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Kenya safari destination
Tsavo East National Park
Red-dusted elephants, endless plains and the Galana River, a short drive from the coast. Plan a Tsavo East safari with a local Kenyan team.
Location
Southeast Kenya
Size
About 13,747 sq km
Ideal stay
2 to 3 nights
Best time
June to October
Famous for
Red elephants and the Yatta Plateau
Red elephants and endless horizons
Tsavo East National Park is the larger half of the Tsavo wilderness, about 13,747 square kilometres of flat, open bush in southeast Kenya. Established in 1948, it is one of the oldest and biggest parks in the country, and its remote northern section sees very few visitors.
The Galana River cuts across the park, tumbling over the rocky rapids of Lugard Falls, while the Yatta Plateau, one of the longest lava flows in the world, runs along its western edge. Elephants dust themselves in the red soil until they glow terracotta, the sight Tsavo is best known for.
Tsavo East sits only a few hours from the coast, which makes it the most popular safari add-on for travellers staying in Mombasa, Diani or Watamu. A 3 day Tsavo East and Tsavo West safari covers both halves of the ecosystem, including Tsavo West and Mzima Springs.
Why a Tsavo East safari belongs on your itinerary
Six reasons Tsavo East is one of Kenya’s most rewarding wilderness parks.
Red elephants
Large herds coated in red dust make for some of the most striking elephant photographs in Africa.
Close to the coast
An easy safari from Mombasa, Diani and Watamu, perfect for a beach and bush holiday.
Galana River
Crocodiles, hippos and drinking herds gather along the river and at Lugard Falls.
Yatta Plateau
One of the longest lava flows on Earth forms a dramatic ridge along the park’s western side.
Dry country wildlife
Look for gerenuk, fringe-eared oryx and lesser kudu, species rarely seen in the southern parks.
Space and solitude
Vast open plains mean few vehicles and long, uninterrupted views.
When to visit Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East is hot and dry for much of the year. The dry seasons bring animals to the river and the waterholes.
June to October
Long dry season
Animals concentrate along the Galana River and at Aruba Dam. The best time for game viewing.
- Peak season rates
January to February
Short dry season
Hot, clear days and good visibility across the plains.
- Mid season rates
March to May
Long rains
Green bush, fewer visitors and the lowest rates. Some remote tracks may close.
- Lowest rates of the year
November to December
Short rains
Short showers and fresh grazing, popular with families visiting the coast.
- Good value rates
Wildlife you can expect to see in Tsavo East
Big herds and dry country specialists share these plains. Buffalo, leopard, cheetah and hippo are also found here.
- Signature species
Elephant
Tsavo East holds some of Kenya’s largest elephant herds, famous for their red dust coats.
- Plains and the Galana River
- Seen all year
- Big cat
Lion
Tsavo lions are known for their sparse manes and the legends of the railway era.
- Plains and rocky outcrops
- Most active at dawn and dusk
- Resident
Plains zebra
Herds graze the grassland and gather at the waterholes in the dry season.
- Open plains
- Seen all year
- Predator
Jackal
Small, quick and clever, jackals patrol the plains in search of scraps and small prey.
- Open plains
- Often seen at dawn
Things to do on a Tsavo East safari
Long game drives across the plains are the highlight, with a few classic stops along the way.
Guided game drives
Cross the open plains in a pop-up roof vehicle, stopping at waterholes where elephants gather in the heat of the day.
Safari from the coast
Leave the beach early and be watching elephants by mid-morning, then return to the coast or stay the night.
Lugard Falls
Walk beside the Galana River as it rushes through a narrow channel of water-worn rock.
Mudanda Rock
Climb this long rock outcrop above a natural water tank where elephants come to drink.
Aruba Dam
Watch wildlife gather at this reservoir in the dry season, one of the best viewing spots in the park.
Planning your Tsavo East safari
Practical details to help you decide how to travel and where to stay.
Getting to Tsavo East
- From the coast: about 2 to 3 hours from Mombasa to the park gates, a little longer from Diani or Watamu.
- From Nairobi: around 330 km to Voi on the Mombasa road, or take the Madaraka Express train to Voi.
- Day trips: a full day safari from the coast is possible, though an overnight stay gives you the best wildlife hours.
Where to stay
- Inside the park: lodges and tented camps along the Galana River and near Voi.
- Near the gates: camps outside Voi and Bachuma gates often cost less.
- Combined trips: pair a night in Tsavo East with a night in Tsavo West to see both landscapes.
Good to know
- Park fees: charged per person for every 24 hours. Check whether fees are included in your quote.
- Heat: midday temperatures are high, so bring sun protection and plenty of water.
- Health: Tsavo is in a malaria area, so speak to your doctor about prevention before you travel.
Tsavo East safari packages
Lodge safaris that combine Tsavo East with Tsavo West, Amboseli and the Kenyan coast.
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Mombasa, Diani
Tsavo East safari questions
Answers to the questions travellers ask us most. Still unsure? Send us your question and our team will reply.
Where is Tsavo East National Park?
Tsavo East lies in southeast Kenya, between Nairobi and the coast. Its southern gates are only a few hours’ drive from Mombasa.
Why are the elephants in Tsavo red?
Elephants spray themselves with dust and roll in mud to protect their skin. Tsavo’s soil is rich in iron, so it leaves them coated a deep red.
Can I do a Tsavo East safari from Mombasa or Diani?
Yes. Tsavo East is the most popular safari from the coast. A day trip is possible, but an overnight stay lets you enjoy the early morning and late afternoon game drives.
How many days do you need in Tsavo East?
One or two nights is enough for most visitors. A 3 day Tsavo East and Tsavo West safari covers the highlights of both parks.
When is the best time to visit Tsavo East?
The dry months from June to October and from January to February are best, when wildlife gathers along the Galana River and at the waterholes.
What is the difference between Tsavo East and Tsavo West?
Tsavo East is flatter, drier and larger, with red elephants and open plains. Tsavo West is hilly and volcanic, with Mzima Springs and a rhino sanctuary.
Start planning your Tsavo East safari
Tell us your dates and where you are staying, and our team will plan a Tsavo safari that fits around your trip.
