Tsavo East National Park is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Kenya, known for its wide-open landscapes, striking red soil, and large herds of “red elephants” (coated in red dust). It’s the eastern part of the vast Tsavo ecosystem, together with Tsavo West.

Location

• Region: Southeastern Kenya

• Counties: Taita-Taveta and Kitui

• Distance from Nairobi: ~233 km (via Voi Gate – 4 to 5 hours by road)

• Distance from Mombasa: ~170 km (approx. 3 hours)

Wildlife

Tsavo East is famous for its large elephant herds, often covered in the region’s red dust. Other animals include:

• • Lions (including the famous maneless lions of Tsavo)

  • Leopards, cheetahs

  • Buffalo, giraffe, zebra, antelope

  • Hippos and crocodiles along the Galana River

  • Over 500 bird species – including hornbills, kingfishers, and ostriches