About Tsavo East & West
Tsavo East and Tsavo West together make up the largest protected area in Kenya, split by the Nairobi–Mombasa highway. East is flat, open and red; West is hillier, greener and volcanic. Between them they hold Kenya's largest elephant population.
The elephants of Tsavo East are red because they dust-bathe in the iron-rich soil. Tsavo West has Mzima Springs, where you can watch hippos and fish through an underwater viewing chamber, and the black Shetani Lava Flow. Both parks sit on the road to the coast, which is why they anchor our safari-and-beach route.
Known for
- Red-dust elephants
- Mzima Springs underwater hide
- Shetani Lava Flow
- Space: Kenya's largest parks
Wildlife you can expect
- Elephant
- Lion
- Leopard
- Hippo
- Giraffe
- Buffalo
- Lesser kudu
- Gerenuk
When to visit Tsavo East & West
- Jan – Mar
Dry season
Hot and dry, with elephants gathered at the dams and springs.
Our pick - Apr – May
Long rains
The heaviest rain of the year, though the parks are green and quiet.
Quieter and cheaper - Jun – Oct
Cool and dry
Comfortable temperatures and good visibility in the bush.
Our pick - Nov – Dec
Short rains
Short afternoon storms and clear evenings.
Good time to go
Want Tsavo East & West on your route?
Send your dates and a rough idea of what you want to see. We come back with a day-by-day route and a quote, usually within one working day.