Tsavo National Park Roaming Africa Safaris

Overview

Tsavo National Park is Kenya’s largest protected area, divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, together covering 22,000 sq km — larger than Wales. It is famous for its distinctive ‘red elephants’, who dust-bathe in the park’s red volcanic soil. Tsavo East offers open savannah and the Galana River, while Tsavo West features dramatic volcanic landscapes, Mzima Springs with its underwater hippo viewing, and the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.

Destination Highlights

Discover what makes this destination one of East Africa's most rewarding safari destinations — curated experiences our local team recommends.

500+ Bird Species

From kori bustards (the world's heaviest flying bird) to lilac-breasted rollers, secretary birds and migrating...

Combine with Mombasa Coast

Tsavo lies between Nairobi and Mombasa, making it the perfect pre- or post-beach safari. Many...

Kenya's Largest Wilderness

Tsavo East and Tsavo West together cover 22,000 sq km — larger than Wales —...

Mzima Springs Crystal Pools

Tsavo West's Mzima Springs gush 50 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily from the volcanic...

Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary

The fenced Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary within Tsavo West protects a critical breeding population of endangered...

Over 420 Bird Species

Amboseli's wetlands attract grey crowned cranes, African fish eagles, pelicans, herons, kingfishers and African jacanas....

Over 470 Bird Species

The Mara is a world-class birding destination with raptors, ostriches, secretary birds, kori bustards, and...

Red Elephants of Tsavo

Tsavo's signature 'red elephants' are coated in the park's iron-rich red volcanic dust from daily...

Sample Itinerary — 3 Days

A typical Tsavo National Park safari day-by-day.

Day 1

Day 1: Mombasa to Tsavo East

Drive from Mombasa to Tsavo East. Afternoon game drive to see red elephants and lions.

Overnight: Voi Wildlife Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Day 2: Tsavo West & Mzima Springs

Visit Tsavo West and Mzima Springs for underwater hippo viewing. Afternoon game drive.

Overnight: Kilaguni Serena Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Day 3: Return to Mombasa

Morning game drive then return to Mombasa.

Best Time to Visit

June–October and January–February (dry seasons) for concentrated wildlife.

Wildlife to See

Red Elephants Lions Leopards Cheetahs Rhinos (Tsavo West) Buffaloes Hippos Crocodiles Gerenuk Over 500 bird species

Similar Destinations

Lake Nakuru National Park

Amboseli National Park

Samburu and Shaba

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Tsavo's elephants red?

Tsavo's elephants regularly dust-bathe in the park's iron-rich red volcanic soil, giving them their famous reddish appearance.

What is the difference between Tsavo East and West?

Tsavo East is open semi-arid savannah with the Galana River. Tsavo West is more varied with hills, springs, and lava fields.

How far is Tsavo from Mombasa?

Tsavo East's main gate at Voi is approximately 160 km from Mombasa u2014 about 3 hours drive.

Can I combine Tsavo with a Mombasa beach holiday?

Yes, this is one of the most popular Kenya safari-beach combinations. Many travellers do 3 days Tsavo followed by Diani Beach.

Who were the Man-Eaters of Tsavo?

In 1898, two maneless male lions famously preyed on railway workers in the Tsavo region u2014 a story retold in the film The Ghost and the Darkness.

Safari Vehicles

Self Drive Vehicles

Luxury Buses

Roaming Africa

Tsavo National Park