Tsavo East National Park sounds as the theatre of the wild that offers a great sight of dust red elephant wallowing, rolling and spraying each other with the midnight blue waters of palm shaded Galana River. The Galana River is one of the most evocative images in Africa and lies along with the 300 kilometers long Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world thus making a gainful adventure unlike other in the Tsavo East. More so, the park stands at the largest protected area in Kenya and home rich to diversity of mammals, vast herds of dust red elephant, Rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, pods of hippos, waterbucks, crocodile, lesser kudu, gerenuk and variety of birds over 500 recorded in the park.
The park features with;
Wildlife ;Tsavo East National Park is home to variety of mammals such as vast herds of dust -red elephant ,Rhino ,buffalo, leopard, lion ,pods of hippo ,crocodile ,Lesser Kudu ,waterbucks ,Gerenuk and Hirola .Other species to see include Banded mongoose , Dwarf mongoose ,Egyptian mongoose , Marsh mongoose ,white-tailed mongoose ,vervet monkey ,Sykes’ monkey ,Fringe -eared oryx ,clawless otter ,Ground pangolin ,crested porcupine ,black rhinoceros ,Serval ,Bohor reedbuck ,Honey badger among others.
Birdlife; There is prolific bird life with over 500 recorded species and some of birds to see; Gray Crowned Crane, Slender-tailed nightjar, Black-winged stilt, Somali Ostrich, Black -headed lapwing, Vulturine guineafowl, Somali bunting, Somali bee-eater, Shelley’s starling, Rufous chatterer, Black-faced sandgrouse, Fischer’s starling, Golden pipit, Golden- breasted starling, Lesser kestrel, Northern brownbul, Pangani longclaw, Rufous chatterer, Martial eagle mentioned but few.
Attractions in the Tsavo East National Park;
Mudanda rock; This is a remarkable rock which is water catchment that supplies water to the natural dam found below it and a watering area where animals gather to drink water especially in the dry season. Most spotted animals around include elephant, buffaloes, wildebeest many more.
Yatta plateau; It is known as one of world’s longest lava flow of 290 kilometers formed as a result of lava that formed the OIdoinyoSabuj Mountain during the eruption process. Yatta Plateau runs along the western border of Tsavo East National Park above Athi river.
Lugard falls; This is one of stunning features that lies within the park and can easily be visited on a Kenya walking safari in the park. The falls features with series of white-water rapids and was formed in the Galana river.
Galana and Tsavo River
The landscape of Tsavo East National Park crosses these two rivers of Galana river and Tsavo river. These two rivers are some of the major water sources feeding the park and it’s ecology. The Tsavo river runs through the two parks – Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park on its way to join Athi river to form Galana river.
Activities to do while in Tsavo East National Park;
Game drives
Tsavo East National Park is ultimate activity that offers a unique opportunity to adventure the vast African wildlife on open natural savannah grassland. From the majestic elephants and giraffes to the unique and endangered bird species. One doing game drive in Tsavo East National Park, you can get a chance to drive close to these animals and explore them as they roam in their natural habitat. Just get ready for unforgettable safari adventure.
Bush walks in Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park is quite a famous safari destination offering vast savanna grassland filled with variety of animals and there are plenty of chance to explore the park’s natural beauty on foot. From leisurely strolls along the banks of the Galana River to more difficult in hikes through the rugged terrain, bush walks in Tsavo East are worth encounter.
Bird watching in Tsavo East National Park
The park is paradise of birders with over 500 species of birds recorded thus making it a great birding site on Kenya Birding Tours. The park harbors with different numerous species of acacia woodlands and riverine forests and exotic species. This is truly a recommendable safari experience for any birdwatching enthusiast.
Camel Riding Safari in Tsavo East National Park
The park is a home to beautiful scenery dotted with its savannah, rolling hills and remarkable wildlife. You may wonder who tourists flock to this remarkable safari destination. Tourist wanting to experience the wild side of Tsavo East National Park, we recommend you to take a camel riding safari. You will be able to have rewarding view of exotic wildlife up close to crossing rivers on your trusty steed.
Best time to visit
Tsavo East National Park home to largest populations of wildlife which can be best viewed during the dry season of May to October. During the dry period, temperature is milder and there’s less rainfall which makes it easier to adventure wildlife.
A visit to Kenya’s Tsavo National Park, you can decide to combine a safari to Kenya with a safari to Uganda’s Mountain Gorilla. Mountain gorillas in Uganda can be trekked in two renowned parks Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park where you can do Gorilla Trekking Safari in one of the two parks.
Kenya to Uganda;
From Kenya to Uganda, you can fly from Wilson Airport to Entebbe International Airport Uganda, then from Entebbe to access Bwindi book a domestic flight Aero link Uganda to fly you to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip ‘’1:30hours landing’’.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern region of Uganda, approximately 8 to 9 hours drive from Kampala or Entebbe. It is home to wide range of world’s endangered mountain gorillas, half of them can be encountered in this park.
Park size; Tsavo East National Park is one of the oldest and largest national Park in Kenya, that measures over 13,747 square kilometers of its low land. But before it formed an area of about 22,000 square kilometers. The park was created as a national park in April 1948 and covers a semi-arid area of previously known as the Taru Desert and it is managed by Kenya Wildlife Service.
Climate; The park is both warm and dry.
Things to do
They include; Birdwatching, Camping, Game viewing and Trekking
What to pack with;
Useful essentials to carry with you on safari include; drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to have overnight stay at the park.
Getting there;
Roads; The park’s gate -Mtito Andei Gates lies 233 kilometers south of Nairobi and 250 Kilometers North of Mombasa on the main Nairobi-Mombasa Road.
From Malindi, take the western road ‘’C103’’ and enter in the park via Sala gate.
Airstrips; Voi, Aruba, Satao, Ithumba, Sangayaya, Mopeo, Bachuma , Cottars.
