Tsavo East National Park is one of the oldest and largest protected areas in Kenya. Incredible landscapes, rich biodiversity, and wonderful wildlife safaris are a mark of the Tsavo. It covers approximately 13,747 square kilometers and offers vast open grounds that are excellent for larger animals. This is a park that was established in 948 as the larger Tsavo Conservancy which was later divided into two, the Tsavo East and West. The park is particularly famous for the red elephants that freely roam in the park (KWS, retrieved May 2025).
In addition to the elephants, the rest of the five big fives are also present: the lion, leopard, buffaloes, and rhinos. The Yatta plateau is also part of this magnificent park which is the world's longest lava flow spreading to almost 300 kilometers. Have an experience of the elephants as they spray each other with the waters of the Galana River. Let this park be part of your itinerary when you visit Kenya next.
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Elephants at Galana River in Tsavo East National Park
Location of Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park is located in south-eastern Kenya on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. This park is excellent for travelers seeking a safari experience after enjoying the Kenyan Coast beaches. The park has many gates along the Mombasa highway. The main gate is at Mtito Andei. One is at Buchuma others are at Voi, Manyani, and Sala Gates. For those who prefer traveling by air, they can use various airstrips inside the park for chartered flights such as Aruba, Satao, Ithumba, Sangayaya, and Bachuma.
Tsavo East Experience
The vast park boasts a range of wild animal species. This is the reason Tsavo East National Park is ideal for Wildlife safaris and adventures. While on safari in this great park, you can enjoy the best an wonderful game drives because of this fact.
The "Red" Elephants of Tsavo.
The most famous occupants of the Tsavo East National Park are the Red elephants who have a rusty color that does not come from their own genetics but from the red volcanic soil that is found in the park. These elephants use the soil to bathe and protect themselves from the harsh weather and insect bites. They will then use mud to bathe and cool down. The huge herds of elephants roam across the vast Tsavo East creating a lifetime experience.
Red elephants of Tsavo East National Park
The Carnivores of Tsavo.
Tsavo East is home to several of the big cats of Africa. It is famously known for the Man-Eaters of Tsavo a legendary story of two lions that would attack and eat men who were working on the rail line from Mombasa to Nairobi. These lions still roam freely in the Tsavo up to date resting and hunting under the tall acacia trees. Other carnivores that hunt in this enormous park are Cheetahs, Leopards, Hyenas, and Jackals.
Herbivores of Tsavo
There are a wide variety of herbivore species found in the Tsavo East.
- Buffaloes.
- Giraffes- These are mostly the Maasai Giraffe
- Zebra
- Antelopes such as the lesser kudu and gerenuk
- Hippos and crocodiles in the Galana River.
Birds of Tsavo
There are over 500 species of birds found at the Tsavo East National Park . This is the perfect place for bird photographers.
Some of the most famous birds at this park are:
- African Fish Eagle.
- Secretary Bird
- Ostrich
- Kingfishers
- Hornbills
- Kori Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds.
With these many birds, you can be sure to enjoy bird-watching safaris at Tsavo East National Park.
Attractions of Tsavo East
Tsavo East National Park is a scenic place that has various iconic natural attractions. These tourist attractions include: Lugard falls, Mudada Rock, Yatta Plateau, and Aruba dam
Lugard Falls
This huge waterfall along the Galana River is named after an explorer known as Frederick Lugard. These cascading waterfalls offer a picture-perfect spot for photography and nature walks.
Mudanda Rock
This inselberg stretching 1.6 kilometers holds water at its base during the rainy season and animals will mostly quench their thirst here during the dry season. Visitors will spot elephants on this rock as they drink their water in their herds.
Yatta Plateau
Yatta Plateau is the world's longest lava flow, stretching over 300 kilometers. which is an extremely beautiful view.
Aruba Dam
This is a dam at the Park that was constructed in 1952, it has become a reservoir that attracts wild animals.
When to visit Tsavo East
It is important to note that visiting the Tsavo requires advanced planning and also understanding of all the different climatic seasons of Kenya. There are two major dry seasons, the period between January and March and the other one between June and October. Weather at these two times of the year is dry and the roads are passible. The dry season also encourages the animals to congregate around the water holes thus it becomes easy to view the animals.
If you prefer to visit the Tsavo when it is green, the wet seasons of April to May and November to December are the best times. Although the road could be impassible at this time.
What a Safari trip in The Tsavo East National Park involves
A safari in the Tsavo East Nationa Park involves the following:
Game drive
This can be in the morning and the evening which proves to be the best time for spotting the animals.
Walks in The Tsavo
Lodges around the parks can offer walks with guides for an interaction with the environment.
Night Safaris
Some private conservancies offer night drives, where you can view the animals at night.
Cultural Visits
A safari at the Tsavo can also offer you a chance to visit one of the local communities of the Maasai and Taita.
Accommodation services at The Tsavo
There is a wide range of accommodation services at the Tsavo East National Park. The accommodations range from high-end to mid-range lodges. Below is a list of some of these accommodation options you will enjoy a stay in while on safari.
- Luxury Lodges
- Satao Camp
- Ashnil Aruba Lodge
- Voi safari Lodge
The best part is that all these lodges offer the best services and incredible views of the park.
Mid-range Camps
- Manyatta camp
- Ndololo Safari Camp
These are excellent lodges that give an excellent safari experience.
Budget Options
These are basic lodges and public camping sites under the open skies for adventurous people.
Other considerations
A safari is once in a long time experience for most people. It is therefore important to carry all the essentials needed in a safari.
- Carry enough water to quench your thirst,
- Pack the right kind of clothes
- Maintain a safe distance from the animals.
- Check vaccination requirement
- Hire a professional guide to take you through your safari.
Tsavo East National Park remains one of the best places you can visit for a safari that will remain to be on the top list all over the world. Hot air balloons can also be requested and are also offered by a few of the tour operators, this way you can have a good view of the Tsavo and all the wildlife.