The National Parks of Tsavo East and West combine to form one of the biggest reserves in Africa, covering an area of 10 million acres. The sheer size of the region - it is larger than the island of Jamaica - means that travellers here can enjoy game viewing without encountering many other people.
This massive landscape incorporates hills, acacia forests, rivers and wide open savannah. Great herds of elephant make their home here, along with lion, kudu, rhino, buffalo and giraffe. Birdlife is equally rich, with weavers, hornbills, sunbirds, rollers, and raptors just a fraction of the very many different species frequently seen.
Tsavo is also home of an African legend - that of the Maneaters of Tsavo. The story is based on a grim piece of history; over the course of a year, 120 workers were killed by two large lions while building a railway bridge over the river Tsavo at the end of the 19th century.
Mzima Springs, volcanic springs which produce 50 million gallons of water a day, should be seen by every visitor to Tsavo. The underwater observatory gives a remarkable view of the silent underwater world where hippos swim amongst barbell. Around the springs is a great wetland, with Raphia palms and rich waterfowl life.
