"Home to the Enchanting Dust-Red Elephants"
Tsavo East National Park Tourism
Tsavo East National Park is known for its large population of dust-red elephants, some of the oldest in the world. It's also famous for the "Big Five" - lions, leopards, buffaloes, and both black and white rhinoceros. Established in 1948, it's one of Africa's largest parks, offering an authentic safari experience.
The park is home to giraffes, zebras, hyenas, cheetahs, hippos, and crocodiles. The Galana River attracts more animals like waterbucks, Lesser Kudu, Gerenuk, and Hirola. The park also has around 500 bird species. It features vast arid landscapes with attractions like the world's longest lava flow (Yatta Plateau), towering Mudanda Rock, and beautiful Lugard Falls, along with unique flora adding to its charm.
Entry Fee:
Park Entry Fee:
Citizen: Adult - KSH 515, Child (3 to 18 yrs) - KSH 215
Resident: Adult - KSH 515, Child - KSH 215
Non-Resident: Adult - USD 52, Child - USD 35
Vehicle Fee:
Less than 6 seats - KSH 300
6 to 12 seats - KSH 1030
13 to 24 seats - KSH 2585
25 to 44 seats - KSH 4050
45 seats and above - KSH 5000
Special Activity Charges:
Night Game Drive (per person per trip) – KSH 2155
Guided Tours (per guide up to 4 hours & over 4 hours) – KSH 1720 / KSH 3015
Horse Riding (without rider) – KSH 2585
Private horses (per day) – KSH 1030
Walking Safaris (per person per day) – KSH 1500
Cycling (per day) – KSH 215
Entrance Gates to the Park:
Tsavo East National Park has multiple entrance gates, providing various access points to the park. The main entrance gates are:
1. Manyani Gate: Located in the western part of Tsavo East National Park, the Manyani Gate is closest to the town of Voi. It offers convenient access to the park if coming from Nairobi or Mombasa.
2. Voi Gate: Situated in the southern part of the park, the Voi Gate is also closest to the town of Voi. It is the most commonly used entrance for visitors coming from Mombasa and the Voi as well as the Ikanga airstrip.
3. Buchuma Gate: Found in the northern section of Tsavo East National Park, the Buchuma Gate provides access to the park from the town of Wajir.
4. Sala Gate: Located in the southeastern part of the park, the Sala Gate is closest to the town of Malindi and can be reached in 1 to 2 hours.
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Things to do in Tsavo East National Park
1. Game Drives Safari
Game drives are the primary safari activity in Tsavo East National Park. They typically take place in the early morning and late afternoon, when wildlife is most active. The park's gates open at 6:00 (Read More)am and close at 6:00 pm, and game drives usually last for about 3 to 4 hours.
During game drives, visitors can expect to encounter a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and an abundance of bird species. Knowledgeable guides accompany the drives, providing information about the animals, their behaviour, and the park's ecosystem.
During game drives, visitors can expect to encounter a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and an abundance of bird species. Knowledgeable guides accompany the drives, providing information about the animals, their behaviour, and the park's ecosystem.
2. Guided Walking Safaris
Tsavo East National Park also offers guided walking safaris, allowing visitors to explore the park on foot. These walking safaris usually take place in the early morning or late afternoon and typicall (Read More)y last for a few hours. Walking safaris provide an opportunity to appreciate the smaller details of the park, such as tracks, plants, insects, and birdlife, under the guidance of experienced guides.
3. Overnight Safari
Visitors can choose from various accommodations, including campsites, lodges, or tented camps. Overnight safaris allow for a deeper exploration of the park and the chance to witness nocturnal wildlife (Read More) activity. They offer a unique opportunity to relax under the stars, enjoy campfire evenings, and experience the park's ambience during the night.
4. Birdwatching Safaris
Tsavo East National Park hosts over 500 bird species including notable species including the African fish eagle, martial eagle, white-headed vulture, hornbills, and the critically endangered Taita fal (Read More)con. The best times for birdwatching are early morning and late afternoon. Hotspots like Aruba Dam, Mudanda Rock, and Galana River offer fantastic birdwatching opportunities.
5. Cultural Visits
ou can experience the local culture by visiting nearby communities such as the Maasai villages. Connect with the Maasai community by delving into their fascinating traditions through activities like t (Read More)raditional dances, beadwork demonstrations, and ceremonies to gain insights into their way of life. These cultural visits usually last a few hours, providing a meaningful cultural exchange. It is recommended to arrange your visit in advance, respecting the customs and sensitivities of the Maasai people.
6. Aruba Dam
Located in the southern region of Tsavo East National Park, Aruba Dam is a popular spot to observe wildlife. Best visited during the early morning or late afternoon, it attracts a variety of ani (Read More)mals for water, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and game viewing.
7. Voi Safari Lodge
Positioned atop a hill, Voi Safari Lodge provides panoramic views of the park. This elevated vantage point is particularly captivating during sunrise and sunset, offering breathtaking vistas of the su (Read More)rrounding landscapes and the chance to spot wildlife as they gather around nearby waterholes.
8. Galana River
The Galana River, flowing through the park, is a focal point for both wildlife and visitors. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for exploring this area, as wildlife often congregates near th (Read More)e riverbanks for drinking and bathing. Boat safaris along the Galana River provide a unique perspective and an opportunity to spot crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species.
9. Mudanda Rock
A natural dam along the Voi River, Mudanda Rock is best visited during mid-morning or late afternoon. This prominent rock formation offers panoramic views of the park and is an excellent location for (Read More)wildlife photography. It attracts elephants, buffalo, and various bird species, making it an ideal spot for observation.
10. Lugard Falls
The cascading waters of Lugard Falls are best visited during the day, allowing for a leisurely exploration of the area. This picturesque site presents an opportunity to witness the power of the river (Read More)as it plunges through the rocks, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
11. Tsavo River Bridge
The Tsavo River Bridge, an iconic railway bridge in the park, is worth a visit during daylight hours. Besides its historical significance, it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and th (Read More)e river below, with wildlife often visible from the bridge.
Must Know Before You Travel to Tsavo East National Park
- Park Background: Tsavo East, part of the original Tsavo National Park, is Kenya's oldest national park and is renowned for its popularity due to its proximity to Mombasa, resulting in higher footfall compared to Tsavo West.
- Gate Hours: All the park gates are open from 06:30 AM to 07:00 PM throughout the year.
- Cashless Gates: Voi and Manyani Gates have cashless payment systems accepting smart cards.
- Smartcard Requirement: Entry requires a smartcard, available at Voi gate and other select locations like Nairobi National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, and the Kenya Wildlife Service office in Mombasa.
- Fees Validity: Daily fees at the Tsavo East National Park cover single entry and are payable every 24 hours.
- Vehicle Fees: Vehicle fees are paid daily and exclude the visitors in the vehicle.
- Activity Charges: Additional charges apply for activities like safaris unless booked with a tour operator.
- Seasonal Considerations: Some gates may be inaccessible during the wet season, so verify with the park and plan accordingly.
- Tsavo National Park: Tsavo National Park has two parts, Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Tsavo East has wide grasslands and red elephants, while Tsavo West has rough terrain, volcanic hills, and places like Mzima Springs.
- Safari Combination Options: Enhance your Tsavo East experience by combining it with visits to Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, or Laikipia, or by climbing Mount Kenya.
- Health Precautions: Remember to visit a pharmacy or consult a doctor for anti-malaria treatment and check if you have received all required vaccines before your trip.
- Pre-Booking: Pre-booking is advised for safaris and activities in the park as well as accommodations, particularly during the peak season of June to October.
- Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed in Tsavo East National Park.
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Wildlife in the Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park hosts vast herds of dust-red elephants, as well as the renowned Big Five: rhinos, buffalos, lions, leopards, and elephants. The park is also home to pods of hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks, and unique antelope species such as Lesser Kudu, Gerenuk, and Hirola. Additionally, visitors can marvel at the sight of giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, elands, hartebeests, impalas, gazelles, warthogs, baboons, and monkeys.
When it comes to birdlife, Tsavo East National Park offers over 500 recorded bird species of resident as well as migrant birds. Among the resident birds, visitors can admire the magnificent African fish eagle, lilac-breasted roller, ostrich, and bee-eaters. Marabou storks, secretary birds, kingfishers, hornbills, eagles, owls, weaverbirds, sunbirds, francolins, guineafowls, and barbets also call this park home. During certain seasons, Tsavo East welcomes migrant birds such as flamingos, pelicans, vultures, falcons, terns, sandgrouse, plovers, egrets, and herons.
When it comes to birdlife, Tsavo East National Park offers over 500 recorded bird species of resident as well as migrant birds. Among the resident birds, visitors can admire the magnificent African fish eagle, lilac-breasted roller, ostrich, and bee-eaters. Marabou storks, secretary birds, kingfishers, hornbills, eagles, owls, weaverbirds, sunbirds, francolins, guineafowls, and barbets also call this park home. During certain seasons, Tsavo East welcomes migrant birds such as flamingos, pelicans, vultures, falcons, terns, sandgrouse, plovers, egrets, and herons.
Travel Tips for Tsavo East
- Cash Preparation: Make sure you carry enough cash on hand before entering the park for expenses as ATMs are not readily available in the park.
- Packing Essentials: Pack essential items such as warm clothing, safari attire, comfortable shoes, headgear, and a sarong.
- Guided Safari Recommendation: While exploring the park independently is an option, it's advisable to hire a safari operator for guided tours to ensure optimal wildlife sightings and safety.
Best Time to Visit Tsavo East National Park
How to Reach Tsavo East National Park
How to Reach Overview
To reach Tsavo East National Park, one of the most preferred and efficient ways is by road. Situated in Kenya, the park is accessible from major cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa. The distance from Nairobi to Tsavo East National Park is approximately 330 kilometres (205 miles), while from Mombasa, it is around 250 kilometres (155 miles). Tsavo East National Park can be also reached through other modes of transportation, including air and rail.
How to reach Tsavo East National Park by flight
The nearest airport to Tsavo East National Park is the Mombasa Airport (Moi International Airport) and a round trip would cost around $160 per person. From the airport, you can reach Tsavo East National Park by train, bus, or taxi, with the journey taking approximately 3 to 5 hours. You can also fly to Malindi Airport and the cost and duration will be similar.
Domestic airlines also offer chartered flights from Nairobi and other major Kenyan cities to Voi. The Voi Airstrip is located approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the park's Voi gate entrance. From the airstrip, you can arrange transfers or use local transport options to reach the park. Apart from Voi, Tsavo East National Park has airstrips at Voi, Aruba, Satao, Sala, Ithumba, Sangayaya, Mopeo, Bachuma, and Cottars.
Domestic airlines also offer chartered flights from Nairobi and other major Kenyan cities to Voi. The Voi Airstrip is located approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the park's Voi gate entrance. From the airstrip, you can arrange transfers or use local transport options to reach the park. Apart from Voi, Tsavo East National Park has airstrips at Voi, Aruba, Satao, Sala, Ithumba, Sangayaya, Mopeo, Bachuma, and Cottars.
How to reach Tsavo East National Park by road
Tsavo East National Park is well-connected by road and can be accessed from major cities and towns in Kenya. The park has multiple entrance gates, including Manyani, Voi, Buchuma, and Sala, which can be reached via different routes. The park is located along the A109 highway, which connects Nairobi and Mombasa. The driving distance from Nairobi to Tsavo East National Park is approximately 330 kilometres (205 miles), and the journey takes around 5 hours.
How to reach Tsavo East National Park by train
The standard gauge railway (SGR) connects Nairobi and Mombasa, with a train station located near Voi town, close to Tsavo East National Park. The distance between Nairobi and Voi is approximately 330 kilometres (205 miles), and the train journey takes around 4 hours and costs between $5 to $17. From the railway station, you can arrange for local transport to reach the park's entrance.
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