Tsavo East National Park, one of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks, is a sprawling wilderness area that offers a quintessential African safari experience. Here’s a comprehensive overview of Tsavo East National Park, highlighting its background, things to do, and nearby attractions to consider including in your itinerary:
Established in 1948, Tsavo East National Park covers an expansive area of approximately 13,747 square kilometers in southeastern Kenya. It forms part of the larger Tsavo Conservation Area, which also includes Tsavo West National Park and Chyulu Hills National Park.
The park is characterized by vast open plains, scrubland, acacia woodlands, and the Galana River, which flows through its heart. Tsavo East is renowned for its large herds of elephants, diverse wildlife, and an iconic landscape dominated by the Yatta Plateau, one of the world’s longest lava flows.
Things to Do
Visitors to Tsavo East National Park can immerse themselves in a variety of activities that showcase its natural beauty and abundant wildlife:
Game Drives
Game drives are the best way to explore Tsavo East and encounter its rich diversity of wildlife. The park is home to a wide range of species, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species.
The open plains and savannahs offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly along the Galana River and seasonal pools where animals gather to drink.
Birdwatching
Tsavo East is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 500 bird species recorded. From raptors like eagles and hawks to water birds, migratory species, and colorful bee-eaters, the park’s diverse habitats provide ample opportunities for bird enthusiasts to spot and photograph a wide variety of avian species.
Visit to the Aruba Dam
Aruba Dam, located on the Voi River, is a popular wildlife viewing spot within Tsavo East National Park. The dam attracts a variety of animals, particularly during the dry season when water sources are scarce. Visitors can observe elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and numerous bird species congregating around the dam, offering excellent photographic opportunities.
Exploring the Mudanda Rock
Mudanda Rock is a massive rock formation in Tsavo East that offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains and waterholes. It is a popular spot for picnics and nature walks, with trails leading to viewpoints where visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas and observe wildlife from a distance.
Nearby Attractions
When planning your visit to Tsavo East National Park, consider including these nearby attractions to enhance your itinerary:
Tsavo West National Park
Adjacent to Tsavo East, Tsavo West National Park offers a contrasting landscape with volcanic hills, lava flows, and Mzima Springs, where visitors can observe hippos and crocodiles underwater from an underground viewing platform. The park also features the Shetani Lava Flows and the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, which protects endangered black rhinos.
Amboseli National Park
Located southwest of Tsavo East, Amboseli National Park is renowned for its large herds of elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The park’s open plains and marshlands offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and cultural encounters with the Maasai people.
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated near Tsavo West National Park, Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a private conservancy known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and rare species such as the Taita thrush. The sanctuary offers guided game drives, bush walks, and cultural visits to local communities, providing a unique safari experience.
By including Tsavo East National Park and these nearby attractions in your itinerary, you’ll embark on a comprehensive safari adventure that showcases Kenya’s rich wildlife diversity, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage.
