Tsavo East National Park, one of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks, is known for its vast landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the iconic red-dust elephants. Spanning 13,747 square kilometers, it’s a prime destination for safaris, offering opportunities to spot elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, and numerous other species.
Key Features of Tsavo East:
- Vast Size: Tsavo East is one of the largest protected areas in Kenya, offering expansive wilderness.
- Red Elephants: The park is famous for its large herds of elephants that love to roll in the red dust, creating the distinctive “red elephant” appearance.
- Wildlife: Besides elephants, you can spot lions, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, zebras, cheetahs, and a variety of other animals.
- Birdlife: With over 500 recorded bird species, including migratory birds, it’s a great spot for birdwatching.
- Galana River: The Galana River, formed by the merging of the Tsavo and Athi rivers, is a vital water source and a scenic feature of the park.
- Yatta Plateau: The Yatta Plateau, a 300km ancient lava flow, is a distinctive geological feature.
- Lugard Falls: These falls on the Galana River offer a dramatic landscape and a chance to see crocodiles.
- Mudanda Rock: A large inselberg (isolated hill) with a natural water catchment area, attracting wildlife.
Things to do in Tsavo East:
- Game Drives: Explore the park’s vastness and wildlife with guided game drives.
- Bush Walks: Guided walks offer a more intimate wildlife viewing experience.
- Bird Watching: Observe the diverse birdlife, including migratory species.
- Visit Lugard Falls and Mudanda Rock: Enjoy the scenic beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities at these locations.
- Explore local villages: Engage with local communities and support them through purchases or donations.
When to visit:
- The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry months from June to October and January/February.
- The rainy seasons are in April and November, which can make game viewing more challenging.
Getting there:
- Several gates provide access to the park, including Manyani, Voi, Buchuma, and Sala.
- You can book tours with safari operators and arrange transportation, including 4×4 safari vehicles or flights to nearby airstrips.
- The Madaraka Express train also offers a scenic route to the park.
