Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park is one of Kenya’s largest parks, offering visitors a variety of exciting activities centered around wildlife, nature, and the park’s unique landscapes.

Game Drives

Game drives are the most popular activity in Tsavo East, allowing visitors to explore the park’s vast savannahs and spot a wide variety of wildlife. The park is famous for its "red" elephants, which cover themselves in the reddish soil, as well as lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and antelope species. With the park’s open plains, wildlife is relatively easy to spot, and game drives can be done in the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active.

Visit the Yatta Plateau

The Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world, is one of Tsavo East’s most impressive geographical features. Stretching over 290 kilometers, this ancient volcanic plateau offers spectacular views of the park. It’s a great spot for photography, and visitors often enjoy scenic drives along its base to appreciate the park's landscape and search for wildlife.

Explore Lugard Falls

Lugard Falls, located on the Galana River, is a series of rapids and gorges that have been carved into the rocks over time. Although not a traditional waterfall, the rushing water creates dramatic rock formations, and the falls are named after Frederick Lugard, a British colonial administrator. It’s a perfect place for photography, and visitors can enjoy walking around the rocks while observing the surrounding wildlife, including crocodiles and hippos.

Bird Watching

Tsavo East is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 500 species recorded in the park. The diverse habitats, ranging from savannahs to riverine forests, attract many bird species, including African skimmers, kingfishers, secretary birds, hornbills, and various raptors like martial eagles and bateleurs. The park’s riverbanks and waterholes, like those along the Galana River, are particularly great spots for bird watching.

Visit Aruba Dam

Aruba Dam is a man-made dam built across the Voi River, creating a vital water source for wildlife in Tsavo East. During the dry season, it becomes a magnet for animals like elephants, buffalo, zebras, and predators like lions and cheetahs. Game drives around the dam offer excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities, especially in the mornings and late afternoons when animals come to drink.

Visit the Galana River

The Galana River, flowing through Tsavo East, is a lifeline for the park’s wildlife. Its riverine forests attract animals like hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Visitors can enjoy scenic views along the riverbanks during game drives, often catching sight of elephants and giraffes drinking from the river, as well as predators lying in wait for their prey.

Safari Walks and Nature Walks

While game drives are the primary way to explore Tsavo East, some lodges and camps offer guided safari walks for a more intimate experience with nature. Led by experienced guides, these walks allow visitors to learn about the smaller details of the ecosystem, including plant life, animal tracks, and insects. Walking safaris provide a unique opportunity to explore the wilderness on foot and experience the bush from a different perspective.

Visit the Kanderi Swamp

The Kanderi Swamp is one of the few permanent water sources in Tsavo East, making it an essential area for wildlife viewing, especially during the dry season. The swamp attracts a wide variety of animals, including elephants, buffalo, and various bird species. A visit to the Kanderi Swamp offers great opportunities for photography and observing large herds of animals gathering around the water.

Explore the Aruba Conservancy

The Aruba Conservancy is an area within Tsavo East that is focused on wildlife protection and sustainable tourism. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the conservancy, which includes educational talks on conservation efforts, anti-poaching initiatives, and the protection of endangered species like the black rhino. It’s a great way to combine a safari with learning about the park's conservation efforts.

Camping

For the more adventurous visitors, Tsavo East offers several campsites where you can spend the night under the African stars. Public and private campsites are available, offering basic facilities such as toilets and running water. Camping in the park allows you to experience the wilderness up close, with the sounds of animals and the natural environment surrounding you at night. Some campsites are located near waterholes, so wildlife sightings can happen right from your tent.

Cultural Visits to Local Communities

While not inside the park itself, visitors to Tsavo East can arrange cultural visits to nearby Maasai or Kamba communities. These visits offer insight into the traditional lifestyles of these local tribes, including their customs, crafts, and way of life. It’s a fantastic way to complement a safari with a cultural experience, providing a deeper understanding of the people who live near the park.

Photography

Tsavo East’s vast landscapes, diverse wildlife, and dramatic natural features make it a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re capturing the majestic elephants rolling in red dust, the rugged scenery of the Yatta Plateau, or the tranquil beauty of the Galana River, the park offers endless opportunities for stunning wildlife and landscape photography.

Visit Tsavo’s Historical Sites

Tsavo East has a rich history, particularly tied to the famous "Man-Eaters of Tsavo." During the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway in the late 19th century, two maneless lions terrorized workers, and their story has become part of Tsavo’s legend. Visitors interested in this history can learn more about it through local guides or visit the nearby Tsavo Railway Museum, located outside the park.

Sundowners

Many lodges and camps in Tsavo East offer sundowner experiences, where guests can enjoy a drink while watching the sun set over the vast plains. The breathtaking colors of the African sunset combined with the silhouettes of wildlife create a magical and peaceful end to a day of safari adventures.

Night Game Drives

While not commonly available throughout the park, certain camps and lodges offer night game drives in designated areas. Night drives provide a unique opportunity to see nocturnal wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, and bush babies. The thrill of exploring the park in the dark adds an exciting dimension to the safari experience.

With its vast open spaces, rich wildlife, and dramatic landscapes, Tsavo East National Park offers an unforgettable range of activities for all types of travelers. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or wildlife encounters, Tsavo East provides an authentic and immersive safari experience.