Tsavo National Park in Kenya is the legendary hunting ground of two of history's most notorious man-eating lions, who terrorized railway construction workers in 1898 and claimed up to 135 lives. This vast wilderness, where Josh Gates conducted his thrilling investigation for Expedition Unknown, offers visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of both the infamous lions and the brave workers who built the Kenya-Uganda Railway. Today, Tsavo remains one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations, where the dramatic history of the man-eaters continues to captivate adventurers from around the world.
Tsavo is a vast semi-arid region in southeastern Kenya, spanning over 4,000 square miles and encompassing two of Kenya's largest national parks: Tsavo East and Tsavo West. The area gained worldwide notoriety in 1898 when two maneless male lions terrorized workers constructing the Kenya-Uganda Railway, reportedly killing and consuming dozens of laborers over a nine-month period. Today, Tsavo remains one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations, home to large herds of red elephants (colored by the region's distinctive red soil), diverse predator populations, and the historic railway bridge where Lieutenant Colonel John Henry Patterson eventually hunted the infamous man-eaters. Gates investigated both the historical mystery surrounding the original Tsavo Man-Eaters and the ongoing challenge of human-wildlife conflict as modern lions continue to pose threats to local communities.
Two male lions begin killing railway workers during construction of the Kenya-Uganda Railway, sparking a nine-month reign of terror
Lieutenant Colonel John Henry Patterson shoots both man-eating lions, ending the attacks and later writing about the incidents in his book The Man-Eaters of Tsavo
Patterson sells the preserved lions to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, where they remain on display
Josh Gates investigates the historical man-eater incident and tracks modern rogue lions for Expedition Unknown
The Tsavo Man-Eaters case has been studied extensively by zoologists, historians, and forensic scientists since the 1898 attacks. While Lieutenant Colonel Patterson's original account claimed the lions killed 135 workers, modern researchers have used chemical analysis of the preserved lions' bones and teeth to estimate a lower kill count, though the exact number remains debated. The Field Museum lions have been examined for clues about their behavior, with some scientists suggesting dental disease or injuries may have made human prey easier to catch than traditional game animals.
The question of what drove these particular lions to become man-eaters has generated numerous scientific theories. Some experts point to an 1898 rinderpest epidemic that decimated traditional prey populations across East Africa, forcing predators to seek alternative food sources. Others note that one of the lions had a broken tooth and jaw abscess visible in the preserved specimen, which could have made hunting difficult game painful or impossible. The lions' lack of manes, unusual for male lions, has also been studied as potentially related to genetic factors, environmental conditions, or the region's thornbush habitat.
Gates' investigation in Tsavo explored both the historical mystery and the contemporary reality that human-wildlife conflict remains an ongoing challenge in the region. Modern lion populations in Tsavo continue to occasionally prey on livestock and, rarely, humans, particularly as human settlements expand into traditional wildlife corridors. Conservation experts working in the area balance protecting Kenya's iconic predator populations with ensuring the safety of local communities.
The episode examined how historical accounts like Patterson's sometimes blend fact with embellishment, while also highlighting that the core reality—lions adapting their hunting behavior under environmental pressure—remains a documented phenomenon. By connecting the 1898 incident to present-day conservation challenges, the investigation demonstrated how understanding historical human-wildlife conflicts can inform modern coexistence strategies.
The two Tsavo Man-Eaters are permanently displayed at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, where they have been exhibited since 1925 and remain one of the museum's most popular attractions
The lions' lack of manes was highly unusual for male lions and may have been an adaptation to Tsavo's hot, thornbush environment, though the exact reason remains debated among scientists
Chemical analysis of the lions' hair and bone has allowed researchers to estimate their actual human consumption was lower than Patterson's original claim, though the exact toll remains uncertain
The 1996 film The Ghost and the Darkness, starring Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas, dramatized Patterson's account of hunting the man-eaters, bringing renewed attention to the Tsavo incident
Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks are accessible to visitors year-round, with guided safari tours available through numerous operators based in Mombasa and Nairobi. The historic railway bridge and surrounding areas where the 1898 attacks occurred can be visited as part of heritage tours. Visitors should book accommodations and safari guides in advance and follow all park safety protocols regarding wildlife.
Mombasa, approximately 155 miles southeast, or Nairobi, approximately 150 miles northwest
The dry seasons from June to October and January to February offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, as animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is less dense. These periods also provide more comfortable temperatures and easier road conditions than the rainy seasons.
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Best time to visit: The dry season from June to October offers the best wildlife viewing conditions with animals gathering around water sources.
Travel tip: Book accommodations well in advance during peak season and consider staying at camps near the Tsavo River for the most authentic historical experience.