Tsavo National Parks

The infamous duo lions, with a taste for human blood, roamed the Tsavo region during the construction of the Kenya-Uganda ‘Lunatic Express’ railway in the 18th Century. This unfortunate event gave rise to the popularity of the park, as the home to “The Man Eaters of Tsavo”.

The railway line (and the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway) split the expansive 21,000 sq. Km park into Tsavo West National Park and Tsavo East National Park – combined, it forms the largest park in Kenya. It is in close proximity to Chyulu Hils on the East while Taita Hills (a magnet for wildlife due to the abundance of salt rocks) and Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary lie on the West; and Tanzania farther west. In fact, Lake Jipe lies on this border – a perfect camping spot.

A visit to the park – with its dramatic scenery, sense of space, diverse habitat and rich history – makes for an evocative experience for anyone, connecting man and nature in a splendid manner.

Tsavo West National Park

Mzima springs, almost synonymous with this park; is a series of four natural springs (source believed to be Chyulu Hills) that feeds a pool and a subsequent papyrus-fringed stream. This is the main source of water for Mombasa residents – and wildlife of Tsavo. A thatched hut on the pool conceals a glass-viewing-tank from which a healthy number of hippos, crocodiles and various types of fish and other aquatic life can be safely observed, unperturbed.

The ethereal appeal of this park is simply magical; the luxuriant vegetation around Mzima springs contrasts with the “whistling” acacia trees in the dry plains that can be heard miles away atop the rocky hills. The peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro can be viewed from the same vantage point. Beyond Mzima Springs, a volcanic Lava Flow mountain sits in the background whose emissions of black lava stretch a cool 8 Kms towards Chyulu Hills – The locals named this natural phenomenon “Shetani” Lava (meaning the Devil’s Lava in Swahili).

The peculiarity of this park does not stop there. Elephants “bathe” in this park’s distinctively bright red soil giving them a red tint (well known as the “red elephants” of Tsavo). Maneless Lions, Fringed-eared Oryx, Klipspringer, Striped Hyenas and the occasional Caracal are some of the top attractions of this park. To top that up, this is the only park in Kenya abounds with baobab trees. Elsewhere, these can be spotted in Mombasa.

Tsavo East National Park

The landscape of this park is not different from that of its twin park, Tsavo West National Park, but with one exception – it has a colossal waterhole. This, along with the 300 kilomtere long Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world, make for an adventure unlike any other in the Tsavo East. The park forms the largest protected area in Kenya and is home to most of the larger mammals, vast herds of dust –red elephant, Rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, pods of hippo, crocodile, waterbucks, lesser Kudu, gerenuk and the prolific bird life features 500 recorded species.

Accommodations in Tsavo

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  • Tsavo East
  • Tsavo West
Rhino Valley Lodge

Rhino Valley Lodge is a tented lodge set against the backdrop of the rugged but scenic Ngulia Hills of Tsavo National Park. It offers the most idyllic view of the pristine Tsavo West National Park, which teams with thousands of wildlife including rhinos, These can be...

Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

A tranquil, hushed and cool refuge framed by Mount Kilimanjaro and the rolling, volcanic landscapes of the deep green Chyulu Hills. It immerses you in stunning beauty and exhilarating adventures while surrounding you with every modern comfort. Arriving guests are...

Salt Lick Game Lodge

Salt Lick Safari Lodge is a luxurious safari escape set in the heart of the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary overlooking a waterhole and the vast Tsavo plains. Salt Lick Safari Lodge’s charm is evident from the outset. Here you will savour uncompromising high standards...

Manyatta Camp

Nestled in the heart of elephant country, Manyatta Camp is located in the grasslands of Tsavo East National Park, Kenya, just 8 Km off the main highway connecting the capital Nairobi to the coastal town of Mombasa.Manyatta Camp borders Tsavo East Park, one of Kenya’s...

Voyager Ziwani Camp

With a spectacular view of mystical Mount Kilimanjaro and easy access to the wild attractions of Tsavo West National Park, Voyager Ziwani offers a tranquil retreat in one of the wildest places left on Earth. Located on a private sanctuary on the western edge of Tsavo,...

Kipalo Hills

Perched on the side of the Mbulia Hills, Kipalo Hills enjoys fantastic views looking out across the 12,000 acres Mbulia Conservancy towards Ngulia Hills and Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. A comfortable camp with delicious, fresh innovative cuisine and 8 luxurious...

Severin Safari Camp

Being connected with the great Kenyan wild nature, experience the unique play of colours of dawn and dusk, listening to the voices of the wilderness, being at peace with yourself – all this and so much more is offered by Severin Safari Camp. Amidst Tsavo West National...

Ashnil Aruba Lodge

Ashnil Aruba Lodge lies in the heart of Tsavo East National Park in Kenya. The Lodge features 46 rooms and 6 tents. Its location is superb, just a couple of hours from the coast of Mombasa, 5 hours leisurely drive from Nairobi and is located on the banks of Aruba Dam...

Voi Wildlife Safari Lodge

Nestled in the heart of elephant country, Voi Wildlife Lodge is located in the Savannah grasslands of Tsavo East, just 5km off the main highway connecting the Capital Nairobi to Mombasa. Designed to blend unassumingly into the surrounding environment, the lodge boasts...

Satao Camp

Nestled amongst trees and surrounding a central water-hole, the semi-circular layout of the camp provides an excellent viewing point for all the guests. Satao Camp has 20 tents, all en-suite thoughtfully positioned to ensure a full view of the camps “own” watering...

Lions Bluff Lodge

Lions Bluff Lodge is a very special eco lodge, secluded and exclusive, within Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary. The lodge has stunning panoramic views, across miles and miles of Kenyan parkland including the majestic Kilimanjaro, The Taita Hills, the Lumo...

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