Experience the thrill of a Kenya safari like never before with Pleasant Adventures. From the rust‑red elephants of Tsavo East to the volcanic landscapes of Tsavo West, this guide lays out everything you need to know. Explore wildlife, landscapes, park fees, and insider tips.
Where Are Tsavo East and Tsavo West?
Tsavo East and Tsavo West are two linked yet contrasting sections of Tsavo National Park, stretching across Taita‑Taveta County and touching Kitui. The A109 railway is a rough divide.
- Tsavo East sits nearer the coast on open savannahs.
- Tsavo West lies westward with forests, lava flows, and springs
Difference Between Tsavo East and Tsavo West
Landscape & Terrain
- Tsavo East: Flat plains, red soil, and the meandering Galana River. Perfect for classic game drives in wide-open spaces.
- Tsavo West: Rugged hills, lava fields like Shetani Lava Flow, Chyulu Hills, Mzima Springs. Dramatic and photogenic
Wildlife & Attractions
- Tsavo East: Iconic “red elephants,” herds of giraffe, buffalo, lions, and vivid birdlife.
- Tsavo West: Offers rarer species like rhino, hippo, crocodile, and lush wildlife around springs and wetlands
Activities & Experience
- East: Classic game drives, walking safaris, viewing the Yatta Plateau, and the scenic Lugard Falls.
- West: More adventurous: forest hikes, spa retreats, cultural Maasai visits, Mzima Springs tours, and night drives
Accommodation
- East: Affordable lodges and tented camps along the railway and pipelines.
- West: Luxury tented lodges like Finch Hattons Safari Camp with private plunge pools and full packages, starting from ~ USD 990/night including park fees and activities
Which Is Better – Tsavo East or Tsavo West?
Tsavo East:
Pros:
- Great for first‑time safari visitors
- Open terrain for easy wildlife spotting
- Lower accommodation prices
Cons:
- Fewer luxury lodges
- Less scenic variety
Tsavo West:
Pros:
- Stunning landscapes, hidden gems
- Luxury offers and fewer crowds
- More diverse wildlife
Cons:
- Steeper terrain (less easy for some guests)
- Often higher cost
Wildlife You’ll See
Both parks share key species: elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and over 500 bird species
- Tsavo East is ideal for watching large herds of elephant and wide plains game.
- Tsavo West is richer in wetland species, rhino, hippo, and aquatic life around Mzima Springs.
Is Tsavo East Worth It?
Absolutely. Its highlights include:
- Yatta Plateau – the world’s longest lava flow.
- Lugard Falls – rushing rapids over volcanic rocks.
- Scenic, open plains perfect for photography.
- Family‑friendly and affordable safari base.
It also makes for a great add‑on to your Amboseli Safari Guide or Maasai Mara itineraries (link to our Amboseli Safari Guide here).
What Makes Tsavo West Unique?
- Mzima Springs: Underground springs that attract hippos and Nile crocodiles, visible through viewing windows.
- Shetani Lava Flow and Chyulu Hills: Dramatic geology and hiking routes.
- Rich cultural experiences with Maasai and Taita communities (link to our Diani & Coastal Culture blog here).
Finch Hattons Safari Camp offers spa services, gourmet meals, and Maasai‑guided excursions for a luxury stay
Salt Lick Safari Lodge & Photography Spots
Salt Lick Safari Lodge in Tsavo West provides elevated decks overlooking floodlit salt licks—perfect for photographing elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife at close range. Ideal for wildlife photographers seeking stunning light at dawn and dusk.
Cost of Visiting Tsavo – Park Fees 2025
🏷️ Entrance Fees (unchanged in 2025)
Thanks to a court challenge, 2023 proposed fee hikes were blocked. So 2025 still uses the 2022/23 rates:
| Visitor Type | Adults | Children/Students |
|---|---|---|
| Citizens & East African Residents (KSH) | 515 KSH | 215 KSH |
| Non‑Residents (Tourists from outside EA) | US$ 52 per day | US$ 35 per day |
- Children under 5 enter free.
- Students (5–18) need valid school letters and KWS approval
Additional Fees for Both Parks
- Vehicle entry fees (per day):
- Up to 6 seats: 300 KSH
- 6–12 seats: 1,030 KSH
- 13–24 seats: 2,585 KSH
- 25–44 seats: 4,050 KSH
- 45+ seats: 5,000 KSH
- Camping fees:
- Standard public site: ~250 KSH (citizen), ~30 USD (non‑resident)
- Special/private site: ~500 KSH (citizen), ~40 USD (non‑resident)
- Activity fees (same for East and West):
- Night game drive: 2,155 KSH
- Walking safari: 1,500 KSH
- Guided tours: 1,720 KSH (up to 4 h); 3,015 KSH (over 4 h)
- Other services: vehicle recovery (7,500 KSH), event security (75,000 KSH)
Payment Methods
KWS now accepts only cashless payments:
M‑Pesa, debit/credit cards, or bank transfers for large groups. No cash at gates
Best Time to Visit
Dry seasons offer prime game viewing:
- June–October (long dry season)
- January–February (short dry season)
Wildlife crowds around waterholes and roads are easier to travel
Off‑season (rainy) months like March–May and November–December bring lush carpets of green and fewer tourists, but access can be limited due to muddy roads.
Why Book Tsavo with Pleasant Adventures
- Customized safari packages: mix Tsavo East & West, Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Diani beach extensions (link to our Diani guide here).
- Lipa Pole Pole pricing: pay bit by bit, flexible cancellation.
- Expert guides: Maasai‑led walking safaris, night drives, cultural visits.
- Comfortable and sustainable lodges: from budget tents in Tsavo East to luxury stays in West.
- All park fees, activities, and transfers included— no hidden costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the difference between Tsavo East vs Tsavo West?
A: Tsavo East is open savannah with large elephant herds and classic plains game. Tsavo West is rugged, green, with springs, lava flows, and rarer species like rhino and hippo.
Q: What are the 2025 park fees for Tsavo East and West?
A: For Citizens & East African residents: 515 KSH (adults) / 215 KSH (children). For international visitors: US$ 52 per adult, US$ 35 per child. Children under 5 free.
Q: Are the 2023 fee increases implemented?
A: No. The proposed high‑season hikes were blocked by court, so fees remain at the 2022/23 rate in 2025.
Q: Can I pay cash at the gate?
A: No. KWS only accepts M‑Pesa, credit/debit cards, or bank transfers. Cash is no longer allowed
Q: When is the best time to visit Tsavo National Park?
A: Dry months: June to October and January to February. Rainy seasons (March–May, November–December) can be scenic and peaceful but roads may be challenging.
Q: Which park is better for wildlife photography?
A: Tsavo West offers dramatic geology, water features, and quieter spectacles. Tsavo East provides wide open plains and large herds, ideal for classic wildlife shots.
Q: Are guided activities included in tours?
A: Yes! Pleasant Adventures packages include guided drives, walking safaris, night drives, and cultural tours—fees and transport included.
From the rust‑hued elephant trails of Tsavo East to the volcanic vistas of Tsavo West, Pleasant Adventures delivers unforgettable wildlife, landscapes, and culture. With transparent park fees, expert guides, and sustainable tourism options, your Kenya safari awaits.
📩 Contact us now to craft your tailor‑made Tsavo itinerary. The bush is calling.
Call/WhatsApp: +254 748 057 500
Email: info@pleasantadventure.com
Website: www.pleasantadventure.com