Skip to content 
Kenya safari destination
Tsavo East, land of red elephants
Vast open plains, the Galana River and elephants dusted red by the earth.
Quick facts
Park at a glance
Location
South-eastern Kenya
Park size
About 13,747 sq km
Ideal stay
2 to 3 nights
Best time
June to October
Park overview
Big skies and wide open spaces
Tsavo East is one of the largest national parks in Kenya. Flat, semi-arid plains stretch to the horizon, broken only by the Galana River, doum palms and the Yatta Plateau, often described as one of the longest lava flows in the world.
Its elephants are famous for their reddish colour, the result of dust-bathing in Tsavo’s red soil. Because the park lies within easy reach of the coast, it is a natural safari to add to a beach holiday in Diani, Mombasa or Watamu.
- Within easy reach of the Kenyan coast
- Lugard Falls on the Galana River
- Huge, uncrowded wilderness
Why go
Six reasons to explore Tsavo East
Space, solitude and some of Kenya’s most memorable elephant encounters.
Red elephants
Large herds coloured by the red earth, a true Tsavo signature.
The Yatta Plateau
An ancient lava ridge running for hundreds of kilometres along the park.
Lugard Falls
The Galana River rushes through sculpted rock channels.
Mudanda Rock
A natural rock catchment where elephants come to drink in the dry season.
Close to the beach
Easy to combine with a stay on the Indian Ocean coast.
Room to roam
Wide, open landscapes with few other vehicles in sight.
Wildlife
Who you will meet in Tsavo East
Open plains make wildlife easy to spot across this vast park.
Elephants
Tsavo’s red elephants, often seen in large herds near water.
Lions
Resting in the shade or patrolling the open plains at dawn.
Cheetahs
Well suited to the open country, hunting in the cooler hours.
Buffalo
Big herds gather near the Galana River and waterholes.
Giraffes
Browsing the acacia trees across the plains.
Zebras
Grazing the dry grassland in herds of all sizes.
When to visit
Tsavo East through the year
Every season has its own rewards. Pick the one that matches what you most want to see.
Peak season
June to October
Long dry season
Animals gather at rivers and waterholes, making them easier to find.
Great time
January to February
Short dry season
Warm, settled weather and good game viewing between the rains.
Quiet season
March to May
Long rains
Green plains, newborn animals and quiet roads.
Good value
November to December
Short rains
Fresh scenery and migrant birds, before the festive season rush.
Things to do
More than game drives
From waterfalls to rock catchments, there is plenty to see between drives.
Game drives
Cover the open plains in search of elephants, lions and cheetahs.
Lugard Falls
Walk along the rock channels where the Galana River races through.
Mudanda Rock
Watch elephants gather at the natural rock pool in the dry season.
The Galana River
Look for crocodiles, hippos and birds along its palm-lined banks.
Photography
Wide horizons and red elephants make for unforgettable images.
Sundowners
End the day with sweeping views as the plains turn gold.
Plan your visit
Getting there and staying over
The practical details, so you can focus on the wildlife.
By road
Around two to three hours from Mombasa, or about five hours from Nairobi via the Mombasa road.
By air
Light-aircraft charters can reach airstrips in and around the park when time is short.
Where to stay
Choose a lodge or tented camp near the Galana River or a busy waterhole.
Tsavo East safaris
Trips that include Tsavo East
From a short Tsavo safari to a safari and beach holiday. Every itinerary can be tailored to you.
- Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West
- 3 Days 2 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Mombasa, Diani
- 6 Days 5 Nights
Good to know
Tsavo East questions, answered
The things travellers most often ask before visiting. Anything else, our Nairobi team is happy to help.
Tsavo East is flatter and more open, while Tsavo West is hilly and volcanic. Together they make a great combination.
Yes. It is close enough to Mombasa, Diani and Watamu to visit on a short safari during a beach holiday.
They dust-bathe in Tsavo’s red soil, which colours their skin and helps protect them from the sun.
Two or three nights gives you time for several game drives and the park’s highlights.
Tsavo West, Amboseli and the beaches of the Kenyan coast all pair well.
The dry season from June to October usually offers the easiest game viewing.
Ready for Tsavo East?
Tell us your dates and whether you would like to add the beach, and we will plan your Tsavo safari around you.
