Oldest and largest African safari parks in Kenya

Tsavo East National Park is one of the oldest and largest African safari parks in Kenya. It was established in 1948 and covers 11,747 km², although not all of the park is open to the public. Some areas are designated as “remote animal wilderness” for the Kenyan animals, but there is still a massive area for visitors to tour around and enjoy viewing the Kenyan wildlife. Key attractions include the Galana River and the Yatta plateau, as well as several pools and dams used as watering holes by both birds and animals.

Brief History

In 1898, long before Tsavo National Park was created, a pair of maneless male lions terrorized the area. They reputedly killed 135 railway workers who were building the Kenya-Uganda railway. These man-eating lions dragged men from their tents, despite the thorn fences (bomas) built to keep them out. The maneless lions evaded traps and ambushes and were finally shot by Lt. Col. John Henry Patterson. Tsavo East National Park is 333km south-east of Nairobi, and 173km north-west of Mombasa. Its relative closeness to the beaches and tourist attractions around Malindi and Mombasa make it an ideal one-day wildlife safari destination for those who do not want to stay overnight. Tsavo East National Park is a natural area of flat, dry plains, with thorny bushes and swampy marshland near the river. It is teeming with diverse Kenyan animals including large families of giraffes, gazelles, hartebeests and zebras, as well as the “Big Five” must-see animals – buffalo, African elephants, lions, rhinos and leopards.

Although it is a popular African safari wildlife park, it is very rare to see other traffic except under certain circumstances when viewing the wildlife. The guides communicate with each other by radio if they find something unusual, such as a pride of lions, and there may be a sudden convergence of vehicles to the site, but they soon disperse again. The best time to view the wildlife is early or late in the day, as the animals tend to sleep in the hot midday sun. The park is open from 6.30am to 6.30pm daily, and the wardens at the gate give visitors a few sensible rules: do not get out of your vehicle, except at designated spots; do not harass the animals in any way; keep to the tracks; no off-road driving; and remember that the animals always have the right of way. Suitable dress for a day’s wildlife safari to Tsavo East National Park should include loose, cotton clothing and a sunhat. Binoculars, cameras and sunglasses are essential. It is also a good idea to carry a bottle of water, frozen overnight, for you to sip during the day. As it melts, it makes a delicious drink to help you avoid dehydration in the heat. Don’t forget to enjoy the sights in real-life, not just through the lens of your camera or video recorder! There are rest areas with restrooms and water fountains. The safari viewing lodges also provide excellent buffet lunches while you enjoy watching the animals through the huge panoramic windows. There is also a camouflaged hideout where you can view the African elephants at the watering hole.

Tsavo East National Park FAQ

Is Tsavo East National Park Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Tsavo East National Park, with its sprawling wilderness and remarkable wildlife encounters, stands out as an unmissable jewel in Kenya’s crown. For those contemplating a visit, the park’s impressive scale and authentic safari experiences undeniably prove its exceptional value for every wildlife enthusiast. Wildside Kenya Safaris wholeheartedly recommends Tsavo East for an unforgettable adventure.

When considering a trip to Tsavo East National Park, its significant wildlife populations are a major draw. The park is renowned for hosting Kenya’s largest elephant herds, instantly recognizable by their striking red hue, a result of their frequent dust baths in the park’s iron-rich, rust-colored soil. Tsavo East is also worth visiting for its famous lion prides, descendants of the notorious Man-eaters of Tsavo, a pair of lions that tragically claimed around 130 lives during the railway construction era of 1898. Wildside Kenya Safaris provides expert guides who can share the fascinating history of these legendary lions.

Is Tsavo East National Park worth visiting for its unique and dramatic landscapes? Without a doubt! The park boasts unparalleled vistas across its expansive savanna plains, the impressive Galana River snaking through the terrain, and the extraordinary Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow. These distinctive natural features make Tsavo East a photographer’s dream and a haven for nature lovers. Wildside Kenya Safaris ensures you have ample opportunities to capture the beauty of these iconic landscapes.

Tsavo East National Park is particularly rewarding for those seeking an authentic and immersive African safari experience away from the larger crowds often found in other parks. The park’s vast, untamed wilderness offers more intimate wildlife encounters and a true sense of being immersed in the African bush. Whether your interests lie in thrilling game drives, exceptional bird watching with over 500 recorded species, or specialized photography safaris, Wildside Kenya Safaris believes Tsavo East National Park is definitively worth visiting for an unforgettable adventure in one of Kenya’s most spectacular and expansive wildlife sanctuaries. Its sheer size allows for a sense of exploration and discovery that is truly unique.

Are there Lions in Tsavo East National Park?

Yes, Tsavo East National Park is indeed a significant stronghold for lions in East Africa, and Wildside Kenya Safaris frequently encounters these magnificent predators. The broader Tsavo-Amboseli ecosystem, encompassing Tsavo East National Park, supports a substantial lion population, estimated at around 675 individuals, highlighting its critical importance as a habitat for these iconic big cats. Current research indicates a population density of approximately 3.39 lions per 100 square kilometers across the Tsavo ecosystem.

Interestingly, researchers suggest that the current lion population in Tsavo East National Park is utilizing only about 25% of the park’s potential carrying capacity. This implies that Tsavo East has the potential to support a much larger lion population with continued and enhanced conservation efforts and effective management strategies. The thriving presence of lions in Tsavo East National Park represents a notable conservation success story and an ongoing commitment to wildlife preservation. Wildside Kenya Safaris actively supports conservation initiatives within the park to ensure the continued well-being of these lion populations.

The lions of Tsavo East National Park hold a particular notoriety due to the infamous historical “Man-eaters of Tsavo” incident. Today, lions in Tsavo East National Park continue to captivate visitors and researchers alike, often displaying unique characteristics, including:

• Males that frequently lack the thick, traditional mane seen in other regions. This is thought to be an adaptation to the hotter, drier climate of Tsavo.
• Generally smaller pride sizes compared to lions in more resource-rich areas like the Serengeti or Masai Mara. This could be due to the sparser prey distribution in Tsavo.
• Adaptations to the park’s semi-arid conditions, including a greater tolerance for heat and less reliance on permanent water sources compared to lions elsewhere.
• Specific hunting patterns tailored to the local prey species, which include a higher proportion of species like oryx and lesser kudu, in addition to the more common zebra and buffalo.

For visitors eager to spot lions in Tsavo East National Park with Wildside Kenya Safaris, these magnificent predators can often be observed:

• Concentrated around available water sources, especially during the drier seasons when water becomes scarce.
• During the cooler early morning or late afternoon hours when they are most active in hunting and moving around.
• In areas with higher concentrations of their preferred prey, such as near grazing herds of zebra or buffalo.
• Along the park’s major river systems, like the Galana and Voi Rivers, which provide both water and cover for ambushing prey. Wildside Kenya Safaris guides are experts at identifying these prime lion-spotting locations.

Tsavo East National Park Entrance Fees?

Citizen Rates

• Adults: KSh 515 per person
• Children: KSh 215 per person

Non-Resident Rates

• Adults: USD 52 per person
• Children: USD 35 per person

Mode of Payment: All payments for park entry can be conveniently made through the eCitizen platform (https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke/) using:

• MPesa
• Visa Card
• RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement)
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Wildside Kenya Safaris can assist you with navigating the payment process to ensure a smooth entry into the park.

Additional Services (Arranged by Wildside Kenya Safaris)

Security/Guided Tours:

• Up to 4 hours: KSh 1,720
• Over 4 hours: KSh 3,015

Wildside Kenya Safaris strongly recommends hiring one of our experienced guides for an enhanced and safer wildlife viewing experience.

Vehicle Charges (Per Day):

• Less than 6 seats: KSh 300
• 6-12 seats: KSh 1,030
• 13-24 seats: KSh 2,585
• 25-44 seats: KSh 4,050
• 45 seats and above: KSh 5,000

Wildside Kenya Safaris utilizes well-maintained safari vehicles suitable for the terrain and the size of your group.

Things you should be aware of:

• All fees are valid for a 24-hour period.
• Children’s rates apply to individuals aged 3-17 years.
• Proof of citizenship or residency is required for the respective rates.
• Advance booking, especially for park entry and accommodation, is highly recommended during peak seasons. Wildside Kenya Safaris can handle all your booking needs.
• Guide services should be booked in advance to ensure availability. Our team at Wildside Kenya Safaris will arrange this for you.
• All park entry and service fees must be paid in full before entering the park.

What to See in Tsavo East National Park (Curated by Wildside Kenya Safaris)

Natural Wonders:

• Lugard’s Falls: Witness the raw power and beauty of the Galana River as it carves its way through narrow rock formations, creating a spectacular series of cascades and rapids before flowing into tranquil pools below. This is a truly breathtaking and photogenic location within the park, offering excellent opportunities to spot crocodiles basking on the rocks and various water birds. Wildside Kenya Safaris ensures you have ample time to appreciate this natural spectacle.
• Mudanda Rock: This impressive 1.6-kilometer-long inselberg, resembling a whale in shape, acts as a natural water catchment area, particularly during the rainy seasons. Its unique size and shape make it a vital watering point for the park’s diverse wildlife, especially the iconic red elephants of Tsavo, which gather in large numbers at the natural dam below to drink and bathe. Mudanda Rock is a premier location for wildlife photography and observation, offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Wildside Kenya Safaris guides are experts at positioning you for the best views and photographic opportunities here.
• Yatta Plateau: Stretching for over 300 kilometers along the park’s western boundary, the Yatta Plateau stands as a remarkable testament to Earth’s volcanic history. This ancient lava flow, the longest of its kind in the world, provides a dramatic and stunning backdrop to the park’s savanna landscape. It also offers unique elevated vantage points for observing wildlife grazing on the plains below, particularly near the Athi River. Wildside Kenya Safaris can take you to viewpoints along the plateau for breathtaking panoramic vistas.

Man-Made Attractions:

• Aruba Dam: Constructed across the Voi River, this artificial dam has become a crucial and reliable water source within the park, attracting a wide array of wildlife throughout the year. The dam’s waters are a magnet for diverse animal species, including impressive lion prides, making it an excellent location for game viewing, especially during the drier months when natural water sources become scarce. Wildside Kenya Safaris frequently organizes game drives to the Aruba Dam area, increasing your chances of encountering lions and other wildlife.

Wildlife Viewing Points (Recommended by Wildside Kenya Safaris): Each of these locations offers unique and rewarding wildlife viewing opportunities:

• Lugard’s Falls: Keep an eye out for crocodiles basking on the rocks and a variety of colorful water birds along the riverbanks.
• Mudanda Rock: This is a prime spot for observing large herds of Tsavo’s famous red elephants, as well as other animals coming to drink, especially during the dry season.
• Aruba Dam: This area is renowned for sightings of lion prides, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon, as well as a diverse range of other wildlife attracted to the permanent water source.
• Yatta Plateau: Offers stunning panoramic views of the vast plains below, providing opportunities to spot herds of elephants, zebras, and other herbivores grazing in their natural habitat. Wildside Kenya Safaris guides will help you scan the horizon for the best sightings.

Best Time to Visit Tsavo East National Park (According to Wildside Kenya Safaris Experts):

Prime Visiting Seasons: Wildside Kenya Safaris recommends visiting Tsavo East National Park during the two distinct dry seasons for the most optimal wildlife viewing and overall experience:

• First Dry Season: June to October
• Second Dry Season: December to February

Why Dry Seasons Are Ideal:

• Enhanced Wildlife Viewing: During these drier months, wildlife viewing opportunities are exceptional due to several factors:
  • The grass is shorter and the vegetation is less dense, significantly improving visibility across the plains.
  • Animals tend to congregate near permanent water sources such as rivers, waterholes, and dams, making them easier to locate.
  • Shy and elusive animals like leopards and black rhinos are often more readily spotted as they venture out to drink.
  • Early morning game drives, expertly guided by Wildside Kenya Safaris, offer prime viewing opportunities before the heat of the day intensifies and animals seek shade.
• Optimal Park Conditions: The dry season also provides practical advantages for your safari adventure:
  • Game viewing tracks within the park are generally well-maintained and easily accessible for our safari vehicles.
  • Vehicles can often navigate closer to wildlife without the challenges posed by muddy or waterlogged terrain.
  • Clear skies during the dry season offer perfect lighting conditions for wildlife photography.
  • Daily schedules for safari activities are more predictable due to the stable weather conditions.
• Wildlife Behavior: Animals exhibit distinct patterns of behavior during the dry seasons that enhance viewing opportunities:
  • Increased activity in the early morning and late afternoon as animals avoid the midday heat.
  • Concentration of wildlife around known and reliable water sources during the hottest parts of the day.
  • More predictable movement patterns as animals travel between grazing areas and water sources.
• Accessibility: The park infrastructure is generally at its best during the dry seasons:
  • Roads within the park are typically firm and easily navigable for our safari vehicles.
  • All areas of the park are usually accessible without the limitations that heavy rains can sometimes impose.
  • Game viewing tracks are in optimal condition, allowing for smoother and more enjoyable drives.
  • There is a reduced risk of safari vehicles getting stuck in mud or other challenging conditions.