Tsavo East National Park

Overview

Tsavo East National Park is not just one of the largest national parks in the world, covering a vast 4% of Kenya's total land area, but it’s also a treasure trove of Big Five wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery. Positioned between Nairobi and Mombasa, this expansive park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to witness some of Kenya’s largest elephant herds roaming freely against the backdrop of the striking Yatta Plateau, the world's longest lava flow.

The park's landscapes are as diverse as they are stunning, with the Galana River winding through the arid bushland, providing a lifeline for a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos. Tsavo East is famous for its unique "red elephants," whose rusty coats, stained by the park’s red soil, create an iconic image against the park's rugged terrain. Visitors are often captivated by the sight of these majestic creatures bathing in the Galana River, a scene that epitomizes the raw beauty of Kenya’s wilderness.

In addition to the Big Five, Tsavo East is home to other incredible wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelopes, all thriving in this untouched landscape. The vast open plains, punctuated by the occasional baobab tree, offer stunning vistas that seem to stretch endlessly, making every game drive an adventure filled with surprise and awe.

For those seeking more than just wildlife, Tsavo East's natural beauty is unparalleled. The sweeping views from the Lugard Falls on the Galana River, the expansive Mudanda Rock, and the mysterious Aruba Dam—a popular watering hole for animals—are just a few of the scenic highlights that have left visitors enchanted. Whether you’re there to spot the Big Five, marvel at the vibrant birdlife, or simply take in the awe-inspiring landscapes, Tsavo East National Park offers a quintessential Kenya safari experience that blends thrilling wildlife encounters with the serene beauty of one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness areas.

Park access

By Road: The park Mtito Andei Gates is 233 km South of Nairobi and 250 km North of Mombasa on the main Nairobi to Mombasa Road. From Malindi, take the western road ( C103 ) and enter in the park Via Sala gate .
By air: The following airstrip allow access to Tsavo East; Voi, Aruba, Sala, Ithumba, Sangayaya, Mopeo, Bachuma,Cottars

Park gates

Mtito Andei, Voi, Bachuma, Manyani, Ithumba, Sala

Park attractions

Elephant in Eden – The sight of dust red elephant wallowing, rolling and spraying each other with the blue waters of the Galana River, is one of the most evocative images of Africa
Aruba Dam – The beautiful Aruba dam, located on the north bank of the Voi River, is a great game viewing destination

Mudanda Rock – This whale backed Rock towers above a natural dam, which attracts herds of Elephants. The edge of the Yatta plateau is the longest lava flow in the world, at 300 kilometres . It attracts migrating birds from all over the world

Lugards Falls – Named after Captain Lugard, the first proconsul to East Africa, the falls feature eroded rocks through which the waters of the Galana River plunge into foaming rapids and crocodile infested pools

Park wildlife

The Park is home to most of the larger mammals, vast herds of dust Red Elephants, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion, Leopards, Pods of hippos, Crocodile, Waterbucks, Lesser Kudu, Gerenuk and Hirola.