In southeastern Kenya, between Nairobi and Mombasa. It’s split into Tsavo East and Tsavo West by the Nairobi to Mombasa highway and railway.

Tsavo East is flatter and more open, with the Galana River, Lugard Falls and big elephant herds. Tsavo West is hillier and greener, with Mzima Springs, the Shetani Lava Flow and the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.

Drive on Mombasa Road to Mtito Andei Gate (about 4 to 5 hours) or Voi Gate (about 5 to 6 hours), take the SGR train to Mtito Andei or Voi, or fly from Wilson Airport in about an hour.

The dry seasons, from June to October and January to February, are best for wildlife. The parks are open all year.

Yes. March to May and November are green and quiet with lower rates, though some roads can get muddy and wildlife is more spread out.

Non-resident adults pay about $80 and children about $40 per day. Fees are set by the Kenya Wildlife Service, so check the latest rates before you travel.

They dust and bathe in Tsavo’s red volcanic soil, which coats their skin in a rusty colour.

Yes. Elephants, lions and buffaloes are common, leopards are seen with luck and black rhinos live in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in Tsavo West.

Elephants, maneless lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, black rhinos, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, lesser kudu, fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk and over 500 bird species.

Two maneless lions that killed railway workers building the Tsavo River bridge in 1898, before they were shot by Lieutenant Colonel John Patterson.

Two to three days lets you explore one park well. Allow four or more days to see both Tsavo East and West.

Game drives, Mzima Springs, the Shetani Lava Flow, bird watching, cultural visits, historical sites and, in nearby sanctuaries, walks and night drives.

Not inside the national parks, but you can in nearby private sanctuaries, such as Lumo and Taita Hills.

Yes, in designated areas with an armed ranger or guide, such as the Shetani Lava Flow, Mzima Springs and nearby sanctuaries.

Balloon flights aren’t regularly offered in Tsavo. For a balloon safari, the Maasai Mara is the best choice.

Options range from luxury camps like Finch Hattons and Galdessa to lodges like Kilaguni Serena, Voi Wildlife Lodge and Ngulia Safari Lodge, plus KWS bandas and campsites.

Yes. KWS bandas and campsites, and simple hotels in Voi and Mtito Andei, keep costs down. Group road safaris are also great value.

Yes. Many lodges, including Kilaguni Serena, Voi Wildlife Lodge and Finch Hattons, have pools, which are welcome in Tsavo’s heat.

Yes. A 4×4 is recommended, as distances are long and some roads are rough. You can hire one from Bamm Tours.

Yes. Tsavo is generally safe for visitors on a planned safari. Follow your guide’s and the rangers’ instructions and only leave your vehicle at designated points.

Yes. It’s easy to reach, has plenty of wildlife and combines well with a beach holiday. See our family safaris.

Yes. Tsavo is about 2 to 3 hours from Mombasa, so it’s perfect for a bush and beach trip with Diani or Mombasa.

Yes. Tsavo West borders the Chyulu Hills, and Amboseli is a few hours’ drive away. See our Amboseli safaris.

Hot and dry for much of the year, with daytime temperatures often between 27 and 33°C. The long rains fall from March to May and the short rains in November and December.

Light, neutral-coloured clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens and plenty of water.

Yes. Malaria is present, so speak to your doctor about antimalarials, use insect repellent and sleep under a mosquito net.

Speak to a travel clinic before you go. Yellow fever proof may be required if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk.

There’s coverage near the main roads, towns and many lodges, but it can be patchy in remote areas.

Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before travel. Check the official Kenya eTA website for your nationality.

Local communities speak Taita, Kamba and Swahili, and guides and lodge staff also speak English.

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