Tsavo East national park Kenya is Kenya’s largest national park covering an area of about 13,700km2, the park is 9 times bigger than Masai Mara national reserve this means you can fit Masai Mara in the southern Voi River. The park was established in 1948 alongside Tsavo West and these two mighty parks are separated by a railway line. Tsavo East is famous for harboring red elephants, they are red because of the red dusty soils of Tsavo. The park is located about 333 km south of Nairobi the capital city of Kenya on the Mombasa-Nairobi highway Eastern edge of the inland plateau.
Tsavo East national park is made up of open savanna grasslands, rock out crops. The park is a home to Yatta plateau along the flat topped lava ridge which runs on the western boundary and within in it flows River Athi which joins Tsavo River to make the Galana River a permanent water source in Tsavo however River Tiva and River Voi are season rivers in the park that play a big role in the northern and southern sector as well.
Wildlife in Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East is a home to a variety of wildlife which roam in the red hues of Tsavo dust. While you decide on to visit Tsavo East, you will encounter a number of wildlife for example red elephants, lions, buffaloes, wild dogs, hartebeests, Hinde’s Dik-Dik, gerenuk, Kenyan Rock Agama, Impalas, Masai Giraffes, lesser kudus, to mention but a few. The park is a home to over 500 bird species for example some of the birds in Tsavo Est national park are; red-winged lark, bustard, secretary bird, Taita fiscal, grey headed kingfisher, spur-winged lapwing among others.
Reasons why you should visit Tsavo East National Park
- Kenya’s Wilderness Safari: Tsavo national park is Kenya’s biggest wilderness where there are few safaris and it gives enough space to explore the park and this freedom you cannot find it anywhere else in the busy parks.
- Home to Red Elephants: Tsavo having red soils and elephants always like to wallow in the red soils or sand, this has turned their looks compared to other elephants in other parks.
- Unique Safari Experience: Tsavo East national park is composed of the open savanna grasslands and huge skies while Tsavo West national park is composed of dramatic ragged terrain, volcanic hills and amazing sceneries. You can grab this experience only when you visit Tsavo.
- Best place for photographer and film makers: Tsavo is made of red sands, wildlife, amazing sceneries and huge skies, make Tsavo one of the best places for photographs.
- The best place to combine a jungle trip and beach trip: Tsavo being near the coast, you can combine this trip with beach trip for example Lamu Beach, Diani Beach, Kilifi or Mombasa.
What is the best time to Visit Tsavo East National Park?
You can visit Tsavo East national park throughout the year, however it is better to visit the park during dry season this happens between June and October and December to February. This is when the animals gather on water points like rivers, streams and pools, this is when the trails are dry, vegetation is withered and you can stretch your eyes. However you can also enjoy Tsavo East in wet season between March and May and part of October and November.
You can combine Tsavo East safaris with beach safaris or wildlife safaris like Masai Mara national Reserve or cross to Uganda for gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park or chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park.
Who to contact for a Trip to Tsavo National Park
You can contact a trusted tour operator like Omangwa Safaris we will curate your trip seamlessly and we shall make your experience so beautiful.
Where to stay in Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East national park is less populated with lodges, however there are scattered lodges and these are available for tourists. Some of the accommodation in Tsavo East national park are; Satao Tented Camp, Lion’s Bluff Lodge, Leopard Liar Cottages.
