Taita-Taveta and Kitui counties, south-east Kenya
Tsavo East
Red elephants and vast open wilderness
- Country
- Kenya
- Region
- Taita-Taveta and Kitui counties, south-east Kenya
- Type
- Kenya Safari
- Best months to visit
- Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct
Overview
Together with Tsavo West, Tsavo East forms one of the largest protected areas in Africa. Its flat, open plains of red earth and scattered doum palms are crossed by the Galana River and dominated by the Yatta Plateau, one of the longest lava flows in the world.
Being the closest big park to the coast, it is a popular safari extension for guests staying at Diani or Watamu.
- Red elephants of Tsavo
- Galana River and Lugard Falls
- Yatta Plateau lava flow
- Easy add-on from the coast
What you'll see
Large herds of elephants coloured red by the soil, lion, cheetah, buffalo, and dry-country species such as fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk. Lugard Falls and Aruba Dam are good places to find wildlife in the dry season.
Wildlife you may see
- Elephant (Big Five)
- Lion (Big Five)
- Cheetah
- Cape buffalo (Big Five)
- Hippo
- Nile crocodile
- Beisa oryx
- Gerenuk
- Plains zebra
- Spotted hyena
Things to do
- 01
Game drives
Wide horizons and long-distance views across the plains.
- 02
Lugard Falls
Walk along the rapids of the Galana River (with crocodiles below).
- 03
Mudanda Rock
A rock outcrop above a seasonal waterhole that draws elephants.
Best time
- Jan: Great time
- Feb: Great time
- Mar: Possible
- Apr: Possible
- May: Possible
- Jun: Great time
- Jul: Great time
- Aug: Great time
- Sep: Great time
- Oct: Great time
- Nov: Possible
- Dec: Possible
June to October and January to February. Afternoons can be very hot.
Getting there
About 2–3 hours from Mombasa or Diani, or around 5 hours from Nairobi via the Voi gate.
Where to stay
Luxury
Tented camps on the Galana River with private sundecks.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Comfort
Lodges with views over waterholes and the plains.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Budget
Simple camps near the Voi and Sala gates.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Gallery
More Kenya Safari
Taita-Taveta County
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (Salt Lick)
A private sanctuary famous for its lodge on stilts
