Established in 1948, Tsavo Park is divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks. With a total area of almost 22,000 km², it is the largest national park in Kenya and is located in the south-east of the country. The railway line runs directly through Tsavo Park and separates it into two, a larger eastern part and a western part.
How to get to Tsavo East National Park
Arrival is from Nairobi or Mombasa via the main road that connects the two cities. Several entrance gates are available for the visitor: Trog Manyani Gate, Voi Gate, Buchuma Gate and Sala Gate. It is more advisable to travel from Mombasa. The driving distance from the coastal town to the entrance is about 160 km. That’s a good 2 hours. When traveling from Nairobi, it will take about 4 to 5 hours at a distance of about 330 km.
Flora and fauna in Tsavo East National Park
The landscape of Tsavo East is characterized by the red laterite earth, with which the well-known “Red Elephants of Tsavo” dust themselves. The park consists of grass and bush savannas. Dry, flat plains are interrupted by acacia forests, rock formations and rivers. Some rivers such as the Voi River and Mbololo River dry up during periods of drought. Year-round water runs the Athi River and Galana River.
The main reason for visiting Tsavo East Parks is to see the wildlife on a Kenya Safari. Almost all African wild animals, such as giraffes, elephants, zebras, numerous gazelle and antelope species can be observed. Typical of the Tsavo are the maneless lions, which are found in no other national parks in Africa.
What to expect in the in Tsavo East Park
Of particular note is the Lugard Falls , a series of waterfalls or rapids named after British Captain Frederick Lugard. Water masses rush through rocks and over time have left narrow water gorges up to 20 meters deep. Eventually the water tumbles into the Galana River, one of the largest rivers in Kenya and home to many crocodiles and hippos.
Best travel time and weather Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park can be visited all year round. However, two rainy seasons characterize the climate of Kenya. Statistically, the big rainy season takes place from mid-April to mid-June. The smaller rainy season occurs in November. Duration and intensity vary from year to year. In the months of December to March, the safari traveler can expect stable weather with little rainfall and warm temperatures. The months of July to October are also ideal for a safari. A few drops of rain at night or early in the morning make for a green landscape.
Camps and lodges available around Tsavo East National Park
For a trip to Tsavo East you should plan at least one overnight stay. A wide range of accommodation in different categories and price ranges offers the guest plenty of choice for the right accommodation. The middle class includes, for example, Satao Camp, Sentrim Tsavo East Camp, Voi Safari Lodge, Ashnil Aruba Lodge and Ngutuni Safari Lodge.