stunning sunsets offer outstanding photography moments, with custom vehicles ideally situating you for capturing the perfect image.

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Seasons

Why travel at this time

The long awaited rains arrive and bring life back to the area. Migratory birds begin to arrive in the parks and animals are able to spread out and roam far and wide. The park becomes most beautiful during the wetter months as the bush transforms back into a green paradise. Great deals also are usually available outside of peak holiday periods.

Climate

November is generally the wettest month in Tsavo, though its much drier than some other parks in Kenya. Temperatures stay hot at around 30C.

Low Temp: 20°C / 68°F
High Temp: 30°C / 86°F
120mm / 4.7in (pm)

Why travel at this time

After a couple of months of rain, the parks are beautiful and green and many of the local animals are giving birth to their young. The weather is hot and dry and the rates are usually more affordable than during the long dry season.

Climate

Rains become very short and sharp and the temperature peaks just below 33C, making it the hottest time of the year here.

Low Temp: 19°C / 66°F
High Temp: 31°C / 88°F
37mm / 1.5in (pm)

Why travel at this time

After easter will be the quietest time to visit the parks. Crowds die down as the bush returns to endless oasis. Migratory birds are settled in and the young calves begin to grow and learn their surroundings. Generally the rates are the most affordable this time of the year!

Climate

The long rainy season brings more showers to Tsavo and temperatures begin to drop. April is generally the wettest of these 3 months.

Low Temp: 19°C / 66°F
High Temp: 30°C / 86°F
103mm / 4.1in (pm)

Why travel at this time

Consistently warm and dry, the conditions through the long dry season mean wildlife viewing becomes easier with animals congregating around watering holes. The temperatures are at their lowest during July, which is welcomed in such an arid area.

Climate

Tsavo becomes very dry during the long dry season and temperatures dip down to 27C in July. There is very little rain until October, when the rare shower will start coming in as the short rainy season is welcomed in.

Low Temp: 17°C / 63°F
High Temp: 28°C / 82°F
25mm / 1.0in (pm)

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