Kenya safari destination
Tsavo East National Park
Vast red-earth plains, big elephant herds and the palm-lined Galana River, close to the coast.
Location
Taita-Taveta and Kitui
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
Two to three nights
Famous for
Red elephant herds
Location
Taita-Taveta and Kitui
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
Two to three nights
Famous for
Red elephant herds
Closest park to the coast
Around two to three hours by road from Mombasa or Diani.
Kenya’s biggest wilderness
Tsavo East is Kenya’s largest national park, a huge sweep of open plains and red earth east of the Nairobi to Mombasa highway.
The palm-lined Galana River cuts through the park and draws wildlife through the dry months. Tsavo East is famous for its herds of red-dusted elephants and for the Yatta Plateau, one of the longest lava flows in the world, and it is the easiest major park to reach from the coast.
Where your guide will take you
- Galana River
- Lugard Falls
- Mudanda Rock
- Aruba Dam
- Yatta Plateau
- Crocodile Point
The animals you came to see
Open country makes animals easy to spot, especially along the Galana River.
Elephant
Lion
Cheetah
Buffalo
Giraffe
Zebra
More than game drives
Hover or tap a card to see how each experience fits into your days in Tsavo East.
Guided game drives
Guided game drives
Galana River
Galana River
Lugard Falls
Lugard Falls
Mudanda Rock
Mudanda Rock
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Sundowners
When to visit Tsavo East
Tsavo East is good all year. The season you pick shapes what you see, how busy it is and what you pay.
January to February
Short dry season
Hot, clear days and good game viewing near the river and waterholes.
March to May
Long rains
Green plains, very few visitors and the lowest lodge rates.
Best time
June to October
Peak dry season
Animals gather along the Galana River and at the waterholes. The easiest time for game viewing.
November to December
Short rains
Brief showers, fresh grass and migrant birds before the holidays.
Planning your trip
The practical details, so you can decide how to travel and where to stay.
Getting there
From the coast or Nairobi.
- From the coast: about two to three hours by road from Mombasa or Diani.
- From Nairobi: around five to six hours by road, or the Madaraka Express train to Voi.
- Combined routes: pairs well with Tsavo West, Amboseli and a beach stay.
Where to stay
Lodges and riverside camps.
- Inside the park: lodges and camps near the Galana River and waterholes.
- Near Voi: easy-access lodges close to the main gate.
- Any budget: we match lodges to your style, from comfortable mid-range to luxury.
Park entry fees are charged by Kenya Wildlife Service per person, per day. Ask us for the current rates when you request your quote.
Tsavo East safari tours
Ready-made trips that include Tsavo East, from short safaris from the coast to longer Kenya circuits.
- Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East & West
- 4 Days 3 Nights
- Amboseli, Tsavo East
- 4 Days 3 Nights
- Amboseli, Tsavo East
- 3 Days 2 Nights
Tsavo East FAQs
Can’t see your question here? Our Nairobi team is available 24/7.
Talk to Serval Tours and Travel
- +254 792 335842 (call or WhatsApp)
- info@servaltoursandtravel.com
- Blessed House, Thika Road, Nairobi
- P.O. Box 22122-00100, Nairobi
- Available 24/7
Where is Tsavo East National Park?
Tsavo East lies in south-eastern Kenya, across Taita-Taveta and Kitui counties, east of the Nairobi to Mombasa highway.
How many days do you need in Tsavo East?
Two to three days is ideal, especially if you combine it with Tsavo West or a beach holiday.
Is Tsavo East good for a safari from the coast?
Yes. It is the closest major park to Mombasa and Diani, so it works well as a short safari from the beach.
Why are Tsavo’s elephants red?
They dust themselves with the park’s red volcanic soil, which protects their skin from the sun and insects.
What is the best time to visit Tsavo East?
June to October and January to February are the driest months, when animals gather along the Galana River.
How do you get to Tsavo East?
From Mombasa or Diani it is about two to three hours by road. From Nairobi it is five to six hours by road, or take the Madaraka Express train to Voi.
Is Tsavo East crowded?
No. It is Kenya’s largest park and sees far fewer vehicles than the Maasai Mara or Amboseli.
Can Tsavo East be combined with other parks?
Yes. It combines well with Tsavo West, Amboseli and the beaches of Diani or Mombasa.
Start planning your Tsavo East safari
Tell us your dates, group size and budget. We’ll come back with a Tsavo East itinerary built around the season and the experiences you want most.