Tsavo National Park is Kenya’ s largest national park and one of the largest game reserves in the world. It is split into Tsavo West and Tsavo East, both of which have their own characteristics. In this article, we tell you all about safari in Tsavo National Park and what else you can do. We also give you a tip on unique accommodation in Tsavo.
Content of this blog:
Tsavo West or Tsavo East: which park should you choose for your safari?
If you want to go on safari in Tsavo you have a choice between two different parks. Tsavo is split into 2 different national parks: west and east. Tsavo West is known for its phenomenal volcanic landscapes making it a fantastic park for travelers who are lovers of rugged nature.
A safari in Tsavo East National Park is known for being able to spot more wildlife and this was the reason for us to go here. Tsavo is additionally known for the so-called red elephants. This is because there is a lot of red soil in the park, which sits on the skin of the elephants, giving them a red appearance. This is incredibly special to see and one of the reasons to visit Tsavo.
We did a safari in Tsavo East ourselves and would also recommend this to you if you only want to visit one of the two parks and would like to see lots of wildlife.
How do you arrange a safari in Tsavo National Park?
Whether you will be visiting Tsavo West or Tsavo East, it is easiest to arrange a safari in Tsavo through your accommodation. It is also wise to indicate in advance that you would like to share a jeep with others, in order to save costs and have a pleasant afternoon with other travelers. After all, a jeep and guide costs an average of $200.
How much does the entrance fee for Tsavo National Park cost?
As a foreigner, you pay $52 entrance fee for Tsavo National Park, both West and East. It is not a combination ticket, so you pay separately for each park, should you wish to visit both. You pay this directly at the gate. You can pay with your (credit) card so you do not necessarily need to bring cash dollars for this. At the Maasai Mara we do recommend to bring cash dollars.
What should you bring with you on Safari in Tsavo East National Park?
Going on safari in Tsavo East? Then prepare for red landscapes with red elephants, and dusty roads that take you right through the savannah. The sun burns brightly during the day, while early mornings can be surprisingly chilly. You’ll often spend hours in an open jeep, so smart packing is key.
Get ready for an impressive safari in Tsavo East:
- Light, breathable clothing
- Hat or cap for shade
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito spray
- Camera with zoom lens or phone with sufficient memory
- Binoculars (usually also present in the jeep)
- Warm sweater or fleece vest for the morning
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks and your own lunch
- For coffee lovers: your own portable coffee machine from Koffiemaatje
The most unusual accommodation in Tsavo
We spent 3 nights in an impressive accommodation in Tsavo. Namely, we were guests of host Serah who built a beautiful bubble. It feels incredibly special to literally fall asleep under the stars at night and wake up to the sun.
You have plenty of privacy in the bubble. Serah and her family live in the house nearby but don’t just come to the bubble. You also have your own kitchen and an outdoor shower, which is just really fantastic. We were so incredibly impressed with this fantastic accommodation that we didn’t want to leave.
It is in a very small village a half-hour drive from the big city of Voi and 45 minutes from the gate to Tsavo East National Park. Serah arranges everything for you. All you have to do is indicate what time you will arrive. Just keep in mind that it really is a small village where the bubble is at. There are a few mini stores where you can get chapattis, vegetables, fruits and meat but bring your own spices and snacks if you like.
Do you prefer a little more luxury or really want to stay in Tsavo National Park? Then Maneaters, Ashnil Aruba Lodge or Sentrim Tsavo Lodge is a good option to stay in Tsavo.
Salt Lick Lodge: luxury accommodation in Tsavo
In the middle of the Taita Hills, in Tsavo, is the Salt Lick Lodge. This is another phenomenal, impressive accommodation. You stay in beautiful huts on stilts and you look down on a watering hole where elephants, zebras and antelopes come running daily. Salt Lick Lodge is truly a unique accommodation in Tsavo.
Other activity in Tsavo: hiking in the mountains
At our bubble accommodation, Serah suggested that we spend a morning hiking in the mountains. To this, of course, we didn’t say no. We ended up hiking for over 4.5 hours and covering 20 kilometers through the beautiful surroundings in Tsavo with 2 guides. You can check with your accommodation what other activities you can do in Tsavo.
The man eaters of Tsavo
A railroad line runs across Tsavo National Park. It was built by mostly Indian and indigenous African workers. In 1898, the workers were terrorized for 9 months by two male lions that ate an estimated 30 to 130 men. In December 1898, both lions were shot dead after which work on the railroad could resume.
