Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park is a protected area in southern Kenya covering 13,747 square kilometers (5,308 square miles) of semi-arid terrain with open savannas, grasslands, and the flowing Galana River. The landscape features volcanic hills while acacia woodlands grow along watercourses and provide access to drinking spots for herds of wildlife.

The protected area was established in 1948 after the land had been inhabited by Stone Age communities living near the Galana River some 6,000 years ago. During the colonial period the region served as a caravan route before coming under official protection.

The area takes its name from the Tsavo River, a word in the Kamba language that means slaughter and recalls past conflicts between elephants and people. The park is known for its red elephants, which gain their color by rolling in ochre dust.

The reserve offers several accommodations along its borders with access through the nearby town of Voi in Taita-Taveta County. The best months for wildlife viewing fall during the dry seasons when herds gather at water points and visibility improves through lower vegetation.

The lions of Tsavo East display a distinct feature: the adult males lack the typical mane found on lions elsewhere. This characteristic may relate to the hot climate and dense vegetation that favor a cooler body temperature.