Forget the safari checklist

Wild, vast and wonderfully unpredictable, Tsavo is a place where the landscape can be just as captivating as the wildlife. And at the heart of Tsavo West, Finch Hattons makes an exceptional base from which to discover it all, because here, the game drive is only the beginning.

What is Tsavo National Park famous for?

Well, there are the elephants, the lions, the leopards, the buffalo, the rhinos, but Tsavo is famous for something else too: space. Tsavo East and Tsavo West together form one of the world's great wilderness areas, with enormous expanses of savannah, volcanic hills, natural springs, lava flows and forests.

Tsavo East is known for its open landscapes and famous red elephants, while Tsavo West is more rugged and varied, with the Chyulu Hills, volcanic terrain and lush springs. And because Finch Hattons sits within Tsavo West itself, you don't have to spend your days travelling to and from the park, you're already there.

What can you do in Tsavo besides a game drive?

There is quite a lot to do, and of course, game drives are a huge part of the experience. At Finch Hattons, twice-daily drives take you through Tsavo West with expert guides, with dawn and dusk offering some of the most magical moments in the bush.

But don't spend your whole stay sitting in a safari vehicle. Head to Mzima Springs, explore the Shetani Lava Flow, or swap four wheels for two feet and discover the Chyulu Hills on foot, where guided walks reveal the smaller details of the wilderness: animal tracks, plants, birds and the subtle signs of what has passed by.

For the adventurous, there's the Chyulu Sunrise experience. It does involve a rather unsocial 4am wake-up call, but it is, however, a spectacular way to see the hills come alive. You can also meet members of the local Maasai community and discover more about the people, traditions and stories connected to this remarkable landscape.

So yes, there are plenty of things to do in Tsavo besides a game drive, although we're not saying you shouldn't spend plenty of time looking for lions.

Why stay at Finch Hattons?

Because location matters. Finch Hattons sits within Tsavo West, surrounded by natural springs and beneath the Chyulu Hills, with views towards Mount Kilimanjaro. It's not simply somewhere to sleep between safaris, the wilderness is part of the experience.

Wake to birdsong, head out into the bush at first light, come back for breakfast, spend the afternoon exploring, swimming or unwinding at the spa. Then head out again as the light starts to soften. Sundowners, dinner beneath the stars and perhaps a night game drive when the bush develops an entirely different personality. This is safari at nature's pace, with considerably better beds than your average wilderness expedition.

Is Tsavo good for a first safari?

If this is your first safari, Tsavo offers all the ingredients you'd hope for: elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo and spectacular landscapes, but it also gives you something a little less expected: space.

For experienced safari-goers, that's perhaps even more compelling. Tsavo's scale creates a wonderful sense of wilderness, while the variety of landscapes means that no two outings need feel quite the same. One moment you're crossing open plains, and the next you're among volcanic rocks or heading towards a hidden spring. And because Finch Hattons is your base, there's no need to rush from one experience to the next.

How many nights do you need in Tsavo?

We'd recommend at least three to four nights at Finch Hattons to really settle into the rhythm of Tsavo. That gives you time for game drives, walks and excursions, while leaving room for something that can be surprisingly difficult to schedule into a holiday: doing absolutely nothing. Sit by the springs, watch the wildlife, take a swim, have a relaxing spa treatment, read a book or simply listen to the sounds of the wild.

When is the best time to visit Tsavo?

The beauty of Tsavo is that it changes with the seasons. The drier months can make wildlife easier to spot around water sources, while greener periods bring fresh vegetation, dramatic skies and abundant birdlife. Tsavo can be visited year-round, with each season offering a different character rather than one definitive best time.

So whether you're searching for the best time to visit Tsavo, what wildlife you can see in Tsavo, or the best things to do in Tsavo West, the answer is refreshingly simple: come when you can and stay long enough to let Tsavo totally surprise you.

Perhaps that's what makes Tsavo so memorable. Yes, you might see an elephant covered in red dust, and you might spot a lion at sunrise or a hippo in the springs, but you might also find yourself hiking through cloud forest, standing on ancient lava, meeting Maasai communities or watching the stars come out over the Chyulu Hills. And that's the beauty of staying at Finch Hattons.

Ready to discover Tsavo for yourself?

Game drives, walking safaris, hidden springs and star-filled nights, all just steps from your suite. Book your stay at Finch Hattons and experience Tsavo West at its wildest.