Tsavo East National Park is one of the oldest parks in Kenya, located South East of Kenya near the Town of Voi in the Taita-Taveta District of Coast Province, inland from the Coast, near the Tanzania border. Named after river Tsavo, the park spans over 13,747 square kilometers making Kenya’s largest national park. It is one of the most protected national parks and has more biodiversity compared to other national parks in Kenya.
Tsavo East national park is generally flat, with dry plains with sparse vegetation across which the Galana River flows. Other features include the Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world stretching about 180miles and Lugard Falls.
The park was established in 1948 and become famous in the 1890sduring the construction of the railway line when the lions preyed on the laborers killing over 130 Indians. It hosts a wide range of game including lions, cheetahs, zebras, impalas among others. The park also boasts over 500bird species.
Attractions
Tsavo east national park is gifted with a variety of attractions you will enjoy while on a Kenyan safari. Being the largest national park in Kenya, it has contributed to the country’s ecosystem. Some of the attractions in Tsavo east national park include;
Wildlife
Tsavo national park is renowned for its incredible diversity of wildlife, the park is famous for its dusty red elephants that roam around the park. It hosts over 50 species of animals including Africa’s big five (5) animals (lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, rhino). It shelters a stunning population of lions, over 675 lions, also known as man eaters that became popular in the 1890s during the construction of the Uganda Kenya railway. Other wildlife spotted in the park include bushbucks, African wild dog, common elands, grant gazelle, giraffes, hunter’s hartebeest. Spotted hyena, striped hyenas, impalas, Egyptian mongoose, dwarf mongoose among others.
Birds
The park host over 500 bird species that thrive within the park including both the migratory and the permanent bird species. Due to the closeness to the coastal region, making it a breeding ground for most birds especially the water birds. Tsavo east national park host almost all the Kenya dry savannah bird species which are easy to spot due to the sparse vegation in the park. The most sighted bird species include; the eastern chanting goshawk, vulturine genie fowl, black-headed lapwing, red-winged lark, rosy-patched bush shrike, red-billed parrot, martial eagle, golden pipit, Somali bee-eater, Somali ostrich, taita fiscal, rufous chatter among others.
Lugard falls
These are one of the breathtaking falls to explore while on a Kenyan safari. The falls features a series of white-water rapids formed along the galana river, as plunges into a large pool below as it runs through the clefts that windup in the park. Named after the first European explorer, sir Fredrick Lugard, the falls feature multi colored rocks which are eye catching and elegant especially during the rain season when the falls are more visible.
The Lugard falls are not so hard to hike but require visitors to be physically fit.
Yatta plateau
Yatta plateau is a remarkable landmark in Tsavo east national park, offering a unique blend of geological and natural attractions. It’s located in the southern part of Tsavo east national park stretching over 10-15km wide and 290km in length making it the world’s longest lava flows in the world.
The plateau was formed as a result of volcanic activities on the oi doinyo sabuk volcano over 1.6million years ago. It offers breathtaking views of the Athi-galana-sabaki rivers. It habits a variety of wildlife including elephants, giraffes and antelopes.
Mudanda rock
Mudanda rock is a massive rock out crop that sits a top a hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It features a natural dam (Aruba dam) that forms at its base during the rainy season which attracts a wide range of wildlife particularly during the dry season when they congregate around the dam for water, including elephants, antelopes, giraffes, zebras, hyenas among others.
The rock also offers views of the surrounding landscape, including the Yatta plateau and Athi river.
How to get there
By Road: Tsavo East is accessible via the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway making it easy for visitors to travel by private vehicle or tour vans. From Nairobi, the park is 233km southeast of Nairobi taking approximately 233 km to reach the Metito Andei Gate. This drive takes around 4 to 5 hours.
From Mombasa which is 153 km from the park, visitors can access Tsavo east national park through its gates Buchuma or Voi Gates. The drive from Mombasa takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
The Voi Gate is the main entrance for visitors arriving from Nairobi or Mombasa.
By Air: For a quicker journey, several airstrips within the park such as Voi Airstrip, sala airstrip, Aruba airstrip, accommodate chartered flights. Nairobi’s Wilson Airport offers flights that land directly at these airstrips.
The flight takes just about 1 hour, ideal for travelers short on time.
Activates in Tsavo east national park.
Game viewing
Tsavo east national Park is one of the best national parks in Kenya to do a night game drive, the park offers a stunning array of wildlife including all the African big five and other wild animals. Game drives is the best way to explore the park’s landscapes and witness the wildlife through its different routes such as along river Voi, Aruba dam, mudanda rock circuit and the Yatta plateau. Expect to see wildlife like the big five, antelopes, giraffes, hyenas among others.
Birding
Hosting over 500 bird species, Tsavo east national park is one of the birdwatcher’s paradise, in Kenya. Birding areas in the park include the Voi River banks, Yatta plateau, Aruba dam which host different species such as the African fish eagle, goliath heron, Egyptian goose, African finfoot, white -headed vulture, palm-nut vulture, secretary bird, ostrich among others
Nature walks and hiking
The guided nature walks are available in Tsavo east national park to different parts of the park such as to the Lugard falls, Aruba dam, mudanda rocks. exploring the park on foot is a great experience that will leave memories with you.
Where to stay
Tsavo East National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some places to stay:
Luxury Lodges include; Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Satao Camp, Galdessa Camp
Mid-Range Lodges include; Voi Safari Lodge, Sentrim Tsavo East, Tsavo East Safari Lodge
Budget lodges include; Tsavo East Bandas, Voi Gate Public Campsite, Aruba Public Campsite conscious travel
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Tsavo East National Park in Kenya depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. Dry Season (December to February and June to September) are the best times for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. There is less vegetation making it easier to spot animals. The wet season (November to May) is the best time for birdwatching, as many migratory species visit the park during this time. It is also the best time to see baby animals as many species give birth during this time.
