"Collectively Kenya’s largest protected area, Tsavo West and East also support Kenya’s largest elephant population and form an important stronghold for the rest of the Big Five. Game viewing tends to be slower than in the likes of the Masaai Mara and Amboseli, but this vast tract of semi-arid wilderness possesses a more remote and untrammelled feel than most safari destinations. ”
- Philip Briggs
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PLAN MY JOURNEYTsavo West & East National Parks
Split by the busy Nairobi–Mombasa highway, Tsavo West and East both feel very remote and undeveloped away from this one main road. This isn’t so surprising when you consider that the two parks extend over a contiguous of 21,812km2 – an area larger than Wales, or than South Africa’s legendary Kruger Park – and that their light scattering of medium-sized lodges and small bush camps attract a relatively low volume of tourists.
The two parks are strikingly different in character. Tsavo West protects a volcanic landscape of jagged black outcrops and solidified lava flows punctuated by Mzima Springs, whose crystal clear pools are fed by subterranean streams that rise on Kilimanjaro – the latter often visible on the horizon at dusk and dawn. By contrast, Tsavo East is dominated by sparsely-vegetated and relatively arid red-earth plains alleviated by the perennial waters of the Galana, Kenya’s second-longest river.
When it comes to snap-and-move-on game-viewing, Tsavo doesn’t match up to Kenya’s finest. But the park is renowned for its prolific elephant population, which now tops the 12,000 mark. Lion and buffalo are quite commonly observed on both sides of the highway, while leopard are characteristically secretive throughout. The open plains of Tsavo East are a good place to look for cheetah and localised dry-country antelope such as fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk, while Tsavo West’s well-guarded Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary is the main stronghold for the park’s estimated 100-odd black rhinos.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
Migratory birds will also be present, offering excellent bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Tsavo West & East National Parks generally have consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (from 171 to 1,677m or 561 to 5,502ft) moderate these to an average of maximum daytime temperatures between 25°C/88°F and 33°C/91°F. Temperates at times can, however, exceed this, peaks of over 40°C/104°F are possible before the beginning of the rains ‘long rains’. Mornings can, however, be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and December.
Tsavo West & East National Parks are seasonal parks, with excellent game viewing opportunities in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Ideally it this, therefore, best to visit during the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
Migratory birds will also be present, offering excellent bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Tsavo West & East National Parks generally have consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (from 171 to 1,677m or 561 to 5,502ft) moderate these to an average of maximum daytime temperatures between 25°C/88°F and 33°C/91°F. Temperates at times can, however, exceed this, peaks of over 40°C/104°F are possible before the beginning of the rains ‘long rains’. Mornings can, however, be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and December.
Tsavo West & East National Parks are seasonal parks, with excellent game viewing opportunities in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Ideally it this, therefore, best to visit during the height of the dry season.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot.
Its location so close to the equator means that Tsavo West & East National Parks generally have consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (from 171 to 1,677m or 561 to 5,502ft) moderate these to an average of maximum daytime temperatures between 25°C/88°F and 33°C/91°F. Temperates at times can, however, exceed this, peaks of over 40°C/104°F are possible before the beginning of the rains ‘long rains’. Mornings can, however, be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and December.
Tsavo West & East National Parks are seasonal parks, with excellent game viewing opportunities in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Ideally it this, therefore, best to visit during the height of the dry season.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot.
Its location so close to the equator means that Tsavo West & East National Parks generally have consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (from 171 to 1,677m or 561 to 5,502ft) moderate these to an average of maximum daytime temperatures between 25°C/88°F and 33°C/91°F. Temperates at times can, however, exceed this, peaks of over 40°C/104°F are possible before the beginning of the rains ‘long rains’. Mornings can, however, be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and December.
Tsavo West & East National Parks are seasonal parks, with excellent game viewing opportunities in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Ideally it this, therefore, best to visit during the height of the dry season.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot.
Its location so close to the equator means that Tsavo West & East National Parks generally have consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (from 171 to 1,677m or 561 to 5,502ft) moderate these to an average of maximum daytime temperatures between 25°C/88°F and 33°C/91°F. Temperates at times can, however, exceed this, peaks of over 40°C/104°F are possible before the beginning of the rains ‘long rains’. Mornings can, however, be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and December.
Tsavo West & East National Parks are seasonal parks, with excellent game viewing opportunities in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Ideally it this, therefore, best to visit during the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Also, one of the cooler periods, which makes midday temperatures a little more pleasant.
As the land begins to dry up the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, making it that bit easier to spot!
Its location so close to the equator means that Tsavo West & East National Parks generally have consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (from 171 to 1,677m or 561 to 5,502ft) moderate these to an average of maximum daytime temperatures between 25°C/88°F and 33°C/91°F. Temperates at times can, however, exceed this, peaks of over 40°C/104°F are possible before the beginning of the rains ‘long rains’. Mornings can, however, be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and December.
Tsavo West & East National Parks are seasonal parks, with excellent game viewing opportunities in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Ideally it this, therefore, best to visit during the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Also, one of the cooler periods, which makes midday temperatures a little more pleasant.
As the land begins to dry up the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, making it that bit easier to spot!
Its location so close to the equator means that Tsavo West & East National Parks generally have consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (from 171 to 1,677m or 561 to 5,502ft) moderate these to an average of maximum daytime temperatures between 25°C/88°F and 33°C/91°F. Temperates at times can, however, exceed this, peaks of over 40°C/104°F are possible before the beginning of the rains ‘long rains’. Mornings can, however, be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and December.
Tsavo West & East National Parks are seasonal parks, with excellent game viewing opportunities in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Ideally it this, therefore, best to visit during the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Temperatures will be on the rise until the ‘short rains’ arrive in October.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Tsavo West & East National Parks generally have consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (from 171 to 1,677m or 561 to 5,502ft) moderate these to an average of maximum daytime temperatures between 25°C/88°F and 33°C/91°F. Temperates at times can, however, exceed this, peaks of over 40°C/104°F are possible before the beginning of the rains ‘long rains’. Mornings can, however, be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and December.
Tsavo West & East National Parks are seasonal parks, with excellent game viewing opportunities in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Ideally it this, therefore, best to visit during the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Temperatures will be on the rise until the ‘short rains’ arrive in October.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Tsavo West & East National Parks generally have consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (from 171 to 1,677m or 561 to 5,502ft) moderate these to an average of maximum daytime temperatures between 25°C/88°F and 33°C/91°F. Temperates at times can, however, exceed this, peaks of over 40°C/104°F are possible before the beginning of the rains ‘long rains’. Mornings can, however, be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and December.
Tsavo West & East National Parks are seasonal parks, with excellent game viewing opportunities in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Ideally it this, therefore, best to visit during the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Temperatures will be on the rise until the ‘short rains’ arrive in October.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Tsavo West & East National Parks generally have consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (from 171 to 1,677m or 561 to 5,502ft) moderate these to an average of maximum daytime temperatures between 25°C/88°F and 33°C/91°F. Temperates at times can, however, exceed this, peaks of over 40°C/104°F are possible before the beginning of the rains ‘long rains’. Mornings can, however, be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and December.
Tsavo West & East National Parks are seasonal parks, with excellent game viewing opportunities in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Ideally it this, therefore, best to visit during the height of the dry season.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
A rather unpredictable time of the year with heavy showers or thunderstorms, but usually with sunshine in between. The vegetation will become thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier.
Migratory birds will start arriving, offering potentially great bird watching opportunities.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Tsavo West & East National Parks generally have consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (from 171 to 1,677m or 561 to 5,502ft) moderate these to an average of maximum daytime temperatures between 25°C/88°F and 33°C/91°F. Temperates at times can, however, exceed this, peaks of over 40°C/104°F are possible before the beginning of the rains ‘long rains’. Mornings can, however, be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and December.
Tsavo West & East National Parks are seasonal parks, with excellent game viewing opportunities in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Ideally it this, therefore, best to visit during the height of the dry season.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
A rather unpredictable time of the year with heavy showers or thunderstorms, but usually with sunshine in between. The vegetation will become thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier.
Migratory birds will start arriving, offering potentially great bird watching opportunities.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Tsavo West & East National Parks generally have consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (from 171 to 1,677m or 561 to 5,502ft) moderate these to an average of maximum daytime temperatures between 25°C/88°F and 33°C/91°F. Temperates at times can, however, exceed this, peaks of over 40°C/104°F are possible before the beginning of the rains ‘long rains’. Mornings can, however, be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and December.
Tsavo West & East National Parks are seasonal parks, with excellent game viewing opportunities in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Ideally it this, therefore, best to visit during the height of the dry season.
Explore Tsavo West & East National Parks Properties
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Finch Hattons Lodge
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