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Location
Tsavo East National Park is located in Kenya’s South East, near the coast. It is approximately 110 miles from the town of Voi and approximately 260 miles from the capital city, Nairobi, and is known as the largest National Park in Kenya. Tsavo East lies in the Taru Desert and borders the Chyulu Hills National Park in Kenya, east of the southern Kenya Rift Valley.
Size
The park covers an area of around, 5300 square miles.
History
Although traversed by traders in the mid-600s, in 1949 the Tsavo East National Park was officially gazetted, when the A109 was built, dividing the Tsavo National Park into Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Along with Tsavo West, the park is known as one of the largest parks in Kenya. The park is named after the Tsavo River, which flows from West to East through the park.
Entrance Fees & Permits
Entrance fees to Tsavo East cost approximately USD$60 per person per day for those visiting for a day and for those guests staying at one of the camps or lodges in the park.
Hours of Operation
The Tsavo East National Park is open from 6am to 6pm.
By Road
Travel from Nairobi by Safari Jeep or scheduled transfer is a 230-mile drive and will take approximately six hours. The route will take guests south-east along the Uhuru Highway and eventually merge with the A104/Mombasa Road. The drive from Mombasa is 125 miles and will take approximately three hours.
By Air
Flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Tsavo East National Park will take 60 minutes and 30 minutes from Mombasa. Guests can fly into Voi Airport and take a three-hour transfer or fly into the Kilaguni or Finch Hattons Airstips in Tsavo West, and do a road transfer to their respective lodge or camp in Tsavo East National Park.
By Train
This is a unique way to travel from either Nairobi or Mombasa. The journey on the Madaraka Express will take approximately two hours and forty-five minutes from Nairobi and one and a half hours from Mombasa. The train will pull into the Vol Terminal, where representatives from various lodges and camps will meet guests to transfer them to their accommodation.
Weather & Climate
The winter is the best time to embark on a safari in Tsavo East, as the air is dry, temperatures cooler and low vegetation make it ideal to view animals. June, July and August make up the winter months and while evenings and early mornings can be chilly, the days are usually mild.
Avoiding Crowds
Peak season draws safari-goers from all over the world. This can mean many vehicles out on game drives and possibly several vehicles around a key sighting. Travelling in the “green” season or low season not only means less vehicles in the parks and reserves, but they also bring with them incredible wildlife events and experiences, such as birthing season or the great migration.
Value for Money
Travelling outside of High or Peak Season will ensure you still get a qualified safari, at a lower price. Qualified guides know the tracks and trails of the parks and reserves well and will be able to show guests where the wildlife will be gathering at that time of year.
Read more on the Best time to visit Kenya.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in Tsavo East
Tsavo East National Park is famous for its “Red Elephants” due to the colour of the soil in the park. Other animals often spotted in the park are the Dik-Dik, the Lesser Kudu, Gerenuk and Porcupine. There have been over 500 species of bird recorded in Tsavo East National Park.
The Terrain
The terrain of Tsavo East National Park is mostly flat, with savanna and grasslands covering the land. You can find acacia trees and some rocky areas scattered around. The Yatta Plateau and the Lugard Falls are key features of the park. The Aruba Dam is a wonderful place to spot an abundance of wildlife.
Game Drives
This is the most popular way to experience wildlife in the Tsavo East National Park is by either early morning, full day or late afternoon game drives. These can be conducted in an open-vehicle which is provided by specific lodges or in an enclosed 4×4 vehicle with large windows for optimal viewing.
Guided Walking Safaris
There is an option in the Tsavo East National Park to do a guided walking safari. This will mostly take place along the Galana River, conducted by a qualified safari guide.
Tsavo East is home to a variety of safari accommodation, ranging from Colonial lodgings to intimate chalet-style rooms and luxury tented camps. There are public camping sites as well, with all lodging ideally located centrally in the park, offering optimal game viewing opportunities.
Tsavo East Lodging – Distance from park entrance
| Lodge or Hotel | Distance to park entrance (in miles) |
| Satao Camp | 27 miles from Voi Gate (south-west of park), travelling east inside the Tsavo East |
| Sentrim Tsavo East | 7.5 miles from Voi Gate travelling east ; 85 miles from the center of Tsavo East National Park |
| Ashnil Aruba Lodge | 17 miles from Voi Gate, travelling east inside the Tsavo East Park |
| Ngutuni Safari Lodge | 9 miles from Voi Gate, travelling south next the Tsavo East Park in a conservancy |
| Voi Safari Lodge | 2.4 miles from Voi Gate, travelling east inside the Tsavo East Park |
| Voi Wildlife Lodge | 1.5 miles from Voi Gate, travelling south inside the Tsavo East Park |
| Galana Crocodile Camp | 53 miles from Voi Gate, travelling east inside the Tsavo East Park |
Excursions to Local Villages
Visit local villages and support local communities through local product purchase and donations. Visit Voi Town and interact with locals during your visit.
Visits to Aruba Dam, Lugard Falls or Mubanda Rock
Enjoy an outing to beautiful sites and locations such as the Aruba Dam, situated on the Voi River or the Lugard Falls, formed where the Galana River splashes into a sparkling pool below. Walk up the Mubanda Rock to capture outstanding views across Tsavo East.
Excursions to Local Villages
Visit local villages and support local communities through local product purchase and donations. Visit Voi Town and interact with locals during your visit.
Visits to Aruba Dam, Lugard Falls or Mubanda Rock
Enjoy an outing to beautiful sites and locations such as the Aruba Dam, situated on the Voi River or the Lugard Falls, formed where the Galana River splashes into a sparkling pool below. Walk up the Mubanda Rock to capture outstanding views across Tsavo East.
The drier and cooler winter months of June, July and August make up the best time to visit Tsavo East National Park. Game viewing is at its optimum at this time.
Safaris are conducted mostly by game lodges and safari camps located in or near Tsavo East National Park, the average cost depending on the type and size of the accommodation booked. Pricing ranges from $500 per person sharing to $1100 per person sharing.
There are three ways to get to Tsavo East National Park. Driving is most popular, taking around six hours to get there, while a one-hour flight from Nairobi’s Wilson airport is the fastest option. For something on the truly local side, consider a train ride on the Madaraka. This journey will take around two hours and forty-five minutes.
The uniqueness of seeing the “Red Elephants” is a huge highlight of enjoying a safari in the Tsavo East National Park. The vast, flat terrain allows visitors to view landscape and animals as far as the eyes can see. Aruba Dam and the Lugard Falls are a draw too.
The most popular animals to spot in Tsavo East National Park are the famous “Red Elephants”, named from the colour they obtain from rolling in the red earth. Gerenuk, Dik-Dik and Lesser Kudu are also popular in the park, along with other favourites such as lion, leopard and buffalo.
The park is open all year round, with prime game viewing time making it busier than other times of the year. The Park will be quiet during the rainy season during March and April. Park gates open at 6.30am and close at 7pm each day.
Most guests enjoying a safari in Tsavo East National Park will be pre-booked on a safari package, and booking at least eight to twelve months in advance is advisable. Day visitors will be escorted by their assigned guide as they enter Tsavo East National Park from nearby conservancies and parks.
Game Drives are the best way to experience the wonders of Tsavo East National Park. Either in an open vehicle or an enclosed 4×4 safari vehicle with large windows.
Accommodation in Tsavo East National Park ranges from small, intimate lodges such as Satao Camp to classic safari lodges like Kilaguni Serena Lodge and understated luxury such as Ashnil Aruba Lodge. There are many options to choose from within the Tsavo East National Park, and our destination specialists will guide you in choosing the perfect option for you.
Dining options will be included in guests’ stay at their specific lodge or camp within the Tsavo East National Park. Alternate dining options will include exciting options such as bush breakfasts and dining under the stars, with some establishments offering a full day safari with a picnic lunch packed for the outing.
Visiting nearby Aruba Dam as part of a day adventure during your safari stay is possible. Visitors can spend some time at Lugard’s Falls, a wonderful waterfall not to be missed, while climbing up Mudanda Rock will afford visitors captivating views for miles.
Tsavo East National Park is Kenya’s largest and is known for its wonderful diversity of wildlife.
Famous for the Tsavo lions, there are close to 700 in this ecosystem.
This action-packed day trip is a dawn to dusk experience. Prepare to spend at least 6 hours viewing spectacular wildlife and colourful landscapes.
Tsavo East overnight tour exploring the largest and one of the finest wildlife park in Kenya.
Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park Kenya safari tour from Mombasa Kenya coast and beach hotels.
The Kenya Coast safari tour provides the opportunity to explore the red soiled plains of the Tsavo east and the scenic hilly terrain of the Tsavo West.
Safari tour visits combined Tsavo East and Taita Hills Game Sanctuary.
Mombasa – Tsavo East & Tsavo West – Mombasa
3 days Tsavo safari tour originating from the Kenya beach and exploring the red soil plains of the Tsavo East and scenic hilly landscape of the Tsavo West National Parks.
The combined Tsavo East & Amboseli safari package provides an excellent opportunity to view wildlife and awesome landscape in premium Kenya national parks.
The 3 days Tsavo West and Amboseli tour visits the picturesque landscape of the Tsavo west with opportunities for game and scenery viewing drives.
This is a 4-day wildlife tour exploring the Tsavo West National park, Amboseli National Park & Tsavo East National Park while providing insights into amazing wildlife, scenery and local cultures.
This is a 5-day wildlife tour exploring the Tsavo West National park, Amboseli National Park & Tsavo East National Park while providing insights into amazing wildlife, scenery and local cultures.
The 6 days safari explores the plains of the Tsavo East & tours Amboseli national park with views of the Mount Kilimanjaro.
7 Days Kenya holiday safari visiting class “A” national parks and game reserves of the Tsavo East, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara.
This dawn to dusk tour will give you a full day of game viewing.
In Kenya’s largest national park, you’ll be on the lookout for elephants, lions, leopards and other wildlife including many bird species.
Tsavo East is a beautiful park, and you’ll have time to appreciate its stunning panoramas.
Safari tour visits combined Tsavo East and Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
The 2 day tour, provide opportunities to explore the sprawling red soil plains of the Tsavo East and the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tsavo East overnight tour exploring the largest and one of the finest wildlife park in Kenya.
Unlimited game viewing drives in search of Elephants, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Cheetah, Warthog and more animal species.
Safari tour visits combined Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks on a 2-day tour.
More Opportunities to explore the sprawling red soil plains of the Tsavo East and the scenic landscape terrain of the Tsavo West National parks.
3 days Tsavo safari tour originating from the Kenya beach and exploring the red soil plains of the Tsavo East and scenic hilly landscape of the Tsavo West National Parks.
This is a 4-day wildlife tour exploring the Tsavo West national park, Amboseli national park & Tsavo East national park while providing insights into amazing wildlife, scenery and local cultures.
This is a 5-day wildlife tour exploring the Tsavo West National park, Amboseli National Park & Tsavo East National Park while providing insights into amazing wildlife, scenery and local cultures.
The 6 days safari explores the plains of the Tsavo East & tours Amboseli national park with views of the Mount Kilimanjaro.
7 Days Kenya holiday safari visiting class “A” national parks and game reserves of the Tsavo East, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara.
Tsavo East National Park is Kenya’s largest and is known for its wonderful diversity of wildlife.
Famous for the Tsavo lions, there are close to 700 in this ecosystem.
This action-packed day trip is a dawn to dusk experience. Prepare to spend at least 6 hours viewing spectacular wildlife and colourful landscapes.
Tsavo East overnight tour exploring the largest and one of the finest wildlife park in Kenya.
Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park Kenya safari tour from Diani.
Safari tour visits combined Tsavo East and Taita Hills Game Sanctuary.
3 days Tsavo safari tour originating from the Diani Kenya beach and exploring the red soil plains of the Tsavo Eastand scenic hilly landscape of the Tsavo West National Parks.
The combined Tsavo East & Amboseli safari package provides an excellent opportunity to view wildlife and awesome landscape in premium Kenya national parks.
The 3 days Tsavo West and Amboseli tour visits the picturesque landscape of the Tsavo west with opportunities for game and scenery viewing drives.
This is a 4 day wildlife tour exploring the Tsavo West National park, Amboseli National Park & Tsavo East National Park while providing insights into amazing wildlife, scenery and local cultures.
This is a 5 day wildlife tour exploring the Tsavo West National park, Amboseli National Park & Tsavo East National Park while providing insights into amazing wildlife, scenery and local cultures.
The 6 days safari explores the plains of the Tsavo East & tours Amboseli national park with views of the Mount Kilimanjaro.
7 Days Kenya holiday safari visiting class “A” national parks and game reserves of the Tsavo East, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara.
Strategically located Safari Lodge, in one of the World’s Largest Game Park-the Tsavo National Park
Nestled in the heart of elephant country, Voi Wildlife Lodge is located in the Savannah grasslands of Tsavo East
The Ashnil Aruba Lodge is located in the heart of Tsavo East National Park in Kenya
Sentrim Tsavo East is located in Tsavo East National Park. The waterhole in front of the camp is visited by elephants, buffaloes and other game.
Satao Camp has 20 tents, all e-suite, thoughtfully positioned to ensure a full view of the camps “own” watering hole.
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season (December– February and June - August) when conditions are especially good for trekking to view mountain gorillas. Game drives in the national parks are also fruitful during this time.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Uganda safari. Dress in layers and bring a warm sweater for morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sunhat and gardening gloves are also a good idea; the jungle is dense and thick.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda with basic accommodations starting at $96 per person, per day, plus the Uganda gorilla trekking permit which costs $700 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips range from $10 to $20 per person per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
If you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek in Uganda, your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas or in regions close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Uganda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Uganda live at between 4,900 to 7,500 feet. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the country’s mountain gorillas, has a high point of 8,550ft.
The best time to go on a gorilla trek in Rwanda is during the dry season (June - September) when conditions are best for trekking to view the country’s highlight: the fascinating mountain gorillas.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Rwanda gorilla trek. Dress in layers and don’t forget a sweater for chilly morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, broken-in hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sun visor and protective gloves – such as gardening gloves - are also useful.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda with basic accommodations starting at $720 per person, per day, plus the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit which costs $1,500 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips for your guide are $25 per person, per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa, particularly if you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek. Your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas. Cross-border travel into the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Burundi is not safe, however, so steer clear of this.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Rwanda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Rwanda live at between 8,000 to 13,000 feet. Volcanoes National Park has a high point of 15,000ft.
Contact us for more information
Natural World Mombasa Safaris
Jeneby House,
Opposite Housing Finance,
Moi Avenue
P. O. Box 89946,
Mombasa, Kenya
Tel: +254 41 2226715
Mobile: +254 720 894 288
Skype:Natural World Mombasa Safaris
E-mail: sales@naturaltoursandsafaris.com
© Natural World Kenya Safaris. Developed By MonkeyFish Marketing.
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