Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park, Kenya’s largest national park, is a land of wild beauty and untamed charm. Covering 13,747 sq. km, it forms part of the vast Tsavo ecosystem together with Tsavo West National Park. Combined, the two parks make up one of the largest protected wilderness areas in the world, spanning 4% of Kenya’s total land area.

Tsavo East lies to the east of the Nairobi–Mombasa highway, equidistant between Nairobi and Mombasa. With its sweeping savannahs, sparse vegetation, and dramatic landscapes shaped by lava flows and rivers, the park is a premier destination for wildlife safaris. The meandering Galana River cuts across the arid plains, bringing life to the park and creating breathtaking contrasts of emerald green against dusty red earth.

Unlike the rugged terrain of Tsavo West, Tsavo East is flatter and drier, making it easier to spot wildlife. It is famously home to large herds of dust-red elephants, often seen bathing in the red soils of the park.

Major Attractions in Tsavo East National Park

• Red Elephants of Tsavo: One of the park’s biggest draws, the red elephants, are often spotted in large herds, creating iconic safari moments.
• Lugard Falls: A dramatic series of white-water rapids on the Galana River. Visitors can walk down to the rocks to view the foaming rapids and crocodile-filled pools.
• Yatta Plateau: At approximately 290 km long, the Yatta Plateau is the world’s longest lava flow. It’s a geological wonder and a haven for migrating bird species.
• Mudanda Rock: A whale-backed rock stretching 1.6 km, overlooking a dam where elephants and other wildlife gather. Walking along the rock offers sweeping views and refreshing breezes.
• Kanderi Swamp: A green oasis near Voi Gate that serves as one of the park’s few water sources in the dry season. Lions and elephants are frequently spotted here.
• Tsavo and Athi Rivers’ Confluence: Where the two rivers meet to form the Galana River, creating a lush ribbon of green against the arid plains. Crocodiles, hippos, kudus, and waterbucks thrive here.
• Aruba Dam: Built in 1952 across the Voi River, this dam attracts large numbers of animals and waterbirds, making it a prime game-viewing spot.

Wildlife and Birdlife

Tsavo East is home to most of Africa’s iconic wildlife, including:

• Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles.
• Rare species like the Hunter’s hartebeest (hilora), translocated from Arawale National Reserve.
• Over 500 bird species make the park a paradise for birdwatchers.

How to Get There

• By Road:
  • Voi Gate: Easily accessible from the town of Voi, along the Nairobi–Mombasa highway.
  • Mtito Andei Gate: Located 232 km south of Nairobi and 250 km north of Mombasa.
  • Other gates include Buchuma, Sala, Ithumba, and Manyani.
• By Air:
  Several airstrips serve the park, including Voi, Aruba, Sala, Ithumba, and Satao.

Other Park Details

• Size: 13,747 sq. km
• Climate: Hot and dry year-round, with daytime temperatures averaging 25–35°C.
• Best Time to Visit: June to October and January to February, during the dry seasons when wildlife is easiest to spot.
• Park Fees: Check the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website for updated entry fees.