Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park covers 13,747 square kilometers, making it one of the most significant conservation areas not only in Kenya, but across Africa. Together with Tsavo West, the two form the largest protected wildlife sanctuary in Kenya, collectively occupying over 4% of the country’s total land area.
The Galana River cuts through the middle, providing the only real green corridor. Animals concentrate near the river and a few permanent waterholes like Aridza Springs.
The elephants are famous here. They roll in the red dirt, so they often look completely rust-coloured. It’s not mud – it’s fine, iron-rich dust that sticks to their skin. Big herds are common. You'll also find lions (often resting under acacias), buffalo, giraffes (mainly the Masai kind), zebra, and plenty of antelope like oryx and gerenuk. Don't expect thick forest or high mountains. This is open, hot country where you can see for miles.
At A Glance
Scale: Feel the sheer size of wild Africa.
Red Elephants: See them coated in the distinctive dust.
Yatta Plateau: Drive alongside the world's longest lava flow (290km).
Galana River: Watch animals gather at this vital water source.
Fewer Crowds: It's less busy than parks like Amboseli or the Mara.
Luggard Falls & Aruba Dam
Visit where the Galana River squeezes through rocks and forms rapids and small pools, and Aruba Dam - a large man-made lake attracting many birds, especially waterbirds like storks and eagles. Good for a calm stop.
Game Drives
Drive the network of dirt tracks, especially early morning or late afternoon. Focus on the Galana River and waterholes like Aridza Springs or Kanderi Swamp to see elephants, lions, and buffalo.
This page is a simple list of some of the more outstanding accommodation in Amboseli National Park in the Luxury, Mid Range and Budget categories.
Best Time: Dry season (June-October, January-February). Animals rely on fewer water sources.
Rhino? Generally not seen here (found in the sanctuary in Tsavo West).
The Red Dust: It's iron oxide. Elephants use it like sunscreen and bug repellent.
Mudanda Rock is a whale-backed rock that towers above a natural dam. This rock formation runs for over 1.5km and it attracts elephants in the dry season and is a reminiscent of Australia’s Uluru (Ayers Rock), albeit on a much smaller scale.
Lugard’s Falls named after Captain Lugard, the first proconsul to East Africa, the falls feature a bizarrely eroded rock neck through which the waters of Galana River plunge into foaming rapids and crocodile infested pools.
Plan your visit
Take the first step to plan your trip with us. Our team will take the rest.