Africa · Kenya
Tsavo National Park
Kenya's largest national park — a vast red-dust wilderness with red elephants, Yatta Plateau lava flows, Mzima Springs, and legendary man-eating lion history.
About Tsavo National Park
Tsavo East and West together form Kenya's largest national park system, covering over 20,000 km² of dramatic semi-arid wilderness. The park is famed for its red elephants — coated in the region's characteristic rust-red volcanic soil — and its dramatic lava landscapes including the Yatta Plateau, the world's longest lava flow. Mzima Springs in Tsavo West is a remarkable sight: crystal-clear water bubbling from volcanic rock to support hippos, crocodiles, and abundant fish. The park's sheer size and remoteness offer a wilder, more rugged safari than Kenya's more famous reserves.
Highlights
- Red elephants coated in volcanic dust
- Mzima Springs hippo viewing
- Yatta Plateau — world's longest lava flow
- Lion and leopard sightings
- Lugard Falls on the Galana River
Best Time to Visit
June–September and January–February for the best game viewing and driest tracks through this vast park.
Weather & Seasons
Tsavo is hotter and drier than most Kenyan parks, sitting at lower altitude in the rain shadow of Kilimanjaro. Its semi-arid climate means the dry season is pronounced and wildlife viewing is excellent when game concentrates at water sources.
Dry Season
Jun – Oct
Clear skies, minimal rain, and excellent wildlife visibility. Peak season with the best game concentrations around water sources.
Short Dry Season
Jan – Feb
Warm and dry with very good wildlife viewing. Slightly fewer visitors than peak season.
Short Rains
Nov – Dec
Brief afternoon showers with lush green landscapes. Fewer tourists, excellent photographic light, and good birding.
Long Rains
Mar – May
Heavy rainfall makes some tracks impassable. Many camps close; great for birding and emerald-green landscapes.
Gallery
Tours and lodges for this destination are coming soon.