DISCOVER KENYA
Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park nicknamed the “Theatre of the wild,” is a haven for a variety of unique species; including its massive herds of red-dusty elephants which are fond of rolling and playing in the park’s red soil
Tsavo East National Park is the largest national park in Kenya, bordering the Chyulu Hills and Tanzania’s Mkomazi Game Reserve. Covering an area of 13,747 square kilometers, the park was established in 1948 alongside its sister national park – Tsavo West National Park. Nicknamed the “Theatre of the wild,” Tsavo East National Park is a haven for a variety of unique species; including its massive herds of red-dusty elephants which are fond of rolling and playing in the park’s red soil. Tsavo East National Park was named after the Tsavo River which flows through the park from East to West. The park is further separated from its counterpart by the A109 railway and highway; but together, they form Tsavo National Park – Kenya’s largest protected area.
Tsavo East National Park’s topography is incredibly diverse, encompassing savanna and semi-arid grasslands. Also, two rivers: Tsavo and Athi join in the park to form the Galana River (one of the park’s significant features. Home to an assortment of both northern and southern wildlife species, Tsavo East National Park makes one of Kenya’s best national parks to go for Kenya wildlife safaris. Its rich biodiversity cannot compare anywhere on the globe. Besides its large herds of red-dusty elephants, the park is also popular for its mane-less lions and cheetahs; moreover, all the “Big five” animals can be seen in Tsavo East including Cape buffalo, black rhino, lion, leopard, and elephant; as well as a plethora of bird species such as kestrels, kingfishers, black kites, etc. Other fascinating features in the park include Lugard Falls and the Yatta Plateau – the world’s longest lava flow.
EXPLORE TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK
GETTING TO TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK
The easiest way to get to Tsavo East National Park is by road: located in southeastern Kenya, Tsavo East is 325 km/201 mi from the Nairobi capital and about 250km /155 mi from Mombasa by road. There are no scheduled flights to Tsavo East National Park; however, there are chartered flights available to the park’s several airstrips. Kenya has two major airports: the mega Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), located southeast of Nairobi, and the smaller Moi International Airport (MBA), located west of Mombasa.
ATTRACTIONS IN TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK
Wildlife
Tsavo East National Park’s abundant wildlife is one of the park’s most fascinating highlights; the park boasts a large population of mammals, reptiles, reptiles, and birds. Although the lions in Tsavo are not mane like before, the park is home to a large population of more than 600 lions, for which the area is famed. Aside from the lions, cheetahs and leopards are regularly seen in the area. Tsavo East also features a range of hyenas, elephants, gazelles, buffaloes, aardwolf, Grevy’s and plain’s zebras, African wild dogs, warthogs, impalas, water bucks, bush bucks, dik-dik, tree-hyrax, duikers, black rhinos, civet cats, bat eared-fox, and primates including yellow baboons, Skye’s monkeys, etc.
And with over 500 bird species reported in Tsavo East National Park; including dry savannah specialties and water birds, the park makes a prime Kenya birding destination. Its swampy, rocky, and dry open savannah vegetation are good habitat for plenty of bird species. Given the amazing landscape of Tsavo East National Park, the birds have been so uniformly distributed that visitors will be able to view a considerable amount of bird-life regardless of which part of the park. Bird species in Tsavo East National Park include horn-bills, eagles, kingfishers, herons, buzzards, kestrels, starlings, ostriches, weaver birds, and secretary birds, you name it.
Yatta Plateau
Lying near the north-western border of Tsavo East National Park, above the Athi river, the Yatta Plateau is one of the park’s most attractive features. Spanning over 290 kilometers, the Yatta Plateau is the world’s longest lava flow. The plateau was formed following the eruption of the Ol Doinyo Sabuk Mountain. The plateau features magnificent views with an assortment of dense marshland, dotted Baobab, rivers, swamps, seasonal pools, and dams. However, the west of the plateau is generally denser than the dry eastern part. The western part of the Yatta Plateau offers more rewarding views of volcanic hills and outcrops whereas the eastern part of the plateau is characterized by flat thorny land.
Mudanda Rock
This is also another picturesque feature in Tsavo East National Park. Mudanda Rock is a 1.6-kilometer-long inselberg of stratified rock that serves as a water catchment for a natural dam below. This dam is fed by rainwater from the rock and a little rain which accumulates to form large amounts of water. The rock provides a good viewpoint for the multitudes of elephants and other species that gather at the spot to drink water during the dry season. Mudanda rock is situated in Tsavo East’s southwestern shrub regions, a few minutes south of Manyani gate. The rock dates back to the Precambrian age and is claimed to have been utilized by local tribes in the past for drying strips of meat and as a lookout. Tourists visiting Tsavo East National Park may go on a walking safari to explore Mudanda rock, with its peak offering 360 views of the area. from their pool.
Tsavo and Galana Rivers
Tsavo East National Park is intersected by two rivers, the Galana River and the Tsavo River, which are some of the key water sources supporting the park and its biodiversity. Tsavo River flows through both national parks, Tsavo East and Tsavo West, before joining the Athi River to form the Galana River. The Galana River, on the other hand, runs through Tsavo East National Park on its route to the Indian Ocean. Both rivers are teeming with crocodiles and hippos, which are fascinating to see while on a Kenya wildlife viewing safari.
Aruba Dam
The Aruba Dam is another important water source stretching on the Voi River in Tsavo East National Park. The dam draws a large concentration of animals including elephants, lions, leopards, and many more as they congregate at the dam to drink water. This is also one of the greatest places in the park to see Lions.
Kanderi Wetland
Kanderi wetland is a marsh in Tsavo East National Park and a home to resident lions and elephants. The swamp is located 10 kilometers from Voi gate and is a wonderful site to watch lions and elephants. Kanderi wetland is also an excellent location for Kenya wildlife safaris in Tsavo East where tourists may view various wildlife such as hartebeests, gazelles, zebras, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes among other creatures while on a game drive.
Lugard Falls
Lugard falls is also one of the stunning features located in Tsavo East national park and a fascinating feature to see on a Kenya walking safari in the park. Named after Frederick Lugard – a British explorer and former colonial governor, Lugard falls originates in the Galana river and boasts a succession of white water rapids.
THINGS TO DO IN TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK
Game drives
Game drives in Tsavo East National park provide an opportunity to see many of the park’s animals from the comfort of your 4WD safari automobile. While game drives in Tsavo East national park are available as day and night game drives, many animals can be seen as you drive through the park’s plains, including large herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, gazelles, zebras, Masai giraffes, antelopes, black rhinos, fringe-eared Oryx, warthogs, porcupines, mongoose bohor reed bucks, to mention but a few. Game drives in Tsavo East National park are best done during the dry season when the foliage is thinner and animals congregate around drinking holes; making them easier to see. The dry season lasts from June to October.
Bird-watching
Tsavo East National Park also offers spectacular bird-watching: the park is home to almost 500 different bird species. Several dry-country specialties are easily visible, such as the spectacular Golden-breasted starling, golden pipit, and vulturine guinea fowl, as well as other species including horn bills, kestrels, buzzards, and fish eagles, you name it. The park is also the southernmost bastion for Somali ostriches and an important wintering area for European migratory species which flock to the park from November to April.
Rock climbing
Rock climbing in Tsavo East National Park is a fantastic activity for nature lovers. The area is characterized by craggy outcrops such as Mudanda rock and Yatta plateau which are fascinating spots to explore. Rock climbing in Tsavo East National Park is a great sport for rock climbers and one type of exercise that tests your physical capacity. Moreover, it treats you to the picturesque of the park and its wonder.
Horseback Safaris
Horseback safaris are one of the most exhilarating things to do in Tsavo East National Park. Horseback riding is an environmentally sustainable means of exploring Tsavo East National Park on the back of a horse, which is not often available in most Kenya safari locations. This activity allows you to get up close and personal with animals while on your tour, which is an unforgettable experience.
Guided Bush walks
Tsavo East National Park also provides adventurous guided bush walks through the park, which are done on foot and overseen by an expert armed guide. Guided bush walks are a great way to see most of the park’s highlights up close and reach regions that are not accessible by car. Strolling through Tsavo East allows you to see various animals as well as its magnificent natural features such as the Galana River and Mudanda rock, among others.
WHEN TO GO TO TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK
Tsavo East National Park can be visited at any time of the year; however, the park is best visited during the dry season, which runs from July to September and December to March. These months are ideal for game viewing since the grass is short and animals are drawn to water sources, particularly river banks. On the other hand, conditions might be more difficult during the height of the short rains (November) and the long rains (April and May). The forest is heavier at this time of year, and the animals are more dispersed, making it more difficult to notice them.
WHERE TO STAY IN TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK
Tsavo East National Park offers a wide range of safari lodges and camps accommodations. These range from luxury to mid-range to budget accommodation and some of them include the following;
Ashnil Aruba Lodge
This is one of Tsavo East’s largest and most established safari camps. Situated on the banks of the Aruba Dam, Ashnil Aruba has a total of 20 luxury suites, including eight with interconnecting rooms, four triples, six gorgeous tented accommodations, and two adapted for visitors with special needs. All rooms are en-suite and feature a private balcony with a view of the dam. Slate or polished concrete flooring keeps the rooms cool.
Satao Tented Camp
This camp is located in the middle of the park and overlooks a drinking well. The camp is popular with both people and animals with 20 en-suite safari tents with individual verandas that are all nicely designed in an ‘out of Africa’ style.
Galdessa Luxury Camp
Galdessa Camp, located in Tsavo East Park, provides unique and opulent Kenya safari experiences. The camp is located along the Galana River’s banks, surrounded by doum palm trees and natural vegetation. Because the camp is not surrounded by a fence, wildlife roams freely, providing you with a front-row seat to outstanding game-watching without having to leave the site. The camp has eleven guest tents, all thoughtfully placed to optimize your wilderness experience and seclusion.
