Things To Do
in Tsavo
Tsavo is a vast region in Kenya known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. It's famous for being home to Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, which together form one of the largest conservation areas in the country. Visitors to Tsavo can see a wide variety of animals, including elephants, lions, and hippos, against a backdrop of rolling hills and volcanic peaks.
The region's rich history, marked by ancient rock formations and archaeological sites, adds to its allure for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
- "Habari gani?" - How are you?
- "Asante sana" - Thank you very much
- "Karibu" - Welcome
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Sawa" - Okay
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Nairobi and connect to your flight to Tsavo. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy your first views of the savannah.
Take a short safari drive to get acquainted with the wildlife. Keep your camera ready for elephants and zebras.
Enjoy a traditional Kenyan dinner under the stars. Relax while listening to the sounds of the African night.
Start with an early morning game drive. Witness the sunrise over the plains and spot wildlife starting their day.
Visit the Voi River and enjoy a picnic lunch while watching the animals come to drink. Capture stunning photos of the landscape.
Return to the lodge for dinner and share stories of your day. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as the sun sets over the park.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Home to diverse wildlife including the famous Tsavo lions.
- Stunning landscapes with red earth, savannahs, and volcanic hills.
- Rich cultural heritage with opportunities to interact with local communities.
- Lower tourist density compared to other national parks in Kenya.
- A variety of activities including safari drives, walking safaris, and bird watching.
- Hot and arid climate can be challenging for some visitors.
- Limited accommodation options in comparison to more popular parks.
- Infrastructure may be less developed, affecting travel ease.
- Wildlife sightings can be unpredictable at times due to the size of the reserve.
- Potential for human-wildlife conflict in surrounding areas.
Best Activities in Tsavo
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the vast landscapes of Tsavo National Park and observe a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and numerous bird species.
Experience the beauty of Tsavo up close with guided walking safaris that allow you to learn about the ecosystem and track animal trails.
Tsavo is home to over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers, especially during migration seasons.
Capture breathtaking landscapes and wildlife with specialized photography tours designed for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Take a trip to Mzima Springs where you can see hippos and crocodiles from underwater observation points, as well as the beautiful surroundings.
Enjoy an immersive experience by camping under the stars in designated areas within the park, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Engage with local communities around Tsavo to learn about their traditions, customs, and way of life.
Visit various lookout points, such as Yatta Plateau, to admire panoramic views of the park and its distinctive landscape.
Tours
Uncover the best of Tsavo with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Tsavo
Visit one of these nice places.
A vast landscape offering stunning views of the African savannah, iconic for its red elephants and diverse wildlife. Perfect for panoramic photography and capturing wildlife in their natural habitat.
Known for its rugged terrain and volcanic hills, this park features magnificent viewpoints like Mzima Springs and the Chyulu Hills, where you can photograph abundant wildlife amidst breathtaking backdrops.
A prominent viewpoint within Tsavo East, Zebra Hill offers sweeping views of the savannah and is an excellent spot to capture the extensive wildlife and vibrant sunsets.
A picturesque site where the Athi River cascades over rocks. It's an ideal location for photography, showcasing the beauty of nature along with the sounds of rushing water.
A stunning point from which to capture the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. It offers a distinct contrast between the mountain and the vast African plains.
Famous for its crystal-clear waters inhabited by hippos and otters, Mzima Springs is a great place for unique wildlife shots and lush greenery photography.
This range offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding plains, ideal for landscape photography, particularly during sunrise and sunset.
A scenic hill providing panoramic views over the Tsavo landscape. It's a great place to capture both wildlife and the expanse of the national park.
Food in Tsavo
Tsavo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled meat, often goat or beef, seasoned with a mix of African spices. Best enjoyed at local roadside grills or Nyama Choma joints like Kudu Camp.
Must-Try!
Ugali, a maize-based staple served with sukuma wiki, a tasty and nutritious African green vegetable. Found at most local eateries and food stalls.
A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meats, and vegetables. Try the authentic pilau at Mama Ashanti in Tsavo East National Park.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Tsavo better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can find fresh produce, spices, and local snacks. Sample delicious street foods like mandazi (African donuts) and grilled maize.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When interacting with the local Maasai and other communities in the Tsavo region, it's important to respect their customs and traditions. This includes understanding their dress codes and observing practices such as greetings and the significance of communal gatherings.
Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals or their property. Many locals may view photography as intrusive, so it's courteous to gauge their comfort level and respect their wishes.
While English is widely spoken, making an effort to use a few basic Swahili phrases can demonstrate respect and appreciation for the local culture. Simple greetings and expressions can go a long way in establishing goodwill.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Tsavo with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Tsavo
Ensure a smooth experience
In Tsavo, Kenya, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to tip hotel staff, tour guides, and restaurant employees as a way to show gratitude for good service. Typical amounts range from 10% to 15% of the bill, but this can vary based on the level of service received.
Payment practices in Tsavo often include cash transactions, especially in more remote areas where card facilities may not be available. In urban centers, however, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger establishments. Local currency (Kenyan Shilling) is preferred, and visitors are advised to carry small denominations for easier transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Tsavo.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is considered the best time to visit Tsavo National Park. During these months, the weather is dry, making wildlife easier to spot as animals congregate around water sources. Temperatures are moderate, although it can be hot during the day.
This season sees occasional rainfall which helps to rejuvenate the landscape. Wildlife can still be observed, but the animals may be more dispersed due to the availability of water. The park is less crowded, which can provide a more private experience.
This period experiences more consistent rainfall, leading to lush scenery. While wildlife viewing may be less predictable due to the abundant water sources, this is also a great time for birdwatching as migratory birds visit the area.
The park experiences heavy rainfall during these months, making some areas difficult to access. However, this is a time for fewer tourists and the opportunity to see the park in its most vibrant state, with plenty of water and lush vegetation.
Tsavo at Night
Hiking in Tsavo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast area containing a variety of landscapes including savannah, volcanic hills, and rivers, offering numerous hiking trails with opportunities to see wildlife.
Known for its stunning landscapes including hills, lava flow, and the Mzima Springs; offers several hiking routes that provide breathtaking views and chances of encountering elephants.
Located to the north of Tsavo, this park features rolling hills and volcanic ridges, with hiking trails that present panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding savannah.
A nature trail associated with Kilaguni Lodge in Tsavo West that provides an easy hike with informative signage about local wildlife and plants.
A lesser-known hiking area near Tsavo that offers rugged terrain and opportunities for adventurous hikes amidst scenic landscapes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Tsavo through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Tsavo by plane.
Located in Nairobi, approximately 250 kilometers from Tsavo, it is the largest and busiest airport in Kenya.
Situated in Mombasa, about 150 kilometers from Tsavo, it serves as a gateway to the coastal region of Kenya.
Located in Eldoret, approximately 350 kilometers from Tsavo, this airport serves both domestic and international flights.
Around 400 kilometers from Tsavo, this airport connects western Kenya to various domestic and a few international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Kikuyu are the largest ethnic group in Kenya, known for their agricultural practices and significant political influence.
The Luhya community is primarily located in western Kenya and is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse dialects.
The Kalenjin group is predominantly found in the Rift Valley region and is renowned for their long-distance runners.
The Maasai are a semi-nomadic pastoralist people known for their distinctive customs and dress, primarily residing in southern Kenya.
The Swahili people are a coastal community known for their blend of African, Arab, and Indian cultures, mainly found along the Kenyan coast.
The Meru community is located on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, known for their agricultural practices and vibrant culture.
The Turkana people are a mostly pastoralist community from northwestern Kenya, known for their resilience and rich cultural traditions.
The Somali community in Kenya primarily resides in the northeastern region and is known for its cultural ties with Somalia and pastoralist lifestyle.
The Embu people are located near Mount Kenya, known for their agricultural innovation and vibrant traditional practices.
The Samburu people are closely related to the Maasai and are known for their pastoralist lifestyle and colorful beadwork.
The Soul of Tsavo
Discover the essence of Tsavo through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Tsavo and Kenya as a whole, with numerous local clubs and a strong national league.
Rugby has a significant following, with both 15s and 7s formats being played at various levels, including schools and clubs.
Athletics, particularly long-distance running, is highly regarded in Tsavo, with many athletes training in the region due to its altitude and terrain.
Basketball is gaining popularity, with many schools and local tournaments fostering interest among young people.
Volleyball is played both recreationally and competitively, often in schools and community settings, attracting both men and women.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tsavo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat dishes dominate the local cuisine, most lodges, restaurants, and resorts in Tsavo offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's advisable to inform the staff in advance for customized meals.
Gluten-free options are available in some establishments, but it's recommended to communicate your dietary needs beforehand to ensure the best dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Tsavo with these cultural adventures.
