Tsavo East National Park

Getting There

Expert

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

The two most useful international airports in Kenya are Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15km/9mi southeast of Nairobi, and the smaller Moi International Airport (MBA), 9km/6mi west of Mombasa.

Tsavo East National Park is in southeast Kenya. The park’s Voi Gate is 325km/202mi from Nairobi, while the Buchuma Gate is 100km/62mi from Mombasa. You can drive to Tsavo East from Nairobi (6 to 8 hours*), Mombasa (2 to 4 hours*) or another park depending on your itinerary. Those visiting from the coastal towns of Malindi or Watamu can use the Sala Gate, which is about 105km/65mi from Malindi (1½ to 2 hours*).

The Madaraka Express train runs three times daily between Nairobi and Mombasa (6 hours). It stops at Voi, which is 4 hours from the capital city and 2 hours from the coast. From Voi, you’ll need to arrange transport to and around the park, though some lodges and camps offer packages.

There are no scheduled flights to Tsavo East, but there are several airstrips available for charter flights. Charter flights between parks are generally reserved for you by the tour operator if you are on an organized tour.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

262 Tsavo East Safaris