Tsavo East is a good choice for a first safari.
Suitability: ★★★★★
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.
Why Tsavo East for a first safari?
- 2–3 days are enough for a good experience.
What awaits you in 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
Wildlife you may encounter: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and hippos.
Suggested time on the ground: 2 to 3 days. 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.
Activities that fit
game drives.
When to go
The best period overall is August to September.
Dry season; animals concentrate near the Galana River and water sources, and temperatures are slightly lower.
Other destinations for a first safari
- Masai Mara Kenya
- Merzouga Morocco
- Ngorongoro Tanzania
- Pilanesberg South Africa
- Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
- Kruger South Africa
Full Tsavo East guideBest safaris for a first safari
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tsavo East good for a first safari?
Tsavo East is a good choice for a first safari.
When should I visit Tsavo East for a first safari?
Generally August to September.
What should I know before booking?
2–3 days are enough for a good experience.
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.
