Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East is one of the largest and most iconic national parks in Kenya. Its defining features include the Galana River winding through palm-lined banks, the lava flows of Yatta Plateau (the world’s longest), and Aruba Dam, a prime game-viewing spot teeming with life.

Location: Southeastern Kenya, east of Nairobi and north of Mombasa
Popular for - Tsavo East is best known for its "red elephants", who dust themselves in the park’s iron-rich soil, giving them a dramatic, rusty hue.
Getting There: Easily reached by road from Mombasa (approx. 3–4 hours); there's also a railway station at Voi and airstrips for chartered flights.

Large herds of “red” African elephants Lions (famously known for the maneless lions of Tsavo) Leopards, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas Buffalo, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, and impala Crocodiles and hippos along the Galana River Over 500 bird species including hornbills, kingfishers, and martial eagles

June to October (Dry Season): Excellent wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources. January to February: Also dry, with great game sightings and warm weather. March to May (Long Rains): The park is greener and less dusty, but roads may be slippery and some areas harder to access. November (Short Rains): Fewer tourists and good birding opportunities.

Tsavo West National Park: Just across the highway, Tsavo West offers contrasting landscapes like volcanic hills, Mzima Springs, and the Chyulu Hills. Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: A private conservancy ideal for overnight stays and night game drives. Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary: Community-run and great for conservation-focused travelers. Mombasa Coast: Combine your safari with white-sand beaches and the Indian Ocean, just a few hours away.

Overview

Step into Tsavo East National Park, and you step into a world where the wilderness reigns supreme. Here, red-dusted elephants roam across vast open plains, and ancient baobab trees cast long shadows as the sun sinks behind distant hills. This is not the polished, postcard Africa—it’s the raw, soul-stirring version, where nature moves on its own time and scale.

Covering over 13,000 square kilometers, Tsavo East is one of the largest and most iconic national parks in Kenya. Its defining features include the Galana River winding through palm-lined banks, the lava flows of Yatta Plateau (the world’s longest), and Aruba Dam, a prime game-viewing spot teeming with life.

Tsavo East is best known for its “red elephants”, who dust themselves in the park’s iron-rich soil, giving them a dramatic, rusty hue. With fewer crowds than some of Kenya’s more famous parks, Tsavo offers a quieter, more meditative safari experience—perfect for seasoned travelers and true nature lovers.