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 East 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)
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!
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 Camps & Lodges
( In & Around )
Galdessa Camp (Elewana)
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Satao Luxury Camp
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Kulalu Camp
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Voi Wildlife Lodge
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Zomeni Lion Hill
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Sentrim Tsavo Lodge
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Ndololo Safari Camp
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Taita Hill Hotel
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Galdessa Camp by Elewana
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Satao Luxury Camp
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Ashnil Aruba Lodge
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Kulalu Camp
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Tsavo Safari Camp
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Voi Wildlife Lodge
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Manyatta Camp
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Zomeni Lion Hill
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Boma Simba Lodge
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Sentrim Tsavo Lodge
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Ndololo Safari Camp
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Taita Hill Hotel
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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.
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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.
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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
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
Tsavo East FAQs
What is Tsavo East National Park famous for?
Its vast open landscape, large elephant herd covered in red dust (hence “red elephants”), and the famous man-eating lions of Tsavo
Where are the lions of Tsavo now?
Today, the preserved remains of the two lions are displayed at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, USA. For more context, these two lions were famously known as "The Lions of Tsavo," and they got their fame for eating humans who served in the railway construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway project in 1989.
Which park is better, Tsavo East or West?
Both national parks offer unique experiences. Tsavo East is larger and vaster, more vast, and has red-dusted elephants and easier wildlife viewing because of the sparse vegetation. Tsavo West, on the other end, is unique for its hills, lava flows, and the Mzima Springs. Oh,, oh, and it also has a nice photographic hide. It’s more lush but sometimes harder for spotting animals due to the thicker bush.
How much does it cost to visit Tsavo East National Park?
According to the latest official regulations from the Kenya Wildlife Service, the entry fee for Tsavo East National Park is USD 80 for non-resident adults and USD 40 for non-resident children aged 5 to 17, while it is free for those under five years of age. The other rates are as follows: KES 1,000 for East African citizens and KES 1,350. Before this change, the Tsavo East Park fees were KES 515 for Kenyan citizens/residents and USD 52 for non-residents. This is effective from 1st October 2025.
Can you see Kilimanjaro from Tsavo East?
It's hard to see Mount Kilimanjaro from Tsavo East National Park because of the distance and the mountains in between limiting its visibility. However, Kilimanjaro can often be clearly seen from Tsavo West National Park, mostly in the mornings, especially around the Chyulu Hills and areas near the border with Amboseli.
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.
