Tsavo National Park is one of Kenya’s largest and oldest wildlife parks, and it’s actually divided into two sections: Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Together, they form Tsavo National Park, covering about 22,000 square kilometers (8,500 square miles) — nearly the size of Wales! It’s a vast wilderness of dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and iconic African scenery.

Here’s a detailed overview:
Location
Country: Kenya
Counties: Taita-Taveta and Makueni
Distance from Nairobi: About 325 km (200 miles) southeast
Between: Nairobi and Mombasa — making it a popular stopover for travelers moving between the capital and the coast.

Tsavo East National Park
Overview
The larger of the two sections (~13,700 km²).
Famous for its vast open savannahs, red-dust landscapes, and huge herds of elephants that often appear red from dust bathing in the park’s iron-rich soil.

Wildlife Highlights
Elephants (often covered in red dust)
Lions (historically known as the “Man-Eaters of Tsavo”)
Leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and hippos
Over 500 species of birds

Key Attractions
Galana River – lifeline of the park, lined with lush vegetation
Lugard Falls – a series of rapids and gorges on the Galana River
Yatta Plateau – the world’s longest lava flow (~300 km long)
Aruba Dam – great for spotting animals, especially during dry seasons
2. Tsavo West National Park

Overview
Smaller (~9,000 km²) but more scenic and diverse in terrain.
Known for its volcanic landscapes, rocky hills, and lush oases.
Wildlife Highlights
“Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo)
Hippos and crocodiles at Mzima Springs
Rich birdlife (over 600 species)

Key Attractions
Mzima Springs – crystal-clear pools fed by underground streams from Mount Kilimanjaro
Chyulu Hills – rolling green hills and lava tubes
Shetani Lava Flow – vast black lava field from a 17th-century eruption
Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary – fenced sanctuary protecting black rhinos
Activities
Game drives (morning and evening)
Nature walks and guided safaris
Bird watching
Photography (especially at sunrise/sunset)
Visiting historical sites like the Tsavo Railway (linked to the famous man-eating lions of 1898)

Conservation & Heritage
Tsavo is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
The park plays a crucial role in elephant conservation, hosting one of Kenya’s largest elephant populations.
The Man-Eaters of Tsavo — two lions that attacked railway workers in 1898 — are part of the park’s history and legend.

Best Time to Visit
Dry season (June – October, and January – February): Best for wildlife viewing, as animals gather at water sources.
Rainy season (March – May, November – December): Lusher landscapes, good for photography and birding, but some roads may be muddy.