Tsavo National Park
Tsavo East | Tsavo West | Kenya safaris | Kenya tours
Tsavo National Park occupies an area of approximately 22,000km2, therefore it is among the largest national parks in the world. It was founded in 1948 and then was split into Tsavo East and Tsavo West due to the vast land it covered
Located in the middle of Kenya, Tsavo National Park is one of the largest, and most varied, wildlife reserves in the world. Spanning over 22,000 square kilometers, the park is divided into two sections: And then there are two other parks, Tsavo East and Tsavo West, which are two different things. Tsavo National Park is famed for its vast landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a legendary population of wildlife, it is a must-visit for nature lovers, adventure lovers, and photographers. To help you with this, here's a guide to everything you need to know about visiting Tsavo – from its highlights and wildlife
Tsavo National Park has been in operation since 1948 making it one of the most popular national parks in Kenya because of its size, historical background, and serene habitat which hosts a variety of species. The park has actual terrain ranging from volcanic mountains to relatively flat terrains of plains and several River systems making it ideal for a very large population of wildlife. The park is also near the Kenyan coast hence it wages a lot of allure to tourists who want to balance between wildlife safaris and beach holidays. In the following section, we look at some of the major sites in Tsavo East and Tsavo West.
Activities to do in Tsavo National Park
Game Drives:
This is one of the most favorite
activities to do in Tsavo National Park, providing the easiest and the best opportunity to have the sightseeing of the wildlife in its natural territory. It is advisable to take the morning and evening game drive because animals are more active during the early morning and towards the evening past sunset. There will be an opportunity to see representatives of the “Big Five” (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino), giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs.
- Tsavo East: The large open country in the vicinity of the Aruba Dam and tributary Galana River.
- Tsavo West: In the vicinity of Mzima Springs, Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, and Lake Jipe respectively.
Night Game Drives:
Among several interesting offers of the lodges in Tsavo West, you can have night
game drives and watch leopards, hyenas, and tree-climbing bush babies. These drives come with experienced tour guides and are ideal for people who wish to tour the park at night in order to see and hear what the night has to offer.
Nature Walks:
For those interested in nature trails, this gives you a wonderful chance to
explore Tsavo in its natural form. Offered with accompanying armed rangers, these walks can offer not only an up-close view of wildlife but also a more educational viewing as well as compared to game drives. You could hike around the riverbanks or even volcanic terrains and over the savannah while learning about the vegetation, animal, and ground forms in the area. Be able to spot animals that may not be visible when using vehicles including antelopes, dung beetles, reptiles, and bird species.
Best Walking Trails:
- Chaimu Crater in Tsavo West: Practical for such tourists as for those who prefer hiking and have an opportunity to admire the view after climbing a hill.
- Mzima Springs: A well-known destination for led tours that allow visitors sightsee hippos and crocodiles at water sources with absolutely clean water.
Bird watching:
There are more than 600 types of birds, offering those interested in bird watching in Tsavo National Park a literal bird watchers’ delight. By using the different facilities in the park; from water marshes, rivers, forests, and the plains, the park hosts a variety of bird species throughout the year, especially the migratory birds.
Top Birdwatching Spot:
- Lake Jipe: Famous for water birds including birds like pelicans, flamingos, and herons.
- Mzima Springs: A wonderful place to watch the kingfishers, cormorants, and the storks.
- Aruba Dam: Well known for birding where users are likely to sight large congregations of birds such as African fish eagles and weavers.
Notable bird species: The Taita falcon, crowned hornbill, martial eagle, and ostriches.
Visit to Mzima Springs
Mzima Springs in Tsavo West is a peaceful wildlife facility through which clear water from springs emerges. The springs are a source of life for any and all animals that are found in that region including hippos, crocodiles, and monkeys. They can also take nature walks around the springs’ activities and get to access a chamber through which they can view fish as well as hippos swimming below the water's surface.
Best Time to Visit:
Hippos and crocodiles are best seen active in the early morning or late afternoon in the river or along the river bank. Besides, the forests surrounding the area are endowed with plenty of birds and small mammals, thus making it a perfect spot for intending nature lovers.
What to see inTsavo National Park
Mudanda Rock:
Mudanda Rock is a giant rock that is 1, 6 km long, which stands out from the rest of the terrain. This is commonly known as a natural basin and is recommended for photographers, animals use it as a source of water, especially during the dry season. Having hiked along the ridge, vistors can get breathtaking views of the park while at the same time feasting on the sight of elephants and other wildlife led by their trainers to natural water sources found at the base of the giant rock formation.. There is also evidence of other creatures such as ‘The
Big Five which includes elephants, lions, buffalos and leopards, and rhinoceros’ and other animals like zebras giraffes, and cheetahs. People, especially bird lovers can watch over 500 species of birds such as ostriches, kestrels, and buzzards amongst others.
Aruba Dam:
Aruba Dam is a freshwater impoundment that was constructed in 1952 to supply water to many humans and as well as animals and many water-loving animals flock to this place throughout the year. There is no better place to watch elephants, buffaloes, and different species of antelopes and lions/leopards inclusive. Bird enthusiasts will also be drawn to Aruba Dam because of the attraction that many species of birds such as herons, kingfishers, and weaver birds flock to the place.
Tsavo National Park is very vast and stunning for
Kenya wildlife Safari, tourism, and adventurers. However, no matter whether you approach them from the plains of Tsavo East or the slopes of Tsavo West, certain services you will experience an indelible magical journey within the park, intriguing scenery, and privileged view of some of the natural occupants of the African continent.
Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls:
Yatta Plateau
In Tsavo East is the Yatta Plateau, which is one of the longest lava flows over 290 Km. They beautify the vantage point of wildlife that is within the surrounding countryside, and it’s a leading point for hiking and researching. The plateau also presents good vantage ground of the plain of the Athi River where one may sight crocodiles and hippos besides the many types of birds.
Lugard Falls
Lugard Falls are not waterfalls but a series of rapids on the Galana River and they were named after a British explorer Lugard. It flows in and around gorges cutting out spectacular formations of rock. It is especially blessed with a lot of wildlife especially during the times of sunrise in the evening or during the evening times.
Mzima Springs and Shatani Flow:
Mzima Springs
This is one of the most scenic attractions in Tsavo West National Park because it offers a center of fresh water in the midst of sandy areas. Supplied by underground water from the Chyulu Hills the Mzima Springs harbor hippos, crocodiles, and fish amongst other animals and plant life. Tourists can walk around the springs and even view Hippos and fishes from an underwater observatory deck for a typical wildlife safari.
Shetani Lava Flow
The Shetani Lava Flow is a large black lava plain that occurred several hundred years back as a result of an eruption of the volcano. The rock formations are called the ‘Shetani’ which translates to ‘devil’ in Swahili because of folklore believed to exist in the park. It stands out very much when seen against the silver-grey of the huge acacia savannah woodlands. This area can be used for hiking, photography, and the amazing caves developed due to the lava flow.
Best Time to Visit Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park, one of Kenya's largest wildlife reserves, offers an unforgettable safari experience. Covering more than 22,000 square kilometers, the park is split into two sections: Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and famous red elephants, Tsavo attracts travelers from around the world. However, the timing of your visit can significantly influence your experience.
Overview of Tsavo National Park Climate
Tsavo National Park has a tropical climate, characterized by two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. Both seasons offer unique experiences, but the dry season is generally considered the best time to visit for optimal wildlife viewing.
- Dry Season: June to October (and January to February)
- Wet Season: November to December (short rains), March to May (long rains)
Temperature and Weather
- Dry Season: Temperatures range between 20°C (68°F) in the morning and rise to around 30°C (86°F) by the afternoon. It’s warm and sunny with little to no rainfall.
- Wet Season: Morning temperatures can hover around 22°C (72°F) but may increase to 30°C (86°F) as the day progresses. Rain can cause humidity to rise, but temperatures generally remain pleasant.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
One of the main reasons to visit Tsavo National Park is its incredible wildlife. From elephants and lions to rare birds, Tsavo offers a variety of animals that can be observed throughout the year. However, the dry season, particularly from June to October, is the best time to visit if you’re interested in wildlife.
