Overview

Tsavo National Park, one of Kenya’s largest and oldest national parks, is split into two sections: Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Together, they cover an area of over 22,000 square kilometers and offer diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique attractions. Here’s an overview:

Tsavo East National Park

• Vast Landscapes: Tsavo East is characterized by open savannahs, semi-arid grasslands, and the red soil for which it is famous. The park’s expansive landscapes provide a sense of wilderness and solitude.
• Aruba Dam: This man-made reservoir attracts a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot for game viewing.
• Yatta Plateau: One of the world’s longest lava flows, the Yatta Plateau stretches over 300 kilometers and offers a unique geological feature in the park.
• Galana River: The river flows through the park, providing a lifeline for animals and creating scenic landscapes with its lush riverine vegetation.
• Wildlife: Tsavo East is home to large herds of elephants, often seen covered in the park’s red dust. Other wildlife includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, and a variety of antelopes. Birdwatchers can spot over 500 species of birds.

Tsavo West National Park

• Diverse Terrain: Tsavo West offers a more varied landscape with volcanic hills, dense bush, swamps, rivers, and natural springs.
• Mzima Springs: These crystal-clear springs are fed by underground streams from Mount Kilimanjaro. Visitors can view hippos, crocodiles, and fish through underwater observation points.
• Chaimu Crater: A volcanic crater offering hiking opportunities and panoramic views of the park.
• Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary: This fenced sanctuary within Tsavo West is dedicated to the protection and breeding of black rhinos.
• Shetani Lava Flow: A stark, black lava flow from a relatively recent volcanic eruption, creating a dramatic contrast with the surrounding landscape.
• Wildlife: Tsavo West hosts a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, zebras, and numerous bird species. The park is also known for its populations of lesser kudu and gerenuk.

Safari Experience

• Game Drives: Both Tsavo East and Tsavo West offer excellent game drive opportunities with diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.
• Walking Safaris: Guided walking safaris are available in some areas, providing a closer look at the park’s flora and fauna.
• Bird Watching: With over 600 species of birds recorded, Tsavo is a paradise for birdwatchers.

Accommodation

• Lodges and Camps: The parks offer a range of accommodations, from luxury lodges and tented camps to budget-friendly options. Many lodges provide stunning views and easy access to key attractions.
• Campsites: For a more immersive experience, several campsites are available for visitors who prefer to camp in the wild.

Accessibility

• Transport: Tsavo is accessible by road from Nairobi and Mombasa. The Nairobi-Mombasa highway runs between the two parks, making them convenient to visit. There are also airstrips in both parks for chartered flights.

Conservation Efforts

• Protected Areas: Both sections of Tsavo are protected national parks, focusing on wildlife conservation and habitat preservation.
• Anti-Poaching: Tsavo has a history of anti-poaching efforts, particularly in the protection of its elephant and rhino populations.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season: The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October, when animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.
• Wet Season: The wet season from November to May offers lush landscapes and excellent bird watching, though wildlife may be more dispersed.

Activities

• Photography: The diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make Tsavo an excellent destination for photography.
• Cultural Visits: Some lodges offer cultural visits to nearby communities, providing insights into the local way of life.

Tsavo National Park, with its vast landscapes, rich wildlife, and unique geological features, offers a quintessential African safari experience and a deep sense of wilderness.