National park
National park
Tsavo East National Park
Kenya's largest park, home of the red elephants.
- Southeastern Kenya
- Best: Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct
- Entry from US$80
Overview
- Area
- About 13,747 km²
- Established
- April 1948
- Bird species
- 500+
- Main gates
- Voi, Manyani, Bachuma, Mtito Andei, Sala
- By rail
- SGR to Voi or Miasenyi
Established in April 1948, Tsavo East covers about 13,747 km² of semi-arid wilderness. With Tsavo West it forms the Tsavo Conservation Area of around 22,000 km².
Elephants dusted red by the soil, maneless lions and herds of buffalo roam open plains cut by the Galana River. The Yatta Plateau, one of the world's longest lava flows, runs along the park.
More than 500 bird species have been recorded, and the park protects the critically endangered hirola antelope.
- Red elephants
Elephants coloured by Tsavo's red earth.
- Lugard's Falls and Mudanda Rock
Rapids on the Galana River and a rock above a seasonal waterhole.
- Aruba Dam
A reliable game-viewing point in the dry season.
Things to do
- Game drives
Voi, Aruba and the Galana River.
- Guided walking safariUS$50
Groups of up to 10, excluding entry and security.
- Night game driveUS$50
In selected areas, on prior arrangement.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Dry months (June–October, January–February) concentrate wildlife near water.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Wetter
- Dec: Good
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS Conservation Fees 2025 (Legal Notice 160 of 2025)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hoursChildren 5–17: KES 500 / KES 675 / US$40 / US$20 (citizen / resident / non-resident / African citizen). | US$80 | KES 1,350 | US$40 | KES 1,000 |
| Tsavo East – Tsavo West – Amboseli packageper adult, one entry to each park | US$215 | KES 4,000 | US$115 | KES 3,000 |
| Walking safariper person per day, groups of up to 10 | US$50 | KES 3,000 | US$50 | KES 3,000 |
| Night game driveper person, where offered, excluding entry | US$50 | KES 3,000 | US$50 | KES 3,000 |
- Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$80
- Foreign resident
- KES 1,350
- Rest of Africa
- US$40
- East African citizen
- KES 1,000
Children 5–17: KES 500 / KES 675 / US$40 / US$20 (citizen / resident / non-resident / African citizen).
- Tsavo East – Tsavo West – Amboseli packageper adult, one entry to each park
- Foreign non-resident
- US$215
- Foreign resident
- KES 4,000
- Rest of Africa
- US$115
- East African citizen
- KES 3,000
- Walking safariper person per day, groups of up to 10
- Foreign non-resident
- US$50
- Foreign resident
- KES 3,000
- Rest of Africa
- US$50
- East African citizen
- KES 3,000
- Night game driveper person, where offered, excluding entry
- Foreign non-resident
- US$50
- Foreign resident
- KES 3,000
- Rest of Africa
- US$50
- East African citizen
- KES 3,000
- Fees are paid cashless through KWSPay on eCitizen. Children are aged 5–17.
- The Kenya Tourism Federation challenged these rates in the High Court in October 2025; KWS republished the same rates in 2026. Confirm the amount when you pay.
Getting there
- By roadFrom MombasaAbout 2–3 hours
Bachuma Gate (110 km) or Voi Gate (156 km) on the Mombasa–Nairobi highway.
- By roadFrom NairobiAbout 4–5 hours
Mtito Andei Gate, 233 km south of Nairobi.
- By roadFrom Nairobi or MombasaTrain
Standard Gauge Railway to Voi or Miasenyi stations.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Distances inside the park are long; carry water and fuel.
- Gates open from 6:00 to 18:00 unless you are staying overnight.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Tsavo's elephants red?
They dust-bathe in Tsavo's red volcanic soil, which colours their skin.
Can I combine Tsavo East with the coast?
Yes. Bachuma and Voi gates are two to three hours from Mombasa, making Tsavo East a popular safari from the beach.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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