Tsavo East National Park in Voi, Voi: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Animals and wildlife in Voi, Voi
Photo: Auto-generated feature card
Tsavo East National Park offers classic big-game safari ? red elephants, lions and the Galana River ? a day trip from the coast. Citizen entry is about KES 1,000 per adult and KES 500 per child (confirm on eCitizen), open 6am-6pm. Plan a full day.
What is Tsavo East National Park?
Tsavo East is Kenya's largest park and the coast's classic safari ? famous for red-dust elephants, lions, giraffes and the Galana River with Lugard Falls and Aruba Dam. Families day-trip from Mombasa, Diani or Watamu via the Bachuma or Voi gates.
KWS fees: citizens ~KES 1,000/500, residents ~1,350/675, non-residents USD 80/40 (confirm on eCitizen). Self-drive or book a safari van/Land Cruiser day tour (~KES 8,000-18,000 per vehicle). Open 6am-6pm.
Tsavo East protects Kenya's largest elephant herds ? the 'red elephants' dust-bathe in iron-rich soil ? and a quarter of the country's wildlife.
Tsavo East National Park ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (Under 12) | Under 3 free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | KES 1,000 | KES 500 | Free |
| Non-resident | KES 80 | KES 40 | Free |
KWS wilderness-park fees: citizens ~1,000/500; residents ~1,350/675; non-residents $80/40 ? confirm on eCitizen (2025 rates court-suspended). Safari vehicle hire extra (~8,000-18,000/day).
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Estimates only, based on the rates above (checked 22 Oct 2026). Extras vary.
💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Book a pop-top van Kids see everything, driver-guide finds animals
- Start at 6am Best sightings, cooler kids
- Picnic at Aruba Dam Elephant-watching lunch spot
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | Okay | Car-based viewing |
| 3-5 years | Good | Short attention, big elephants |
| 6-9 years | Great | Animal checklists |
| 10-12 years | Great | Full safari excitement |
| 13+ years | Great | Photography |
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Key details
- Address
- Bachuma Gate (A109) or Voi Gate, Tsavo East, Voi
- Opening hours
- Daily 6am to 6pm Open now
- How long to plan
- Full day
- Suitable ages
- 4 years and up
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Payment accepted
- M-Pesa
- Card
What to expect when you visit
Enter at Bachuma Gate (A109, eCitizen payment) and game-drive the main circuits ? red elephants at Aruba Dam, lions on the plains, Lugard Falls on the Galana.
Self-drive works, but a safari van with a pop-top roof and guide finds more and entertains the kids.
Leave by 5:30pm to exit before gate closing.
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Suitable for small kids?
Yes ? all viewing is from the vehicle.
Self-drive or tour?
Tours find more; self-drive is cheaper with a good map.
What will we see?
Elephants guaranteed; lions and giraffes very likely.
Family essentials
- Minimum age
- No minimum age
- Facilities
- Toilets
- Safety notes
Stay in the vehicle except at designated points; confirm fees on eCitizen (2025 rate dispute); long day ? pack snacks and water for kids.
Tickets and costs
- Free entry rules
- Under 3 free
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Safari van/Land Cruiser hire 8,000-18,000/day; guide fees
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Gates open 6am ? early game drives are best
- Busiest times
- Midday (animals rest)
- How to get there
Bachuma Gate on the A109, ~120 km from Mombasa
- By car
- Tarmac to the gate; gravel circuits inside
- Uber / Bolt estimate
- Safari tours include pickup from coast hotels
- Public transport
No practical public transport into the park
- Combine with
Voi town; Taita Hills; Mombasa or Diani beach base
- What to bring
Binoculars, picnic, water, hats, camera
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
Iconic dust-coated herds
Lions on the plains
Galana River rapids
Combine your visit
Plan the perfect day
Citizen family of 4 estimate: ~KES 3,000 entry + 8,000-18,000 vehicle
What to pack
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Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Tsavo East National Park?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 1,000 and resident children (ages Under 12) pay KES 500. Non-resident adults pay KES 80 and non-resident children pay KES 40. Children under 3 free enter free. KWS wilderness-park fees: citizens ~1,000/500; residents ~1,350/675; non-residents $80/40 ? confirm on eCitizen (2025 rates court-suspended). Safari vehicle hire extra (~8,000-18,000/day). Prices checked 22 Oct 2026.
- What are the Tsavo East National Park opening hours?
- Daily 6am to 6pm. Busiest: Midday (animals rest).
- Is Tsavo East National Park suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Minimum age: No minimum age. Stay in the vehicle except at designated points; confirm fees on eCitizen (2025 rate dispute); long day ? pack snacks and water for kids.
- How long do you need at Tsavo East National Park?
- Plan for Full day.
- What payment methods does Tsavo East National Park accept?
- Tsavo East National Park accepts M-Pesa, Card. It does not accept cash.
- What is the best time to visit Tsavo East National Park?
- Gates open 6am ? early game drives are best. It is busiest Midday (animals rest).
- How do you get to Tsavo East National Park?
- Tarmac to the gate; gravel circuits inside. Ride-hailing: Safari tours include pickup from coast hotels. Public transport: No practical public transport into the park Bachuma Gate on the A109, ~120 km from Mombasa
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