Tsavo East and Tsavo West safari from Nairobi
Kenya's largest wilderness, split into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, with red-dust elephants, Mzima Springs and lava flows. About 4 to 5 hours from Nairobi on Mombasa Road, or by SGR train.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Distance from Nairobi | About 240 km to Tsavo West's Mtito Andei gate, 4 to 5 hours by road. SGR trains stop at Mtito Andei and Voi |
| Ideal length | 2 to 3 days. Combine with Amboseli for 4 to 5 days |
| Managed by | Kenya Wildlife Service |
| Entry fee, non-resident adult | $80 per 24 hours in each park |
| Headline wildlife | Red elephants, lion, buffalo, hippos and crocodiles at Mzima Springs, lesser kudu, gerenuk |
| Highlights | Mzima Springs, Shetani lava flow, Lugard Falls, Aruba Dam |
| Best months | June to October and January to February |
Why go
Together the two Tsavo parks are Kenya's largest protected area. Tsavo East is flat and open, famous for elephants dusted red by the soil, and for Lugard Falls on the Galana River. Tsavo West is volcanic and greener, with Mzima Springs, where an underwater viewing point shows hippos and crocodiles, and the black Shetani lava flow. Few vehicles share the roads.
Sample 3-day itinerary
| When | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | 05:00 pickup in Nairobi, Mombasa Road to Tsavo West, afternoon at Mzima Springs and Shetani lava |
| Day 2 | Cross to Tsavo East, game drive to Aruba Dam and the red elephant herds |
| Day 3 | Morning drive to Lugard Falls, return to Nairobi or continue to the coast |
Getting there
Drive down Mombasa Road to Mtito Andei for Tsavo West, or to Voi for Tsavo East, in 4 to 5 hours. The SGR train also stops at both towns. Ask us about meeting your train.
Tsavo entry fees 2026
| Visitor | Adult, per day | Child, per day |
|---|---|---|
| East African citizen | KSh 1,000 | KSh 500 |
| Kenya resident | KSh 1,350 | KSh 675 |
| African citizen | $40 | $20 |
| Non-resident | $80 | $40 |
Park fees are charged per person per day, so a 3-day safari pays them three times. We list them separately in every quote, so you can see exactly where the money goes.
How the trip runs
A private safari from Nairobi in a pop-up roof vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide, on the dates you choose. Every quote is built for your group size, dates and lodge budget, and confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay anything.
| Usually included | Paid separately |
|---|---|
| Pickup in Nairobi and return | Park or reserve entry fees, unless your quote includes them |
| Pop-up roof safari vehicle with driver-guide | Drinks, tips and optional activities |
| Game drives on the itinerary | Visa or electronic travel authorisation |
| Lodge or camp at the level you choose, if you want it arranged | Flights, if you choose to fly |
Combine it
Pair Tsavo with Amboseli, or continue to Mombasa and the coast. See all Kenya safaris from Nairobi, or the half-day Nairobi National Park safari from $300 per group (your group only, park fees paid separately).
Quick answers
Why are Tsavo's elephants red?
They dust themselves with Tsavo's red soil, which colours their skin.
Can I take the train from Nairobi to Tsavo?
Yes. The SGR stops at Mtito Andei and Voi. Ask us about a safari vehicle meeting your train.
How much is the Tsavo entry fee?
Non-resident adults pay 80 US dollars per 24 hours in each park. Kenyan citizens pay KSh 1,000.
Related pages
Book this safari
Send the date, the group, and the pickup. We confirm availability on WhatsApp or email, with the tour price and the park fees to budget. See our deposit and cancellation policy.