Tsavo East National Park the last park in Kenya
Tsavo East National Park: A Journey into Kenya's Wild Frontier
Tsavo East National Park, one of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks, is a vast, untamed wilderness teeming with wildlife and stunning landscapes. Covering over 13,747 square kilometers, Tsavo East is part of the larger Tsavo ecosystem, which includes Tsavo West National Park. This immense stretch of land is known for its red-dust-covered elephants, expansive plains, and dramatic scenery. For those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in a raw and authentic African safari experience, Tsavo East delivers just that.
From its iconic red elephants to the stunning Yatta Plateau, the park’s diverse ecosystem offers something for every kind of traveler, from adventure seekers to nature lovers.
Tsavo East National Park overview
General Overview of Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park, established in 1948, is located in southeastern Kenya and forms the eastern portion of the larger Tsavo ecosystem. Known for its semi-arid savannah, it’s an ideal destination for visitors who appreciate wide, open spaces and want to experience wildlife in a less commercialized setting. The Athi-Galana-Sabaki River flows through the park, supporting a wide variety of animals, and offering opportunities for incredible game viewing.
The park is perhaps most famous for its red elephants, which are coated in the distinctive red dust of Tsavo. In fact, Tsavo East is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Kenya, alongside lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 species of birds.
One of the highlights of Tsavo East is the Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow, stretching over 300 kilometers. This geological wonder, along with the park’s dramatic landscapes, make it a unique destination for those seeking both natural beauty and thrilling wildlife encounters.
How to Get to Tsavo East National Park
How to Get to Tsavo East National Park
Getting to Tsavo East National Park is relatively easy, whether you prefer flying or driving. The park is well-positioned between Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, and the coastal city of Mombasa, making it accessible from either location.
If you choose to drive, Tsavo East is about a 5-6 hour journey from Nairobi, with the main entrance being the Voi Gate, easily accessible via the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. From Mombasa, the drive takes around 2-3 hours, making it a popular stop for travelers looking to combine a safari with a beach holiday on Kenya’s coast. Self-driving is possible, though a 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially during the rainy season when some roads can become challenging.
For those preferring to fly, there are charter flights available from both Nairobi and Mombasa to several airstrips within the park, including the Voi and Satao airstrips. Flying is a quicker option, offering stunning aerial views of the park’s vast, open plains, and it is a great choice if you want to maximize your time in the park.
Best Time for a safari
Best Time to Visit Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park can be visited year-round, but the best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this period, animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot wildlife, especially elephants, lions, and buffalo. The dry season also provides clear skies and great conditions for photography.
Another excellent time to visit is from January to February, which is another dry season with similar advantages in terms of wildlife viewing and pleasant weather.
The rainy seasons, from March to May and November to December, bring lush green landscapes and an abundance of birdlife, including migratory species. While the park is still open during these months, wildlife can be more dispersed, and some roads may become muddy and difficult to navigate. However, the park tends to be quieter during this period, making it an appealing time for those looking for a more tranquil experience.
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Wildlife and Landscape of Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park is renowned for its vast population of elephants, which roam freely across its dusty red plains. These elephants often bathe in the park’s red soil, giving them a distinctive reddish-brown color, unique to Tsavo. The park’s elephant herds are one of the largest in Kenya, and spotting them against the backdrop of the park’s wide-open spaces is a breathtaking sight.
In addition to elephants, Tsavo East is home to an array of wildlife, including lions, often referred to as the “Man-Eaters of Tsavo” due to the historical events involving lions during the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway. Today, these lions are a popular attraction, although they are now observed in their natural, non-threatening habitat. Other predators in the park include cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas.
Herbivores like zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes can also be seen grazing across the plains, while the park’s rivers and waterholes attract hippos and crocodiles. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the over 500 bird species that call Tsavo East home, including the African fish eagle, kingfishers, and ostriches.
The landscape of Tsavo East is equally impressive, with the vast Yatta Plateau dominating much of the northern section. The plateau is a remnant of volcanic activity and is the longest lava flow in the world, stretching over 300 kilometers. The Galana River, which cuts through the park, offers a lifeline to many animals and is a beautiful feature for visitors to explore. Other notable landscapes include the Lugard Falls, where the Galana River plunges over rocks, and the Aruba Dam, a man-made reservoir that attracts wildlife during the dry season.
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.
