At 11,747 km², Tsavo East National Park is significantly larger than its western counterpart, Tsavo West National Park. However, the landscape here is noticeably drier and less varied.
In the southern part of the park, flat grass and bush savannahs dominate, gradually giving way to semi-desert landscapes in the north. Tsavo East offers a true sense of the vastness and untouched beauty of Africa’s original savannah wilderness.
Striking contrasts are provided by the dense riverine forests along the Galana River, Athi River, Tiva River, and Voi River. The Aruba Dam holds back the Voi River to form a small lake that attracts a wide variety of wildlife. Hippos and crocodiles are permanent residents and make a visit especially worthwhile.
Tsavo East is home to the famous Big Five — elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard. The park’s true icon, however, is its population of red elephants. Their distinctive color comes from the red earth in which they dust-bathe after watering, protecting themselves from the intense African sun.
In addition, Tsavo East is home to around 60 large mammal species. Among the most well-known are giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and a wide variety of antelope species.
