Kenya's largest protected area, wild, raw and red with the dust that paints its famous "red elephants." Less crowded than the Mara, perfect for a Mombasa coast extension.
Africa's wildest, biggest park
Combined, Tsavo East and Tsavo West cover 22,000 km², about 4% of Kenya's entire landmass and one of the largest national parks on the continent. It's big, raw, and far less visited than the Mara, making it ideal for travellers who want crowds nowhere in their photos.
Tsavo East
Vast, flat, semi-arid. The Galana River cuts through, drawing huge wildlife concentrations. Famous for:
- "Red elephants", they coat themselves in the park's rust-coloured dust
- Yatta Plateau, the world's longest lava flow (290 km)
- Lugard Falls, dramatic gorge on the Galana
- Aruba Dam, wildlife magnet in dry season
Tsavo West
More dramatic terrain, volcanic hills, lava flows, springs. Highlights:
- Mzima Springs, crystal-clear water with submerged hippo viewing chamber
- Shetani lava flow, black volcanic rock visible from miles away
- Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, fenced reserve protecting black rhinos
- Chaimu Crater, climbable extinct volcano
Why Tsavo for your safari
- Less crowded than the northern circuit
- Easy from Mombasa, perfect bush + beach combo (3 hours by road)
- Big-game scale, vast herds with horizon as the only edge
- Lower park fees than the Mara
Park fees (2026)
USD 52 / adult / day per park (non-residents)