Tsavo National Park – The Wild Heart of Kenya

Location: Southeastern Kenya, between Nairobi and Mombasa
Total Size: ~22,000 km² (one of the largest parks in Africa)
Sections:

• Tsavo East National Park
• Tsavo West National Park

Access:

• From Mombasa/Diani: 4–5 hours by road
• From Nairobi: 6–7 hours by road
• Airstrips available for charter flights

Landscape:

• Tsavo East: Open savannah, rivers, and plains
• Tsavo West: Hills, volcanic lava flows, springs, and dense vegetation

Wildlife:

• Big Five: Elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino (mainly Tsavo West)
• Other animals: Cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodile
• Over 500 bird species

Best Time to Visit:

• June – October (best for wildlife viewing)
• January – February (short dry season)
• Accommodation in Tsavo National Park

Luxury Lodges

• Salt Lick Safari Lodge (Taita Hills area)
• Unique lodge on stilts overlooking a waterhole
• Excellent for close-up wildlife viewing
• Finch Hattons Luxury Camp (Tsavo West)
• High-end tented camp with natural springs
• Spa, fine dining, and premium safari experience
• Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge (Tsavo West)
• Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro
• Waterhole attracts animals year-round

Mid-Range Lodges

• Ngulia Safari Lodge (Tsavo West)
• Located near rhino sanctuary
• Famous for leopard sightings
• Voi Safari Lodge (Tsavo East)
• Overlooks a waterhole
• Great for viewing elephants
• Ashnil Aruba Lodge (Tsavo East)
• Near Aruba Dam
• Modern comfort with excellent wildlife access

Budget Camps & Options

• Public campsites inside the park
• Bandas (basic park accommodations)
• Affordable tented camps near park gates

Ideal for backpackers and budget travelers

Accommodation Tips

• Stay 1 night Tsavo East + 1 night Tsavo West for a full experience
• Book lodges with waterholes for better wildlife viewing
• Combine with Diani Beach stay for a beach + safari package