Tsavo East National Park

“Theatre of the Wild” is the nickname for Tsavo East National Park, renowned for its vast herds of red-dusted elephants. These majestic creatures amuse themselves by rolling in the crimson soil while their young ones mimic this behavior and engage with adults through playful dust-spraying activities. During the night, one can find Elephants near the clear, blue water of the Galana River. The evocative image of this river’s blue hue resonates not just in Kenya but across all of Africa. Covering a total land area of 13,747 square kilometers, Tsavo East National Park stands as Kenya’s largest national park. Established in April 1948, Tsavo East National Park holds the distinction of being Kenya’s oldest national park; its counterpart is Tsavo West. The park derives its name from the Tsavo River which traverses it from west to east.

Two key rivers, the Tsavo and Athi River, drain Tsavo East National Park; at a later stage–these two converge to form the large and renowned Galana River. The park holds significance as not only a biodiversity stronghold in Kenya but also across the entire world. It is run by the Kenya Wildlife Service

Tsavo East National Park boasts the world’s longest Plateau, a key tourist attraction covering over 300 kilometers; indeed, it stands as one of Kenya’s premium national parks. A plethora of permanent residents, notably all the African big five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos; along with a variety of other large mammals such as crocodiles and hippos populate the park. Additional inhabitants include waterbucks, lesser kudu wildebeest’s gerenuk, zebras, giraffes to name just a few among many more diverse species found here. Featuring over 500 recorded bird species throughout its expanse—the park boasts abundant avian life. The diverse habitats within the park significantly contribute to its vast array of bird species.

Compared to Tsavo West, Tsavo East exhibits a drier climate; this dominance manifests primarily in its open savannah grassland. Additionally, the park’s geography features scattered Acacia trees and an interspersed rough rocky surface area.

Location of Tsavo East National Park

The country’s largest national park, and also Kenya’s oldest, stands within the Semi-arid region of the renowned Taru Desert. Tsavo East National Park is situated a few kilometers from Voi town along the coastal area. Taita-Taveta County, formerly known as the Coast Province, houses the park in reference. The Tsavo East National Park once included what is now Tsavo West National Park; however, upon constructing both an A109 road and a railway line to connect Kenya’s interior with its coastal areas, this configuration changed. Situated southeast of Nairobi—Kenya’s capital city—it spans a distance of 250 kilometers away from it: which marks our specific location within these vast landscapes. The Chyulu Hills National Park and the Mkomazi Game Reserve of Tanzania are also its bordering neighbors.

Accessing Tsavo East National Park

Travelers can easily access Tsavo East in Tsavo National Park from either Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, or Mombasa. The unique feature of this park among all others is its accessibility via a railway line. Situated along the A109 highway that traverses through it, Tsavo East offers convenience with its well-maintained tarmac road at the heart of its territory. The park can be accessed using the following ways:

Road access to the park from Nairobi is convenient; various gates provide entry. The distance between Nairobi and the park varies, contingent upon both the traveler’s location within city limits and their desired entrance gate into the park. Travelers most commonly utilize the following routes: The primary pathway, spanning 250 kilometers, stretches from Nairobi to Mombasa via the main road. Should one enter through Mtito Andei gate, it reduces to 233 kilometers; however, by choosing a route that passes Voi and terminates in Mombasa – this distance diminishes significantly to merely 96 kilometers. The Western Road (C103) also provides an entrance into the park through Sala; it spans a total distance of 153 kilometers.

Tsavo East National Park: Among Africa’s limited accessible protected areas, a railway line and highway traverse its middle.

Numerous domestic flights operate daily from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Mombasa; guests have the option of booking these flights online or directly through local reputable operators who provide an all-inclusive Tsavo East National Park safari package. The park boasts a substantial number of strategically positioned airstrips—some within its borders, others just outside but near—the gates. Voi, Sala airstrip, Satao airstrip, Cottars airstrip; Bachuma, and Mopeo airstrips–these are all part of the comprehensive list. Aruba stands on equal footing with Ithumba in this regard while Sangayaya completes our impressive collection: it is indeed a noteworthy catalogue.

Attractions in Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park, one of Kenya’s largest national parks, boasts a vast undeveloped wilderness that serves as home to all five species: lions; leopards; elephants; buffalos, and rhinos. Notably, it accommodates both white and black rhinoceros’ populations. Other numerous animals also call this park their habitat including buffalo – dik-dik pairs are plentiful here-, red duikers alongside zebras and giraffes populate the area too. Bush babies swing through the trees while yellow baboons traverse open spaces with cheetahs stalking close behind for hunting opportunities; they share residence with African hunting dogs – eland can be seen amongst gazelles or gerenuk standing tall on their spindly legs when not browsing low vegetation as springhare does during daylight hours. Hyenas lurk in shadows along jackals who keep company by impala under cover of nightfall, tree hyrax make nests high up branches where hartebeest sleeps peacefully beneath stars twinkling overhead; foxes dart about unpredictably adding further diversity into an already vibrant ecosystem—just some examples among countless others inhabiting Tsavo East National Park.

The park harbors a diverse range of over 500 bird species including ostriches, buzzards, kestrels, starlings, and hornbills to name just a few; secretary birds also populate this vast avian population along with lovebirds. Other notable residents are herons–weaver birds can be observed here too–and kingfishers among many others. Throughout the year offers excellent opportunities for birding activities within the park; however, during its rainy season when it attracts numerous global immigrants is particularly noteworthy. It’s worth noting that this time simultaneously serves as both a breeding ground and habitat expansion period for all these winged inhabitants found across various sections within our extensive landscape expanse: truly an awe-inspiring sight!

The Yatta Plateau serves as the primary draw of Tsavo East National Park, featuring prominently due to its unique characteristics: it boasts the world’s longest lava flow–a 300-kilometer stretch those parallels and defines part of the park’s Western boundary. This expansive plateau owes its formation to a continuous stream of hot, running lava from Ol Doinyo Sabuk mountain; indeed, this geological marvel stands testament not only to nature’s power but also her artistry.

The Mudanda inselberg, spanning 1.6 kilometers, serves as a crucial water catchment area that replenishes all the lower dams with life-sustaining liquid. Not only does this geological wonder provide an awe-inspiring vantage point for hundreds of wildlife species; it also acts as their communal watering hole. Particularly during the dry season – when parched throats and dwindling resources force them to seek respite – all manner of creatures transforms Mudanda Rock into a vital game viewing destination to slake their thirst.

The first European explorer, Frederick Lugard, lends his name to Lugard Falls; moreover, he holds the distinction of being the initial white man to set foot on these cascading waters. Situated along the Galana River—a prominent sightseeing area within the park—the falls elicit awe and wonder from all who visit.

The Aruba Dam, constructed in 1952 across the Voi River at the park, serves as a reservoir to provide wildlife with water during the dry season.

Notably, Tsavo East National Park holds the titles of being Kenya’s oldest and largest national park, as well as its most popular game reserve. A diverse array of wildlife resides here; this offers travellers an authentic experience that truly embodies the spirit of Africa’s untamed jungle.