Safari region · Kenya
Tsavo, Chyulu and Taita
Two of Kenya's largest national parks, the volcanic Chyulu Hills and the sanctuaries around the Taita Hills, between Nairobi and the coast.
The destination
Big parks, and the land between them.
This is the name we use for a stretch of south-eastern Kenya that takes in Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Chyulu Hills National Parks and the sanctuaries around the Taita Hills. Kenya Wildlife Service describes Tsavo East as the country's largest national park and Tsavo West as its second largest.
Not every stay here is inside a park. Some camps sit on sanctuaries beside the parks, such as LUMO and Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, and ol Donyo Lodge is on Mbirikani Ranch in the Chyulu Hills. We name the exact destination for every stay.
At a glance
- Type
- Safari region
- National parks
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Chyulu Hills
- Sanctuaries
- LUMO and Taita Hills
- Park sizes
- Tsavo East about 13,747 sq km; Tsavo West about 9,065 sq km
- Getting there
- By road, by Standard Gauge Railway or by light aircraft
Within the safari region
Destinations in Tsavo, Chyulu and Taita.
Each destination has its own camps, guides and rules, so where you stay shapes what you can do.
Photo: Sheldrick Conservation LodgesTsavo East National Park
Kenya's largest national park, run by Kenya Wildlife Service, with the Galana River running through it.
Photo: Kim Paffen for Serena HotelsTsavo West National Park
Kenya's second-largest national park, a volcanic landscape of springs, lava flows and hills, run by Kenya Wildlife Service.
Photo: Amboseli Ecosystem TrustChyulu Hills National Park
A national park in a range of volcanic hills, with montane forest, lava caves and the catchment that feeds Mzima Springs.
LUMO Community Wildlife Sanctuary
A community wildlife sanctuary on Taita land, between Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and Tsavo West National Park.
Photo: Taita Hills Wildlife SanctuaryTaita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
A private wildlife sanctuary on the edge of Tsavo West, named for the Taita Hills around it.
In the safari region
Ways to explore.
Photo: Kim Paffen for Serena HotelsEach park and sanctuary has its own options. These are a few the parks and camps list.
Game drives in the Tsavo parks
KWS lists game drives in Tsavo East and wildlife safaris in Tsavo West, and both parks have airstrips for light aircraft.
Mzima Springs
In Tsavo West, clear water rises from beneath lava rock into pools that draw wildlife and birds, according to KWS.
Riding in the Chyulu Hills
Ol Donyo Lodge, on Mbirikani Ranch, offers horseback safaris for intermediate and advanced riders.
When to go
The safari region through the year.
Kenya Wildlife Service calls this the high season and the best time for wildlife viewing, with sunny weather and shorter grass.
KWS says the long rains arrive in these months, and many park roads may need a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Weather varies from year to year and sightings are never guaranteed. We plan around the months you can travel.
Source: Kenya Wildlife Service.
Where to stay in Tsavo, Chyulu Hills and Taita
Our selection of camps and lodges.
Photo: Satao CampSatao Camp
View the propertyTwenty tents among tamarind trees beside a waterhole in Tsavo East National Park.
Photo: Cheetah SafarisAshnil Aruba Lodge
View the propertyA lodge of rooms and tents on the banks of Aruba Dam, in the heart of Tsavo East National Park.
Photo: Sheldrick Conservation LodgesGaldessa Camp
View the propertyAn exclusive-use, staffed self-catering camp above the Galana River in Tsavo East, run by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Photo: Soul Focus Media for Virgin Limited Edition (Finch Hattons)Finch Hattons
View the propertySeventeen tented suites raised above natural springs in Tsavo West, beneath the Chyulu Hills.
Photo: Serena HotelsKilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
View the propertyOne of Kenya's first national park lodges, inside Tsavo West and facing a busy waterhole.
Photo: Severin Safari CampSeverin Safari Camp
View the propertyAn unfenced tented camp in Tsavo West, with views to Kilimanjaro and a spa.
Photo: Soroi CollectionSoroi Cheetah Tented Camp
View the propertyEight tents in the LUMO Conservancy in the Taita Hills, on the edge of Tsavo West.
Photo: Salt Lick Safari LodgeSalt Lick Safari Lodge
View the propertyRooms raised on stilts above a waterhole in the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
Photo: Taita Hills Safari Resort & SpaTaita Hills Safari Resort & Spa
View the propertyA resort at the entrance to the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, with its own airstrip and spa.
Photo: Great Plains Conservationol Donyo Lodge
View the propertyNine suites with private pools in the Chyulu Hills, looking towards Kilimanjaro.
Africa, Private & Personal
Thinking of Tsavo, Chyulu and Taita?
Tell us how you like to travel, and we will suggest the parks, sanctuaries and camps that suit you, in an individually crafted journey.
- Phone & WhatsApp
- +254 795 887765
- Office
- The Piano Building, Brookside Drive, Nairobi