Table of Contents
For a remarkable “Out of Africa” safari experience, explore the endless red-earthed savannah of Tsavo East National Park. This untamed wilderness is Big 5 territory and all the main animals are here in large numbers, but they are roaming 13,000 sqkm, so it’s quite an adventure tracking them down. Cross the boundary into Tsavo West National Park to enjoy a contrasting landscape of volcanic hills and natural springs.
A game drive in peaceful Tsavo East is sensational if you’re adventurous and up for the challenge of seeking out the wildlife in a vast, untamed bush. Tsavo is divided in half by a main road, thus creating Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks. Tsavo East is 13,000 sqkm and Tsavo West is 9,000 sqkm – together, they are one of the world’s largest national parks. Tsavo East is wilder and less visited than its neighbour, a true wilderness with a unique “Out of Africa” feel that is so hard to come across these days.
Wildlife on the Plains, Pink Elephants and Other Highlights
Wildlife on the Plains
13,000 sqkm of arid grassland plains are divided by the meandering, emerald-green Galana River. You can only game drive in the area south of the river, but it’s a massive expanse and more than sufficient. Your English-speaking guide will take you to the best game viewing destinations, for example, thousands of animals collect at beautiful Aruba Dam and the flat, open plains around Voi Gate.
You are likely to spot buffalos, zebras, rhinos, giraffes, jackals and impalas here. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of all the other main mammals, especially Tsavo’s short-maned lions – in fact, some male lions here actually have no manes at all. With a bit of perseverance, you might even come across a leopard, a cheetah, the rare lesser kudu or the elusive fringe-eared oryx.
Pink Elephants
You’ll almost certainly see large herds of “pink” elephants. The earth in Tsavo is red and dusty, which covers the elephants from head to tail and makes them look distinctively pink. The elephants like to spend time at Mudanda Rock, a sheltered area of tall rock towers that back onto a natural dam – hundreds of elephants come here to bathe, it’s wonderful to see them rolling playfully in the waters and spraying the red dust off each other. For more elephants and stunning scenery, go to the wetland area of Lugards Falls, a series of mesmerising rapids that feed nearby hippo and crocodile pools.
Birding
Tsavo as a whole is seasonal home to around 500 bird species. For a fantastic birding experience, visit Yatta Plateau, a 300km long lava flow known to be an ornithological paradise, attracting thousands of migratory birds from all over the world.
Activities in Tsavo East
Game Viewing
Tsavo East National Park is not a place to come if you want easy game viewing with animals teeming around you. A day or night game drive in Tsavo East is a unique wilderness experience, incredibly rewarding if you have the patience. You’ll be accompanied by a highly experienced driver/guide who knows exactly where to seek out the wildlife – it’s great to feed-off his knowledge and passion for the animals. You can leave your vehicle for a guided walking safari along the Galana River and there are special birding tours at Aruba Dam.
Bush Meals
Bush meals are a wonderful way to experience the peaceful wilderness of Tsavo East. Either drive or walk into the bush for a delicious meal around a roaring camp fire, watch the incredible African sunset and lie under a blanket of radiant stars before returning to your accommodation.
Accommodation
The lodges and tented camps in Tsavo East are well-spread out in peaceful settings on hills or around waterholes, adding to your wilderness experience. You can lie in bed or sit on your private veranda with a sundowner, watching wild animals walking past. One lodge at Voi Gate has a wonderful 50m observation deck. There’s something for every budget, from luxurious to basic. If money is tight, you can choose from several special campsites and self-catering “bandas”.
Best Time to Visit
All times of year are good. If you visit in the dry season (January to February, and June to October) more game collects at the permanent water sources so it’s easier to spot. Tsavo is remarkably colourful and dramatic in the rainy seasons and the park’s roads are reliable for game driving at all times of year. The long rains are in March and April, short rains are in November and December.
How to Get There
Tsavo East National Park lies between Nairobi and Mombasa. From Mombasa, take the main road north and drive approx 120km to Bachuma Gate. Nairobi to Manyani Gate is around 300km. There are several airstrips in the park for chartered flights. The coast is only 3 hours away, so a safari in Tsavo can easily be combined with a beach holiday
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Kenya’s greatest unexplored wilderness” mean?
When people talk about Kenya’s greatest unexplored wilderness, they are often referring to remote areas like Tsavo National Parks that remain wild and less crowded. These vast landscapes stretch across thousands of square kilometers and offer a true sense of adventure. Unlike more famous parks, these regions still feel raw and untouched by mass tourism. Visitors can travel for hours and see very few vehicles. For many travelers, this makes the experience feel more authentic and connected to nature.
Why do some safari areas in Kenya remain less explored?
Some wilderness areas in Kenya are less explored because they are very large and located far from major cities. Parks such as Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park cover huge territories that require time to explore fully. Their remote location means fewer visitors compared to parks like Maasai Mara National Reserve. However, this is exactly what makes them appealing to travelers looking for quiet safaris. The sense of solitude allows visitors to enjoy wildlife and landscapes without crowds.
What wildlife can be found in Kenya’s unexplored wilderness?
Even in the quieter regions, Kenya’s wilderness is full of incredible wildlife. Parks like Tsavo East National Park are famous for their large elephant herds often covered in red dust. Lions, giraffes, zebras, leopards, and buffaloes are also commonly seen in these areas. Birdlife is especially rich, with hundreds of species found across rivers, savannahs, and forests. Because the habitats are so diverse, every safari drive can reveal something new.
What makes the landscapes in these wilderness areas unique?
The landscapes found in Kenya’s remote safari regions are incredibly varied and dramatic. In Tsavo West National Park, visitors can see volcanic hills, lava fields, and natural springs all within the same park. Meanwhile, Tsavo East National Park features wide open plains and the scenic Galana River. These contrasts create stunning views and excellent opportunities for photography. The raw beauty of these landscapes is part of what makes the wilderness so unforgettable.
Why should travelers visit Kenya’s lesser, known wilderness areas?
Traveling to Kenya’s quieter parks offers a very different safari experience. In places like Tsavo National Parks, visitors often enjoy peaceful game drives without large crowds. This makes it easier to observe wildlife behaving naturally in their environment. The feeling of space and freedom adds to the adventure of exploring these regions. For travelers seeking a more intimate and authentic safari, these wilderness areas are a perfect choice.
Still have questions?
Our local safari experts are happy to help you plan the perfect African safari.
