Tsavo East and Tsavo West: Kenya's Largest Parks, Red Elephants and Mzima Springs
Two huge parks in south-east Kenya, famous for red elephants and wide, dry bush.
Tsavo East and Tsavo West together form one of Africa's largest protected areas. Tsavo East is flatter and drier, with wide plains and the Galana River, while Tsavo West is hillier, with lava flows, rocky outcrops and the clear pools of Mzima Springs.
The elephants of Tsavo are known for their red colour, the result of dust baths in iron-rich soil. The parks are also linked to the story of the man-eating lions that disrupted railway construction in the 1890s. Tsavo is a natural stopover between Nairobi, Amboseli and the beaches near Mombasa.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Parks: Tsavo East and Tsavo West
- Famous for: Red elephants, Mzima Springs
- Landscape: Plains, lava, hills
- Combine with: Amboseli and the coast
Tsavo East
Tsavo East has open plains and the Lugard Falls on the Galana River. Large elephant herds and lions are the main attractions, and vehicles can cover long distances. The park is easy to reach from the coast.
Tsavo West
Tsavo West has dramatic scenery and Mzima Springs, where hippos and fish can sometimes be seen in clear water. The Shetani lava flow and rocky outcrops add variety. It lies near Amboseli.
Planning a Visit
Stay at least two nights to enjoy both areas. The dry season makes animals easier to see around waterholes. Many travellers combine Tsavo with Amboseli and Diani Beach, and our 15-day Kenya bush and coast holiday does exactly that.
Adding Kenya to a Uganda safari? Tell us your dates and we will build one itinerary with flights, transfers and lodges arranged for both countries.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Kenya Travel Guide: Location, Map, Facts, Safety and Top Attractions
- Diani Beach in Kenya: Beaches, Activities and Safari Add-On
- Mombasa and the Kenyan Coast: Old Town, Fort Jesus, Beaches and Swahili Culture
- Lake Nakuru National Park: Flamingos, Rhinos and Rift Valley Scenery
- Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate National Park: Boats, Cycling and Walking Safaris
- Samburu National Reserve and the Special Five: Northern Kenya's Dry-Country Wildlife
- Kenya Safari and Travel Guides: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu and the Coast
Ready to Plan Your Uganda Safari?
Tell us your dates, group size and interests and our Kampala team will reply with a clear, personal itinerary.
Back to the Ameera Africa Safaris homepage for Uganda tours, our featured tours and the latest Uganda park fees.