Tsavo East & West Safari

Tsavo National Park — split into Tsavo East and Tsavo West — is Kenya's largest protected area, covering 4% of the country in landscapes that range from ancient lava flows to open savannah. Tsavo East is famous for its red dust elephants, which roll in iron-rich soil until their hides turn crimson. Tsavo West offers the extraordinary Mzima Springs — where 50 million litres of crystal-clear water bubble up from volcanic rock daily, viewable through an underwater observation chamber — and the dramatic Shetani Lava Flow. The Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary protects critically endangered black rhinos. Nearby Amboseli National Park (2.5 hrs) and Mombasa coast (2 hrs) complete the classic southern Kenya circuit. The Yatta Plateau, the world's longest lava flow, is a geological landmark within the park. Best visited June to October and January to February.