Tsavo National Park

Overview

Tsavo National Park established on 1st April 1948, stretches over an area of 20 819 sq km and is therefore the largest national park in Kenya. The National Park is recognized worldwide for its spectacular landscapes, rich and diverse flora and fauna. Tsavo, which varies in altitude from 230m to 2000m, has been divided into two separate parks -Tsavo West and Tsavo East- for efficient management and administration. Therefore Tsavo National Park may refer to:
a) Tsavo East National Park- on the eastern side of the A109 road.
b) Tsavo West National Park- on the western side of the A109 road.

The two parks are very different and generally Tsavo West has a more varied topography and a more diverse array of habitats than Tsavo East. Tsavo West consists mainly of semi-arid plains, granite outcrops and ancient lava fields. The highest and most impressive is the Ngulia Mountain, which stands at almost 6000ft high. Of the two Parks, Tsavo East is the more remote and less visited. It does not have the mountains and hills of Tsavo West and it consists mostly of dry, flat thorn-bush scrub, which is occasionally broken by the green vegetation of the Galana River and other smaller seasonal rivers that run through the National Park.

Though its topography is mainly arid and rugged, Tsavo National Park has an interesting variety of ecosystems ranging from semi-desert, savannah and open plains, to acacia woodland, palm thickets, mountain forest and riverine vegetation.

Wildlife

Tsavo Safari Elephants

Tsavo National Park offers amazing varieties of wildlife including the Big Five. The park’s dominantly open savannah grassland and bush woodland vegetation shelters a wide variety of wildlife that include Elephants, Antelopes, Buffaloes, Lions, Gazelles, Giraffes, Rhinoceros and Zebras. Other common animals in Tsavo include the Lesser Kudus, Gerenuks, Fringe-eared Oryx, Elands, Waterbucks and Impalas. Among commonly seen reptiles are Crocodiles, Lizards, and Egyptian Cobras.

Tsavo is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. The Park is home to over 450 bird species that include Bustards, Hornbills, Sunbirds, Weavers, Herons, Egrets, Secretary Birds, Vultures, Fish Eagles, Buzzards, rollers, Kites, Harriers, Eagles, sunbirds, Ostriches plus many others.

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Other major attractions in Tsavo which offer magnificent game viewing opportunities include;
• Mudanda Rock; The Mudanda Rock is a 1.6 km inselberg of stratified rock that acts as a water catchment that supplies a natural dam below. It offers an excellent vantage point for the hundreds of elephants and other wildlife that come to drink during the dry season.
• Aruba Dam; Aruba Dam was built in 1952 across the Voi river. The reservoir created by the dam attracts many animals and water birds.
• Lugard Falls; named after Frederick Lugard, is actually a series of rapids on the Galana River. These are interesting geographical features where white water rages through a series of spectacular rock formations.

Also not to be missed is the volcanic Mzima springs. These natural springs produce 50 million gallons of fresh sparkling water daily. These waters are alive with shoals of barbel and Hippopotamus and waterfowl. A unique underwater observatory has been built that gives you an incredible view of this crystal clear underwater world, where massive hippos glide silently through swirling shoals of barbel.

Because of the good opportunity to discover the actual beauty and appeal of Kenya, Tsavo National Park attracts thousands of tourists globally every year. A Tsavo Safari therefore is an ideal destination for travelers who seek solitude and privacy as well as the chance to explore the African wilderness. With its proximity to Mombasa it is also an ideal safari for those staying on the coast.