Tsavo East is Kenya's largest national park and, with Tsavo West, forms the Tsavo Conservation Area. It is mostly semi-arid plains and is known for its elephants and its proximity to the coast.
- Country
- Kenya
- Type
- National park
- Approx. area
- 13,747 km²
- Best time
- August to September
- Suggested stay
- 2–3 days
- Main gateway airport
- Moi International Airport, Mombasa (MBA)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to Tsavo East
- Elephants coloured red by the local soil
- The Yatta Plateau lava ridge
- Lugard Falls on the Galana River
- More than 500 recorded bird species
- Easy to combine with the Mombasa coast
Best time to visit Tsavo East
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Tsavo East is August to September.
Dry season; animals concentrate near the Galana River and water sources, and temperatures are slightly lower.
Short and long rains; vegetation thickens and game becomes harder to spot.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21–32 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| February | 21–33 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| March | 21–34 | some rain | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| April | 21–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 21–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| June | 19–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| July | 18–28 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| August | 18–28 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| September | 19–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| October | 20–31 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| November | 21–31 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| December | 21–31 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | moderate |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Tsavo East includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, gazelles, oryx, eland, ostriches and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
Usually reached from Mombasa via Voi Gate, or from Nairobi via Mtito Andei Gate on the Nairobi-Mombasa road. Standard Gauge Railway trains stop at Voi.
Trips to Tsavo East
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Tsavo East for families
- Tsavo East for a honeymoon
- Tsavo East for photographers
- Tsavo East for a first safari
- Tsavo East on a budget
- Tsavo East for luxury travel
Compare with
- Tsavo East vs Amboseli
- Tsavo East vs Lake Nakuru
- Tsavo East vs Tsavo West
- Tsavo East vs Masai Mara
- Tsavo East vs Ol Pejeta
- Tsavo East vs Samburu
Travelling to Tsavo East from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Tsavo East?
Generally August to September. Dry season; animals concentrate near the Galana River and water sources, and temperatures are slightly lower.
How many days do I need in Tsavo East?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Tsavo East?
Usually reached from Mombasa via Voi Gate, or from Nairobi via Mtito Andei Gate on the Nairobi-Mombasa road. Standard Gauge Railway trains stop at Voi.
Is there malaria in Tsavo East?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Tsavo East National Park · Magical Kenya - Tsavo · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Voi normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.