Tsavo National Parks (East and West):
Central Park West, USA
From
Duration
10 days
Tour Type
Overview
Tsavo National Parks, comprising Tsavo East and Tsavo West, form one of the largest national park systems in Kenya, covering over 22,000 square kilometers. Known for its vast wilderness, unique red-dusted elephants, and striking landscapes, Tsavo offers a less crowded and raw safari experience compared to more popular parks like the Maasai Mara.
Key Highlights of Tsavo National Parks
- Red Elephants of Tsavo:
- One of the most iconic features of Tsavo is the sight of elephants that appear red due to rolling in the park’s red volcanic soil. Tsavo is home to some of Kenya’s largest elephant herds.
- Diverse Ecosystems:
- Tsavo is split into two parks: Tsavo East, known for its vast savannah plains, and Tsavo West, characterized by volcanic landscapes, rugged mountains, and dense bush. Each offers a unique safari experience.
- Man-Eaters of Tsavo:
- The park has a storied history, most famously for the “Man-Eaters of Tsavo,” a pair of lions that terrorized workers during the construction of the Kenya-Uganda Railway in the late 1800s. Their story is immortalized in both legend and the local museum.
- Birdwatching Haven:
- With over 500 bird species recorded, Tsavo is a paradise for bird lovers. You’ll spot species like the African fish eagle, crowned cranes, and migratory birds from Europe and Asia.
- Mzima Springs:
- A lush oasis in Tsavo West, Mzima Springs provides a stark contrast to the dry, arid landscapes. The clear waters are home to hippos and crocodiles, and visitors can view them from an underwater observation chamber.
- Lava Flows and Shetani Lava:
- Tsavo West is home to the Shetani Lava flow, a sprawling black volcanic rock formation that was formed by volcanic eruptions just a few hundred years ago. The rugged landscapes here give a lunar-like appearance.
Differences Between Tsavo East and Tsavo West
- Tsavo East:
- Known for its open savannahs and large herds of red elephants.
- Ideal for longer game drives and spotting wildlife from a distance due to the vast open plains.
- Offers a more remote and less crowded experience, perfect for those seeking solitude.
- Wildlife sightings include lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffalo, and the rare gerenuk (giraffe-necked antelope).
- Tsavo West:
- Characterized by rugged mountains, rolling hills, and dense bush.
- Offers more scenic landscapes, including volcanic cones, lava flows, and rocky ridges.
- Home to Mzima Springs, where visitors can observe hippos and crocodiles.
- Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary: A protected area within Tsavo West where endangered black rhinos are conserved.
- Night game drives and walking safaris are more common in Tsavo West.
Activities and Services in Tsavo National Parks
- Game Drives:
- Game drives are the best way to explore both parks. In Tsavo East, visitors can enjoy long drives across vast plains, ideal for spotting large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes. In Tsavo West, game drives take you through more rugged and scenic terrains, with a higher chance of spotting rhinos and leopards.
- Night Game Drives:
- Tsavo West offers night game drives where you can spot nocturnal wildlife like hyenas, leopards, and bush babies under the guidance of a trained ranger.
- Walking Safaris:
- Explore the wilderness on foot with an armed ranger, especially in Tsavo West. Walking safaris provide a closer interaction with nature, as you learn to track animals and observe smaller creatures like reptiles and insects.
- Mzima Springs Tour:
- A must-visit in Tsavo West, Mzima Springs is a series of crystal-clear pools fed by underground streams from Mount Kilimanjaro. Hippos, crocodiles, and fish are easily viewed from a unique underwater observation chamber.
- Birdwatching:
- With a rich diversity of bird species, Tsavo is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Lake Jipe, located on the border with Tanzania, is particularly rewarding for spotting both resident and migratory birds.
- Cultural Tours:
- Experience local culture by visiting Taita or Maasai villages on the outskirts of the park. Learn about their traditions, lifestyle, and how they coexist with wildlife.
- Shetani Lava Flows:
- Visit the vast expanse of the Shetani Lava Flow in Tsavo West, formed by volcanic eruptions. You can explore the area on foot and learn about its fascinating geological history.
- Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary:
- Tsavo West is home to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, a fenced reserve where endangered black rhinos are bred and protected. Visitors can tour the sanctuary to learn about rhino conservation efforts.
- Aruba Dam:
- In Tsavo East, the Aruba Dam is a great spot for wildlife viewing, particularly in the dry season when animals come to drink. This dam attracts a wide range of species, including elephants, lions, and various birdlife.
Accommodations in Tsavo National Parks
- Luxury Lodges and Camps:
- Tsavo offers a range of accommodations from luxury lodges to more rustic tented camps. Many of the lodges are situated with views of watering holes where wildlife comes to drink, providing excellent game viewing from the comfort of your lodge.
- Bush Camps:
- For a more immersive experience, there are exclusive, eco-friendly bush camps within the parks that offer more intimate encounters with nature. These camps often provide opportunities for walking safaris and bush dinners under the stars.
- Self-Catering Options:
- For those seeking more independence, there are self-catering lodges and campsites available, particularly in Tsavo East, where you can bring your supplies and enjoy the solitude of the park.
Included/Exclude
- Pick and Drop Services
- 1 Meal Per Day
- Cruise Dinner & Music Event
- Visit 7 Best Places in the City With Group
- Additional Services
- Insurance
- Food & Drinks
- Tickets
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Tsavo East National Park
- Morning:
- Arrive in Nairobi and take a domestic flight or a road transfer to Tsavo East National Park.
- Upon arrival, meet your guide and enjoy a game drive en route to your camp or lodge. Spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and possibly lions.
- Afternoon:
- Check-in at your lodge and enjoy lunch with views over the plains or near a watering hole.
- Relax at the lodge, explore the grounds, or go for a dip in the pool.
- Evening:
- Head out on your first game drive in Tsavo East. Tsavo East is known for its vast open plains, home to large herds of red elephants and various predators like lions and cheetahs.
- As the sun sets, return to the lodge for a bush dinner under the stars and settle in for the night.
Day 2: Full Day Safari in Tsavo East
- Early Morning:
- Enjoy an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active. Spot elephants, antelopes, giraffes, buffalo, and possibly leopards.
- Return to the lodge for breakfast.
- Late Morning:
- Take a guided walking safari to learn about Tsavo East’s diverse ecosystem. Explore the flora, bird species, and smaller wildlife that often go unnoticed during game drives.
- Afternoon:
- After lunch, visit Aruba Dam, a key water source for wildlife, where you can spot a variety of animals coming to drink.
- Continue exploring the park’s landscapes, from its expansive savannah to seasonal rivers and dry riverbeds.
- Evening:
- Another game drive through Tsavo East, focusing on areas where elephants and predators are commonly seen.
- Return to the lodge for a sunset dinner and relax for the night.
Day 3: Transfer to Tsavo West and Mzima Springs
- Morning:
- After an early breakfast, set off for Tsavo West National Park, a short drive away.
- Along the way, enjoy a game drive through Tsavo’s rugged terrain, including volcanic landscapes, rocky outcrops, and dense bush.
- Late Morning:
- Visit the stunning Mzima Springs, where crystal-clear waters create an oasis in the arid landscape. Watch hippos, crocodiles, and fish from an underwater viewing chamber.
- Afternoon:
- After lunch at your lodge, relax or go on a guided walking safari around the volcanic Shetani Lava Flow, a dramatic black volcanic formation that offers fascinating geological insights.
- Evening:
- Head out on a game drive in Tsavo West. Search for rhinos in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary and explore the rolling hills and bush-covered landscape.
- Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening, with dinner around a campfire.
Day 4: Final Game Drive and Departure
- Early Morning:
- Embark on an early morning game drive to catch the park’s wildlife as the day begins. You might spot elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and predators like lions and leopards.
- Mid-Morning:
- Return to your lodge for breakfast. Afterward, check out and head to the airstrip for your return flight to Nairobi, or drive back, depending on your arrangements.
- Afternoon:
- Arrive back in Nairobi. If time permits, explore the city or relax before catching your international flight home.
This 4-day itinerary provides an in-depth exploration of both Tsavo East and Tsavo West, combining wildlife viewing with cultural and natural highlights like Mzima Springs and Shetani Lava Flow. With Premium Adventures, your trip is tailored to offer both adventure and relaxation, ensuring you experience the untamed wilderness of Tsavo in comfort and style.
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Singapore

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3.6
We always stay at here when in town. The location is great, staff is wonderful and we love the overall feel. Beautiful view from the here.
4.6
It is a great place to shop not too far from New York. We took the bus from Port Authority and traveled through the countryside to get there.
5
This is the best tour on the east coast! It was amazing how many places we visited and what great memories we made!