Located in the southeastern region of Kenya, adjacent to the coast, Tsavo East National Park sprawls across approximately 5,300 square miles, earning its status as Kenya’s largest national park. Established officially in 1949, Tsavo East was delineated from Tsavo West by the construction of the A109 road. Named after the Tsavo River coursing through its expanse from west to east, the park finds its home in the Taru Desert, nestled against the Chyulu Hills National Park to the east within the southern Kenya Rift Valley.

Travelers venturing into Tsavo East can anticipate an entrance fee of around $60 per person per day for day-trippers, while overnight guests at park camps or lodges are usually included in their accommodation fees. Operating hours span from 6 am to 6 pm, allowing ample time for exploration amidst its diverse wildlife and captivating landscapes.

Accessing Tsavo East is primarily by road, with a journey from Nairobi encompassing a scenic 230-mile drive via Safari Jeep or scheduled transfers, spanning approximately six hours. Alternatively, from Mombasa, the trip covers 125 miles and takes roughly three hours. For those preferring air travel, flights departing from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport or Mombasa offer swift access, with a flight time of 60 minutes from Nairobi and 30 minutes from Mombasa. Upon arrival, guests can opt for transfers from nearby airports to their respective accommodations within Tsavo East.

For a unique travel experience, the Madaraka Express train provides a novel mode of transportation from Nairobi or Mombasa. The journey takes approximately two hours and forty-five minutes from Nairobi and one and a half hours from Mombasa, culminating at the Voi Terminal, where lodge representatives await to facilitate transfers.

The park’s climate favors winter for safari expeditions, with dry air, cooler temperatures, and sparse vegetation offering optimal conditions for wildlife sightings. To avoid peak crowds, travelers may opt for the “green” season, characterized by fewer vehicles and unique wildlife phenomena such as birthing season or the great migration.

Tsavo East’s diverse ecosystem supports a plethora of wildlife, including the iconic “Red Elephants,” dik-diks, lesser kudus, gerenuks, and porcupines, alongside an impressive array of over 500 bird species. The park’s terrain, predominantly flat with savannas and grasslands interspersed with acacia trees and rocky outcrops, features notable landmarks such as the Yatta Plateau, Lugard Falls, and the picturesque Aruba Dam.

Embarking on game drives, whether in the early morning, full day, or late afternoon, remains the quintessential approach to wildlife encounters. Guided walking safaris along the Galana River provide an intimate perspective of the park’s natural splendor, while excursions to local villages offer cultural immersion and opportunities to support local communities.

Visits to scenic attractions like Aruba Dam, Lugard Falls, and Mubanda Rock promise breathtaking vistas and memorable experiences, enriching any journey into the captivating wilderness of Tsavo East National Park.