Tsavo National Park, Kenya
Tsavo National Park is the largest national park in Kenya, covering approximately 22,000 square kilometers (8,036 square miles) and is divided into two main sections: Tsavo East and Tsavo West.
Overview
Tsavo National Park, one of Kenya's largest and oldest national parks, is a remarkable destination known for its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Spanning approximately 22,000 square kilometers, it is divided into two distinct regions: Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Tsavo East features vast, arid plains dotted with iconic baobab trees, while Tsavo West is characterized by its hilly volcanic terrain and lush vegetation. A significant attraction within the park is the Yatta Plateau, one of the longest lava flows in the world, which offers breathtaking views and a unique geological landscape. Additionally, Mzima Springs serves as a vital oasis, where crystal-clear waters emerge from volcanic rock, attracting a variety of wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles.
The park is particularly famous for its large herds of red elephants, which are known for their distinctive reddish hue due to the iron-rich soil they frequent. Wildlife enthusiasts can also encounter the infamous man-eating lions that gained notoriety during the late 19th-century safaris. Other notable attractions include the Galana River, which provides essential water sources for numerous species, and Lugard Falls, a series of rapids that offer picturesque views. With over 500 bird species and a rich variety of mammals, such as lions, leopards, and rhinos, Tsavo National Park presents an unparalleled safari experience that captures the essence of Kenya's wild beauty.
Tsavo East National Park
The 13,747 square kilometers (5,308 square miles) Tsavo East National Park is the largest of the two Tsavos. Its relatively flat, semi-arid plains and savannahs consist of scrubland dotted with huge baobab trees. The park features the Yatta Plateau, which is the longest lava flow in the world, stretching about 290 kilometers (180 miles) and formed from ancient volcanic activity. This plateau provides a unique geological backdrop but lacks the dramatic topography found in Tsavo West.
The oasis banks of the Voi and Galana rivers and the enormous Aruba Dam, built across the Voi, attract game and birdlife galore that Kenya safari adventurers will revel. You’ll see herds of elephants and buffalo, waterbuck, and all kinds of animals coming to drink at the dam. The Lugard Falls, on the Galana River, is more a series of rapids than actual waterfalls; walk along the riverbank to catch a glimpse of the water-sculpted rocks.
Another fascinating feature in the park is the 180-mile-long Yatta Plateau, one of the world’s longest lava flows. It runs parallel to the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway and is 3 to 6 miles (5 to 10 km) wide and 1,000 feet (305 meters) high. Mudanda Rock, a 1.5-km (2-mile) outcropping, is a water catchment area. You’ll see plenty of wildlife coming to drink at the dam below.
The park became infamous in the late 1890s because of the “Man-Eaters of Tsavo,” a pride of lions that preyed on the Indian migrant laborers building the railway. More than 130 workers were killed; the incident was retold in the 1996 thriller The Ghost and the Darkness, starring Val Kilmer.
There’s a lot of game in this park, including zebra, impala, lion, cheetah, and giraffe, and rarer animals such as the oryx, lesser kudu, and the small klipspringer antelope, which can jump nimbly from rock to rock because of the sticky suction pads under their feet.
Tsavo East boasts over 500 bird species, including both migratory and resident birds. This makes it a prime location for birdwatching enthusiasts23.
Tourism and Activities: Although less visited than Tsavo West, Tsavo East offers unique experiences such as night game drives, which allow visitors to see nocturnal wildlife2. The park's vastness provides ample opportunities for extended safaris.
Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West is the smaller of the two Tsavos, covering 7,065 square km (2,728 square miles). It features rugged terrain with volcanic hills, rocky outcrops, and lush riverine forests. The park's volcanic origins are evident in its varied topography, including the prominent Shetani Lava Flow, which is a result of relatively recent volcanic activity. The park is more attractive and certainly more accessible than Tsavo East.
Magnificent landscapes of heavily wooded hills dominate the north, where most safari lodges and game-viewing tracks concentrate. The flatter south of Tsavo West is more open plains, but access is tricky as parts of the park are disjointed and crossed by another highway between Voi and Taveta.
One of the park's highlights is Mzima Springs, where crystal-clear water emerges from beneath volcanic rock, creating a lush oasis that supports diverse wildlife. This area is particularly famous for its hippo and crocodile populations and offers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Because of the fertile volcanic soil and abundance of water, the park is brimming with animal, bird, and plant life. Its main inhabitants include elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, and various antelope species. The park also hosts the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, dedicated to the conservation of the endangered black rhinoceros.
Your safari guide will spot out the spotted hyena, buffalo, the beautiful Masai giraffe, and all kinds of antelope, including Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle—the prettiest of the antelope.
The birdlife in the park is outstanding, with more than 400 species, including eight types of hornbills.
Visitors can engage in various activities such as game drives, guided walks along the Tsavo River, and rock climbing in designated areas. The park is accessible via several gates, including Chyulu Gate and Mtito Andei Gate.
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Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Tsavo National Park, which includes both Tsavo East and Tsavo West, primarily revolves around the dry seasons and specific wildlife viewing opportunities.
1. Dry Season (June to October and December to February)
- Wildlife Viewing: This period is considered the best time for game viewing. The grass is shorter and drier, making it easier to spot wildlife as animals congregate around limited water sources.
- Accessibility: Roads are generally more accessible during this time, enhancing the safari experience1.
- Peak Season: Expect higher visitor numbers and accommodation rates during these months, especially in July and August, due to international tourists coinciding with summer holidays in Europe and North America.
2. Wet Season (March to May and November)
- Birdwatching: The wet season is excellent for birding as migratory species are present, and the landscape becomes lush with vegetation.
- Fewer Crowds: Visitor numbers are lower during this time, making for a more tranquil experience. Accommodation prices may also be reduced.
- Challenges: Roads can become muddy and difficult to navigate, potentially limiting safari activities. Due to abundant food and water, wildlife may be more dispersed.
Overall
- Best Overall Time: June to October for optimal wildlife viewing.
- Good for Budget Travelers: March to May (wet season) offers lower accommodation rates but may involve challenges with road conditions.
- Birdwatching Focus: November is recommended for those interested in avian species.
Getting There
By Road
- From Nairobi: The distance from Nairobi to Tsavo West’s Mtito Andei Gate is approximately 240 km (150 miles), taking around five hours to drive. For Tsavo East, the Manyani Gate is about 233 km (148 miles) southeast of Nairobi.
- From Mombasa: Tsavo West can be accessed from Mombasa via the Tsavo Gate, located about 200 km (125 miles) north of the city. The trip takes roughly four hours. Tsavo East is about 157 km (98 miles) northwest of Mombasa, with entry points like the Voi Gate and Buchuma Gate.
By Air
Several airstrips serve Tsavo National Park, enabling quicker access:
- Voi Airstrip
- Aruba Airstrip
- Satao Airstrip
- Sala Airstrip
- Bachuma Airstrip
Scheduled and charter flights operate from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and Mombasa’s Moi International Airport to these airstrips.
By Train
The park can also be accessed via the railway. Trains running from Nairobi to Mombasa stop at the Tsavo Station, which is within the park.
Getting Around
Guided Tours: Many visitors opt for guided safari tours. Nkuringo Safaris provides knowledgeable guides who can enhance the wildlife viewing experience.
Game Drives: Nkuringo Safaris conducts various game drives in 4x4 custom safari jeeps, including morning, afternoon, and night drives. These allow for optimal wildlife viewing opportunities at different times of day.
Accessibility
Tsavo West is generally more accessible due to its diverse habitats and well-maintained roads compared to Tsavo East, which has more rugged terrain.
To Accommodations in Tsavo
Finch Hattons
Affectionately named after Denys Finch Hattons, one of Kenya’s great adventurers featured in the movie Out of Africa, Finch Hattons camp offers guests a unique opportunity to relive the golden era of the safari. Spacious tents with panoramic vistas of the surrounding springs and forest include ensuite bathrooms, personal bars, and private verandas, complete with comfy chairs and daybeds. However, the park fee is not included, and no children under six.
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Located on a ridge overlooking Chyulu Hills and the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilaguni Serena Safari is ideal for families. It offers a child-friendly environment with kiddies' activities, special menus, and a babysitting service. With a waterhole only 100m away, you'll be able to spot elephants, buffalo, and many other plains game from the comfort of the restaurant and viewing deck. However, not all rooms have great views; room decor is dated and can be flooded with large tour groups.
Salt Lick Game Lodge
This truly uniquely designed lodge is set in the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary just outside Tsavo West and off the main Voi-Taveta road (A23). Pros: the underground viewing room; watching animals from your bed; fantastic architecture. Cons: no pool; the half-moon-shaped rooms are small; stairs and bridges make it not suitable for small kids.
Severin Safari Camp
Deep within the vastness of Tsavo, Severin Safari Camp shines in an elegant natural style. Light and warm colors make for a cozy, familiar atmosphere with an unmistakably African feel to it. Each of the 27 tents and suites offers sweeping views over the striking landscape and the nearby waterhole, which is frequented day and night by all manner of resident game. However, most activities, including game drives, cost extra, and it’s unfenced, so not suitable for small children.
Ashnil Aruba Lodge
This small and friendly camp lies on a traditional migration route, so it’s not short of game. You get excellent views of the waterhole and up to 50% discounts for children under 12. However, rates do not include park fees or game drives, and hot water for showers is only in the evening.
Satao Elerai Camp
Satao Elerai Camp is an exclusive and eco-friendly game lodge set on a five 5,000-acre private conservation area on the border of Amboseli National Park. The lodge forms part of the community-owned Elerai Conservancy, and you have the opportunity to walk alongside Maasai warriors in search of elephants, giraffes, zebra,s, and other wild game as they herd their prized cattle to grazing grounds.