Tsavo National Park. Experience African Safaris in complete wilderness

Sprawling over 22,000 square kilometers of untamed Kenyan wilderness, Tsavo National Park promises one of the most exciting African safari adventures on the continent. Its vast landscapes of simmering savannas, rolling hills, and river valleys offer an untouched world of exploration and discovery.

Game drives here go beyond your average safari, with barely another vehicle in sight across landscapes so vast your eyes can’t find a horizon. This is a place to experience raw African wilderness, where herds of elephants roam unconfined and the elusive leopard tracks through unseen valleys.

As the sun sets over Tsavo’s grand plains, listen to the electrifying whoops of hyena calls echoing in the darkness. Fall asleep under endless stars in your safari tent to the distant roar of lions. Then wake before sunrise, ready to go off-road for a spine-tingling walking safari, getting up close with African elephants in the untamed bush.

With its rugged beauty, isolation, abundant wildlife, and activities galore, Tsavo offers an unbeatable African safari adventure. Explore Kenya’s wild frontier, far away from the crowded tourist trail. Come ready for exhilarating drives, walking safaris, wilderness camping, and serious wildlife encounters.

This is African safari at its most thrilling.

Tsavo National Park: An African Safari Guide to Kenya’s Largest Wildlife Reserve

Tsavo National Park is one of the largest and oldest national parks in Kenya, covering an area of approximately 22,000 square kilometers. The park is divided into two parts, Tsavo East and Tsavo West, and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is situated in southeastern Kenya, east of Mount Kilimanjaro, and is renowned for its vast wilderness, stunning landscapes, and wildlife.

The history of Tsavo National Park dates back to 1948 when it was established as one of Kenya’s first national parks. The park was originally known as the Taru Desert, a semi-arid area that was home to a variety of wildlife species. Today, the park is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to witness the beauty of the African wilderness and experience the thrill of an African safari.

Tsavo National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife species, including the famous ‘Big Five’ – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for bird watchers. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, including game drives, guided walks, and camping. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history, Tsavo National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Africa’s wilderness.

Key Takeaways

• Tsavo National Park is one of the largest and oldest national parks in Kenya, covering an area of approximately 22,000 square kilometers.
• The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the famous ‘Big Five’ – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos.
• Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, including game drives, guided walks, and camping.

Location and Size

Geographical Position

Tsavo National Park is located in southeastern Kenya, east of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is situated between latitudes 2°30′ and 3°30′ South and longitudes 38°30′ and 39°30′ East. The park covers an area of 20,812 square kilometers (8,036 square miles), making it the largest of Kenya’s national parks. It is located in the Taita-Taveta and Makueni counties, and it is bordered by the Chyulu Hills National Park to the west and the Mkomazi Game Reserve in Tanzania to the south.

Park Dimensions

Tsavo National Park is divided into two smaller units: Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Tsavo East covers an area of 13,747 square kilometers (5,308 square miles) and is the largest and oldest protected area in Kenya. Tsavo West, on the other hand, covers an area of 9,065 square kilometers (3,500 square miles). Together, they form an area of about 22,000 square kilometers (8,494 square miles).

Tsavo East is characterized by vast open savannah grasslands, while Tsavo West is characterized by a diverse landscape of hills, valleys, and rivers. The park is also home to the Tsavo and Athi rivers, which merge in the center of the park to form the Galana River. The park is also home to the Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow, stretching over 290 kilometers (180 miles).

Tsavo National Park is located in a semi-arid region, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 40°C (68°F to 104°F). The park receives an average annual rainfall of 200-700 millimeters (8-28 inches), with the rainy season occurring from March to May and from October to December. The park’s unique location and diverse landscape make it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers from all over the world.

History

Tsavo National Park is one of the oldest and largest wildlife parks in Kenya, covering an area of 20,812 square kilometers. The park was officially established in 1948, but its history dates back to the early 1900s when the British colonial government established game reserves in the area to protect wildlife from poaching.

Establishment

In 1948, Tsavo National Park was officially gazetted as a wildlife refuge by Kenya’s colonial government. The park was divided into two smaller units, Tsavo East and Tsavo West, for administrative purposes. Tsavo East National Park covers a semi-arid area previously known as the Taru Desert. Together with Tsavo West National Park, it forms an area of about 22,000 square kilometers.

Historical Significance

During World War I, Tsavo became infamous for the “Man-Eaters of Tsavo,” a pair of lions that killed and ate railway workers building the Uganda Railway. The lions were eventually killed by Lt. Col. John Henry Patterson, who was in charge of the construction of the railway.

In addition to its historical significance, Tsavo National Park is also known for its diverse wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), as well as other animals such as giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes.

Today, Tsavo National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kenya, attracting visitors from around the world who come to experience its rich history and stunning natural beauty.

Flora and Fauna

Tsavo National Park is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, covering an area of about 22,000 square kilometers. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Plant Species

Tsavo National Park has a semi-arid climate, and the vegetation is mainly savannah grassland with scattered acacia trees. Some of the plant species found in the park include:

• Acacia trees
• Baobab trees
• Myrrh trees
• Commiphora africana
• Euphorbia candelabrum
• Sodom apple

Animal Species

The park is home to a wide variety of animal species, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as other large mammals such as giraffes, zebras, and hippos. The park is also home to over 500 bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.

Some of the animal species found in Tsavo National Park include:

• African bush elephant
• African buffalo
• Giraffe
• Gazelle
• Klipspringer
• Kudu
• Leopard
• Lion
• Cheetah
• Black rhinoceros
• Hippopotamus
• Crocodile
• Ostrich
• Secretary bird
• Martial eagle

In addition to the large mammals and birds, the park is also home to a variety of smaller mammals, reptiles, and insects. Some of these include:

• Bat-eared fox
• Caracal
• Civet
• Dik-dik
• Genet
• Hare
• Hyena
• Mongoose
• Porcupine
• Python
• Tortoise
• Vervet monkey

Overall, Tsavo National Park is a haven for wildlife, with a diverse range of flora and fauna that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

Conservation Efforts

Tsavo National Park is a vital conservation area in Kenya, and its conservation efforts have been ongoing for decades. The park’s management has implemented various measures to protect the wildlife and their habitat, including:

Protection Measures

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has been instrumental in protecting the wildlife in Tsavo National Park. The KWS rangers patrol the park to deter poaching and illegal activities, such as bushmeat hunting and logging. The rangers are also responsible for monitoring the park’s wildlife and ensuring their safety.

In addition to the KWS, the Tsavo Trust is another organization that has been working to protect the park’s wildlife. The trust has been involved in anti-poaching efforts and has been instrumental in the reintroduction of black rhinos to the park.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Collaboration between different organizations has been essential in the conservation efforts of Tsavo National Park. The KWS has partnered with various organizations, including the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and the Tsavo Trust. These partnerships have led to the implementation of various conservation programs, such as the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, which has helped increase the black rhino population in the park.

The AWF has also been involved in the park’s conservation efforts. The organization has provided financial and technical support to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary and has been instrumental in the development of community-based conservation programs around the park.

Collaboration between the KWS and the local communities has also been crucial in the conservation efforts of Tsavo National Park. The KWS has been working with the communities around the park to develop community-based conservation programs that help protect the park’s wildlife while providing economic benefits to the communities.

In conclusion, the conservation efforts in Tsavo National Park have been ongoing for decades, and various measures have been implemented to protect the park’s wildlife and their habitat. Collaboration between different organizations and the local communities has been essential in the success of these efforts.

Visitor Information

Access and Transportation

Tsavo National Park is located in southeastern Kenya and is easily accessible by road and air. Visitors can take the main Nairobi-Mombasa highway to reach the park. The park has two main gates, the Tsavo East and Tsavo West gates. The Tsavo East gate is located approximately 233 km from Mombasa, while the Tsavo West gate is approximately 240 km from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

Park Activities

Tsavo National Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Game drives are the most popular activity in the park, with visitors having the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, cheetahs, and giraffes. Visitors can also take guided walking safaris and birdwatching tours.

Accommodation

Tsavo National Park has a variety of accommodation options for visitors to choose from. There are several lodges and campsites within the park, offering visitors a chance to stay in the heart of the park. Visitors can also choose to stay in nearby towns such as Voi, which has several hotels and lodges.

Some of the popular lodges in the park include the Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, which is located in Tsavo West, and the Ashnil Aruba Lodge, which is located in Tsavo East. Both lodges offer comfortable accommodation and have stunning views of the park.

Overall, Tsavo National Park is a must-visit destination for visitors to Kenya. With its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and range of activities, the park offers visitors an unforgettable safari experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top lodges to stay at in Tsavo National Park?

There are several lodges and camps in Tsavo National Park that offer a comfortable and memorable stay. Some of the most popular lodges include the Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge, and Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp. These lodges offer various amenities such as swimming pools, spa services, and game drives.

What is the history of Tsavo National Park?

Tsavo National Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in Kenya, established in 1948. It was initially one park but was later divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West for administrative purposes. The park has a rich history, including the famous Man-Eaters of Tsavo, where two lions terrorized and killed railway workers in 1898.

What animals can be seen in Tsavo National Park?

Tsavo National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes. The park is also known for its birdlife, with over 500 species recorded.

Is Tsavo National Park worth visiting?

Tsavo National Park is definitely worth visiting, especially for those interested in wildlife and nature. The park offers a unique experience with its vast open spaces, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Visitors can enjoy game drives, bird watching, nature walks, and cultural visits to nearby communities.

How much does it cost to enter Tsavo National Park?

The entry fees for Tsavo National Park vary depending on the nationality of the visitor. For non-residents, the fee is $52 per adult per day, while for residents, it is Ksh 1,030 per adult per day. Children under the age of 16 enter the park for half the price.

Which is a better option between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks?

Both Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks offer unique experiences and are worth visiting. Amboseli is known for its views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large herds of elephants, while Tsavo offers a more rugged and wild experience with its vast open spaces and diverse wildlife. The choice between the two largely depends on personal preferences and interests.