Tsavo East National Park the last park in Kenya
Tsavo East National Park Safari Tours
Tsavo East National Park, one of Kenya’s oldest and largest parks, offers an unparalleled safari experience. With vast red plains, herds of iconic red elephants, and remarkable landscapes, Tsavo East is a must-see destination for any wildlife enthusiast. Annest Kenya Safaris provides expertly curated Tsavo East safari tours, designed to offer unforgettable encounters with Africa’s wildlife and landscapes. Whether it’s a single-day adventure or a multi-day journey, Annest Kenya Safaris ensures an immersive, memorable safari that captures the true spirit of Kenya’s wilderness.
Tsavo East National Park overview
General Overview of Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park spans approximately 13,747 square kilometers and is part of the larger Tsavo Conservation Area, which includes Tsavo West National Park. Known for its vast open plains, towering baobab trees, and the unique red elephants, Tsavo East National Park safari experiences promise both dramatic landscapes and exceptional wildlife encounters. This region is famed for its diverse ecosystems, including rivers, woodlands, and savannas, creating habitats that support a wide range of animals, from lions and leopards to giraffes and zebras.
How to Get to Tsavo East National Park
How to Get to Tsavo East National Park
Getting to Tsavo East National Park is convenient, especially from Kenya’s coastal cities. Mombasa to Tsavo safari transfers are popular, taking just a few hours by road. Visitors can also fly into Moi International Airport in Mombasa and arrange a road transfer to the park’s main entry points. Annest Kenya Safaris offers round-trip transportation from Mombasa, Diani, and other coastal locations, ensuring a hassle-free journey into the heart of the park.
Best Time for a safari
Best Time to Visit Tsavo East National Park
The best time to visit Tsavo East National Park is during Kenya’s dry seasons, from June to October and January to February. During these months, the park’s wildlife gathers around water sources, making it easier to spot animals on game drives. However, Tsavo East is a year-round destination, and each season offers unique experiences. The rainy seasons (March to May and November to December) transform the landscape, creating lush greenery and beautiful scenery for photography, though wildlife viewing may be a bit more challenging due to denser vegetation.
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Wildlife and Landscape of Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East is renowned for its vibrant wildlife, with Tsavo East safari tours offering opportunities to encounter the famed “Big Five”: lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos. The park’s red elephants, coated in the red soil unique to Tsavo, are an iconic sight. Tsavo is also home to large prides of lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and a variety of bird species, making it ideal for wildlife safari Tsavo East adventures. The landscape is as captivating as the wildlife, with vast open plains, rivers like the Galana, and the Aruba Dam, a prime location for wildlife sightings.
The Magical Land
Safari Experiences in Tsavo East National Park
A safari in Tsavo East National Park is an experience like no other, offering a sense of solitude and raw wilderness that’s increasingly rare in more commercialized parks. Most visitors explore the park through game drives, which are the best way to cover large areas and see a variety of wildlife. Game drives in Tsavo East often lead to sightings of the famous red elephants, as well as lions, zebras, and giraffes.
For those interested in a more immersive experience, some lodges and camps offer guided bush walks. These walking safaris allow you to explore the smaller details of the park’s ecosystem—learning about the plants, insects, and tracks left by animals—while safely guided by an expert ranger.
Birdwatching is another popular activity in Tsavo East, especially during the rainy season when migratory birds arrive. The park’s rivers, swamps, and grasslands create diverse habitats that attract species like herons, storks, and weaver birds.
Photography enthusiasts will find Tsavo East a dream come true. The park’s unique lighting, wide horizons, and iconic red elephants provide a rich tapestry for capturing stunning images, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the golden light enhances the dramatic landscapes.
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Lodges and Tented Camps - Accommodation in Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to more rustic tented camps. Whether you’re looking
for a comfortable, luxurious stay or an authentic safari experience under canvas, Tsavo East has something for everyone.
Luxury Lodges
For those seeking a more luxurious safari experience, Satao Camp and Ashnil Aruba Lodge are top choices. These lodges offer stunning views, spacious rooms, and top-notch services. Satao Camp, in particular, is known for its waterhole, which attracts a variety of wildlife, including elephants, right in front of the camp. Ashnil Aruba Lodge is situated near the Aruba Dam, a prime location for wildlife spotting, especially during the dry season.
Mid-Range Lodges and Camps
For travelers looking for comfort without breaking the bank, Voi Wildlife Lodge and Tsavo Sentrim Camp provide excellent mid-range options. Both lodges offer comfortable accommodations with great access to wildlife. Voi Wildlife Lodge is famous for its panoramic views of the savannah, while Tsavo Sentrim Camp provides a cozy, rustic atmosphere with easy access to the park’s main gates.
Tented Camps
If you’re after an authentic bush experience, Ndololo Safari Camp or Satao Camp offer tented accommodations that place you closer to nature. These camps provide comfortable safari-style tents equipped with modern amenities like en-suite bathrooms, yet they maintain a traditional safari feel. Waking up to the sounds of wildlife around you is one of the most memorable experiences Tsavo East has to offer.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, Manyatta Camp provides basic but comfortable tented accommodations with incredible views of the park’s landscape.
The Magical Land
Points of Interest Around Tsavo East National Park
In addition to wildlife, Tsavo East National Park is home to several points of interest that add to the park’s allure.
Yatta Plateau
The Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world, is a geological wonder that stretches over 300 kilometers. The plateau is an impressive sight and provides a unique contrast to the surrounding savannah. For geology enthusiasts, the Yatta Plateau is a must-see.
Lugard Falls
Named after the British explorer Frederick Lugard, these cascading rapids on the Galana River are a beautiful and serene spot within the park. The water flows through channels carved out of ancient volcanic rock, creating dramatic scenery and a fantastic place for photography. Crocodiles are often spotted sunbathing near the falls, adding to the excitement of visiting this area.
Aruba Dam
Built in 1952, the Aruba Dam has become a vital water source for the animals of Tsavo East. During the dry season, the dam attracts large herds of elephants, buffalo, and zebras, making it an excellent spot for game viewing. The dam is also a great place to enjoy a picnic while watching wildlife gather at the water’s edge.
Mudanda Rock
This massive rock formation acts as a natural water catchment, drawing wildlife during the dry season. The rock is over 1.6 kilometers long and offers panoramic views of the park’s plains, making it a popular spot for both wildlife viewing and photography.
Tsavo East National Park FAQS
Tsavo East National Park is located in southeastern Kenya, halfway between Nairobi and Mombasa.
You can see a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and over 500 species of birds.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to October and January to February, when wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot.
You can drive from Nairobi or Mombasa, or take a charter flight to one of the park’s airstrips, such as Voi or Satao airstrip.
Accommodation options range from luxury lodges like Satao Camp and Ashnil Aruba Lodge to mid-range camps such as Voi Wildlife Lodge and Ndololo Safari Camp.
Key attractions include the Yatta Plateau, Lugard Falls, Aruba Dam, and Mudanda Rock, in addition to the park’s famous wildlife.
