Kenya · Taita-Taveta County
Tsavo East National Park
A vast semi-arid wilderness gazetted in 1948. Home to red elephants, maneless lions, and one of the world's longest lava flows, sitting on the Nairobi–Mombasa corridor.
13,747 km²Park Area
~12,000Elephants
500+Bird Species
5Main Gates
1948Established
Ecosystem EngineersThe Red Elephants of Tsavo, ~12,000 strong
Geography & Landmarks
Tsavo East sits in the former Taru Desert, midway between Nairobi and Mombasa, paired with Tsavo West to form the 22,000 km² Tsavo Conservation Area.
Yatta PlateauLongest lava flow on Earth, 210–300 km.
Galana RiverMain perennial water source.
Apex PredatorManeless Lions of Tsavo
Signature Wildlife
Red elephants coat themselves in volcanic dust as sunscreen. Tsavo's lions are famously maneless — an adaptation to heat and thorny scrub.
Avian & Game500+ Bird Species
Getting There
Voi GateNairobi 335 km · SGR Voi Station
Manyani Gate50 km north of Voi
Bachuma Gate2 hrs from Mombasa via Dongo Kundu
Sala Gate120–130 km west of Malindi
Ithumba GateRemote north · Reintegration Unit
On the Ground4x4 Game Drives
Park Entry Fees (24 hrs)
| Visitor Type | Adult | Child/Student |
|---|---|---|
| African Citizen (Non-EAC) | USD 40 | USD 20 |
| Non-Resident (Int'l) | USD 80 | USD 40 |
Paid cashless via eCitizen "GavaPay." Under-5s, Kenyan seniors (70+), and guides are exempt.
Health & Park Rules
- Malaria is endemic — antimalarials and repellent recommended.
- Stay inside vehicles except at picnic spots; 40 km/h limit.
- Keep 20 m minimum distance from wildlife; gates 06:00–18:00.
When to Visit
Dry Season
Jun–Oct & Jan–Feb. Best game viewing as animals gather at permanent water sources; hot and dusty.
Wet Season
Mar–May "Long Rains," Nov–Dec "Short Rains." Lush scenery, dispersed wildlife, 4x4 essential.
Birding Peak
Nov–Apr. Migratory species from Europe and North Africa boost avian diversity.
