Crossed by the Galana River with its tumultuous rapids, teeming with elephants, buffalo and colourful birds, Tsavo East National Park is a gathering place for nature lovers.

Tsavo East National Park, a hidden gem of the coast

A passion for wildlife draws thousands of visitors to Tsavo East National Park, located in the Coastal Province, in south-eastern Kenya. A region of arid plains, interspersed with rapids, waterfalls and scrubland, stretches across more than 13,000 km². This figure ranks Tsavo East as Kenya's largest protected area. By way of comparison, its area is equivalent to the Masai Mara reserve multiplied by nine.

Its advantage is being spared from mass tourism. Most of the time, you'll have the park to yourself. Set out to encounter buffalo, leopards, lions, black rhinoceroses and gigantic elephants on a 4x4 safari. The Big Five are all present here. Between wildlife photography, river trips, white-water rafting and birdwatching, Tsavo East National Park invites you to an unforgettable journey through the African savanna.

Park history: a relentless battle against poaching

Opened to the public in 1948, Tsavo East National Park pioneered wildlife sanctuary programmes in Kenya. For several decades, the management of elephant and rhinoceros herds was at the heart of the park's priorities.

The elephant population experienced constant annual decline, dropping from 30,000 in 1967 to 5,000 in 1988. Lucrative poaching linked to the ivory trade and sport hunting are the main factors responsible for this decline. Today, thanks to stricter penalties against poachers, the elephant population at Tsavo East is stabilising at around 12,000.

As for rhinoceroses, they are also victims of poaching because of their horns. Sold on markets in Asia and particularly China, rhinoceros horn is a goldmine for poachers. Protective measures have nevertheless been put in place in the park to limit these practices, with rangers deployed to monitor the park and prevent threats from hunters. Black rhinoceroses are becoming increasingly rare in Tsavo East.

Where is Tsavo East National Park located

A railway line connecting Mombasa to Nairobi divides the park into two sections: Tsavo East and Tsavo West. To reach Tsavo East National Park from Kenya's capital, the simplest and most affordable means appears to be by car. Allow around 5 hours for the journey.

To make the most of their stay, savvy travellers will combine Tsavo East and Tsavo West national parks in a single day. This safari can be scheduled before or after a beach trip to Mombasa.

The rich biodiversity of Tsavo Park

Is the biodiversity of Tsavo East National Park a reflection of its size? The answer is a resounding yes. The dry plains are the domain of Grevy's zebras, buffalo and impalas. Elephant families prefer the shade of baobabs or thick bushes. The Masai giraffe is found here, easily recognisable by its russet coat adorned with leaf-like markings. African antelope species frequent the steppes, such as dik-diks and Cape eland. The bird life is impressive: no fewer than 111 bird species, of which about twenty are endemic to Kenya's coast.

What to see and do at Tsavo East National Park

The northern part of the reserve, devoid of roads and tourist infrastructure, is empty of people. Safari circuits take place mainly in the red and dusty savanna south of the Galana River.

Safari to encounter the great stars of the savanna

Majestic elephants roam everywhere. Sometimes they coat themselves in mud, sometimes they share bushes with giraffes. Following the streams, you will certainly spot hippopotamuses.

The solitude of wide open spaces adds charm to the safari. Not a single vehicle on the road for dozens of kilometres. Along the way, a photo stop is worthwhile when you encounter a serval or a greater kudu.

Large carnivorous predators also inhabit the park: maned lions, cheetahs, leopards, fierce hyenas… That said, they only grace tourists with their presence on certain occasions.

Witness a bird festival

No migratory birds on the horizon, given the absence of significant wetlands. Instead, you'll observe blue-throated guineafowl, secretarybirds, storks, herons, Somali ostriches and curved-billed hornbills in colours that no watercolour can do justice to.

Admire the majestic baobabs

Two tree species thrive in the arid savanna of Tsavo East Park: the baobab and the doum palm. Baobabs emerge from the bush. Their longevity, majestic trunks and entangled branches characterise them. Several hornbills shelter in these bottle trees, building their nests within.

Mudanda Rock

Accessible on foot, this rocky outcrop is a fabulous vantage point located in the northern section of the park. It offers a lovely perspective over the savanna. Admire below the sight of elephants, wildebeest and buffalo quenching their thirst together near the watering hole.

Lugard Falls

A popular tourist attraction, Lugard Falls are formed by cascades and steep rapids that create beautiful turbulence on the river.

Crocodile Point

This viewpoint is ideal for spotting a crocodile colony lazing on the riverbanks. Many tourists stop here to stretch their legs and take in the views.

Practical Information

Park entrance fees

Access to the park is charged. Fees of $30 are levied on foreign adults and $20 on children.

Accommodation and dining

If you wish to stay in the park, there are 3 campsites and 1 lodge on site. Most tourism accommodation is located just a stone's throw from a water point, making wildlife photography easier.

Nearby areas

When leaving Tsavo East, head into Tsavo West for the next leg of your journey. Although adjacent, the two parks differ greatly in topography and biotope. Tsavo West enjoys mountainous and rugged terrain, and abundant moisture explains more lush vegetation.