Discovering the hidden gems of Tsavo National Park: Tsavo National Park, located in Kenya, is one of the largest and most famous parks in the country. Tsavo National Park was officially gazetted as a wildlife refuge by Kenya’s colonial government in 1949. The park is situated at the border of Tanzania’s Mkomazi National Park, Kenya’s Chyulu National Park, Arabuko Sokoke National Forest on the Kenya coast, and various sanctuaries, conservancies, and group ranches. More so, the park is known for its unique ecosystem and is has a diverse landscape. Rangers from the cloud forest on the Chyulu Hills, semi-arid scrubs, volcanic lava fields, and the cliffs of the Yatta plateau among others. Tsavo National Park is about 290 km, one can spend a couple of days to complete the adventure. Tsavo National Park also boasts close proximity and some of the best views of the mount Kilimanjaro’s peaks and its borders Tanzania to the south.
The park is divided into two main sections: Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Tsavo East is characterized by semiarid grasslands and savannahs where wildlife species can be seen. The man-eating lions in Tsavo National Park came to be known as above when two maneless lions attacked construction workers during the construction of the railway passing through the national park.
Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park, located in the southeastern part of Kenya, is one of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks. The park covers an area of about approximately 3,200 square miles. This vast park lies in the Taita Taveta and Kitui counties and is easily accessible from cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Tsavo East is home to a large herd of elephants, which can often be seen roaming the park in search of water and food. Other animals, such as lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, bushbuck, caracal, southeast African cheetah, kirk’s dik-dik, African wild dog, blue duiker, giraffe, hunter’s hartebeest, spotted hyena, striped hyena, impala, black-hacked jackal, lesser kudu, fringe-eared oryx, bohor reedbuck, suni, common warthogs, waterbuck, serval, plains zebra among others. The park is also home to primate species such as yellow baboon, Senegal bushbaby, vervet monkey, Shye’s monkey, and honey badger among inhabit the area as well, contributing to the park’s rich biodiversity. Birdwatchers will also find delight in the numerous bird species, including ostriches and various raptors, which thrive in this vibrant ecosystem.
Tourist attractions at Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park is filled with exciting sights and experiences for those on safari. Here’s a look at some of the highlights you can explore:
Yatta Plateau: This incredible landform stretches between the Athi and Tavi Rivers. The Yatta Plateau is known for its broad valleys and gently sloping terrains, which were formed by ancient lava flows, creating a unique landscape to admire.
River Galana: A beautiful spot where wildlife gathers is River Galana. It starts in the highlands of southeastern Kenya and flows through the park before meeting the Indian Ocean. As you visit this area, you can also see crocodiles as they explore the beauty of Tsavo East National Park.
Tsavo River: Another significant waterway is the Tsavo River, which snakes through the park. It connects with river Athi eventually becoming part of the Galana River. The river offers a perfect backdrop for observing nature.
Lugard Falls: A visit to Lugard Falls is a must. This stunning spot along the Galana River features dramatic rock formations created by cooled lava. Named after Lord Frederick Lugard, who traveled through the area, the falls showcase rapids formed by the river flowing over unique rock structures.
Kanderi Swamp: Kanderi Swamp is another wonderful tourist location. This freshwater area plays a crucial role in supporting the park’s wildlife and is conveniently located near the Voi Gate, one of the park’s entry points.
Mubanda Rock: Standing tall near the Manyani Gate, Mubanda Rock is a notable landmark within the park. During dry spells, various animals flock to the waterhole near this stratified rock, making it easy for tourists to see the various wildlife species during their safaris as they watch the wildlife drinking from the pool.
Aruba Dam: Positioned east of the Voi Gate, Aruba Dam is an essential watering spot for many animals. Here, you can see creatures like waterbucks, zebras, warthogs, elephants, duikers, hartebeest, dik-dik, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, and buffalo, among others. This dam, created by the park authorities, ensures that wildlife has access to water during the dry season.
Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West National Park is a protected area in Kenya, situated in the southeastern part of the country. This vast park is easily accessible from Mombasa, which is about 150 kilometers away, making it a popular destination for both local and international visitors. The park is one of the popular Kenya wildlife safari destinations famous for maneless lions “the man-eating lions”, large-sized red elephants, and the remaining population of Hirola antelopes in Kenya. Tsavo West national park is one of the two parks making up the great Tsavo Conservation area also known as Tsavo national parks with Tsavo East national park as another, these two national parks are separated by a railway line and Mombasa – Nairobi route. The park covers an area of approximately 9,065 square kilometers.
Tsavo West National Park has a variety of wildlife, such as lions, elephants, cheetahs, wild dogs, antelopes, buffalo, black rhinos, hippos, zebra, hyenas, lesser kudu, klipspringers, gerenuk, mongoose, nocturnal porcupine, fringe-eared Oryx, giraffe, crocodiles, hippos’ bushbaby, hartebeest, lesser kudu and Masai giraffes among others. The park is also home to over 600 species of birds that inhabit the park, including Ostrich, Common Ostrich, Egyptian Goose, Vulturine Guineafowl, Crested Francolin, Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Flamingo, and various waterfowl. One of the most attractions in the park is the Mzima Springs famous for its hippo and crocodile populations. The springs also support lush vegetation, creating a vibrant habitat within the arid surroundings.
Beautiful attractions in Tsavo West National Park
Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
One of the noteworthy spots within Tsavo West National Park is the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, nestled at the foot of Ngulia Hill. This sanctuary is dedicated to protecting endangered rhinos, specifically the black rhinos, which are carefully cared for and bred by the Kenya Wildlife Service and the African Wildlife Foundation. Due to the danger of extinction of the black rhinos, the sanctuary which is well fenced and guarded by rangers and staff boosts the rhino populations as well as other wildlife species such as elephants which can be seen in the national park.
Mzima Springs
Another delightful attraction for visitors is Mzima Springs, famous for its crystal-clear water and the hippos and crocodiles that call it home. Located in the western section of the park, Mzima Springs consists of four springs that draw water from a natural reservoir beneath the Chyulu Hills. This water source is vital for the various animals that wander the surrounding savannah, providing them with a much-needed drink. The trees that surround the springs are home to vervet monkeys which feed on the fruits from the date trees, raffia palms, waterberrys ,and figs. A variety of bird species can also be seen in the trees around the Mzima springs.
Shetani Lava Flow
For those interested in unique geological features, the Shetani Lava Flow is a must-see. Visitors can marvel at the striking black lava formations that snake across the savannah, creating a stunning contrast against the landscape. The area is also a great spot for wildlife viewing, where various animals, including predators, can often be seen wandering nearby. The Shetani caves, formed by ancient volcanic activity, add a sense of intrigue to this site. Local legend has it that “Shetani,” meaning “devil,” which according to the locals describes the time when lava was flowing from the ground and the locals believed that it was the devil himself coming out from the ground. The Shetani lava flow can be accessed from one of the entrance gates into Tsavo West National Park which is the Chyulu gate.
Wildlife Species
Tsavo West National Park is renowned as a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. This beautiful park attracts countless tourists who are interested in witnessing an array of wildlife. Some of the animals found here include rhinos, hippos, elephants, buffalos, leopards, lions, hartebeests, impalas, elands, fringe-eyed oryx, giraffes, and kudu among others. The park is home to around 600 different species of birds. Some of the bird species found here include Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Somali Ostrich, Common Ostrich, Egyptian Goose, Vulturine Guineafowl, Crested Francolin, and more.
What are the safari Activities to do while on a Kenya safari in Tsavo National Park include
Here are some highlights of while on a Kenya safari in Tsavo National Park
– Explore the breathtaking Tsavo East National Park.
– Discover the wonders of the Tsavo West National Park.
– Go on a game drive safari to see the impressive herds of elephants and other wildlife
– Visit the picturesque Lugard’s Fall.
– Visit the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
-Visit the Yatta Plateau.
– A visit to Mzima Springs
– Visit the Shetani lava flow
– Embark on a guided nature walk, hiking and birdwatching
– Visit the Maasai villages
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, Tsavo National Park has everything you need for an incredible group safari experience.
Where to stay in Tsavo National Park
During visits to Tsavo National Park, tourists can stay in different places, including luxury accommodations, midrange accommodations, and budget accommodations. The choice of where to stay depends on different factors, such as the tourists’ budget.
Accommodation options in Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park has got affordable accommodations that cater to all needs and preferences of the visitors. Some of these facilities include Voi Safari Lodge, Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Ndololo Tented Camp, Tarhi Tented Camp, Satao Camp, Galdessa Camp, Patterson’s Safari Camp, and Epiya Chapeyu among others.
Accommodation options in Tsavo West National Park
Tarangire National Park renowned for Tarangire its stunning landscape and diverse wildlife, offers an array of exceptional accommodation facilities that cater to the varied preferences of visitors. Some of the accommodations here include Ngulia Safari Lodge, Kamboyo Guest House, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp, Taita Hill Safari Resort and Lodge, Taita Lick Safari Lodge, Lavender Garden Hotel, Rhino Valley Lodge, Voyager Safari Camp, River Lumi Resort among others.
HOW TO GET TO TSAVO NATIONAL PARK
Getting to Tsavo National Park is quite straightforward and there are a couple of options depending on your preference for travel.
If you choose to go by road, the easiest way is to take the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. This route will lead you directly to Tsavo East National Park, allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the way.
For those who prefer to fly, there are several airstrips near the park. You can land at Voi, Aruba, Satao, Sala, Ithumba, or Bachuma airstrips, among others. This can save you time and give you a different perspective as you approach the park.
To visit Tsavo West National Park, you can also opt for scheduled or charter flights. Driving from Nairobi is another option, providing you with a chance to experience the landscape and local culture during your journey.
Experience the wilderness of Tsavo National Park as you relax and explore the home of the man-eating lions while engaging in different wildlife-viewing adventures by planning your safari to this remarkable destination with Focus East Africa Tours.
