TSAVO EAST AND WEST NATIONAL PARK
Overview
Tsavo national park is one of the Kenya’s largest and oldest national parks. It is remarkable destination known for its stunning landscape and diverse ecosystems. Spanning approximately 22,000 square kilometres. It is divided into regions that is Tsavo east and Tsavo west. Tsavo East national park features vast, arid plains dotted with iconic baobab trees while Tsavo west is characterised by its hilly volcanic terrain and lush vegetation.
Significant attractions are with in the park is Yatta Plateau, one of the longest lava flows in the world which offers breath-taking views and a unique geological landscape.
Additionally, Mzima Springs serves as a vital oasis where crystal-clear water emerges from volcanic rock, attracting a variety of wildlife including hippos and crocodiles.
The park is particularly famous for its large herds of red elephants which are known for their distinctive reddish hue due to the iron-rich soil they frequent. Wildlife enthusiasts can also encounter the infamous man-eating lions that gained notoriety during the late 19thcentury safaris.
Other notable attractions include the Galana River, which provides essential water sources for numerous species and Lugard falls, a series of rapids that offer picturesque views with over 500 bird species and a rich variety of mammals such as lions, leopards and Rhinos. Tsavo National Park presents an unparalleled safari experience that captures the essence of Kenya’s wild beauty.
TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK
Overview
The 13,747 square kilometres Tsavo East National Park is the largest of the two Tsavos. Its relatively flat, semi-arid plains and savannahs consist of scrubland dotted with huge baobab trees. The park features the Yatte Plateau which is the longest lava flow in the world, stretching about 290 kilometres and formed from ancient volcanic activity. The plateau provides a unique geological backdrop but lacks the dramatic topography found in Tsavo West.
The oasis banks of the Voi, attract game and birdlife galore that Kenya safari adventurers will revel. You will see herds of elephants and buffalo, waterbucks, and all kinds of animals coming to drink at the dam. The Lugard Falls, on the Galana River, is more a series of rapids than actual waterfalls, walk along the riverbanks to catch a glimpse of water-sculpted rocks.
Another fascinating feature in the park is the 180-mile-long Yatta Plateau, one of the world’s longest lava flows. It runs parallel to the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway and is 5 to 10 km wide 305 metres high, Mudanda Rock, a 1.6 km outcropping is a water catchment area. You will see plenty of wildlife coming to drink at the dam.
The park became infamous in the late 1890s because of the Man-Eaters of Tsavo, a pride of lions that preyed on the Indian Migrant laborers building the railway. More than 1330 workers were killed, the incident was retold in the 1996 thriller The Ghost and the Darkness starting Val Kilmer.
There’s a lot of game in Tsavo national park including lions, impalas, cheaters, zebras, giraffes and rare animals such as the oryx, lesser kudu and the Klipspringer antelope which can jump nimbly from rock to rock because of the sticky suction pads under their feet.
Tsavo east national park is a home of over 500 bird species including both migratory and resident birds. This makes it a prime location for birdwatching.
Tourism and activities
Although less visited compared to Tsavo West, Tsavo east offers unique experiences such as night game drives which allow visitors to see nocturnal wildlife. The Tsavo east national park’s vastness provides ample opportunities for extended safaris.
TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK
overview
Tsavo West national park is the smaller of the two Tsavos, covering 7,065 square kilometres. It features rugged terrain with volcanic hills, rocky outcrops, lush riverine forests. The park’s volcanic origins are evident in its varied topography including the prominent Shetani Lava Flow which is a result of relatively recent volcanic activity.
Tsavo west national park is more attractive and certainly more accessible than Tsavo East. Magnificent landscapes of heavily wooded hills dominate the north where most safari lodges and game-viewing tracks concentrate. The flatter south of Tsavo West is more open plains but access is tricky as parts of the park are disjointed and crossed by another highway between Voi and Taveta.
One of the park’s highlights is Mzima springs where crystal-clear water emerges from beneath volcanic rock, creating a lush oasis that supports diverse wildlife. This area is particularly famous for its hippo and crocodile populations and offers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Tsavo west national park’s fertile volcanic soil and abundance of water, the park is brimming with animal, bird and plant life. Its main inhabitants including elephants, lions, leopards, antelope species, buffaloes and rhinos. The park also hosts Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, dedicated to the conservation of the endangered black rhinoceros.
The birdlife in Tsavo West national park is more than 400 species including 8 types of hornbills.
Your professional safari guide will spot out the spotted hyenas, buffaloes, the beautiful Masai giraffe and all kinds of antelopes including Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle- the prettiest of the antelopes.
Activities in Tsavo national park
Visitors can engage in various activities such as game drives, rock climbing in designated areas, guided nature walks along the Tsavo River, Bush breakfast, picnics and sundown.
Best time to visit Tsavo national park
Dry season
This is the best time to visit Tsavo national park. This starts from June to October and December to February
Advantages of visiting Tsavo national park in dry season.
Roads are generally more accessible during dry season enhancing the safari experience.
Dry season is considered as the best time for game viewing because the grass is shorter and drier making it easier to spot wildlife animals congregate around limited water sources.
Note; There is peak season in dry season, expect higher visitor numbers and accommodation rates during these months especially in July and August because of international tourists coinciding with summer holidays in Europe and North America.
Advantages of visiting Tsavo national park in wet season
During this season, there is excellent for birding as migratory species are present and the landscape becomes lush with vegetation.
During wet season there is a lower number of visitors making it for a more tranquil experience and accommodation prices may also be reduced.
Though during wet season, there is a challenge of muddy and difficult to navigate, potentially limiting safari activities due to abundant food and water which may lead to wildlife dispersed.
Wet season good for Budget Travelers by accessing lower accommodation rates but may involve challenges of road conditions.
Where to stay in Tsavo National Park
How to get to Tsavo National Park
By Air
There are several airstrips that serve Tsavo National Park enabling quicker access;
Scheduled and charter flights operate from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and Mombasa’s Moi International Airport to these airstrips.
By Road
From Nairobi to Tsavo west’s Mtito Andei Gate is approximately 240km taking around five hours drive. For the Tsavo East, Manyani Gate is about 233km southeast of Nairobi.
From Mombasa, Tsavo West can be accessed from Mombasa via the Tsavo Gate located about 200km north of the city. The trip takes roughly four hours. Tsavo East is about 157km northwest of Mombasa with entry points like Voi Gate and Buchuma Gate.
By Train
The park is also be accessed by via railway. Trains running from Nairobi to Mombasa stop at the Tsavo station which is with in the park.