Tsavo East and West National Park safaris, tours & holiday packages
A parade of wildlife in KenyaCustom Tsavo East and West National Park
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Dry plains, lava fields and natural springs attract a variety of wildlife, but Tsavo is best known for its man-eating lions of long ago
Tsavo East and West are fairly close to Mombasa and the coast, which has made this wildlife area a popular place to go in search of elephant, hippo, buffalo, zebra and giraffe – up to 500 different species.
Tsavo East is drier than Tsavo West and the main area explored on safari is along the Galana River. Elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, hippo, crocodile, waterbuck, lesser kudu and gerenuk are all present but the East is famous for its endemic and almost extinct hirola. These are also called Hunter's antelope or 'four-eyed' antelope because of the prominent glands below the eyes. There are believed to be no more than a few hundred individuals left in the extreme northeast of Tsavo East.
Tsavo West lies on the western side of the Mombasa-Nairobi highway that splits the two wildlife areas. You may find lion, cheetah and wild dog here, and the bird life is prolific. The West is a little less busy because it's a further from Mombasa and also because you'd need to drive further to get to the Chyulu Hills and the parts where you can begin to see Mount Kilimanjaro in the west.
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“I love the size of Tsavo elephants. Their main diet in this arid area is Comophora africana (or never-die trees) and this is believed to be the reason for the massive Tsavo bulls. I drove north-east until I saw the hirola. It's unbelievable that we're still losing big mammal species.”
More on Tsavo East and West National Park holidays
Tsavo is perhaps most famous for the man-eating lions that plagued – and nearly stopped – the construction of the Mombasa-Lake Victoria railway bridge at the end of the 19th century. In the space of just a year, they killed 35 workers and struck fear into the rest. Lt Col Patterson, who was overseeing the bridge building project, finally shot and killed the two maneless lions and put an end to their reign of terror.
Both Tsavo East and Tsavo West are geared for mainstream mass tourism so if you're looking for peace and quiet, you should venture a little further into Chyulu Hills or southern Amboseli. If you're looking for a short safari while you're in Mombasa on business, a few nights on the Galana River would bring welcome relief from Mombasa's humid and busy streets.
Tsavo East and West National Park Map
Tsavo East and West National Park's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about Tsavo East and West National Park
May to October is the best time to visit Tsavo East and West National Park. The wildlife is easier to spot - since they gather around the waterhole. go there.
Whether you are in the Southern or East Africa you will generally be able to see the big five. The difference really comes in when considering antelope as they are based on your chosen location. go there.
This is all dependant on the countries that you will be visitng and due to the status of certain vaccinations changing at times, please consult our experts before getting vaccines. go there.
In some parts of Southern Africa it is safe to drink the tap water, however it is highly recommended to stick to bottled water (mostly supplied) during your trip as even drinkable African water is completely different in taste and… go there.
Reviews on our Tsavo East and West National Park safaris
All details were covered, all staff and food excellent, service was perfect - would highly recommend for sure.
Ron
from United States of America
Excellent combination of calling to chat about plans and details, followed up with emailing of detailed information. Made all arrangements easy for us from the actual booking to payment procedures, exchange rate recommendations, visa advice,…
Saldrix
from South Africa
Two male lions tried to take on an older female lion. The alpha male recently died and they were trying to take over his pride. The female lion was having none of it and while the males tried to tag team her; she swatted her massive paw at…
Kay Oczkowski
from United States of America
Waking up at 5:00 am to a bumpy ride all the way to a hidden hyena den, was something I’ll never forget. But the absolute best part was when the 1 month old cub peeked his head out to say hello. It was heartbreakingly cute.
Alana Krutoyarsky
from United States of America
I wish to say thanks to Megan for all your assistance in ensuring that me and my wife enjoy a wonderful holiday, a nice stay at the hotel with just minor issues, and the Hluhluwe Imfolozi park tour. We just wish to pass our gratitude for all…
Mokatse Itumeleng
from South Africa
It was great to work with Discover Africa and thanks so much for your help.
Lisa and Niall Shapiro
from Australia
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