Separated by the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, Tsavo East and West National Parks cover a massive area of Kenya, but despite their close proximity, they are distinctly different.

Tsavo is home to the Big Five, with prides of the Tsavo lion, that’s male lack manes and are known for their heightened aggression, as well as hippos, impalas, dik-dik and a range of species. However, Tsavo is renowned for its elephants and for the size of their tusks. Due to the size of the parks, herds are more spread out so can be harder to spot.

Tsavo East is made up of flat, dry plains which the Galana River flows through. Zebra and wildebeest are common and you can see some more rare dry country species like gerenuk and oryx.

Tsavo West is wetter, with swamps, lakes and springs as well as a more mountainous terrain. It has a black rhino sanctuary as well as being a place to spot hippos and cape buffalo.

Gates are located off the Nairobi-Mombasa highway making the parks easy to access and a good choice for independent travellers.