Tsavo East National Park – Tsavo East National Park in Kenya
Discover the rugged beauty of Tsavo National Park, home to Kenya's iconic Big Five and vast herds of elephants
When it comes to Kenya wildlife viewing, Tsavo East National Park is an excellent destination to explore during Kenya wildlife safaris. Tsavo East National Park in Kenya is a vast wilderness that is semi-arid and is inhabited by elephants, which can sometimes be found in big herds when they are covered in the red Tsavo dust.
Other attractions can be seen in the vast and sunlit plains of Tsavo, such as cheetahs on the prowl and species like the Gerenuk and Somali Ostrich that are exclusive to this region and cannot be found anywhere else in the south.
Other animals to spot in Kenya National Park include big elephant herds, African wild dogs, African buffalo, warthogs, plain zebras, honey badgers, leopards, spotted hyenas, and other large mammals.
Travelers on the Tsavo East National Park safari tour in Kenya can spot the mentioned game animals well during game drives and guided game walks can be done in some areas. On your visit to Tsavo East Park, you can also do cultural tours or bird-watching expeditions since the park is an ideal site for spotting most of the savannah bird species in Kenya.
It’s simple to combine Kenya safaris in Tsavo East National Park with other national parks of Kenya, such as Amboseli National Park. Expect to spot 4 of the Big Five safari faunas of Africa. Visit during the dry season for a memorable game-viewing tour!
Below, let’s explore Tsavo East National Park Kenya in detail
Tsavo East National Park Location
Covering an area of over 13,747 km2, Tsavo East Park is located in the southeast of Kenya, near the border of Tanzania, just close to the Kenyan coast.
It’s 173 km northwest of Mombasa near Voi Town in Taita-Taveta County, the former Coast province of Kenya, in a semi-arid area formally called the Taru Desert.
Tsavo National Park Kenya is split by the A109 Road, which is the Nairobi-Mombasa highway and railway line, to form Tsavo West and Tsavo East sections. This park borders also Chyulu Hills National Park-Kenya and Mkomazi Game Reserve in Tanzania.
History of Tsavo East National Park in Kenya Africa
Tsavo East National Park in Kenya is a sprawling wildlife reserve in Kenya that was established in April 1948. It’s one of the oldest and largest national parks in Kenya.
Kenya’s Tsavo East Park was named after the Tsavo River, which flows through this park, diving it into Tsavo East and West Tsavo Park. This stream converges with R. Athi to form the Galana River, which is the main source of water for wildlife in Tsavo East Park.
Tourist Attractions in Tsavo East National Park Kenya
Things to see in Tsavo East are many; however, in this blog, we have brought up the most popular attractions, which are mostly explored by tourists.
The most amazing tourist attractions in Tsavo East;
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Wild Animals in Tsavo East Park
Tsavo East National Park in Kenya is one of the largest game reserves in the world, providing undeveloped wilderness homes to vast numbers of faunae. The fact that Tsavo is mostly covered in semi-arid grasslands means wildlife is easily spotted, especially during safari drives.
The most common faunae to spot during game viewing tours in Tsavo East National Park include Cape buffalo, lion herds, African elephant herds, leopards, cheetahs, bushbucks, elands, gerenuks, gazelles, zebras, giraffes, striped hyenas, Coke’s hartebeests, spotted hyenas, fringe-eared oryxes, warthogs, and many primate species.
The best time to encounter game creatures in Tsavo East Park is early or late in the day, as the fauna tends to sleep in the hot midday sun. It’s recommended that you use a Prime Safaris driver/guide who is familiar with the area and able to give you lots of information about the fauna & their habitat.
However, one can opt for a self-drive safari on condition that you are familiar with the rules and regulations of this park.
Tourists are often surprised to see bird species perched near crocodiles or gazelles grazing near big cats. However, it’s important to remember that predators typically kill for food, allowing the fauna to coexist harmoniously.
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Lugard Falls in Tsavo East National Park in Kenya
Named after the British captain Frederick Lugard, who was said to have stopped here in the early years of colonization when he was traveling for the British East African Company. Lugard Falls in Tsavo East National Park Kenya is located about 60 km north of Voi town on the Galana River.
These magnificent falls are not waterfalls in the classical sense but a variety of rapids, which flow in a gorge-like slope to the Galana River. Over time, the water has formed deep gorges in the relatively soft rock, plunging into the Galana River, the second largest river in Kenya.
This area is excellent for photography on Kenya wildlife viewing safaris in Tsavo East Park. At the bottom of these pools, there is a pool where travelers can spot crocodiles, hippos, elephant herds, and even buffaloes.
Note that during heavy rains, Lugard Falls are not entirely safe when the water shoots incredibly fast downstream through narrow gaps with very high pressure.
The Lugard Falls are seldom driven by one-day Tsavo Safaris, but the time is too short, as other game drives are a priority in the tight safari program. Therefore, my tip is to take advantage of the possibilities of a multi-day safari through Tsavo; it is always worth exploring the diversity of Tsavo East National Park-Kenya.
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Wonderful Bird Species in Tsavo East Park Africa
Tsavo East NP is one of the true birding havens in Kenya, with a healthy population of over 500 birds, including rare species such as the Somali ostrich, & the beautiful golden pipit, golden-breasted starling, vulturine Guinea fowl, etc.
Migratory bird species from Europe exist in Tsavo from November to April.
The rainy season is usually the breeding season of the bird species in Tsavo East Park, Kenya’s largest national park.
Other bird species found in Tsavo East Park include
- Secretary bird
- Somali bee-eater
- Lesser kestrel
- Northern Brownbul
- Martial eagle
- Black-faced sandgrouse
- Fischer’s starling
- Red-bellied parrot
- Shelley’s Starling
- Black-headed lapwing
- Eastern chanting Goshawk
Other Features to Explore in Tsavo East National Park Africa
Galana River
Crocodiles and other park creatures use R. galana as a watering hole. Kenya’s River Galana originates in the southern Kenya highlands and flows through Tsavo East National Park to the Indian Ocean north of Malindi.
Yatta Plateau in East Tsavo Park
Yatta Plateau is found between rivers Athi and Tiva. Its dominant relief features scenic shallow valleys covered in dry plains. It was formed by Ol Donyo Sabuk Mountain lava flows.
Mudanda Rock
Mudanda Rock is a stratified rock near Manyani Gate in Tsavo East Park, Kenya. During dry seasons, wildlife species, including elephants, drink from this water catchment region, giving guests the chance to watch them amazingly bathe and drink water.
Aruba Dam
East of Voi Gate is Aruba Dam, which serves as a drinking spot for wildlife in Tsavo East Park. Park officials established this dam to provide fauna with water in the dry season.
Kanderi Swamp in Tsavo Area
Just like the Aruba dam, Kanderi Swamp also provides water for fauna in this park. This swamp is found near Voi Gate in the park. Around, you can spot wildlife such as lesser kudu, hartebeest, large herds of buffaloes, and elephant herds, among other wildlife species.
Tsavo River
The Tsavo River runs through both Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks. This wonderful stream joins with the Athi River to make the R. Galana.
Amazing Tourist Activities in Tsavo East National Park
Travelers on Tsavo East National Park safari tours will enjoy the following activities and all of them can be done all year round.
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Game Drives in Tsavo East National Park Kenya
Safari drives in Tsavo East Game Park offer one of the best wildlife viewing tours in Kenya. This wonderful wildlife viewing adventure can be done in half a day or a full day; however, the best experience is the early morning game drive and the evening game drive.
In the afternoon, most of the fauna, such as large herds of zebras and African Buffaloes, rest under tree shades due to the high temperature in the park.
We shall provide you with an experienced driver guide and a wonderful safari vehicle with a pop-up roof designed to give you a panoramic outlook of the landscape and unobstructed views of the animals. Photographers will have ample time to take photos.
Our experienced driver guide will take you to spots where you have greater chances of spotting fauna, such as leopards, giraffes, hippos, gazelles, hartebeests, elands, wildebeests, hyenas, baboons, and many others.
It’s simple to spot rhinos as this is a sanctuary. Within Tsavo East, there are over 80 lions, and they are easy to spot on a morning game drive. Sometimes, tourists can spot lion herds lying along the road or while hunting.
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Bird Watching in Tsavo Game Park Africa
Birdwatching in Tsavo Game Park is an amazing adventure, mostly for travelers who enjoy seeing birds. Make sure you come with a camera and a pair of binoculars.
While birdwatching, you should expect to spot most of the birds among the 500 bird species recorded in this park. Among the common bird species in Tsavo East Park are Lesser Falcons, Secretary Birds, Jackson’s Widowbird, Red-throated Tit, Lesser Kestrel, Red-winged lark, Eastern Chanting Goshawk, Rosy-patched Bush-Shrike, Somali Ostrich, etc.
Just like it is in other parks, also in Tsavo East, some areas are strictly for safari drives but it’s possible to have game walks in some places.
Migrant bird species in Tsavo Game Park are present from November to April. The peak months in the short and long rains are November and April, with heavy rain a possibility, leading to bird-watching activities being disrupted.
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Nature Walks in Tsavo East National Park
If you enjoy spending time in the beautiful wilderness of Africa, this is the best adventure for you to do on your Tsavo East National Park safari tour.
When you book your Kenya safari trip with us, we shall assign you an experienced guide who will lead you through the various geological phenomena that make up this diverse park. He will introduce you to various fauna and flora and explain how they thrive in this challenging environment!
During a guided walk in Tsavo, you will explore the world’s longest lava flow at the Yatta Plateau, walk between rugged volcanic cones, and marvel at the clear waters of the Mzima Springs, which emanate from beneath the Chyulu Hills.
Be expectant also to spot game animals, including warthogs, giraffes, elephants, zebras, and spotted hyenas, plus many amazing bird species, including the Jackson’s widow bird. It’s difficult to miss baboons as well. Mind to put on comfortable safari boots for a remarkable game-walking adventure.
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Go Camping
It is possible to camp in Tsavo either on a private site or on a public site. These camping places in this country are well protected and are in excellent spots for wildlife viewing. Camping sites are watched over by park rangers. Right from your comfortable seat on the balcony of your tent, you can see fauna, a very exciting experience.
Camping in the bush is enjoyable because you might wake up to the sound of birds singing or the roar of a king of the jungle moving through its territory.
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Cultural Tours
Kenya is one of the best places to visit in the world to enjoy a cultural experience. This country has great cultural practices and traditions that haven’t changed much over the years, like visiting the Masai community. When you meet Masai people, you can interact with them and dance their traditional dance with them.
More things to do in Tsavo East National Park:
- Explore River Tana
- Exploring Kanderi Swamp
- Visit R. Tsavo
- Tour Yatta Plateau, a generally flat area ideal for sightseeing.
- Explore Mudanda Rock
- Visit Voi River
Packing List for Kenya Safaris in Tsavo East National Park Africa
The packing list for the Kenya Tsavo East National Park safari tour is similar to that you can have while visiting most of the protected areas in Kenya, such as Amboseli Park and Masai Mara, among many others.
Below is what to pack for the Kenya safari in Tsavo Game Park:
- Friendly safari clothes
- A camera
- Insect repellent
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Safari Day pack bag
- Warm jumper
- A pair of binoculars
- Sunscreens
- Travel documents
- Personal toiletries
When Is the Best Time to Visit Tsavo East National Park for Wildlife Viewing Tours?
The best times to visit Tsavo East National Park are from June to October and from January to February when the park is at its best for game-viewing expeditions. It can be harder to see animals in “normal” years, especially during the peak of the short rains in November and the long rains in April. This is because fauna spread out over a larger area when food and water are easier to find.
On visiting in the dry season, expect to encounter quite many safari vehicles, as this is the peak season for Kenya wildlife safaris.
Accommodation in Tsavo East National Park
Looking for the best lodges in Tsavo East Park to use on your safari tour? Be expectant to find luxury facilities, midrange, & budget lodges. There is an option of camping if you are a fan!
Budget accommodation in Tsavo East Park: Man Eaters Safari Camp, Voi Wildlife Lodge, Satao Camp, Lair Leopard Cottages, Nguthuni Lodge, Manyatta Camp, and Red Elephants Safari Lodge, etc.
Midrange accommodation in Tsavo East NP: Impala Safari Lodge, Ndololo Camp, Ithumba Camp, Voi Safari Lodge, as well as Kulalu Camp.
Luxury accommodation in Kenya’s Tsavo East Park: Kiboko Camp, Satao Camp, plus Kilalinda Safari Camp.
How to Get to Tsavo East National Park in Kenya Africa?
Visitors in this country can access Tsavo East Park (located in southeast Kenya) in various ways and these have been discussed below:
- By road
Tsavo East National Park has 3 gates: From Mombasa, there is a Voi main gate 153km via the Mombasa-Nairobi highway; Mtito Andei gate is 233km south of Nairobi and 250km north of Mombasa on the main Nairobi-Mombasa highway; and from Malindi or the north cost, take the western road (103) and enter the park via Sala gate.
Book with us and we will take you through with an open-topped tour vehicle, which will make your safari a remarkable experience.
- By Air
Tsavo East Park has several airstrips. Chartered light aircraft may land at any of the six airstrips in the south part of the park or any of the 13 airstrips in the north.
- By Railway
The Nairobi-Mombasa railway runs right through the Tsavo East National Park.
FAQs About Tsavo East National Park Safari
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What Is Tsavo East Famous For?: What Is Unique About Tsavo National Park?
Kenya’s Tsavo East Park is known for its unique wildlife species, including the red-dust elephants. Within this beautiful park in Kenya, you can also spot male lions! Among the other game animals are giraffes, buffalo herds, zebras, warthogs, and spotted hyenas.
Kenya’s Tsavo parks are also known for man-eating lions—the man-eaters in the Tsavo region of Kenya.
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Is Tsavo East Worth Visiting? Is Tsavo East Worth It?
Undeniably, Kenya safari tours in Tsavo East Park are worth undertaking. On your visit to this protected area, you’ll do safari drives, birding, nature walks, as well as sightseeing, to mention but a few. Also, this park is simple to supplement with other excellent safari parks in this country, such as Amboseli Park.
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Are There Lions in Tsavo East Park? How Many Lions Are in Tsavo East Park?
Yes, you can spot lion herds in Tsavo East Park. Within this protected area managed by Kenya Wildlife Service park authorities, over 80 lions dwell there.
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Which Is Best, Tsavo East or West?
All the Tsavo National Parks are excellent for wildlife safaris; however, most travelers visit Tsavo East as it’s easier to spot wildlife there because the vegetation is less thick. On the other hand, it’s harder to find wildlife in Tsavo West because of its denser vegetation.
Western Tsavo (Black Rhino Sanctuary) remains among the top varied regions in East Africa, and it holds some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery and is the ideal place to see black rhinos in Africa.
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Is Tsavo Better Than Masai Mara?
Both of these protected areas are magnificent sites for wildlife viewing tours but Masai Mara offers many safari activities, including even watching the magnificent wildebeest migration.
For a notable wildlife viewing safari in Kenya, add Tsavo East National Park to your Kenyan tour. Within this park, you’ll do safari drives looking for the big five, as well as guided game walks and birding, among many others. Its landscape is also excellent for photography!
Contact our team for all categories of safaris in Kenya, including beach holiday tours.