Tsavo

Tsavo National Park is one of Kenya’s largest and oldest protected areas, established in 1948, and is divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks by the Nairobi–Mombasa railway and road corridor. Covering a vast semi-arid landscape, Tsavo is famous for its red-dust elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, leopards and numerous bird species. The Park became internationally famous during the construction of the Kenya–Uganda Railway in the late 19th century because of the “Man-Eaters of Tsavo,” two male lions that attacked railway workers in 1898. Tsavo West is known for its volcanic landscapes, Mzima Springs, lava flows and scenic hills, while Tsavo East is characterized by vast open plains, the Galana River and the striking red soil that often gives elephants a reddish appearance. The Park is also part of a much larger ecosystem extending beyond its boundaries and is important for wildlife conservation, particularly elephants and other large mammals. For tourists, Tsavo offers a combination of wildlife, dramatic landscapes, fascinating railway history and unique natural attractions, making it an important destination on Kenya’s safari circuit.