Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East
National Park

Introduction

In the heart of Kenya lies Tsavo East National Park. The landscape is full of untamed wilderness, where the horizon meets the dramatic red soil of Tsavo. Heard of the Red Elephants? These legendary elephants are unique due to their red skin and can be found in Tsavo National Park. A safari in Tsavo East National Park promises raw and unforgettable encounters with the wild, including lions and the elusive leopards!Tsavo East National Park has spectacular attractions like Lugard Falls, Mudanda rock, Galana River and The Yatta Plateau among others.

Location

Tsavo East National Park is about 250 km from Nairobi making the drive approximately 3-4 hours. Opting for traveling by air will take you 2 hours, 160 km from Nairobi to Mombasa. Tsavo East National park is 13,700 sq km, being the largest and oldest park in Kenya. Tsavo East is where the true wild comes alive!

Tsavo East Conservancies (cvn)

Kipini Conservancy is a vital conservation area playing a key role in preserving Kenya’s rich biodiversity. This conservancy provides a safe haven for animals like elephants, lions, buffalos, leopards and rare coastal wildlife, by serving as an important wildlife corridor connecting Tsavo East to the Tana Delta and the Indian Ocean. Kipini Conservancy also supports local communities through ecotourism and conservation initiatives, promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Lying along the Galana river is Galana conservancy, bordering Tsavo East to the northeast. Covering 60,000 hectares, this conservancy acts as a buffer zone that reduces human-wildlife conflicts. Galana Conservancy is home to a diverse range of wildlife like the hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, cheetahs and leopards. It also promotes responsible tourism with exclusive few crowded safaris.

Tsavo East Airstips (astrp)

Located right next to Aruba Dam in Tsavo East, Aruba airstrip is situated roughly 1,400 feet above sea level. The departure time is 10:00 AM and arrival time is 4:00 PM. The closest accommodation is Sentrim Tsavo East Lodge.

This airstrip is nestled near Tsavo East National Park at 1,650 feet above sea level. The closest stay is at Voi Wildlife Lodge just a few minutes away offering stunning park views. Voi airstrip lies at 1,650 feet above sea level and its arrival schedule is 9:00 AM and departure time is 4:30 PM.

Satao airstrip is tucked away in the southern reaches of Tsavo East National Park. It offers a private and exclusive entry to Kenya's most iconic destination. This airstrip I named in honor of the legendary elephant Satao who was known for his large tusks. Satao airstrip is located conveniently close to Satao camp in which it provides access to the National Park for visitors who wish to explore the wildlife in the area. The airstrip lies approximately 3,000ft (917m) above sea level. Its typical arrival time is 8.30 AM - 9.00 AM, and departure time is from late mornings.

Nestled in the eastern plains of Tsavo, Bachuma airstrip is 1,300 feet above sea level with Ashnil Aruba Lodge being the closest. Arrival time is 8:30 AM and departure time is 5:00 PM. Welcome to the drama unfolding in Tsavo East!

Sala Gate airstrip is located near Sala Gate, providing access to the eastern section of Tsavo East National Park. At an altitude of 1338 ft(804m) above sea level, the airstrip is nearest to Satao Elereai Camp. Its scheduled arrival time lies between 8.00 - 9.00 AM, and departures take place between 10.00 - 11.00 AM.

ala Gate airstrip is located near Sala Gate, providing access to the eastern section of Tsavo East National Park. At an altitude of 1338 ft(804m) above sea level, the airstrip is nearest to Satao Elereai Camp. Its scheduled arrival time lies between 8.00 - 9.00 AM, and departures take place between 10.00 - 11.00 AM.

Tsavo East Gallery

Tsavo East Wildlife

The Big five

Lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos

Other mammals

The Masai giraffe, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, elands, and lesser kudus

Predators and scavengers

Cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, jackals

Birds

ostriches, secretary birds, hornbills, kingfishers, eagles & vultures

Unique wildlife in the conservancies

African wild dogs, aardwolves, honey badgers, colobus monkeys five

Tsavo East Safari Packages

Wild of the West Safari

From
$ 2,168 pp

More Safari Packages

Tsavo East Common Activities

Lugard falls visit

Yatta Plateau exploration

Aruba Dam sightseeing

Bird watching

Nature walks & hiking

Cultural visits

Game drives

Camping & picnicking

Photography

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Tsavo East FAQs

What is Tsavo East National Park known for?

Its vast open landscape, large elephant herd covered in red dust (hence “red elephants”), and the famous man-eating lions of Tsavo

Are there the famous “man-eating” lions in Tsavo East?

Today, lions are not considered dangerous to tourists; the historic man-eating lions were from the railway construction in the late 19th century.

When is the best time to visit Tsavo East National Park ?

During the dry season (June-October & Jan-March ) is the best time, since the animals are easily visible at the water points

Are night game drives permitted in Tsavo East National Park?

No, night game drives are not allowed in Tsavo East

How do I get to Tsavo East National Park?

You can drive from Nairobi, use a train from Nairobi to Mombasa, then drive to Tsavo, or take a flight to an airstrip inside the park.