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Tsavo National Parks, Kenya - Things to Do in Tsavo National Parks

Things to Do in Tsavo National Parks

Tsavo National Parks, Kenya - Complete Travel Guide

Tsavo National Parks, comprising Tsavo East and Tsavo West, form one of the world's largest wildlife sanctuaries, covering over 22,000 square kilometers in southeastern Kenya. These iconic parks are renowned for their diverse landscapes, from volcanic hills and lava flows to vast savannas and the famous red elephants of Tsavo East, whose distinctive color comes from the region's red soil. The parks offer an authentic African safari experience with fewer crowds than other Kenyan destinations, making them perfect for wildlife enthusiasts seeking solitude and adventure. Tsavo's rich history includes the legendary man-eating lions of Tsavo that terrorized railway workers during the construction of the Kenya-Uganda Railway in the 1890s. Today, visitors can explore dramatic landscapes including the Mudanda Rock, Lugard Falls, and the stunning Mzima Springs, while encountering massive elephant herds, diverse birdlife, and other Big Five animals in their natural habitat.

Top Things to Do in Tsavo National Parks

Game Drives in Tsavo East

Experience the vast wilderness of Tsavo East National Park, famous for its large herds of red elephants and diverse wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 500 bird species. The park's semi-arid landscape offers excellent game viewing opportunities, especially around the Galana River and Aruba Dam where animals congregate to drink.

Booking Tip: Book game drives through established safari operators for $150-300 per day including vehicle and guide. Early morning (6 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM) drives offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are most active.

Mzima Springs Exploration

Visit the crystal-clear Mzima Springs in Tsavo West, where 50 million gallons of water flow daily from underground rivers beneath the Chyulu Hills. The springs create an oasis that attracts hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species, with an underwater viewing chamber offering unique perspectives of aquatic life.

Booking Tip: Include Mzima Springs in full-day Tsavo West tours costing $180-250 per person. Visit during dry season (June-October) for clearer water visibility and better wildlife concentrations around the springs.

Mudanda Rock Climbing

Scale the impressive Mudanda Rock, a 1.6-kilometer-long inselberg that serves as a natural dam for the seasonal Mudanda River. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of Tsavo East's endless plains and observe elephants and other wildlife gathering at the natural water source below.

Booking Tip: Combine rock climbing with game drives in half-day excursions costing $120-180 per person. Bring sturdy hiking boots and plenty of water, and visit during cooler months (May-September) for comfortable climbing conditions.

Lugard Falls Photography

Photograph the dramatic Lugard Falls on the Galana River, where water has carved spectacular channels and pools through colorful rock formations. The falls are particularly impressive during the rainy season and offer excellent opportunities for landscape photography and picnicking.

Booking Tip: Visit as part of Tsavo East day tours priced at $160-220 per person. Best photography conditions occur in the morning (8-10 AM) with optimal lighting, and during March-May when water levels are highest.

Shetani Lava Flows Exploration

Explore the otherworldly Shetani Lava Flows in Tsavo West, formed by volcanic activity just 200 years ago. These black lava formations create a moonscape environment where hardy plants and animals have adapted to the harsh conditions, offering unique geological insights and dramatic scenery.

Booking Tip: Include lava flow visits in Tsavo West cultural tours costing $140-200 per person. Wear protective footwear for walking on sharp lava rock, and visit during cooler parts of the day to avoid extreme heat reflection from black rocks.

Getting There

Tsavo National Parks are accessible by road from Nairobi (approximately 4-5 hours to various gates) via the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, with multiple entry gates including Mtito Andei, Voi, and Manyani gates for Tsavo East, and Mtito Andei, Chyulu, and Tsavo gates for Tsavo West. Scheduled and charter flights operate to several airstrips within both parks, including Voi, Aruba, and Kilaguni airstrips, with flight times of about 45 minutes from Nairobi's Wilson Airport. Many visitors combine Tsavo with coastal holidays, as the parks are just 2-3 hours drive from Mombasa and Diani Beach.

Getting Around

Movement within Tsavo National Parks requires 4WD vehicles due to rough terrain and sandy tracks, with most visitors joining organized safari tours that include experienced driver-guides and properly equipped vehicles. Self-drive options are available for experienced safari-goers with suitable vehicles, but GPS navigation and park maps are essential due to the vast size and limited signage. Walking is only permitted in designated areas and with armed rangers, while most game viewing is done from vehicles for safety reasons.

Where to Stay

Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge area
Voi Safari Lodge vicinity
Satao Camp region
Ashnil Aruba Lodge area
Tsavo East camping sites
Manyani gate accommodation zone

Food & Dining

Dining in Tsavo National Parks centers around safari lodges and camps that offer full-board packages featuring international cuisine with local influences, bush breakfast experiences, and traditional Kenyan dishes using fresh ingredients. Most accommodations provide buffet-style meals showcasing game meats, fresh vegetables, and tropical fruits, while some offer special dining experiences like sundowner cocktails and bush dinners under the stars. Visitors should note that dining options are limited to lodge facilities, so full-board packages are recommended, and bringing snacks for game drives is advisable.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Kenya

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Tsavo National Parks is during the dry seasons from June to October and January to March when wildlife congregates around water sources, making game viewing easier and road conditions more favorable. The short rains (November-December) and long rains (April-May) can make some tracks impassable but offer lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and excellent bird watching opportunities with migratory species present. Wildlife viewing is good year-round, though vegetation can be thicker during wet months, and the dramatic red soil colors of Tsavo are most vibrant during dry periods.

Insider Tips

Book accommodations well in advance during peak season (July-September) as options within the parks are limited and popular lodges fill up quickly
Bring red dust protection for cameras and electronics as Tsavo's fine red soil penetrates everything, and pack extra clothing as the dust stains fabrics
Consider splitting your stay between Tsavo East and West to experience both parks' unique characteristics, with East offering classic savanna landscapes and West providing more diverse topography including springs and volcanic features

Explore Activities in Tsavo National Parks