Tsavo National Park is one of the largest and most famous wildlife conservation areas in Kenya, and indeed all of Africa. Combined Area: Over 22,000 square kilometers – among the largest protected areas in Africa.
Wildlife: Elephants, lions (including the infamous man-eaters of Tsavo), leopards, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species.
Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season – easier wildlife spotting).
Location: East of Nairobi, near the town of Voi.
Size: ~13,747 square kilometers.
Highlights:
Known for its open savannah and red-dust elephants (they appear red from bathing in the red soil).
Galana River: A lifeline through the park, attracting many animals.
Lugard Falls, Yatta Plateau (one of the world’s longest lava flows), and Mudanda Rock offer scenic views and wildlife spotting.
Tsavo West National Park
Location: Southwest of Tsavo west, bordering Tanzania.
Size: ~9,065 square kilometers.
Highlights:
More rugged terrain, with volcanic hills, springs, and dense vegetation.
Mzima Springs: Clear water pools where you can see hippos and crocodiles underwater from a viewing chamber.
Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary: A protected area for endangered black rhinos.
Offers chances to see the “Big Five” (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino).
Tsavo East National Park Accommodation
Luxury & Mid-Range Lodges
Ashnil Aruba Lodge: Situated near the Aruba Dam, this lodge features 40 deluxe rooms and 6 luxury tents, complete with a swimming pool and restaurant.
Voi Wildlife Lodge: Located on the edge of Tsavo East, it offers 72 rooms and tents, a swimming pool, spa, and game viewing terrace.
Sentrim Tsavo (Tarhi Camp): A mid-range camp with 20 comfort tents and 5 deluxe rooms, featuring a waterhole frequented by elephants and other wildlife.
KingTomondo Safari Kenya
Tsavo Safari Camp (Kilimanjaro Safari Club): Offers tented accommodation with access to game drives and other park activities.
Budget-Friendly Options
Ndololo Safari Camp: Located 7 km from Voi Gate, this camp offers tented accommodation on the banks of the Voi River, providing a rustic experience with proximity to wildlife.
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Tsavo Lodge: Situated 3 km from Voi Town, it offers rooms and tents for budget-conscious travelers seeking easy access to the park.
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Tsavo West National Park Accommodation
Luxury Lodges & Tented Camps
Finch Hattons: A luxury tented camp offering 14 premium suites with king-size beds, private decks, and en-suite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy game drives, bush walks, and spa treatments.
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge: Located within the park, this lodge offers comfortable rooms with views of the Chyulu Hills and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Ngulia Safari Lodge: Situated near the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, it provides accommodation with views of the surrounding hills and the possibility of spotting rhinos.
Kitani Safari Lodge: Offers stone cottages and access to nearby Kitani Safari Camp, providing a blend of comfort and self-catering options.
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Self-Catering & Campsites
Kamboyo Guest House: Located 8 km from the park headquarters, it offers 3 double bedrooms and 1 single, suitable for those seeking a self-catering experience.
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Lake Jipe Bandas: Situated on the lakeshore, these bandas provide basic accommodation with outdoor cooking facilities, ideal for self-sufficient travelers.
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Public Campsites: Options like Kamboyo, Chyulu, and Lake Jipe campsites offer basic facilities, including water and latrines, for those preferring a more rustic experience.
Wildlife Viewing & Game Drives
Game Drives: The most popular activity. Early morning and late afternoon drives are best for spotting the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), plus giraffes, zebras, hyenas, cheetahs, and over 500 species of birds.
Self-Drive or Guided: You can go with a professional guide or do a self-drive if you’re experienced.
Nature & Scenic Attractions
Tsavo East
Yatta Plateau: One of the longest lava flows in the world.
Galana River & Lugard Falls: Watch crocodiles and hippos near the cascading falls.
Mudanda Rock: A natural dam and lookout point for spotting elephants.
Aruba Dam: A great watering hole for wildlife, especially during dry seasons.
Tsavo West
Mzima Springs: Crystal-clear spring water with an underwater viewing chamber to see hippos and fish.
Shetani Lava Flow: A massive black lava field from a volcanic eruption a few hundred years ago.
Chaimu Crater: A volcanic crater offering hiking opportunities.
Conservation Experiences
Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary (Tsavo West): Home to over 70 endangered black rhinos. Visits are limited and regulated, often included in game drives.
Walking Safaris & Hiking
Guided Nature Walks: Available in certain lodges or conservancies with armed rangers.
Hiking Trails: Around Chyulu Hills or Shetani Lava Flow for the more adventurous.
Cultural & Educational Visits
Local Maasai Villages: Some lodges offer visits to nearby Maasai or Taita communities.
Tsavo Historical Sites:
Man-Eaters of Tsavo: Learn about the two lions that famously killed dozens of workers during the construction of the Kenya-Uganda Railway in 1898.
Photography & Bird Watching
Ideal for:
Bird lovers: Over 500 species including kingfishers, hornbills, and ostriches.
Landscape photographers: Dramatic skies, lava fields, red dust, and acacia trees make for unique images.
