National Park
Tsavo Wilderness Park A
Tsavo East National Park
Theatre of the Wild
Kenya’s vast red-earth wilderness, famous for dust-red elephants, the Galana River, Yatta Plateau, lions and more than 500 bird species.
Overview
About Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East is a huge semi-arid safari landscape of open plains, acacia scrub, lava geology and river habitat. The Galana River, Yatta Plateau and iconic red elephants define the scenery, while the park’s scale supports major predator and herbivore populations and more than 500 bird species.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Red elephants of Tsavo
Galana River
Yatta Plateau
Aruba Dam
Mudanda Rock
Lugard Falls
Maneless lions
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Game drives
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Safari events
- Stargazing where arranged
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Elephant
- Lion
- Buffalo
- Giraffe
- Zebra
- Hirola
- More than 500 bird species
Stay nearby
Accommodation
Public campsites
- Ndololo
Special campsites
- Makoka
- Roka
- Lugards
- Epiya Chepeyo
- Mbololo
- Durusikale
- Thabagunji
Private lodges & camps
- Voi Safari Lodge
- Ashnil Aruba Lodge
- Sentrim Hotel
- Impala Safari Lodge
- Ngutuni Lodge
- Satao Camp
- Galdessa Tented Camp
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
Established in April 1948. KWS gives the park area as about 13,747 km² and identifies it as part of the much larger Tsavo Conservation Area.
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
Major gates include Bachuma, Voi, Manyani, Mtito Andei and Sala.
By air
Voi and Ithumba are major airstrips, with several smaller strips inside the park.
By rail
SGR services can connect through Voi or Miasenyi.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, a camera or binoculars, and a basic first-aid kit.
Use clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and expected weather.
Confirm road, weather and gate conditions with KWS before departure.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 1,000 | KES 500 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 1,350 | KES 675 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 40 | USD 20 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 80 | USD 40 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Tsavo East National Park FAQs
What is Tsavo East National Park best known for?
Tsavo East National Park is especially known for Red elephants of Tsavo, Galana River, Yatta Plateau, Aruba Dam. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Tsavo East National Park?
Road: Major gates include Bachuma, Voi, Manyani, Mtito Andei and Sala. Air: Voi and Ithumba are major airstrips, with several smaller strips inside the park. Rail: SGR services can connect through Voi or Miasenyi. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Tsavo East National Park?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 1,000 and non-resident adults from USD 80 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Tsavo East National Park?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
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