Tsavo East National Park | Kenya's Wildlife Haven

Tsavo East National Park is an educational site for those who want to expand their knowledge. No matter how much they know, travelers are eager to learn more, as traveling is all about discovering new things.

The park offers numerous attractions, including:

Munda Rock: This rock serves as a water catchment spot that supplies water to natural dams and other areas where animals can drink. Munda Rock’s elevation allows tourists to stand on its peak and view animals like buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, elephants, and antelopes as they move around.
Lugard Falls: Named after British explorer and colonial administrator Frederick Lugard, who arrived in Mombasa in 1888, these falls are a spectacular cascade formed through erosion, which has left a rocky steep slope where water flows into a plunge pool. Water rapids form as water flows over hard rocks that resist erosion, attracting tourists from around the world.
Yatta Plateau: Known as the world’s longest lava flow, spanning 290 kilometers, Yatta Plateau was formed due to an eruption and features formations like Oldoinyo Sabuk Mountain. It extends from the border of Tsavo National Park to Athi River, drawing tourists interested in its flat, elevated terrain.
Kanderi Swamp: Located along the Voi River, this swamp attracts various animals with its flowing water source and cool air. Lions often rest near the swamp, spending time by the river’s shores. Tourists on game drives have the chance to observe lions drinking water in large groups.
Galana and Tsavo Rivers: These rivers feed the park and its ecosystem. Tsavo River runs through Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks before joining Athi River to form the Galana River. Rivers generally progress through three stages: the youthful stage (with fast-flowing water), the mature stage (with less erosion), and the old stage (where deposition occurs). The Galana River flows into the Indian Ocean and is home to crocodiles, which many tourists enjoy viewing.
Aruba Dam: Built in 1952, this reservoir is one of many water sources within Tsavo National Park, providing vital resources for animals during dry periods.
Wildlife: Tsavo East is home to an impressive variety of animals, making it one of Kenya’s premier wildlife destinations. The park hosts birds such as the Gray Crowned Crane, Saddle-billed Stork, Martial Eagle, and Yellow-necked Spurfowl. Mammals include elephants, African hunting dogs, African wildcats, warthogs, zebras, civets, striped and spotted hyenas, bat-eared foxes, African hares, and primates like monkeys and yellow baboons.

Entry Fees

Kenyan Citizens: Adults pay 515 Kshs, while children pay 215 Kshs.
Kenyan Residents: Same fees as citizens.
Non-Residents: Adults pay 52 USD, and children pay 35 USD.

Before entering, a tour guide or experienced officer provides tourists with instructions they must follow within the park. Available activities include:

Birdwatching: Tsavo East is home to many bird species, whose twittering welcomes visitors at the park’s entrance. Migratory birds visit during specific times, staying two to three months before returning home. The best birdwatching season is the rainy season when birds breed. Some bird species found here include Papyrus Gonolek, River Warbler, Ostrich, Martial Eagle, Casmerodius albus, and African Finfoot.
Cultural Tours: Many national parks are located near the Maasai communities, allowing tourists to explore their unique lifestyle.
Game Drives: These drives are conducted in open-roof safari vans and offered in three shifts: morning (ideal when tourists are fresh and active), evening (lasting 2–4 hours to see shy animals), and full-day drives (with packed lunches eaten at designated stops).