Things to Do in Tsavo National Parks, Kenya

Tsavo National Parks, comprising Tsavo East and Tsavo West, form one of the world's largest wildlife sanctuaries, covering over 22,000 square kilometers of pristine Kenyan wilderness. These iconic parks, made famous by the legendary man-eating lions of Tsavo during the railway construction era, offer visitors an authentic African safari experience with diverse landscapes ranging from semi-arid scrublands and volcanic hills to lush oases and ancient lava flows. The parks are renowned for their massive elephant herds, often covered in distinctive red dust, creating a spectacular sight against the dramatic backdrop of acacia trees and endless horizons. Tsavo East is characterized by vast open plains and the meandering Galana River, while Tsavo West features more varied topography including the famous Mzima Springs, Chaimu Crater, and the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary. Together, these parks protect an incredible array of wildlife including the Big Five, rare black rhinos, diverse bird species, and unique geological formations. The parks offer a more remote and less crowded alternative to Kenya's other famous reserves, providing visitors with an intimate wilderness experience and the chance to witness nature in its most unspoiled form.

Top Things to Do in Tsavo National Parks

Wildlife Game Drives

Experience thrilling game drives across both Tsavo East and West, encountering massive elephant herds, lions, leopards, and diverse wildlife species. The parks offer excellent opportunities to spot the famous red elephants of Tsavo, covered in the region's distinctive red soil, along with buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species.

Booking Tip: Book full-day game drives for $150-250 per person through established tour operators. Early morning and late afternoon drives offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Choose operators with experienced guides and well-maintained 4WD vehicles for optimal game viewing.

Mzima Springs Exploration

Visit the crystal-clear Mzima Springs in Tsavo West, where 50 million gallons of fresh water flow daily from underground rivers beneath the Chyulu Hills. Walk along designated trails to observe hippos and crocodiles in the clear pools, and visit the underwater observation chamber for unique aquatic wildlife viewing.

Booking Tip: Entry is included with park fees ($65 for non-residents). Visit during dry season for clearer water visibility. Combine with game drives for a full day experience. Bring water shoes for walking trails and underwater viewing chamber visits.

Lugard Falls Adventure

Explore the dramatic Lugard Falls on the Galana River in Tsavo East, where water has carved spectacular rock formations and narrow gorges through ancient bedrock. The falls create a series of rapids and pools, offering excellent photography opportunities and a chance to see crocodiles basking on the rocks.

Booking Tip: Access is included with park entry fees. Best visited during dry season when water levels are lower and rock formations more visible. Combine with Mudanda Rock visit for a full day of geological wonders. Bring sturdy walking shoes for rocky terrain.

Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary Visit

Experience one of Kenya's most successful rhino conservation projects at the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in Tsavo West. This 90-square-kilometer fenced sanctuary protects critically endangered black rhinos, offering visitors rare opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures in a secure natural environment.

Booking Tip: Special rhino sanctuary visits cost additional $20-30 beyond park fees. Book through KWS or authorized operators. Early morning visits offer best rhino sighting chances. Photography is allowed but maintain respectful distances as guided by rangers.

Cultural Village Experiences

Engage with local Maasai and Taita communities living around the parks through authentic cultural visits and community tourism programs. Learn about traditional lifestyles, participate in cultural ceremonies, visit local schools, and purchase handmade crafts directly from artisans while supporting community conservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Community visits cost $25-50 per person through registered community groups. Book through ethical tour operators who ensure fair community benefit. Respect photography guidelines and local customs. Purchase authentic crafts to support local livelihoods.

Getting There

Tsavo National Parks are accessible by road from Nairobi (approximately 4-5 hours to Tsavo East, 6 hours to Tsavo West) via well-maintained highways, with multiple park gates including Bachuma, Sala, and Manyani gates for Tsavo East, and Mtito Andei, Chyulu, and Ziwani gates for Tsavo West. Domestic flights operate from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to several airstrips within both parks, including Voi, Sala, Tsavo Safari Camp, and Kilaguni airstrips, with flight times of 45-60 minutes. Many visitors combine Tsavo with coastal destinations like Mombasa, which is only 2-3 hours by road, making it an ideal safari and beach combination.

Getting Around

Movement within Tsavo National Parks requires 4WD vehicles due to rough terrain and sandy conditions, with most visitors joining organized safari tours or renting equipped vehicles with experienced driver-guides. Self-drive is permitted but requires proper preparation, GPS navigation, emergency supplies, and knowledge of park regulations, as mobile phone coverage is limited in remote areas. Park roads vary from maintained all-weather routes to challenging seasonal tracks, and visitors must stay on designated roads and return to accommodations or exit gates before 6 PM as per park regulations.

Where to Stay

Tsavo East - Voi Safari Lodge area

Tsavo West - Kilaguni Serena area

Tsavo West - Ngulia Safari Lodge area

Community conservancies near park boundaries

Mobile camping sites within parks

Voi town accommodation options

Food & Dining

Dining in Tsavo National Parks primarily consists of lodge restaurants and camp dining facilities that serve international cuisine with local influences, featuring fresh ingredients and traditional Kenyan dishes alongside continental options. Most safari lodges offer buffet-style meals with game meat options, vegetarian selections, and packed lunch services for full-day game drives. Limited dining options exist outside the parks, with basic restaurants in Voi town serving local Kenyan fare, while most visitors rely on their accommodation's meal plans or bring supplies for camping and self-catering arrangements.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Tsavo National Parks is during the dry seasons from June to October and December to March, when wildlife congregates around water sources, making game viewing more predictable and roads more accessible. The wet seasons (April-May and November) bring lush green landscapes and excellent bird watching opportunities, but some roads may become challenging and animals disperse across wider areas. Year-round temperatures remain warm, making any time suitable for visits, though dry season offers optimal conditions for photography, wildlife sightings, and overall safari experience with minimal rainfall disrupting activities.

Insider Tips

Book accommodations well in advance during peak season as options within the parks are limited, and consider staying multiple nights to fully explore both Tsavo East and West sections

Carry plenty of water, sun protection, and dust masks as the parks can be extremely hot and dusty, especially during dry season game drives

Respect the 6 PM park curfew strictly and plan activities accordingly, as late returns can result in hefty fines and safety risks in this vast wilderness area

Things to Do in Tsavo National Parks