Tsavo Safari – Red Elephants of Kenya

Embark on an unforgettable Tsavo Safari and discover one of Africa’s most legendary wilderness areas — Tsavo National Park, Kenya’s largest and oldest protected wildlife reserve. Famed for its vast landscapes and the iconic red elephants of Tsavo, this safari offers an authentic and immersive African wildlife experience, ideal for travelers seeking adventure, diversity, and breathtaking scenery.

Split into Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park, the Tsavo ecosystem delivers a remarkable contrast of open plains, volcanic hills, lava flows, riverine forests, and crystal-clear springs. This safari is perfectly suited for guests combining a classic wildlife adventure with a coastal holiday in Mombasa or Diani Beach, thanks to Tsavo’s convenient location between Nairobi and Kenya’s coastline.

With Warm & Wild Safaris, your Tsavo journey is thoughtfully curated, guided by experienced local professionals, and paced to allow meaningful wildlife encounters while enjoying comfort, safety, and expert interpretation of the land.

Why Choose a Tsavo Safari?

Tsavo is one of Kenya’s most dramatic safari destinations, offering a raw and untamed wilderness rarely matched elsewhere. The park is best known for its large elephant herds, whose reddish appearance comes from rolling in Tsavo’s iron-rich volcanic soil — a spectacular sight unique to this region.

Key highlights of a Tsavo safari include:

• Vast open landscapes with fewer crowds
• Close encounters with Tsavo’s famous red elephants
• Diverse ecosystems across Tsavo East and Tsavo West
• Iconic features such as Mzima Springs, lava flows, and rugged hills
• Excellent opportunities for wildlife photography

This safari is ideal for travelers who appreciate wide-open spaces, dramatic scenery, and authentic safari experiences.

Wildlife & Natural Attractions

Tsavo National Park supports a rich variety of wildlife. During game drives, guests may encounter:

• Large herds of red elephants
• Lions, leopards, and cheetahs
• Buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and antelope species
• Hippos and crocodiles along rivers and waterholes
• Over 500 bird species

Mzima Springs, located in Tsavo West, is one of the park’s most remarkable natural attractions. Its crystal-clear waters offer underwater viewing points where hippos and fish can often be seen, creating a rare and tranquil safari experience.

Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi → Tsavo East National Park

Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive toward Tsavo East National Park, enjoying scenic landscapes along the way. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive through Tsavo East’s expansive plains.

This region is renowned for its large elephant herds, open savannahs, and excellent wildlife visibility. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Safari lodge or tented camp in Tsavo East

Day 2: Tsavo East → Tsavo West

After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in Tsavo East before continuing to Tsavo West National Park. The scenery changes dramatically as rolling hills, lava flows, and dense vegetation replace open plains.

Visit Mzima Springs, where clear spring waters attract wildlife year-round. An afternoon game drive explores Tsavo West’s rugged terrain, known for its scenic beauty and diverse habitats.

Overnight: Safari lodge or tented camp in Tsavo West

Day 3: Tsavo West → Nairobi or Mombasa

After breakfast, depart Tsavo West with an optional short game drive en route. Continue your journey to Nairobi or onward to Mombasa / the coast, making this safari ideal for guests extending their trip into a beach holiday.

Best Time to Visit Tsavo National Park

Tsavo is a year-round safari destination, but the best wildlife viewing occurs during:

• June to October: Dry season, animals gather around water sources
• January to February: Warm weather and excellent game viewing

The green season offers lush landscapes and fewer visitors, appealing to photographers and travelers seeking tranquility.

Accommodation & Safari Style

Accommodation in Tsavo ranges from comfortable safari lodges to luxury tented camps, all chosen for their location, service quality, and wildlife access. Warm & Wild Safaris selects properties that balance comfort with an authentic safari atmosphere.

This safari suits:

• Wildlife enthusiasts
• Couples and honeymooners
• Travelers combining safari and beach holidays
• First-time visitors to Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Tsavo elephants red?
Tsavo’s elephants coat themselves in the park’s red volcanic soil, which helps cool their skin and protect them from insects and the sun.

Is Tsavo close to the coast?
Yes. Tsavo is conveniently located between Nairobi and Kenya’s coastline, making it ideal for bush-and-beach safaris.

Is Tsavo suitable for first-time safari travelers?
Absolutely. Tsavo offers a classic safari experience with excellent wildlife viewing and diverse landscapes.

Book Your Tsavo Safari

Experience the wild beauty of Tsavo and witness Kenya’s legendary red elephants in their natural habitat. Travel with Warm & Wild Safaris for a professionally guided, expertly planned, and unforgettable Kenya wildlife safari.

Included and Excluded

Itinerary