Tsavo East is one of the largest national parks in Kenya and is famous for its “red elephants” that get their color from rolling around in the area’s unique soil. It’s also less congested than the Masai Mara, making for a more personalized safari experience without tons of other vehicles on the road. Fortunately, there are plenty of wonderful places to stay in the area where you can sleep right next to where the animals roam. Here are 10 safari camps in Tsavo East National Park that we love.

Kiboko Camp

This stylish camp is located right on the Galana River just 8km from Tsavo East and offers a great infinity pool where you can look out and see animals like hippos and elephants play in the water. The camp features 12 tents and 2 bungalows, all with their own private bathrooms. While there are safari excursions available, most people just enjoy watching animals as they hang out in comfort.

Ithumba Camp

Owned by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, this camp is undoubtedly one of the best in Tsavo East. Unlike some more open camps, this one is totally fenced in because there are so many wild elephants around the camp. There are just four large safari tents here, so people looking for more seclusion should put this one at the top of their lists.

Ndolo Safari Camp

This lovely camp is located on the forested banks of the Voi River in Tsavo East. It’s one of the easier camps to get to, as it’s just 7km from the Voi gate. There are 20 luxurious tents on site, each with its own veranda and bedroom. One of the favorite activities at the camp are the nightly bush barbecues around the campfire.

Loyk Tsavo Camp

Located on the banks of the Athi River, this laid-back camp is a great option for those looking for something a bit more rustic and off the beaten path. There are 20 rooms on site, along with a restaurant and a small lounge area. Guests at the camp can walk down to the river to see a picturesque series of rapids.

Sentrim Tsavo Camp

This fantastic tented camp is located just over 10km from Voi gate, making it easy for people coming from Mombasa or Nairobi. There are 25 rooms on site, all with their own private hot showers and mosquito nets. It also features a jacuzzi and swimming pool where you can look out and watch animals pass by without going out on safari.

Satao Camp Tsavo East

Located in a great part of Tsavo East next to a centralized water-hole, this semi-circular camp offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the park. There are a total of 20 tents, all with a full view of the water hole, so you can sit back and relax all day as the wild game walks by. Additional touches include antique writing desks and gorgeous African-style beds.

Man Eaters

This fantastic tented camp is located right in the middle of the park on the banks of the Tsavo River and is named after the storied man-eating lions that killed dozens of victims in the late 1800s. However, as far as we know, there aren’t any man-eating lions around anymore. Instead, you’ll find 30 luxury tents, all with outstanding views of the Tsavo River.

Galdessa Safari Camp

This camp is also located along the Galana River, making it an easy spot for wildlife sightings right from your bed. There are 11 spacious semi-tented bungalows, all with private verandas and bathrooms. Guests looking for a little more privacy can head to a private camp away from the main camp. Galdessa also offers fantastic bush breakfasts and sundowners to top off early morning or evening game drives.

Kulalu Camp

As part of the Galana Conservancy, this camp is located on 60,000 acres of wilderness in the buffer zone between Tsavo East and the Galana ranches. There are only five luxurious tents on site, allowing guests to watch animals in the utmost privacy. The camp is also known for being eco-friendly and operates on solar power for electricity and bio-fuel for its cooking needs.

Manyatta Camp

Located in the middle of elephant country, this extraordinary camp is situated in one of the most beautiful areas of the park. The camp has 13 tents, all with a view of the park and the river. There’s also a swimming pool built into the camp for cooling off on hot days.

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This article was originally published on December 1, 2015.

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