Tsavo East National Park

Vast red plains and remarkable wildlife define Tsavo East in Kenya.

Tsavo East National Park provides limitless horizons and unique wildlife interactions. Known for its red-dusted elephants and rare maneless lions, it also houses cheetahs, gerenuks, and Somali ostriches, making it a must-see site for adventurous safaris in Kenya’s untamed wilderness.

Area

13,747 sq km

Established

1948

Location

Southeastern

Altitude

200 – 1,200 m

Climate

Hot Dry

Terrain

Red Plains

Fauna

Red Elephants

Flora

Thorn Bush

Kenya’s largest wilderness invites explorers to endless open horizons.

Tsavo East attractions

The northern region, remote and lightly visited, remains a destination for adventurous travelers seeking unspoiled terrain and a deep connection to the wild. Minimal infrastructure ensures its rugged character stays intact.

Distinct from its neighbor, Tsavo West, this park’s flat, open landscapes make it a haven for red-dusted elephants and diverse wildlife, offering spectacular game drives in an untamed and unforgettable African setting.

Tsavo East National Park spans an incredible 13,700 square kilometers, making it Kenya’s largest protected wilderness and a sanctuary for truly immersive safari experiences. Its sheer size allows for unparalleled space, freedom, and privacy while exploring.

Most safari adventures take place in the southern section, south of the Galana River, where open plains and scattered bushlands stretch beneath expansive skies. Here, wildlife sightings often happen with no other vehicles in sight, heightening the feeling of exclusivity.

Tsavo East attractions

Best Time to Visit Tsavo East National Park

Wildlife viewing is best from June to October and January to February, when dry conditions concentrate animals near water sources, making sightings easier and game drives more rewarding.

Best Time

July to October

High Season

July to October

Low Season

April and June

Best Weather

January to February

Best Time

July to October

High Season

July to October

Low Season

April and June

Best Weather

January to February

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Why Visit Tsavo East National Park?

Tsavo East safari

The Galana River and Aruba Dam attract countless animals, including elephants, buffalo, and waterbirds, offering some of the best viewing spots in the park. Birdwatchers can also enjoy sightings of over 500 species.

With attractions like Lugard Falls, Mudanda Rock, and historical tales of the “Man-Eaters of Tsavo,” the park offers both natural beauty and cultural stories. Every visit feels like stepping into the wild heart of Kenya.

Tsavo East National Park is one of Kenya’s most impressive safari destinations, known for its vast landscapes and diverse wildlife. Its size and remoteness give visitors a true sense of adventure.

One of the park’s remarkable features is the Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow, stretching nearly 300 kilometers. It creates a dramatic backdrop to game drives and adds to the park’s unique character.

Tsavo East Wildlife
Tsavo East tours

The area also plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation. Its vast space provides a haven for animals to roam freely, supporting Kenya’s efforts to protect large elephant populations and restore natural habitats.

For travelers seeking adventure, Tsavo East offers remote lodges, scenic drives, and the pure thrill of untamed Africa, where every moment feels like a discovery.

Tsavo East is a place where the wild feels endless. Its open savannahs stretch as far as the eye can see, giving travelers a sense of solitude and true wilderness rarely found elsewhere in Kenya.

The park’s red-dust landscapes leave a lasting impression, especially when elephants roll and bathe in the ochre soil, turning their hides a deep crimson. It’s a sight that defines the raw beauty of Tsavo.

Tsavo East Wildlife

Tsavo East National Park FAQs

Where is Tsavo East National Park located?

Tsavo East National Park is in the southeast of Kenya, between Nairobi and Mombasa. It is the largest national park in the country, and both main cities can easily reach it by car, plane, or train.

The Tsavo East National Park is known for its elephants with red dust on them, lions without manes, and huge vistas. A Kenya Safari involving Tsavo East in the itinerary also features a lot of animals, beautiful watering holes, and famous places to see, such as Lugard’s Falls and Mudanda Rock.

You can see a variety of animals, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles on a visit to Tsavo East during your Kenya Safari. Bird lovers will enjoy approximately 500 bird species, especially from October to January when migrating birds are prevalent.

You may go any time of year, although the finest times are from June to October and January to February, when it is dry. Animals like to hang around near water, which makes it easier to see them.

Tsavo East National Park is Kenya’s biggest park, comprising around 11,747 square kilometers. Even though it’s big, it’s simple to get around since the roads are nice. You’ll witness a lot of different types of scenery, such as grasslands, rivers, and lava flows.

To get to Tsavo East, you may drive from Nairobi or Mombasa, fly into local airstrips, or even take the Madaraka Express train. The best and simplest way to see the area is on a guided Kenya Safari.

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"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

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