If your idea of safari conjures up images of expansive wilderness, endless skies, and herds of elephants around every corner, then a Tsavo East Safari is an adventure you shouldn’t miss. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to Tsavo East dozens of times and it remains one of my absolute favourite safari destinations in Kenya. This guide brings together my experiences, tips, and advice to help you make the most of your journey into this wild and beautiful park.
Why you should go on a Tsavo East Safari
Tsavo East is one of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks, covering over 13,000 km². Its size means you can explore for days without crossing paths with other vehicles, which is a rare luxury compared to the busier Maasai Mara or Amboseli.
Here are some of the top reasons to plan your Tsavo East Safari:
- Rugged landscapes – The park is defined by dramatic open plains, billion-year-old rocky outcrops, and the lush Galana River with its sandy beaches and hippo pools. The red dust of Tsavo makes for incredible photos and awe inspiring sunsets.
- Fewer crowds – Thanks to its vast size, it’s easy to feel like you have the park all to yourself, especially if you venture beyond the main wildlife corridor.
- Elephant paradise – Tsavo East is home to over 6,000 elephants (and more than 12,000 in the wider Tsavo ecosystem). It’s one of the best places in Africa to watch them roam in their natural environment.
- Budget-friendly – At $52 per person for entry, Tsavo East is slightly cheaper than other national parks, and lodges and camps here are often more affordable too.
- Easy access – Whether you’re coming from Nairobi, Mombasa, or the coast, you can reach Tsavo East by car, train, or plane, making it an ideal safari stop on the way to the coast. It is a great choice for a Beach and Bush Safari.
Some things to keep in mind about Tsavo East:
- The park’s sheer size means you’ll spend plenty of time in the vehicle.
- It can be very hot and dusty, especially in the dry season.
- There are fewer side roads exist compared to other parks. This preserves the wilderness feel but can mean animal sightings are sometimes further away. A good pair of binoculars is essential.
A Little History
Tsavo East was gazetted in 1948, making it one of Kenya’s first national parks. Together with Tsavo West, it forms the largest protected wildlife area in the country, covering more than 20,000 km².
The park is also famous for the Man-Eaters of Tsavo, two lions that terrorized railway workers during the construction of the Uganda Railway in the late 1800s. Today, their story is part of the park’s rich history, though thankfully the lions of modern Tsavo are better known for their impressive prides than their hunting of humans.
Where to Stay
Most lodges and camps are clustered along the Voi River, which I like to call the Wildlife Corridor. But there are plenty of other places to stay which all have their unique qualities. Here are some of my personal recommendations from places I’ve stayed:
Aruba Ashnil Lodge – Right in the middle of the wildlife corridor, this lodge is comfortable and has excellent food. Although it can be a busy lodge with more tourists, so it has a slightly more commercial feel.
Maneaters Camp – Located along the Tsavo River just outside the park gates. Wildlife often passes right through the lodge, giving an up close and personal feel. The Tsavo river runs right past the camp (image on the right). It’s budget-friendly option but does require a short drive into the park.
Satao Camp – A beautiful tented camp in the heart of Tsavo East. With its own watering hole, it’s common to see elephants splashing and playing right outside your tent. Meals here are often served under the stars and feel like a true wilderness experience.
Camping along the Galana River – For the adventurous, nothing beats camping on the riverbanks. Imagine falling asleep to the sounds of lions roaring in the distance or waking up to elephants crossing the river at dawn. Safari operators can arrange this with armed guards for safety at private campsites. This is the way to experience the true wilderness of Tsavo.
Best Places to Spot Wildlife
The location of the animals normally depends on the season, as I explain further in this article. Regardless of the season though, all animals need to drink. With Tsavo East being so hot and dry, wildlife tends to concentrate around water sources. The best places to look are therefore wherever you can find water, with the main sources being:
- The Voi River area – Lush and green, this is home to the famous Aruba Pride, a group of 21 lions regularly seen between Aruba Dam and Satao Camp. You’ll also spot plenty of giraffes, antelope and elephants.
- The Galana River – With dramatic rocky outcrops and sandy beaches, it’s perfect for seeing hippos, crocodiles, and elephants that come to drink.
- The many watering holes – Animals flock to the water holes scattered across the landscape. Always a good option to find someone coming for a drink.
How to Get to Tsavo East
When it comes to travelling to Tsavo, you’ve got three main options:
- Drive – A 5–6 hour drive from Nairobi or 3–4 hours from Mombasa. Most safari itineraries include transport between parks.
- Train – The SGR railway stops at Voi, making this a scenic and budget-friendly option. A first-class ticket costs around 3,200 Ksh ($25), and lodges can arrange transfers from the station for about 5,000 Ksh ($40). Keep an eye out—you can often see elephants and giraffes from the train windows!
- Fly – The fastest but most expensive choice. Small planes land on airstrips inside the park, getting you from Nairobi to your lodge in as little as two hours.
What to Pack
I’m putting together a detailed packing guide, so stay tuned for that. But here’s the short version for a Tsavo East Safari:
- Light, neutral-colored clothes (greens, browns, greys) you don’t mind getting dusty. Avoid dark colors that attract heat and insects.
- Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen.
- A swimming costume (most lodges have pools).
- Binoculars and a good zoom camera. Wildlife sightings can often be at a distance.
Other Things to Do on a Tsavo East Safari
Your Tsavo East Safari doesn’t have to be all game drives, there are some incredible add-ons or pit stops worth considering:
Luggard Falls – A series of white-water rapids on the Galana River, where crocodiles and hippos often bask nearby. You can exit the vehicle and walk along the river to see the rocks and rapids.
Mudanda Rock – A 1.6 km-long outcrop with panoramic views across the park. Below it is a natural dam where elephants and other animals gather to drink. Another spot where you can exit the vehicle and stretch your legs. There is a troop of baboons that lives on the rocks, so be careful with your food if you have any. And don’t leave your windows open.
Night Game Drives – Tsavo East is one of the few parks in Kenya where this is permitted. You’ll have the chance to spot nocturnal creatures like hyenas, porcupines, and maybe even a leopard on the hunt. You can organise this with the park authorities or with your camp or lodge.
Final Thoughts
A Tsavo East Safari offers something unique: vast wilderness, fewer crowds, and some of the most authentic safari experiences in Kenya. Whether you’re camping under the stars on the Galana River or watching elephants splash in a lodge waterhole, Tsavo East has a raw, rugged beauty that keeps drawing me back trip after trip.
If you’re looking for a safari that combines adventure, accessibility, and affordability without sacrificing that true wild feeling, Tsavo East should be at the very top of your list.
