Question 1

How much does it cost to enter Tsavo East National Park?

Accepted Answer

Non-residents pay USD 80 per adult and USD 40 per child (3–17 years) for a 24-hour stay under the KWS tariff effective 1 October 2025. Kenya residents pay KES 1,350 (adult), East African citizens KES 1,000, and African citizens from outside the EAC USD 40. Vehicle entry is charged separately — KES 600 per day for a car with under 6 seats — and children under 5 enter free.

Question 2

What are the opening hours at Tsavo East?

Accepted Answer

Gates open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM daily, year-round, unless you're staying overnight inside the park. Your ticket covers 24 hours of continuous stay rather than a calendar day. Night driving is banned.

Question 3

When is the best time of year to visit Tsavo East?

Accepted Answer

June to October and January to February, when dry weather thins the vegetation and animals crowd the Galana River and Aruba Dam. The July–October stretch is the most reliable for sightings. Skip April if you can — the long rains turn tracks to mud and spread wildlife across the plains.

Question 4

How do I get to Tsavo East from Mombasa or Diani Beach?

Accepted Answer

Drive the Mombasa–Nairobi highway: Bachuma Gate is 110 km from Mombasa, about 2.5–3 hours, and Voi Gate is 156 km. Most coastal visitors book a 1–3 day organised safari and enter at Bachuma. There's also the SGR Madaraka Express from Mombasa Terminus to Voi or Miasenyi stations (about 2–3 hours), then a pre-arranged pickup.

Question 5

Can you take a train to Tsavo East from Nairobi?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Madaraka Express runs from Syokimau Terminus to Voi or Miasenyi in about 4 hours, costing KES 1,050 economy or KES 3,200 first class one way. From the station you'll need a transfer of roughly 30–60 minutes to your gate or lodge. Book on the official metickets.krc.co.ke portal well ahead.

Question 6

Do I need to book tickets in advance for Tsavo East?

Accepted Answer

No special permit is required for a standard visit — buy your ticket on KWSPay (kwspay.ecitizen.go.ke) before arrival, or by card or M-Pesa at the gate. Make sure your ID matches your fee category (citizen, resident, African, or non-resident), because KWS checks it on entry. Foreign nationals also need the Kenya eTA approved before departure, with a passport valid at least 6 months.

Question 7

What should I pack for a Tsavo East safari?

Accepted Answer

KWS's own list covers drinking water, food, a camera, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses and a first-aid kit — services inside the park are minimal, so take more water than you think you need. Wear light, loose layers in neutral colours (khaki, olive, brown) with long trousers and a fleece for dawn drives; temperatures average about 31°C midday but 20°C at night. Jeans are too heavy, and dark colours attract tsetse flies.

Question 8

Is Tsavo East suitable for elderly visitors and children?

Accepted Answer

Older visitors manage well because game drives involve almost no walking — the challenges are the 31°C midday heat, dust and bumpy tracks, and you can skip on-foot spots like Mudanda Rock and Lugard's Falls if mobility is limited. Children aged 3–17 pay half fare and under-5s enter free, with all wildlife viewed from vehicles at a 20 m minimum distance. Note that malaria is present in this coastal lowland zone, so get paediatric advice on prophylaxis before travelling with kids.

Tsavo East National Park Guides

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Tsavo East National Park Safari: The Complete Planning Guide

Tsavo East vs Tsavo West: Which Safari Park Should You Choose?

Tsavo East National Park Lodges: Where to Stay, From Luxury Camps to Budget Bandas

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