Tsavo East National Park

Wildlife

The Tsavo ecosystem holds Kenya’s largest population of elephants, and large herds are a common sight around waterholes, along the Galana and at Mudanda Rock. Buffalo, Maasai giraffe, plains zebra, Coke’s hartebeest, waterbuck and impala are widespread.

Tsavo East is also a good place to see dry-country species that are absent from the south of Kenya, including fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk, lesser kudu and Grevy’s zebra, which have been translocated into the park. The rare hirola, one of the world’s most endangered antelopes, has a small population here as well.

Lion are widespread, and the males are often noted for their short or sparse manes. Cheetah do well on the open plains, and leopard, spotted hyena, striped hyena and African wild dog are present, although sightings of the last two are rare. Hippo and Nile crocodile live in the Galana River. Birdlife is rich, with more than 500 species recorded across the Tsavo parks, including golden-breasted starlings, vulturine guineafowl and many raptors.

Key wildlife

• Elephant
• Lion
• Cheetah
• Leopard
• Buffalo
• Fringe-eared oryx
• Gerenuk
• Lesser kudu
• Grevy’s zebra
• Hirola
• Hippo
• Nile crocodile
• Vulturine guineafowl

Best Time to Visit

Short answer: Jun–Oct. Also good: Jan–Feb.

Peak Good Quieter

The dry season, from June to October, is the best time for game viewing. Vegetation thins out, and animals gather around the Galana River, waterholes and dams such as Aruba, making them easier to find. January and February are a second, shorter dry season that is also good.

The long rains usually fall from around March to May and the short rains in November and December. The bush turns green, newborn animals appear and migrant birds arrive, although wildlife spreads out and some tracks can become difficult.

Tsavo East is low-lying and can be hot, especially in the months before the rains. Malaria is present, so speak to a travel clinic about prevention before you travel.

Getting There

Tsavo East is easy to reach from the coast. Voi Gate is about 160 km from Mombasa, around three hours by road, and Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa is the nearest international airport. Many visitors combine Tsavo East with a beach stay on the Kenya coast.

From Nairobi, the drive to Manyani Gate near Voi takes around five to six hours on the Mombasa road. The Madaraka Express train between Nairobi and Mombasa stops at Voi, which is close to the park. There are several airstrips in the park for charter flights.

Park fees are cashless and must be paid in advance through the Kenya Wildlife Service’s eCitizen system. Your safari operator or lodge will usually arrange this for you.

Fees & Access

Entrance fees

Conservation fees are set by the Kenya Wildlife Service and charged per person for a single entry of up to 24 hours. Non-resident adults pay US$80 and children aged 5–17 US$40. African citizens pay US$40 (child US$20), Kenya residents KSh 1,350 and East African citizens KSh 1,000. Children under 5 are free. A vehicle with fewer than six seats pays KSh 600 per day.

Payment is cashless and must be made in advance through KWS’s eCitizen system, usually by your safari operator or lodge. Tsavo East and Tsavo West charge separately.

Gate hours

6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Health

Malaria risk: Moderate. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarials before you go.

Fees and gate times change. Check the latest rates with the park authority before you travel.

Things to Do

Game drives explore the plains, the Galana River and the waterholes, with elephants the highlight of almost every drive.

Mudanda Rock is a long rock outcrop above a natural water catchment, where you can look down on elephants and other animals coming to drink in the dry season.

Lugard Falls is a series of rapids where the Galana River surges through narrow channels of rock, with crocodiles often seen at Crocodile Point downstream.

The Yatta Plateau forms a striking backdrop, and viewpoints across the park reveal just how vast the Tsavo wilderness is.

Birdwatching is excellent, particularly during the rains when migrant species arrive.

Explore neighbouring Tsavo West and Amboseli, browse all safaris, or plan your safari with us.