Taita-Taveta and Kitui Counties · south-east Kenya
Tsavo East National Park
Vast red-earth wilderness between Nairobi and the coast, with the Galana river running through it.
- Country
- Kenya
- Typical access
- Road from Nairobi, Amboseli or Mombasa
- Usual stay
- 1–2 nights
- Terrain
- Red semi-arid plains, riverine forest, lava plateau
Overview
What Tsavo East is.
Tsavo East is enormous and mostly flat — semi-arid plains of red lateritic soil, thin bush and the long green line of the Galana river. It is the least crowded of Kenya's well-known parks simply because of its scale.
The elephants here are famous for being red, having dusted themselves in the local soil. It is also the setting for the Yatta Plateau, one of the world's longest lava flows, and Lugard Falls on the Galana.
Tsavo suits travellers who want space and wilderness feel more than guaranteed density. It is normally reached at the end of a Kenyan circuit, on the way towards Mombasa or back to Nairobi.
Wildlife
What you are likely to see.
- Red-dusted elephant herds
- Lion, including the prides the park is historically known for
- Buffalo, giraffe, lesser kudu and gerenuk
- Hippo and crocodile on the Galana
- Fringe-eared oryx and a strong dry-country bird list
Experiences
How the days work here.
Galana river drives
The river line is where game concentrates in the dry months.
Aruba Dam
A reliable water source that draws elephant and plains game.
Lugard Falls
Water-carved rock formations on the Galana river.
Best time to visit
When to come to Tsavo East.
- June – OctoberDry. Game concentrates on the river and waterholes.
- January – FebruaryHot and dry, with strong waterhole activity.
- March – May, November – DecemberRains. Green, dispersed game, excellent birding.
Where you stay
Our shortlist at each level.
Properties Ndurumo may recommend or use at each level. Final accommodation is confirmed with your quotation and remains subject to availability.
Budget
Sentrim Tsavo East, or an equivalent value lodge by availability
Midrange
Ashnil Aruba Lodge
Luxury
Satao Tented Camp
Routes that include Tsavo East
Safaris through here.
Questions
About Tsavo East.
Why are the elephants red?
They dust-bathe in Tsavo's iron-rich red soil, which coats their skin. It washes off in the rains.
Plan your safari
Build a trip around Tsavo East.
Tell us your dates and how long you have, and we will shape a route that gives Tsavo East the time it deserves.