Tsavo East National Park is one of Kenya’s largest, oldest, and most iconic safari destinations. Known for sprawling savannahs, red-soiled landscapes, and abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and more. Covering thousands of square kilometers in Kenya’s coastal region, Tasvo East offers classic safari experiences that are perfect for both first-time and seasoned travelers. This Tsavo East National Park Safari Guide will help you plan your visit with key information on what animals you’ll see, best times to visit, and essential travel tips.
Where to stay in Tsavo?
We stayed in two places in Tsavo. We stayed at the Rock Side Camp (2 nights) and Maneaters Camp (1 night). Maneaters Camp is more glamping (sturdy big tent), while you have a little cottage at Rock Side Camp. At both accommodations, we could spot animals at the watering hole, I mean swimming pool! At night, we even heard hyenas passing by (the advice is not to leave your accommodation between certain hours at night).
What wildlife can be spotted in Tsavo East National Park?
1) Buffalo
Every park that I’ve visited in Kenya had the African buffalo! They look sleepy, but when cornered, they can be vicious.
Big five animal: Check!
2) Birds
We saw a lot of birds in the park, but the most special one was a blue kind that we saw all over Kenya!
3) Boars and pigs
We saw a lot of wild boars around the water holes. It’s like the real Pumba!
4) Monkeys
You don’t have to go to a national park to see some monkeys, because they’re everywhere in Kenya. Nonetheless, we saw monkeys in Tsavo East at the exit gate.
5) Antelopes
Antelopes (in this case an impala) stand on their feet in order to pluck the last, best leaves and berries from a bush!
6) Elephants
We saw a lot of elephants in Tsavo East! We even saw elephants drinking water from a pipeline. Our guide explained to us that elephants can smell water from a distance (like a pipeline) and make holes in it with their tusks in order to drink the water.
Big five animal: Check!
7) Zebras
Zebras that hug each other are a couple! How cute is this?
8) Cheetah
We arrived at the drinking hole, and we were lucky to spot three young cheetahs! Our guide told us that he hadn’t seen the cheetah in over 3 years! We watched them for 10 minutes, and just as they came, they disappeared. You couldn’t see what a bush was or what a cheetah was anymore. Such a strange feeling!
9) Dik-Dik
The Dik-Dik is actually a tiny antelope! It’s smaller than a cat and is just cute to behold!
10) Rock Hyrax
We also saw the rock hyrax. This animal is a far relative of the elephant, go look it up if you don’t believe me!
Safari Practical Tips
Driver & Guide
You can’t drive your own car into Tsavo East. You’re obligated to go with a licensed driver and guide. You can easily arrange a safari tour at your hotel, but best to plan with an agency. We did it with our travel agency in advance.
Tip: Drink before your safari, 3 cups of black tea to stay hydrated during the safari.
Get up early or sleep in
The best safaris are the ones in the early morning or late afternoon. That’s when the animals are most active. Around noon, all animals will take shelter to keep cool. We visited Tsavo East for a whole day. At noon, we stopped to have a picnic in the park and to get some shade.
One of the greatest experiences during this safari was having a picnic in the park itself! We were all cautious because we were thinking some predator would attack us at any moment. Don’t be afraid, this was in a part of the park where no predators are present.
What to wear on a Safari?
Light, breathable clothing is best due to the tropical climate, and do safaris in neutral colours (beige, brown, and green).
What to pack for a Safari?
Make sure to bring these top 5 items on your safari trip:
- A pair of binoculars: to see all wildlife up close.
- Camera: to take amazing photos of your trip!
- Sunscreen: don’t get sunburned
- Malaria pills & mosquito repellent: There is a high risk of malaria throughout Kenya. Prevention through malaria tablets and strict mosquito repellent measures (DEET, mosquito nets) is essential. The risk is highest during and after the rainy season (June-December).
- Hat or cap: for sun protection
Use my ultimate packing list to have everything in your luggage for your trip
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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Tsavo East National Park
✈️When is the best time to visit Tsavo East?
The dry season (June-October and January-February) offers the best wildlife sightings.
🌄 Can you combine Tsavo West and Tsavo East?
Yes, many safaris visit both parks over 3-4 days.
🕒 How many days do you need in Tsavo East?
Most travellers spend 1-2 days on game drives and wildlife viewings. We stayed 2 days in Tsavo East National Park.
🐆 Is Tsavo East good for first-time safari travellers?
Yes, Tsavo East is suitable for first-timers thanks to abundant wildlife, a range of safari options, and easy access from major cities.