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Tsavo East National Park
National Park

Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park is a vast, untamed wilderness famous for its iconic red elephants, dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife and the legendary Yatta Plateau.

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PEAK TIME
June–October and January–February
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BEST TIME TO GO
June–October and January–February
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FAMOUS FOR
  • • Red elephants
  • • lions
  • • leopards
  • • buffaloes

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Tsavo East National Park is one of Kenya's most iconic wilderness destinations and, at approximately 13,747 km², the country's largest national park. Established in April 1948, the park forms part of the greater Tsavo Conservation Area together with Tsavo West.
Its immense semi-arid landscapes stretch across open plains, acacia bushland, volcanic terrain and riverine habitats. The park is particularly famous for its dust-red elephants, which acquire their distinctive colour by bathing and dusting themselves in the rich red soils of Tsavo.
The Galana River provides a vital source of water through the park, while the spectacular Yatta Plateau — the world's longest lava flow — creates one of Tsavo's most remarkable geological landscapes. Other iconic attractions include Aruba Dam, Mudanda Rock and Lugard's Falls.
Tsavo East is home to an impressive diversity of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and numerous antelope species. The park also supports the critically endangered hirola and has recorded more than 500 bird species, making it an important destination for birdwatchers.
For travellers seeking expansive wilderness, fewer crowds and an authentic sense of untamed Africa, Tsavo East delivers a safari experience on a truly grand scale.

SIZE

Tsavo East National Park is 13,747 square kilometers (km²) in size.

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ENTRANCE FEES & PERMITS
Non-ResidentUSD 80
schedule
HOURS OF OPERATION
06:00AM - 06:00PM DAILY

HOW TO GET THERE

By Road: Tsavo East can be accessed from Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi through several gates. KWS lists Bachuma Gate, Voi Gate, Manyani Gate, Mtito Andei Gate and Sala Gate among the principal access points.
By Air: Main airstrips include Voi and Ithumba, with additional airstrips at Aruba, Satao, Sala, Sangayaya, Thabagunji, Lugard and Bachuma.
By Rail: Visitors can travel by the Standard Gauge Railway from Nairobi to Voi Station, or from Mombasa to Voi/Miasenyi, followed by road transfer into the park.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Best time to visit Tsavo East National Park: June–October and January–February

WILDLIFE & LANDSCAPE

pets Red elephants pets lions pets leopards pets buffaloes pets giraffes pets zebras pets hippos pets crocodiles pets wildebeest pets hartebeest pets impalas pets waterbucks pets warthogs pets hyenas pets gazelles pets lesser kudu pets dik-dik pets hirola pets bird species

TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK GALLERY

POINTS OF INTEREST

location_searching Game drives
location_searching wildlife photography
location_searching birdwatching
location_searching guided nature walks
location_searching visits to Aruba Dam
location_searching Mudanda Rock and Lugard's Falls
location_searching sundowners
location_searching bush dining

TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS

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Rated 4.9 on TripAdvisor

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Contact Esteemed Africa Safaris to book your dream Tsavo East National Park safari holiday. Start your tour from major cities or coastal beaches and explore our premium national parks, game reserves, and private wildlife conservancies across East Africa.

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