Tsavo National Park Safaris

Your Guide to Tsavo East, Tsavo West and the Taita Hills

Tsavo National Park is really two parks, Tsavo East and Tsavo West, divided by the Nairobi to Mombasa highway and railway. Together they cover about 22,000 square kilometres, making this Kenya’s largest protected wilderness. The Madaraka Express stops at Voi, minutes from the Tsavo East gate, so couples and families can reach a safari by train from either Nairobi or Mombasa.

Tsavo East is known for elephants dusted red by the soil and for wide open plains. Tsavo West brings volcanic scenery, Mzima Springs and the Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary. Next door, the privately run Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary adds a quieter, lodge based safari with its own game drives.

Tsavo National Park Safari Packages

About The Tsavo National Park

Kenya's Largest Wilderness Paradise

Tsavo East and Tsavo West are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and share one entry fee structure, although each is a separate park with its own gates. Tsavo East is flat, dry and open, crossed by the Galana River and edged by the Yatta Plateau, one of the longest lava flows in the world. Tsavo West is hillier and greener, shaped by volcanic activity that left the Shetani Lava Flow and fed the springs at Mzima.

Elephants are the headline, and many look red because they dust and wallow in Tsavo’s iron rich soil. Lions here are known for sparse manes, and the area is also home to buffalo, leopard, cheetah, lesser kudu, gerenuk, fringe eared oryx and hundreds of bird species. Black rhinos live in the Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary, opened in expanded form in December 2025 and now the largest rhino sanctuary in the world. They are shy and rarely seen, so we never promise a sighting.

Park Location

Tsavo lies in southeastern Kenya, mainly in Taita Taveta County, and stretches into neighbouring counties. Voi, the main gateway town for Tsavo East, is about 330 km from Nairobi by road. The two parks are separated by the Nairobi to Mombasa highway and the Madaraka Express railway.

Getting There by Train:

The Madaraka Express is the easiest way in. The 8:00am inter county train from Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau reaches Mtito Andei, the gateway for Tsavo West, at 10:50 and Voi at 12:02. From Mombasa, the 8:00am train reaches Voi at 9:49. The 3:00pm express trains stop at Voi and nowhere else between the two cities. One way First Class fares are KES 3,200 from Nairobi to Voi and KES 1,320 from Mombasa to Voi, and children aged 3 to 11 pay half. Your Baecation driver meets you at the station.

Getting There by Road:

From Nairobi, take Mombasa Road southeast. Mtito Andei Gate serves Tsavo West, and Voi Gate serves Tsavo East, with Voi about 330 km from Nairobi. Allow five to six hours with stops. From Mombasa, Voi is roughly three hours away depending on traffic leaving the city.

Getting There by Air:

Scheduled flights from Wilson Airport serve Tsavo West. Tsavo East is reached by charter to its airstrips. Flight schedules change by season, so we confirm availability when you book.

tsavo national park safaris price

Tsavo National Park Safari Fees

What's the cost of Tsavo National Park Safari?

Tsavo National Park Entry Fee

Entry is charged per person for each 24 hours, the same all year:

  • East African citizens: KES 1,000 per adult, KES 500 per child
  • Kenya residents: KES 1,350 per adult, KES 675 per child
  • African citizens: USD 40 per adult, USD 20 per child
  • Non residents: USD 80 per adult, USD 40 per child

Combined tickets are available:

  • Tsavo West and Amboseli: KES 2,200 citizens, KES 2,900 residents, USD 150 non residents, USD 80 African citizens
  • Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Amboseli: KES 3,000 citizens, KES 4,000 residents, USD 215 non residents, USD 115 African citizens

Vehicles pay a separate daily fee based on seating capacity. Fees are paid through KWSPay on eCitizen. When you travel with us, all fees are arranged for you.

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is private, so it charges its own fee. For East African citizens and residents, that is KES 600 per adult and KES 300 per child per day. Non resident rates are available on request.

Tsavo National Park Accommodation Costs

Affordable lodges and tented camps near Voi and inside Tsavo East usually cost residents about KES 20,000 to 30,000 per couple per night on full board. Mid range camps with private plunge pools, and the lodges of the Taita Hills Sanctuary, sit above that. Luxury camps deep inside Tsavo East and Tsavo West start at about USD 250 per person per night, often with game drives and drinks included. Our packages show the exact from price for each stay.

Tsavo National Park Transport Costs

By train: one way First Class fares are KES 3,200 from Nairobi to Voi and KES 1,320 from Mombasa to Voi. Economy and Premium are also available.

By road: a private safari van with a driver guide is priced per day and is included in our packages.

By air: fares vary by season and are quoted on request.

Tsavo National Park Activities Costs

Game drives are included in our packages. Night game drives and guided walks run only where KWS and the lodge permit them, and are priced on request.

Other Costs

Meals and drinks (if not included in your package).

Tips for guides and staff ($10–$20 per day is typical).

For current prices, see our Tsavo packages above, each with a full breakdown of what is included.

Tsavo National Park Activities

Some Popular Tsavo National Park Safari Activities

Game Drives

Morning and afternoon drives in Tsavo East follow the Galana River, Aruba Dam and Mudanda Rock, where elephants gather to drink in the dry months. Your guide reads the tracks and the weather, so no two drives run the same.

Walking Safaris

Experience guided walking safaris in designated areas, allowing you to discover the smaller details of the ecosystem, from tracking animals to learning about medicinal plants and the volcanic landscape that shapes Tsavo’s unique environment.

Cultural Visits

Engage with local communities around Tsavo, including the Taita and Wakamba people, to learn about their traditions, cultural practices, and their role in conservation efforts within the region.

Lava Flow and Geological Tours

Explore Tsavo’s unique volcanic features, including the Shetani Lava Flow and various volcanic formations. Learn about the geological history that shaped this dramatic landscape and created the park’s distinctive red soil.

Bird Watching

Tsavo is a bird watcher’s paradise with over 500 recorded bird species, including the largest population of ostriches in Kenya, along with golden-breasted starlings, golden pipits, and various species of hornbills.

Night Game Drives

Night drives are offered only in areas where KWS and the lodge allow them, with authorised guides. Ask us when you book and we will confirm what is possible for your stay.

Visit to Mzima Springs

In Tsavo West, clear water from the Chyulu Hills rises at Mzima Springs. An underwater viewing point lets you look for hippos and fish beneath the surface. It makes a long but rewarding day trip from Voi.

Historical Sites

The Tsavo River bridge is where two lions stalled railway construction in 1898, a story told at Man Eaters Camp. At Taita Hills, a World War I museum recalls the fighting that reached this corner of Kenya.

Photography Tours

Join specialized photography tours focusing on capturing Tsavo’s unique landscapes, including its iconic red elephants, vast savannahs, the Galana River, and the dramatic backdrop of the Chyulu Hills.

When to visit and what to carry

when can i visit tsavo national park

The best time to visit the Tsavo National Park

Best Time: June to October (Dry season with excellent wildlife viewing)

Budget-Friendly Time: March to May (Green season with lush landscapes and lower rates)

Special Moments: November to December (Short rains bring migrant birds and newborn animals)

What to carry

Clothing: Light, breathable clothes in neutral colors for the hot climate, long-sleeved options for sun protection, and warmer layers for cool mornings and evenings.

Shoes: Sturdy, closed walking shoes for nature walks and climbing volcanic formations, plus comfortable sandals for lodge wear.

Sun Protection: Wide-brimmed hat, high SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses – essential in Tsavo’s intense heat and strong sun exposure.

Camera and Binoculars: For capturing the unique red elephants and vast landscapes. A zoom lens is particularly useful for distant wildlife photography.

Travel Documents: Passport, park entry tickets, and travel insurance details.

Hydration: Large reusable water bottles and electrolyte supplements – Tsavo’s heat can be intense, making proper hydration crucial.

Medications: Personal prescriptions, basic first aid supplies, and antimalarial medication as advised by your healthcare provider.

Power Bank and Adapters: For charging devices, especially important during long game drives. Kenya uses the British-style three-pin socket

The Tsavo National Park is perfect for multi-day safaris

Tsavo National Park, split into East and West, offers incredible opportunities for both quick visits and extended safari adventures. With its vast landscapes spanning over 22,000 square kilometers, visitors can experience everything from short game drives to comprehensive multi-day expeditions.

Tsavo Solo safaris:

Perfect for independent travelers seeking solitude and adventure in Kenya’s largest national park.

Tsavo Couple (Honeymoon) safaris:

A romantic escape offering intimate experiences against the backdrop of Tsavo’s dramatic landscapes.

Tsavo Family Safaris:

An educational and exciting adventure suitable for all ages, combining wildlife viewing with visits to historical sites like the World War I battlefields and the legendary “Man-Eaters of Tsavo

Tsavo Corporate Safaris:

Team-building experiences that utilize the park’s unique features, from problem-solving activities in nature to conference facilities at premium lodges.

Tsavo Friends Safaris:

Group adventures that make the most of Tsavo’s varied attractions, from shared game drives and hiking experiences to group accommodations in scenic locations.

What you can see

Tsavo National Park hosts an incredible diversity of wildlife and landscapes unique to this region

The Big Five: Elephant and buffalo are seen daily, and lions regularly. Leopards are shy, and black rhinos live in the Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary, where sightings are rare and never guaranteed.

Unique Landscapes: Vast semi-arid wilderness, distinctive red earth, the dramatic Yatta Plateau (world’s longest lava flow), Lugard Falls, and the crystal-clear Mzima Springs.

Predators in Action: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the park’s numerous hyenas hunting across the savannah.

Rare Species: Lesser kudu, fringe eared oryx, gerenuk and the endangered hirola, which lives in Tsavo East in small numbers.

Water Dwellers: Hippos and crocodiles visible from underwater viewing chambers at Mzima Springs, plus various fish species in crystal-clear waters.

Diverse Wildlife: Large populations of zebras, giraffes, waterbuck, dik-dik, and various antelope species adapted to the semi-arid environment.

Historical Sites: World War I battlefields, the infamous “Man-Eaters of Tsavo” railway bridge site, and ancient archaeological sites.

Geological Wonders: The Yatta Plateau, the Shetani Lava Flow, Mudanda Rock and the Chyulu Hills. On clear days, parts of Tsavo West look out to Mount Kilimanjaro.

"In Tsavo, dawn arrives slowly. Red elephants walk out of the haze, the plains go gold and quiet, and the only plan for the morning is to see what the land decides to show you."

Accommodation in the Tsavo National Park

Here are some of Tsavo National Park multiple accommodation facilities

Luxury Lodges and Camps
  • Satao Camp (Tsavo East)
  • Severin Safari Camp (Tsavo West)
  • Finch Hattons (Tsavo West)
Mid Range Lodges and Camps
  • Manyatta Camp (Voi, tents with private plunge pools)
  • Salt Lick Safari Lodge (Taita Hills Sanctuary)
  • Taita Hills Safari Resort and Spa (Taita Hills Sanctuary)
Affordable Lodges and Camps
  • Sentrim Tsavo (inside Tsavo East)
  • Voi Wildlife Lodge (Voi Gate)
  • Man Eaters Camp (Tsavo River)
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)
  • Self catering bandas
  • Public campsites

Key features that typically differentiate the categories:

  • Luxury: High-end amenities, excellent guiding, gourmet dining
  • Mid-range: Comfortable accommodation with good amenities and reliable service
  • Budget-friendly: Basic but comfortable amenities, shared game drives
  • Mobile camping: Various levels of comfort, more adventurous experience
  • Conservancy lodges: More exclusive game viewing, fewer vehicles
  • Community-owned: More authentic cultural experiences, direct community benefits
tsavo national park hotels

Popular Tsavo Safari Packages

The Best Tsavo Safari Packages
Classic Road Safari
3 Days, 2 Nights
Tsavo

Perfect for groups or families, this immersive journey includes scenic drives from Nairobi, game viewing in both Tsavo East and West, and cozy lodge stays with bush dinners under the stars.

SGR Travel Packages - 3 Days 2 Nights
SGR Rail Safari Experience
3 days 2 nights
Tsavo

Hop aboard the SGR for a smooth, scenic ride to Tsavo, where Baecation guides meet guests at the station for seamless transfers, game drives, and lodge check-ins – maximum relaxation and minimal travel stress

Flying Safaris Amboseli
Flying Luxury Safari
3 days
Tsavo

Ideal for high-end travellers or honeymooners, this package includes scheduled or charter flights to Tsavo West, premium tented camps, and exclusive game drives with personalised service and panoramic aerial views of Tsavo’s wild terrain.

The Best Tsavo Safari Packages with Baecation Adventures Kenya
Big Five Safari Adventure
3 Days 2 Nights
Taita-Taveta

Focused on tracking Tsavo’s legendary Big Five—including the red elephants and maneless lions—this safari is a photographer’s dream and a storyteller’s treasure trove

How much is entry to Mombasa Marine Park
Bush & Beach Combo Safari
5 Days 4 Nights
Tsavo, Mombasa, Diani

Combine Tsavo’s rugged wilderness with coastal bliss in Diani or Mombasa, offering clients a dual experience of game drives and oceanfront relaxation

desert wildlife tours in kenya
Multi-Park Circuit Safari
10 Days 9 Nights
Tsavo, Nakuru, Naivasha, Mara

For adventurous travellers, this extended safari links Tsavo’s red elephants with the rhino sanctuary of Lake Nakuru National Park, the calm waters of Lake Naivasha and the open plains of the Masai Mara, offering diverse landscapes and wildlife in one seamless itinerary.

Add-ons

Add something extra to your Tsavo tour.

Tsavo West Day Trip to Mzima Springs and the Shetani Lava Flow

Charged per person

Price on request

Bush Sundowner

Charged per person

Price on request

Night Game Drive (where permitted)

Charged per drive

Price on request

Taita Cultural Visit

Charged per person

Price on request

Premium Class SGR Upgrade

Charged per person

Price on request

Spa Treatment at Taita Hills

Charged per treatment

Price on request

Photographer

Charged per day

$50

Vehicle Upgrade

Visit Bamm Tours for options

depends on vehicle

Accommodation Upgrade

Depends on lodge

depends on lodge

Why book a Tsavo National Park Safari in Kenya?

With Baecation Adventures Kenya leading the way, a Tsavo Safari isn’t just a trip, it’s a transformational experience

Unmatched Wildlife Encounters

Experience the thrill of spotting the Big Five—including Tsavo’s famous red elephants—in their natural habitat, guided by experts who bring every sighting to life with rich storytelling.

Natural Wonders

Explore Tsavo’s breathtaking terrain, from volcanic lava flows to lush springs and endless savannahs, all woven into a seamless journey of visual and emotional discovery

Cultural & Historical Depth

Immerse yourself in Tsavo’s legendary past, where tales of man-eating lions and Swahili heritage are shared through curated experiences that connect you to the soul of the land.

Expert-Led, Engaging Safari

Enjoy personalised game drives led by passionate storytellers who transform each moment into a narrative of resilience, wonder, and deep connection with nature.

Tailored Luxury & Comfort

Relax in handpicked lodges and tented camps that blend wild adventure with elegant comfort, offering bush breakfasts, starlit dinners, and unforgettable views.

Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Delight in over 500 bird species, from vibrant rollers to majestic eagles, as Baecation’s guides help you uncover the hidden beauty of Tsavo’s skies and treetops

Redefining Kenyan tourism with exceptional service delivery

Expert Guides

Our knowledgeable guides provide insightful and engaging tours, ensuring an enriching and unforgettable experience for every adventurer.

Custom Tours

Tailor-made tours and safaris crafted to match your interests, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable Kenyan adventure.

Wide Range

Choose from numerous tours and safaris, from exhilarating sports like cycling and skydiving to rich cultural expeditions like bullfighting.

Add-on Services

Enhance your adventure with our add-on services, including a translator, professional photographer, and convenient vehicle hire options.

Book This Package

Step 1 of 3
Session matters because most activities run in slots.
minimum ages vary by activity

Reach out:

For enquiries or bookings, write to [email protected]. We’ll revert within 20 minutes during business hours.

Tsavo National Park FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tsavo National Park

Tsavo is located in southeastern Kenya, divided into East and West by the Nairobi-Mombasa highway and railway. It’s Kenya’s largest national park, covering about 4% of the country’s total area.

The best time is during the dry seasons (June to October and January to February) when wildlife congregates around water sources and visibility is excellent.

Tsavo’s elephants are famous for their reddish appearance, caused by rolling in the park’s distinctive red oxide soil.

Yes, most travelers to Kenya require a tourist visa. You can obtain an eVisa online before your trip, or a visa upon arrival, depending on your nationality.

Yes, Tsavo is a well-managed national park with established safety protocols and experienced guides.

Tsavo National Park is Kenya’s largest protected area, home to diverse wildlife, unique geological features, and historical sites including World War I battlefields.

Adults pay KES 1,000 as East African citizens, KES 1,350 as Kenya residents, USD 40 as African citizens and USD 80 as non residents, for each 24 hours. Children pay half.

Yes, children can go on safaris in Tsavo.Many lodges offer family-friendly accommodations and activities.

Basic mobile coverage exists near lodges and main areas, but can be spotty in remote locations.

Yes, Tsavo is in a malaria zone. Preventive medication and insect protection are recommended.

3-4 days minimum is recommended to explore both Tsavo East and West.

Game drives, guided walks where permitted, Mzima Springs, the Shetani Lava Flow, the Tsavo River bridge story and birdwatching.

In Tsavo, you’ll find various accommodation options including luxury lodges, tented camps, and budget-friendly hotels. Notable properties include Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge, and Voi Wildlife Lodge.

Satao Camp and Severin Safari Camp for luxury, Manyatta Camp and Salt Lick for mid range, and Sentrim Tsavo and Voi Wildlife Lodge for value.

The Madaraka Express from Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau reaches Voi in about four hours on the 8:00am train. By road, Voi is about 330 km and five to six hours away. Tsavo West also has scheduled flights from Wilson Airport.

In Tsavo, you can spot the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos), plus giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and over 500 bird species. The park is especially famous for its red elephants and large lion prides.

In Tsavo, first-time safari visitors are well-catered for with professional guides, established lodges, and abundant wildlife. The park offers both luxury and budget options to suit different preferences.

In Tsavo, essential items include neutral-colored clothing, sunscreen, hat, binoculars, camera, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and light jackets for early morning game drives.

In Tsavo, self-driving is permitted but a 4×4 vehicle is recommended. Maps are available at the park gates, and it’s advisable to inform rangers of your planned route. You can also hire a vehicle and drive yourself from our sister company, Bamm Tours.

In Tsavo, the climate is generally hot and semi-arid. Daytime temperatures average 27-31°C (80-88°F), while nights are cooler. The park experiences two rainy seasons: March-May and November-December.

About 330 km to Voi by road, or about four hours by SGR to Voi station.

In Tsavo, the best wildlife viewing is during the dry seasons (June to October and January to February) when animals gather around water sources and vegetation is less dense.

Yes. KWS bandas and campsites are the cheapest option. Sentrim Tsavo, Voi Wildlife Lodge and Man Eaters Camp are good value lodges and camps.

Yellow fever requirements depend on where you are travelling from, so check current Ministry of Health guidance before your trip. Tsavo is a malaria area, so speak to your doctor about prevention.

In Tsavo, wear neutral colors (avoid bright colors and black), light layers, long sleeves and pants, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat for sun protection.

In Tsavo, you can visit local communities, experience traditional dances, learn about Taita and Kamba cultures, and visit historical sites like the World War I battlefields.

Night drives run only where KWS and the lodge permit them. When available, they can reveal genets, bush babies, hyenas and hunting predators. Ask us to confirm for your dates.

We do not currently offer balloon flights in Tsavo. For a balloon safari, look at our Masai Mara and Amboseli packages.

All five live here. Black rhinos are in the Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary and are rarely seen, and leopards are shy, so we never guarantee either.

Tsavo became a national park in 1948 and was later divided into East and West. Its story includes the man eating lions of 1898, World War I fighting in the Taita Hills, and one of Africa’s great elephant recoveries.

In Tsavo, the main languages are Swahili and English, while local communities speak Taita and Kamba. Most safari guides and lodge staff are fluent in English.

In Tsavo, early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Professional guides know the best spots and animal patterns.

In Tsavo, you can visit during rainy seasons (March-May and November-December), but some roads may be impassable and wildlife harder to spot due to thick vegetation.

In Tsavo, the landscape varies from semi-arid plains and volcanic hills to rivers, springs, and wooded grasslands. Tsavo East is flatter while Tsavo West is more mountainous.

In Tsavo, walking safaris are permitted in designated areas with armed rangers and professional guides, offering a unique perspective of the wilderness.

In Tsavo, the main rivers are the Galana, Tsavo, and Athi Rivers, which provide essential water sources for wildlife and create diverse ecosystems along their banks.

In Tsavo, scenic flights and charter planes offer aerial views of the vast landscape. Several airstrips serve the park, making fly-in safaris possible.

In Tsavo, many lodges cater to families with special activities, family rooms, swimming pools, and child-friendly menus. Game drives can be adjusted to suit children’s needs.

In Tsavo, budget options include public campsites, self-drive safaris, and affordable lodges. The park is generally less expensive than other Kenyan safari destinations.

In Tsavo, you can spot diverse wildlife including lesser kudu, gerenuk, oryx, waterbuck, various monkey species, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species along with numerous smaller mammals.

Yes. Sentrim Tsavo has a pool, and every tent at Manyatta Camp has its own private plunge pool.

In Tsavo, 4×4 vehicles are essential for game drives and getting around. Most visitors use tour operator vehicles or hire guides, though self-drive is possible with proper planning.

For your Tsavo adventure, book directly through Baecation Adventures to experience this magnificent park. We handle all the arrangements for your safari, ensuring a seamless journey through Kenya’s largest national park. Contact us to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons, and let us create your perfect Tsavo experience.