Discover the wild landscapes of Tsavo National Park on an unforgettable Kenya safari through one of Africa’s most famous wilderness areas. Known for its vast open landscapes, dramatic red earth, large elephant herds and diverse wildlife, Tsavo offers an authentic safari experience away from the busier tourist routes.
Destination
Tsavo East & Watamu, Kenya
Experience
Safari & Indian Ocean beach holiday
Safari
Game drives & wildlife viewing
Beach
White-sand beaches & turquoise waters
Marine
Snorkelling, boat trips & marine experiences
Nature
Mida Creek & coastal ecosystems
Culture
Gede ruins & local coastal traditions
Ideal For
Couples, families & small groups
Explore One of Kenya’s Great Wilderness Areas
Tsavo is one of Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations and forms one of the country’s largest protected wilderness ecosystems.
The park is traditionally divided into Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park, each offering its own landscapes, wildlife habitats and safari experiences.
Tsavo East is famous for its expansive plains, distinctive red soil and large elephant populations, while Tsavo West offers a more varied landscape featuring hills, volcanic formations, springs and dense vegetation.
A Tsavo Safari gives travellers the opportunity to explore these contrasting environments through guided game drives and carefully planned safari routes.
The Red Elephants of Tsavo
Tsavo's elephants are particularly famous for their reddish appearance, created when they cover themselves in the park's distinctive red dust.
Vast Wilderness
Tsavo offers enormous open spaces where wildlife can be encountered against a dramatic African landscape.
Two Distinct Parks
Tsavo East and Tsavo West provide different scenery and wildlife habitats, allowing travellers to experience more than one side of the Tsavo ecosystem.
Safari from the Coast
Tsavo is an excellent option for travellers staying around Watamu, Malindi or Mombasa who want to add a wildlife adventure to their coastal holiday.
Tsavo East is known for its vast landscapes, red earth and open savannah. The park provides excellent opportunities for game drives and wildlife photography.
The landscape changes from open plains to bushland and riverine areas, creating habitats for a wide variety of animals.
Elephant Viewing
Search for large elephant herds moving through the park and around water sources.
Wildlife Drives
Explore the park's extensive road network with an experienced safari driver-guide.
Galana River
The river and surrounding vegetation create important wildlife habitats and scenic safari locations.
Red-Dust Landscapes
Experience the distinctive scenery that has made Tsavo East famous among safari travellers.
Tsavo West offers a contrasting safari environment with volcanic landscapes, rocky hills, springs and thicker vegetation.
The park is particularly known for its dramatic scenery and diverse habitats.
Mzima Springs
Visit the famous natural springs where clear water creates an important ecosystem for wildlife and aquatic species.
Rhino Sanctuary
Depending on the itinerary and park access, travellers can visit areas dedicated to the conservation of the critically endangered black rhinoceros.
Volcanic Landscapes
Discover lava formations, rocky terrain and other geological features throughout the park.
Scenic Game Drives
Explore a mixture of open areas and vegetation-rich habitats while searching for wildlife.
Game Drives
Beach Relaxation
Snorkelling
Scuba Diving
Mida Creek Boat Trips
Mangrove Experiences
Birdwatching
Gede Ruins
Sunset Cruises
By Road
Watamu is well connected to other destinations on the Kenyan coast, making it possible to combine a safari with a beach stay through private road transfers. Tsavo East is particularly suitable for travellers starting or finishing their safari from the Watamu area.
By Train
Travellers can use airports serving the Kenyan coast and continue to Watamu by private road transfer.
From Your Watamu Hotel
If you are already staying in Watamu, Safari Kenya Travel can arrange safari departures directly from your accommodation, allowing you to combine your beach holiday with a private safari itinerary.
| Feature | Tsavo Safari |
|---|---|
| Tsavo East | Yes |
| Tsavo West | Available |
| Game Drives | Yes |
| Elephant Viewing | Yes |
| Lion Viewing | Yes |
| Buffalo | Yes |
| Giraffes | Yes |
| Birdwatching | Yes |
| Mzima Springs | Available |
| Rhino Conservation | Available |
| Private Safari | Available |
| Safari from Watamu | Available |
| Safari from Mombasa | Available |
| Safari from Nairobi | Available |
| Tailor-Made Itinerary | Available |