The Red Elephants of Tsavo

Tsavo National Park

The Tsavo National Park, which covers nearly 22,000 km², is the largest National Park in Kenya, in fact, it is one of the largest in the world.
Due to its sheer size, the Park has been split into 2 separate regions.
Tsavo East and Tsavo West, with the dividing boundary being the Nairobi to Mombasa highway.
The 2 regions offer different experiences.
As Tsavo is so close to Mombasa (less than 100 km), it is an ideal destination for anyone wanting to combine the thrill of a safari with some relaxing beach time. It is also very easy to combine Tsavo with a stay in the Amboseli National Park, for those wanting a 2 centre safari holiday.


El Moran Safaris
We Create African Dreams

Tsavo National Parks


Tsavo East


The red elephants of Tsavo are the ONLY red elephants in the world. Actually, they are really the same colour as every other elephant in the world, but they just appear red due to constantly dust-bathing with the Park’s fine red volcanic soil. Over 10,000 of them inhabit the Park, so the chances of seeing one are hopefully pretty high.

Tsavo East is about 9 times the size of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Despite this vastness, it has very few camps and lodges and therefore is less visited than its popular neighbour. As a result it is perfect for the more adventurous safari goer who really wants to get away from the crowds as you often find yourself returning from a game drive without having seen a single other vehicle or living soul.
Zebra, black rhino, gerenuks, Somali ostriches, cheetah and the famous 'red' elephants are just some of the wildlife that you may see.
This section of the Park has its own unique scenic highlights too, including the Yatta Plateau, which is one of the world’s largest and longest lava flows (300 km long) and the Lugard Falls, which are actually a series of fast flowing rapids along the Galana River.

Accommodation Choices for Tsavo East

Tsavo National Parks


Tsavo West


Tsavo West National Park is a popular safari destination on account of its magnificent scenery, Mzima Springs, rich and varied wildlife, good road system, rhino reserve, rock climbing potential and guided walks along the Tsavo River. Tsavo West National Park's landscape consists of open plains alternating with savannah bush and semi desert scrub, acacia woodlands, rocky ridges and outcrops and more extensive ranges and isolated hills; belts of riverine vegetation; palm thickets and on the Chyulu Hills, mountain forest.
The game viewing is slightly more challenging here as you have to really 'search out' the wildlife amongst the difficult terrain but it just means the final rewards when you do find that elusive lion or shy leopard feels extra special! There are a good number of elephants here, plus impala, giraffe, buffalo and zebra and the birdlife is superb.
Further to the wildlife, one of the most visited areas of Tsavo West is the Mzima Springs, which consists of 2 large pools of fresh water connected by rapids. The underwater viewing hides here are perfect for observing hippos, or just generally the game viewing is excellent, as the fresh water acts as a magnet for a wide range of wildlife who come to drink. Just west of the springs is the Chaimu Crater, a volcanic crater formed less than 200 years ago which can be climbed on foot.


Accommodation Choices for Tsavo West

Tsavo National Park

El Moran Safaris offer a range of Tsavo safari holidays.
Whether you want to visit Tsavo on a small group safari or a private safari en route from the coast – we are the perfect people to ask.
The wildlife of Kenya is waiting to be discovered, so take a break from your beach vacation
and safari out with us to explore two of our finest national parks.

Tsavo East and Tsavo West are famous for their marauding lions, herding elephants and scores of varied animals roaming over their broad savannahs. You’ll be looking for dozens of species on our short, easy 1, 2 or 3-day adventures here.

El Moran Safaris
We Create African Dreams


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