Tsavo National Park - East & West Safari Guide 2026
Tsavo is Kenya's largest national park, split into Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Together they cover over 22,000 km² - larger than some countries. Famous for its red-dusted elephants, dramatic landscapes, and the legendary man-eating lions, Tsavo offers a wilder, less crowded safari experience.
About Tsavo
| Feature | Tsavo East | Tsavo West |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 13,747 km² | 9,065 km² |
| Terrain | Flat semi-arid plains, Galana River | Hills, volcanic landscape, springs |
| Best for | Red elephants, big herds, wide views | Mzima Springs, scenery, Shetani Lava |
| Crowds | Very few - vast open spaces | Moderate - more compact |
| Access | Voi (on Nairobi-Mombasa road/SGR) | Mtito Andei gate |
Highlights
Tsavo East
- Red elephants - elephants dust themselves with the red laterite soil
- Galana River - hippos, crocodiles, and Lugard Falls rapids
- Mudanda Rock - 1.5 km rock formation, natural water catchment
- Yatta Plateau - world's longest lava flow (290 km)
- Large lion prides - descendants of the famous man-eaters
Tsavo West
- Mzima Springs - crystal-clear springs with hippos and underwater viewing chamber
- Shetani Lava Flow - 200-year-old volcanic lava fields
- Chaimu Crater - volcanic cone with cave
- Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary - heavily guarded black rhino reserve
- Lake Jipe - on the Tanzania border with Kilimanjaro views
Park Fees 2026
| Visitor Type | Fee (per day, per park) |
|---|---|
| Non-resident adult | USD 52 |
| Non-resident child (3-17) | USD 35 |
| East African citizen adult | KSH 500 |
| East African citizen child | KSH 200 |
Tsavo East and Tsavo West are separate parks - you pay entry for each. Multi-day Safaricard available from KWS.
How to Get There
From Nairobi
- By road: 5-6 hours to Tsavo West (Mtito Andei), 6-7 hours to Tsavo East (Voi)
- SGR train: To Mtito Andei (Tsavo West) or Voi (Tsavo East), then transfer
- By air: Charter flights to Voi or park airstrips
From Mombasa
- By road: 2-3 hours to Tsavo East (Bachuma gate)
- SGR train: To Voi, then transfer
- Combine: Perfect for Mombasa-Nairobi journey with a safari stop
Frequently Asked Questions
Both have unique strengths. Tsavo East is best for big elephant herds, wide-open plains, and a wilder feel with fewer tourists. Tsavo West is more scenic with Mzima Springs, volcanic landscapes, and better vegetation. Ideally, visit both (3-4 days). If choosing one, East for elephants and solitude, West for scenery and variety.
In 1898, two maneless male lions killed an estimated 35 railway workers building the Kenya-Uganda Railway at Tsavo River. The story was dramatised in the film "The Ghost and the Darkness." The original lions are displayed at the Field Museum in Chicago. Today, Tsavo lions are often maneless, a unique characteristic of the population.
Yes! This is one of the most popular safari-beach combinations in Kenya. Tsavo East is just 2-3 hours from Mombasa/Diani Beach. A typical itinerary: 2-3 nights in Tsavo followed by beach time at Diani or Mombasa. Some operators offer combined safari-beach packages.