Where to stay in Tsavo East National Park
1 hand-picked glamping stay in and around the park.
Tsavo East National Park guide
Overview
Tsavo East National Park covers about 13,747 km² in south-eastern Kenya, east of the Nairobi–Mombasa highway. It was set up in 1948 together with Tsavo West, and the two parks together form one of the largest protected areas in Africa.
Most of the park is flat, dry bush and open plains, cut by the Galana River. Landmarks include the Yatta Plateau, one of the world’s longest lava flows, the Lugard Falls rapids and the Mudanda Rock waterhole.
Tsavo East is easy to reach from Mombasa and the coast, and its open country makes game viewing straightforward. The northern section beyond the Galana River is wild and rarely visited.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Elephants
Tsavo’s elephants are famous for their red colour, which comes from dusting themselves with the local red soil.
Other wildlife
Lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, hippo, Grevy’s zebra, fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk and lesser kudu live in the park.
Birds
More than 500 bird species have been recorded, including many dry-country species.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: June to October and January to February, during the dry seasons.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | Short dry season | Warm, dry and good for game viewing. |
| Mar – May | Long rains | Green and quiet. Some tracks can be muddy. |
| Jun – Oct | Long dry season | The best game viewing and the busiest time. |
| Nov – Dec | Short rains | Afternoon showers and green landscapes. |
The coast is close, so Tsavo East combines well with a beach stay.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moi International (MBA), Mombasa | Coastal arrivals | About 2 hours by road to the Bachuma or Buchuma gates. |
| Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), Nairobi | Most international visitors | About 5 to 6 hours by road, or by SGR train to Voi. |
By road
From Mombasa or Nairobi, take the A109 highway to Voi, where the main gate is. The SGR train stops at Voi.
Entrance & Fees
Kenya Wildlife Service charges a daily conservation fee per person, paid electronically through eCitizen. Tsavo East is in the Wilderness A category.
| Visitor | Adult | Child / student |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | US$80 | US$40 |
| African citizen | US$40 | US$20 |
| Kenyan resident | KSh 1,350 | KSh 675 |
| East African citizen | KSh 1,000 | KSh 500 |
Vehicle and camping fees are extra. Confirm the current rates on the KWS website before you go.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the KWS conservation fees schedule (October 2025).