Tsavo East National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Kenya, covering roughly 13,747 sq km of semi-arid plains east of the Nairobi-Mombasa road. Established in April 1948 over land once known as the Taru Desert, it forms half of the Tsavo Conservation Area, Kenya’s biggest single wildlife sanctuary alongside neighbouring Tsavo West.
The park at a glance
- About 13,747 sq km, established in 1948
- Flat, dry savanna and grassland, generally more open than Tsavo West
- Home to the Yatta Plateau, at roughly 290 km the world’s longest lava flow, formed by an eruption from Ol Donyo Sabuk mountain
- The Galana River, formed by the Athi and Tsavo rivers, crosses the park and feeds Lugard Falls
Red elephants and other wildlife
Tsavo East’s elephants are famous for the reddish tint left on their skin after dust-bathing in the park’s red laterite soil, giving rise to the nickname “red elephants.” The park also supports lion, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and over 500 recorded bird species. Some of Tsavo’s best-known individual elephants, including the large tusker Satao, lived here before poaching losses in past decades prompted stronger protection measures across the ecosystem.
Landmarks
Lugard Falls, a series of white-water rapids on the Athi-Galana-Sabaki River named after colonial administrator Frederick Lugard, is one of the park’s most photographed spots. Aruba Dam, built in 1952 across the Voi River, created a reservoir that reliably draws elephant herds and water birds, especially in the dry season.
Things to do
- Game drives across open plains for elephant, lion and giraffe
- Viewing Lugard Falls and the Yatta Plateau
- Birdwatching around Aruba Dam
- Combining a visit with neighbouring Tsavo West for a fuller picture of the wider ecosystem
Practical information
- Reached by road from Nairobi or Mombasa along the main highway, or by scheduled flights to Voi and other airstrips
- Best visited in the dry seasons from June to October and January to February
- Park fees and current access points are best confirmed with your operator or the Kenya Wildlife Service before travel
Tsavo East’s scale and open plains make it a strong stop on a Nairobi-to-coast route. Offmap Safaris can combine it with Tsavo West, Amboseli or a Diani beach finish. To start planning, visit Plan My African Safari, message us on WhatsApp at +256 701 243 304, or email [email protected]. See also our notes on health and safety and responsible travel.