Combined Tsavo East and West National Parks makes Tsavo one of the world's largest game sanctuaries covering 13,280 sq. miles or 20,812 sq. km. Tsavo East is larger and more arid, though less visited.

There are only two permanent rivers in this vast area, the Tsavo which begins its life on Kilimanjaro is greatly supplemented by huge underground river flowing from the Mzima Springs and the Athi in Tsavo East which begins in Nairobi. Tsavo is home to the largest elephant population despite the poaching of the earlier years. Amongst the many natural wonders in this region is the marvel of the Mzima Springs replenished with two hundred and twenty million liters of crystal clear water every day, from the underground streams stemming from the lava massif known as the Chyulu Hills.

Tsavo West offers tremendous views and diverse habitats ranging from mountains, river forests, plains, lakes and wooded grassland. It is especially attractive at the end of the rains when the countryside turns green. The main attraction at Tsavo West National Park is the Mzima Springs which is a pool of natural spring water that attracts a lot of game and there is even an underwater hippo-viewing hide.

Mzima forms a haven for a rich wildlife pageant with elephant soaking half immersed in the waters, light footed but ponderous looking hippo, apparently weightless, tip-toeing across the bottom, crocodiles basking on the bank or swirling through the water; gazelles, zebra and giraffe wandering around the banks through the thick acacias and raffia palms together with hundreds of chattering monkeys and birds. Tsavo West is known for its 'Roaring Rocks', which if climbed gives views usually only seen by the eagles and buzzards that whirl around these cliffs.

Tsavo West National Park's reports of ringed birds have been received from as far north as Saint Petersburg, and from countries as widely separated as Oman. Apart from the elephant population there are many lions - some undoubtedly the descendants of the famous Maneaters of Tsavo. Among the less common animals to be found are the fringed-eared Oryx, the gerenuk and lesser kudu. The carnivores in addition to lion include serval car, hyena, leopard cheetah and caracal.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Roads:

The main access routes are through Chyulu Gate from Amboseli and Mtito Andei Gate from Nairobi (240 km) and Mombasa. Visitors from Mombasa also use Tsavo Gate near Manyani. The park can also be reached via Taveta-Voi road through Maktau, Ziwani and Jipe gates.

Airstrips:
Kamboyo, Kilaguni, Tsavo Gate, Jipe, Kasigau, Finch Hottons, Ziwani and Maktau airstrips are in good condition.