The short answer
- Park fee
- US$80 a day
- Train
- Nairobi to Voi about 3 hrs
- Best for
- Wild landscapes, red elephants
- Pairs with
- Amboseli or Diani Beach
Tsavo's two parks together cover an area larger than many countries. Game is more spread out than in the Mara, but you'll share sightings with far fewer vehicles.
Tsavo East or Tsavo West?
| Tsavo East | Tsavo West | |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Flat, open plains and the Galana River | Hills, lava flows and springs |
| Highlights | Elephants coloured red by the soil, Lugard Falls | Mzima Springs, where hippos can be seen through clear water |
| Best for | Easy game viewing from the coast | Scenery, often combined with Amboseli |
By train: the Madaraka Express
The standard gauge railway links Nairobi and Mombasa in about four and a half hours, with economy seats from about KES 1,500 and first class from about KES 4,500. Some trains stop at Voi, the gateway to Tsavo East, where safari operators meet travellers.
Tip: Book train tickets ahead in holiday periods; economy often sells out.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Tsavo good for a safari?
Yes, especially combined with the coast or Amboseli. Wildlife is more spread out than in the Masai Mara, but there are far fewer vehicles.
How do I get from Nairobi to Tsavo?
By road in about five hours, or on the Madaraka Express train to Voi, where tours start.
Sources we checked
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