Tsavo East National Park is one of Kenya’s largest and oldest national parks, located in the southeastern part of the country. It is part of the Tsavo Conservation Area, which also includes Tsavo West National Park, and together, they form one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Here is everything you need to know about Tsavo East National Park:
Location and Size
- Location: Tsavo East is situated about 300 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. It lies in the Coast Province of Kenya.
- Size: Tsavo East National Park covers approximately 13,747 square kilometers (5,270 square miles), making it one of the largest national parks in Kenya. The park is part of the Tsavo Conservation Area, which spans a total of 22,000 square kilometers.
History and Establishment
- Founded: Tsavo East National Park was established in 1948, making it one of Kenya’s oldest national parks.
- Historical Significance: Tsavo is famously known for the “Man-Eating Lions of Tsavo”, which terrorized railway workers building the Kenya-Uganda Railway in the late 19th century. These lions, which killed and ate several workers, became part of Kenya’s legend and history, and two of the lions are now on display at the Field Museum in Chicago.
Landscape and Terrain
- Topography: The park is characterized by a variety of landscapes, including vast savannahs, acacia woodlands, scrublands, and desert-like areas. The park is also home to the Yatta Plateau, one of the longest lava flows in the world.
- Rivers and Watering Holes: The Galana River (formerly known as the Sabaki River) flows through the park, providing a critical water source for wildlife. There are also numerous natural watering holes that attract animals, particularly during the dry season.
- Climate: Tsavo East experiences a semi-arid climate with long dry seasons and short, intermittent rains. Temperatures can soar during the day, sometimes reaching above 40°C (104°F), but cooler evenings provide relief.
Wildlife
Tsavo East National Park is renowned for its rich and diverse wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for safari enthusiasts.
- The Big Five: Tsavo East is home to all of the Big Five – elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos. While lions are often found in Tsavo West, Tsavo East is better known for its large elephant herds.
- Elephants: Tsavo East is famous for its large populations of elephants, especially those with red-colored dust on their skin, which they use for sun protection and as a barrier against insects.
- Lions: The park is home to a significant lion population, and they are often spotted in the open savannah, especially near the riverbanks or around waterholes.
- Other Wildlife: The park is home to a wide range of other wildlife, including cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, impalas, and wildebeests. The park also has a variety of primates, such as baboons and vervet monkeys.
- Birdlife: Tsavo East is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 500 bird species recorded. You can spot vultures, hornbills, ostriches, and various species of eagles, herons, and waterfowl along the riverbanks and wetlands.
- Rare Species: The park is also home to some rare species like the Hirola antelope, which is considered one of the world’s rarest antelope species, and the Somali ostrich, which can be seen in the park’s more arid regions.
Attractions
- The Yatta Plateau: One of the longest lava flows in the world, the Yatta Plateau offers a unique geological landscape. It’s a must-visit for those interested in the region’s volcanic history.
- Mudanda Rock: A scenic and historic granite rock outcrop that offers panoramic views of the surrounding savannah and is an excellent spot for game viewing.
- The Galana River: This river, along with the adjacent wildlife, is one of the key attractions of Tsavo East. It is often visited by large herds of elephants, buffalo, and various bird species.
- Aruba Dam: This dam is a popular spot for bird watching and wildlife viewing. It’s a man-made reservoir that attracts various wildlife, especially during the dry season.
Activities
- Game Drives: The primary activity in Tsavo East is game viewing. Visitors can explore the park via guided or self-drive safaris, observing elephants, lions, and other wildlife in their natural habitats. Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best opportunities for spotting wildlife.
- Bird Watching: With over 500 bird species, Tsavo East is a great destination for birdwatching, particularly near waterholes and the Galana River.
- Photography: The park’s vast landscapes, rich wildlife, and dramatic scenery make it an excellent place for wildlife and landscape photography.
Accommodation
- Luxury Lodges & Camps: There are a variety of accommodation options within and around Tsavo East National Park, ranging from luxury lodges and tented camps to mid-range options. Some popular accommodations include:
- Voi Wildlife Lodge
- Sentrim Tsavo East Lodge
- Ngulia Safari Lodge
- Ashnil Aruba Lodge
- Camping: For those who prefer a more adventurous experience, camping is also available, either in designated campsites within the park or at private camps located along the park’s perimeter.
How to Get There
- By Road: Tsavo East National Park is accessible by road from Nairobi (approximately 4-5 hours) and Mombasa (about 2 hours). The park is located along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, making it convenient for travelers en route to the coast.
- By Air: Several airlines operate flights to Voi Airstrip (the nearest airstrip to the park), and from there, visitors can be transferred to the park by road.
Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season (June to October): The best time to visit Tsavo East is during the dry season when wildlife gathers around water sources, making game viewing easier. This is also when the park’s roads are more accessible, and the weather is cooler.
- Rainy Season (November to May): While the park is still accessible during the rainy season, the roads can be muddy, and wildlife may be more dispersed, making game viewing less predictable.
Conservation and Challenges
Like many other African parks, Tsavo East faces challenges related to human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and habitat degradation. However, significant conservation efforts are in place to protect the park’s wildlife, especially the endangered species like rhinos and elephants. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) plays an active role in managing the park and its biodiversity.
Conclusion
Tsavo East National Park offers a unique and authentic safari experience, with its expansive landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, bird watcher, photographer, or simply someone looking to immerse in the beauty of nature, Tsavo East provides an unforgettable adventure. It’s one of the best places in Kenya to witness the true spirit of Africa’s wilderness.
