Tsavo East and West Safaris

Tsavo East and West Safaris | Kenya Safari Packages - Wildbud Safaris

Tsavo East & Tsavo West Safaris – Explore Kenya’s Largest National Park

Why Choose a Tsavo Safari?

A Tsavo East and West Safari takes you deep into one of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa, covering over 22,000 km². Known for its vast landscapes, iconic red-dust elephants, man-eating lion history, and diverse wildlife, Tsavo offers a raw, authentic safari experience.

Conveniently located between Nairobi and Mombasa, Tsavo is perfect for short safaris, family adventures, or part of a Kenya–Tanzania combined safari.

 Whether you’re looking for a 2-day Tsavo safari from Mombasa or a 5-day Tsavo luxury safari, Wildbuds Safaris has tailored packages for every traveler.

Highlights of Tsavo East & West Safaris

Tsavo East and Tsavo West offer a safari experience that’s raw, authentic, and less crowded than the Masai Mara or Amboseli.
Here’s why Tsavo stands out:

The Red Elephants of Tsavo

The Red Elephants of Tsavo – massive herds coated in red dust.

Big 5 Safaris

Big 5 Safaris – elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes.

Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Birdwatcher’s Paradise – over 500 bird species recorded.

Mzima Springs

Mzima Springs – crystal-clear pools home to hippos and crocodiles.

Lava Flows & Volcanic Landscapes

Lava Flows & Volcanic Landscapes – Shetani lava flow and Chyulu Hills.

Historic Legends

Historic Legends – the man-eating lions of Tsavo railway story.

Our Top Tsavo Safari Packages

We offer tailored Tsavo safari itineraries to match your time, interests, and travel style.

13 Days Beach and Safari plan

13 Days 12 Nights

Kenya Wellness, Wildlife, & Coastal Retreat

8 Days 7 Nights
kenya safari

East African Odyssey

9 Days 8 Nights

8 Days Kenya’s Wild Symphony

8 Days 7 Nights

4-Day Tsavo Safari with Amboseli Extension

  • Day 1: Tsavo East safari drive.

  • Day 2: Tsavo West safari highlights.

  • Day 3: Amboseli – elephants with Kilimanjaro views.

  • Day 4: Return via Nairobi/Mombasa.

2-Day Tsavo East Safari (from Mombasa/Diani)

  • Day 1: Drive to Tsavo East → Afternoon game drive.

  • Day 2: Sunrise safari → Return to Mombasa.

3-Day Tsavo East & West Safari (from Nairobi or Mombasa/Diani)

  • Day 1: Nairobi/Mombasa → Tsavo East game drive.

  • Day 2: Tsavo West safari → Visit Mzima Springs.

  • Day 3: Morning game drive → Return.

Tsavo East vs Tsavo West – Which is Best for You?

FeatureTsavo EastTsavo West
LandscapeFlat, open plains with sparse vegetationHilly, volcanic scenery with lush springs
Wildlife DensityHigh – easier to spot elephants, lionsMedium – wildlife among dramatic landscapes
Key HighlightsGalana River, Lugard Falls, red elephantsMzima Springs, Shetani Lava, rhino sanctuary
Best ForFirst-time safaris, photographersUnique landscapes, geology, rhino sightings

Best Time to Visit Tsavo

  • June to October (Dry Season): Best for game viewing, easy access, fewer mosquitoes.

  • January to February: Another great dry season window.

  • March to May (Long Rains): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, but some roads muddy.

  • November to December (Short Rains): Excellent birdwatching, dramatic skies.

Safari Lodges & Camps in Tsavo

We handpick accommodations for every style:

  • Luxury Tsavo Safaris: Finch Hattons, Kilaguni Serena Lodge.

  • Mid-Range Lodges: Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Voi Safari Lodge.

  • Budget Options: Tsavo Safari Camp, Manyatta Camp.

All lodges offer game-viewing proximity, comfort, and safety.

What to Expect on a Tsavo Safari

Tsavo East Highlights:

 Vast open plains ideal for spotting elephants, lions, cheetahs, and buffalo
 Famous red-dusted elephants bathing in the Galana River
 Aruba Dam – wildlife hotspot during dry season
 Lugard Falls and Yatta Plateau (world’s longest lava flow)

Tsavo West Highlights:

 Stunning landscapes with rolling hills, volcanic cones, and lava flows
Mzima Springs – crystal clear pools with hippos and underwater viewing chamber
Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary – chance to see endangered black rhinos
 Shetani Lava Flow – impressive recent volcanic history

Tsavo Safaris from Nairobi or Mombasa

From Nairobi:

  • Tsavo West entrance (Mtito Andei Gate) is ~5-6 hours by road

  • Fly-in safaris available from Wilson Airport

From Mombasa:

  • Tsavo East entrance (Bachuma Gate) is ~2-3 hours by road

  • Ideal for short coastal safaris

Getting to Tsavo East & West

  • By Road: 3–4 hours from Nairobi, 2–3 hours from Mombasa/Diani Beach.

  • By Air: Scheduled flights to airstrips like Voi, Aruba, and Finch Hattons.

  • Extensions: Easy connections to Amboseli, Masai Mara, or Tanzania’s Serengeti.

Ready to explore the wild heart of Kenya? Let our safari specialists craft your dream Tsavo East and West safari for unforgettable wildlife encounters, unique landscapes, and seamless planning.

Frequently Asked Questions – Tsavo East and West Safaris

Both parks are unique: Tsavo East is vast and open (great for elephants), while Tsavo West is scenic with volcanic landscapes and Mzima Springs. A combined safari is the best way to experience both.

 

A 2–3 day safari is perfect for Tsavo East & West, but combining with Amboseli or Masai Mara makes for a richer experience.

 

You’ll see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species.

 

 

Yes! Tsavo is the closest safari park to Mombasa and perfect for short safaris from the coast.

 

 

Absolutely! With family lodges, kid-friendly guides, and shorter game drives, Tsavo works well for family safaris.

 

 

Yes, Tsavo is a well-managed park with safe lodges and guided tours. Travel with a licensed operator for peace of mind.

 

 

Yes, Tsavo is a well-managed park with safe lodges and guided tours. Travel with a licensed operator for peace of mind.

 

 

Dry season (July–October, Jan–Feb) offers dramatic scenery and clear game-viewing.

 

 

Yes, Wildbuds offers combined Kenya–Tanzania safari packages where you can connect Tsavo with Serengeti or Ngorongoro.