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Kenya · National Parks & Wildlife
Tsavo East National Park
Red-dusted elephants, endless dry plains and the Galana River, in one of the largest parks in Kenya.
Location
Taita-Taveta County, Kenya
Park size
About 13,750 km²
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
Two nights
The park
Wild, open and red
Tsavo East is a vast, flat wilderness of open bush, palm-lined rivers and rocky outcrops between Nairobi and the coast. Together with Tsavo West it forms Kenya’s largest protected area, and its famous elephants are coloured red by the volcanic dust they spray over themselves.
The Galana River, Lugard Falls and the Aruba Dam draw wildlife through the dry months, and Mudanda Rock gives you a view over a natural water catchment where elephants come to drink. Because the park is so large, game drives feel remote and uncrowded.
It is the easiest safari to reach from the coast, so many guests pair it with Tsavo West and a beach stay in Diani or Mombasa.
Places your guide will show you
Galana RiverLugard FallsMudanda RockAruba DamYatta PlateauVoi Gate
Signature sight
Elephants dusted red by volcanic soil
Wildlife
Who you will meet
Open plains make wildlife easy to see, from big elephant herds to lions resting in the shade.
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01
Elephant
Large herds, coloured red by Tsavo’s soil, gather at rivers and dams.
02
Lion
Tsavo’s lions are known for being large, and some males have little or no mane.
03
Cheetah
Hunts on the open plains, where the grass is short.
04
Giraffe
Browse the scattered acacias across the park.
05
Zebra
Herds graze the open bush with oryx and hartebeest.
06
Plains game
Wildebeest, gazelles and buffalo gather near water in the dry season.
Experiences
More than game drives
Rivers, waterfalls and viewpoints break up your drives across this huge park.
Game drives
Long, uncrowded drives across the plains with your driver-guide.
Lugard Falls
Walk the rocks where the Galana River squeezes through a narrow gorge.
Aruba Dam
A reliable dry-season waterhole for elephants, buffalo and birds.
Mudanda Rock
A long rock outcrop overlooking a natural pool where elephants drink.
Photography
Red elephants and wide horizons make striking photographs.
Sundowners
Watch the sun set over the plains at the end of the day.
When to visit
The best time for Tsavo East
Tsavo East is hot and dry for much of the year, so the best sightings come when water is scarce.
Jan – Feb
Short dry season
Hot and clear, with wildlife close to the rivers.
Mar – May
Long rains
Green bush and newborn animals, with lower rates.
Jun – Oct
Peak season
Long dry season
Animals gather at water sources, making sightings easy.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Short showers and fresh grazing across the plains.
Getting there
Reaching the park
By road
About 330 km from Nairobi to Voi Gate, or two to three hours from Mombasa.
By train
The Madaraka Express stops at Voi, close to the park’s main gate.
Combined routes
Pair it with Tsavo West and Amboseli, or end with the beaches of the south coast.
Where to stay
Lodges, camps and stays
01
Inside the park
Lodges and tented camps along the Galana River and near Voi.
02
Near Voi
Comfortable hotels and camps close to the main gate.
03
Tsavo West
Many itineraries spend a night in each Tsavo park.
Pairs well with
Park entry fees are set by the Kenya Wildlife Service and charged per person per day. Ask us for current rates when you request your quote.
Ready-made trips
Tsavo safari tours
Safaris that include Tsavo East, including trips that combine it with Tsavo West and the coast.
- Tsavo West, Tsavo East, Amboseli
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West
- 3 Days 2 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Mombasa, Diani
- 6 Days 5 Nights
Good to know
Tsavo East FAQs
Where is Tsavo East National Park?
In south-eastern Kenya, between Nairobi and Mombasa, about two to three hours by road from the coast.
Why are Tsavo’s elephants red?
They spray themselves with dust and mud to keep cool and protect their skin, and Tsavo’s volcanic soil is red.
What is the difference between Tsavo East and Tsavo West?
Tsavo East is flatter and drier with wide open plains. Tsavo West is hillier, with springs, lava flows and greener scenery.
How many days do you need?
Two nights is ideal, or one night if you combine it with Tsavo West.
Can I visit Tsavo East from Mombasa or Diani?
Yes. It is the closest major park to the coast, and two-day trips from the beach are popular.
When is the best time to visit?
June to October, when the dry season pulls wildlife towards the rivers and dams.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Tsavo East and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Start your Tsavo East journey
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will shape a Tsavo East itinerary around the season and the experiences you want.
