Top Five Reasons To Visit Tsavo East National Park: Tsavo East National Park is one of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks, together with Tsavo West National Park. The park covers an area of 13,747 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and leopards.
Tsavo East is also known for its large birdlife population, with over 500 species recorded in the park. Visitors to the park can enjoy game drives, bush walks, and bird-watching safaris. The park is located approximately 200 kilometers from Nairobi the country’s capital city. The park is famously known as the Man-eaters of Tsavo, due to two Lions that killed around 130 people during the construction of the railway line in 1898.
The Park is home to the largest Elephant herds in the country, as well as a large pride of Lions, other wildlife found here includes giraffes, Zebra, Impala, and Gazelles, as well as irascible Buffalo. Predators are represented by large prides of Lions, elusive Leopards, and the fastest animal on land – the Cheetah. However, the following are the Top five reasons to visit Tsavo East National Park
- Game drives
The game drive is the main highlight of a safari and the top reason to visit Tsavo East National Park. The park is home to impressive number of wildlife including the Big Five animals; lion, buffalo, leopards, rhinos, and elephants. Tourists can engage in game drives as they explore Tsavo East National Park to see these wildlife species and other attractions around the national park. These game drives take place at different times of day and they include morning game drives, afternoon or evening game drives as well as full-day game drives.
During the morning game drives, visitors to Tsavo East National Park have a fantastic chance to witness a variety of wildlife that is most active at this hour. It’s a great time to experience the park and see animals like elephants, buffalos, baboons, warthogs, waterbucks, impalas, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, kudus, antelopes, and leopards among others.
For those looking for a longer adventure while on their safaris to Tsavo East National Park, full-day game drives provide an excellent opportunity to observe these animals in their natural behaviors at different times of day. This allows tourists to immerse themselves in the wildlife experience fully.
Additionally, night game drives offer a unique opportunity to spot creatures that come to life after dark. Tourists are accompanied by ranger guides during these excursions, and it’s a perfect time for photography and capturing the thrilling sights of nocturnal animals.
- Birdwatching
One of the exciting reasons you should opt for a visit to Tsavo East National Park is bird watching. Many visitors find it to be a thrilling part of their safari experience. The park is often called a small paradise for bird lovers because it is home to more than 500 different bird species. While on your birding tours, you will have the chance to spot a variety of colorful birds such as Marabou Stork, African Darter, Long-tailed Cormorant, Pink-backed Pelican, Hamerkop, African Pipit, African Pied Wagtail, Kenya Rufous Sparrow, Yellow-spotted Bush Sparrow, Village Indigobird, Black-cheeked Waxbill, Yellow-crowned Bishop, White-winged Widowbird, Gray-headed Social-Weaver, Tsavo Sunbird, Violet-breasted Sunbird, White-throated Robin, African Gray Flycatcher, Southern Black-Flycatcher and African Bare-eyed Thrush among others.
- See Lugard Falls
A visit to Lugard Falls is one of the top five reasons for your visit to Tsavo East National Park. Lugard Falls as named after Lord Frederick Lugard who explored the area, is one of the highlights for tourists. This stunning waterfall, found along the Galana River, is known for its fascinating rock formations made from cooled lava. The rapids here are remarkable, shaped by the river’s flow over sculpted rocks and channels. At the base, visitors can spot buffalos, hippos, and occasionally crocodiles lounging in the pool, making it a prime spot for observing wildlife.
- Visit the Yatta Plateau
Another appealing feature of Tsavo East is the Yatta Plateau, located between the Athi and Tavi Rivers. This expansive plateau is formed by ancient volcanic activity from Ol Donyo Sabuk Mountain, this area offers a unique and captivating landscape filled with rich history. Tourists can join game drives or set out on walking safaris to explore the array of plant and animal life found here. Birdwatchers will be especially delighted, as the plateau is a haven for many species of birds. The panoramic views from the Yatta Plateau highlight the park’s natural beauty, inviting nature enthusiasts to observe and appreciate the scenery.
- River Galana
At the heart of Tsavo East National Park lies the beautiful River Galana, a magnet for diverse wildlife. This river starts in the highlands of southeastern Kenya and winds its way through the park before reaching the Indian Ocean. Visitors to River Galana often have the chance to witness crocodiles basking in the sun, adding to the park’s captivating scenery.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about the top five safari activities/highlights for any trip to Tsavo East National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while you are in the country.
