Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park is one of Kenya’s largest protected wilderness areas and forms part of the vast Tsavo Conservation Area. Its semi-arid landscape of open plains, bushland, volcanic terrain and seasonal rivers gives the park a spacious, rugged character, while its famous red soil contributes to the distinctive appearance of its elephants.

Wildlife includes elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and numerous bird species. The Galana River provides an important water source, while the Yatta Plateau, described by KWS as the world’s longest lava flow, adds a remarkable geological feature to game-drive routes. More than 500 bird species have been recorded in the park.

Tsavo East is particularly suited to travellers looking for expansive wilderness, photographers interested in unusual landscapes and visitors combining a safari with Kenya’s coast. Its huge scale and semi-arid scenery create a more remote-feeling experience than the compact wildlife landscapes around Lake Nakuru or Amboseli.