Tsavo National Park is a world-renowned and largest national park in Kenya. The park is located in the Coast Province. It covers an area of about 22,000 sq km and has an altitude range from sea level to 1,590 m above sea level.

Tsavo East and West are two main sections of this national park where you can explore different animals, birds, and trees. The most famous thing about Tsavo National Park is its wildlife and size, the largest national park in Kenya. Learn more about the infamous National Park in Kenya below:

Location of the Park

Those planning their safari trip for the first time often want to be sure of the Amboseli national park location. As a result, inquiry such as Amboseli national park is in which county often arise. Well, the park lies approximately 200 kilometers west of Nairobi city and is located in Kajiado County, Kenya. It borders Tanzania and is located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s accessible by both road and air. The park’s majestic landscape is situated within 392 square kilometers of protected wilderness.

Tsavo National Park is in southeastern Kenya, near the town of Voi. It’s about a three-hour drive from Mombasa and can be accessed by car or public transport.

The park is situated in the semi-arid areas of Kenya, formally called Taru Desert. It is southwest of Mount Kilimanjaro and west of Mount Kenya. Tsavo East is also within this park.

Why is Tsavo popular?

Tsavo National Park is famous for its large landscapes, herds of elephants, and man-eating lions. The park covers an area of over 13,747 square kilometers and is one of the largest sanctuaries in the world. It’s home to over 35 different species of mammals, including elephants, buffalos, leopards, lions, and cheetahs.

The park’s amazing accommodations make it a popular destination for local and foreign tourists. Besides offering a wealth of wildlife and biodiversity, it also has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Kenya.

Its vast plains are covered with tall grasses that provide food for wildebeest during the dry season. Several rivers flow through Tsavo National Park, including the Tsavo River, which is considered one of the best places for bird watching in Kenya.

Tsavo East can be accessed through the Manyani Gate or Voi Gate. The Buchuma Gate is best for accessing Tsavo West. The Sala Gate is good for accessing both parks.

Difference between Tsavo East and West National Park

Tsavo East and West National Parks are in Kenya, the country’s largest national parks. The parks are separated by a narrow strip of land only 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) wide at its narrowest point.

The two parks have their differences, but they also share some similarities: both are known for their wildlife, as well as their beautiful scenery and impressive rock formations (including the famous Tsavo Rock).

Tsavo East National Park is larger than Tsavo East National Park by about 10 percent—it covers an area of 13,747 square kilometers, while Tsavo West National Park covers 9,065 square kilometers. While this might seem like little difference, it makes a big difference when trying to find a place to stay.

The western side of Tsavo has fewer accommodations and campsites available than the eastern side; however, plenty is still available from which to choose. The western side also has better rock climbing options than the eastern side.

Tsavo East Features

Tsavo East is the eastern part of Tsavo, a national park in Kenya. The area is generally flat and dry, with the Galana River flowing through it. It also includes the Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls.

Lugard Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Kenya, falling over 70 feet into a gorge below.

Tsavo West Features

Tsavo West National Park is a protected area in southeastern Kenya famous for its large population of elephants. The park is larger than its counterpart, with more mountainous terrain and rainfall. It is also home to Lake Jipe and the Mzima Springs, both underwater deltas that attract a variety of bird life.

The park is famous for its large mammals, such as the black rhino, Cape buffalo, elephant, leopard, hippopotamus, and Masai lion. Other smaller animals can be spotted in the park, such as the bush baby, hartebeest, lesser kudu, and Maasai giraffe.

Accommodation at Tsavo National Park

There are multiple amazing Tsavo hotels for tourists at the National Park. Some available options for Tsavo national park tours include:

  • Satao Camp: This unfenced camp lies at the heart of Tsavo East national park in Kenya. The Tsavo East national park hotels offer a unique and authentic safari experience.
  • Lions Bluff Lodge: This luxury eco-lodge lies within 48,000 acres at the Lumo Conservancy Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Leopards Lair Cottages: This lies on the same hill as Lions Bluff. It offers an exciting wilderness escape plus an inequivalent safari experience. 
  • Saltlick Safari Lodge: This is the World’s infamous Most Photographed Lodges situated at the heart of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Voi Wildlife Lodge: The lodge is situated at the boundary of the home of elephants of Tsavo East National Park, which is a 5 minutes drive from Tsavo East airstrip.
  • Severin Safari Camp: This is located in the largest park in East Africa, the Tsavo national park, which is 250 km from Nairobi and Mombasa.
  • Voyager Ziwani Camp: Get to experience the magnificent view of Mt. Kilimanjaro with easy access to wildlife attractions at this camp.
  • Sagala Lodge: This is located 2 kilometers off the Mombasa highway between Tsavo East and Tsavo West game park.
  • Ashnil Aruba Lodge: This is located in Tsavo East National Park, one of the country’s oldest parks.
  • Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp: Get to experience the thrilling views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Chyulu Hills from this camp.
  • Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge: This hails as one of the first lodges built in the park, with a thrilling view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. 

Charges at the Park

Many factors impact Tsavo National Park  safari prices. For example, there is a park entry fee for all visitors to the national park. The Tsavo National Park entry fee mainly depend on the status of the visitors.

Category

Citizens (Kshs)

Residents (Kshs)

Non-Residents (US$)

Adult

515

1,030

52

Children

215

515

35

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Tsavo National Park famous for?

Tsavo National Park is famous for its wildlife and wide range of accommodations. The park’s diverse ecosystem attracts a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, zebras, buffaloes and many other species.

What is the difference between Tsavo East and West?

The main difference between the two is that Tsavo West is more developed, with more campsites, lodges, and facilities than Tsavo East.

How many lions are in Tsavo?

According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), there are about 675 lions in Tsavo National Park—and that number is on the rise. A 2021 study by KWS found that the lion population in Tsavo had grown by almost 20% in just five years. This is from 545 lions in 2015 to 675 in 2021.

How do you get to Tsavo National Park?

You can fly into Mombasa’s Moi International Airport and make your way to Tsavo by bus, car, or airplane. The park is accessible by road from Nairobi and Kisii, as well as from Mombasa.

Where is Tsavo national park located?

Tsavo National Park is located in the southeast corner of Kenya, along the border with Tanzania.

Planning a visit to Tsavo National Park? Pega Tours can make the process easy for you. Contact us today and we will prepare a customized itinerary for you and your friends or family.