Tsavo National Park is Kenya’s largest national park. Tsavo is made up of two separate parks, Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park. Located in Coast Province of Kenya in between Nairobi City and Mombasa. Tsavo is nearly 22,000kmsq, being the largest national park in Kenya and one of the largest in the world. The park was split into two due to the railway going from Mombasa to the interior of Kenya.

Tsavo East National Park

The park is located in the South East of the Kenya capital Nairobi. Its 250 kilometers away from the city. Tsavo East National Park is the largest national park in Kenya with an area of 13,747 km² (5,308 sq mi). It was established in April 1948 and covers a semi-arid area previously known as the Taru Desert. Together with the Tsavo West National Park, it forms an area of about 22,000 square kilometers. The Tsavo River flows west to east through the national park, which is located in the Taita-Taveta County of the former Coast Province. Tsavo East has an undeniable wild and primordial charm and is a terrific wildlife-watching destination. Although one of Kenya’s largest rivers flows through the middle of the park, the landscape here is markedly flatter and drier and lacks the drama of Tsavo West. The flip side is that spotting wildlife is generally easier thanks to the thinly spread foliage.

Despite the size of the park, the area of most wildlife activity is actually quite compact – the northern section of the park is largely closed and can only be visited with advance permission due to the threat of banditry and ongoing campaigns against poachers. The demarcation point is the Galana River.

Accessibility-By Road, tourists can drive along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway to reach Tsavo east national park. There’s flight alternative, since there are different airstrips which tourists can use to fly to the national park. These include Voi airstrip, Aruba airstrip, Satao airstrip, Sala airstrip, Ithumba airstrip, Bachuma airstrip among others.

Attractions

Tsavo East National Park comprises of stunning physical features, mammals and birds.

• Mudanda Rock – Mudanda rock is Precambrian basement rock between 570 and 4,550 million years old; that its popular with leopards and elephants. Thousands of years ago it was used by the hunter-gatherers known as the Waliangulu as a place where they dried their elephant meat ‘Mudanda’, the place of dried meat.
• Lugard Falls – Lugard falls was named by a British explorer and the colonial administrator by the names of Fredrick Lugard who arrived in Mombasa early in 1888. Lugard falls was named after the Britain’s first proconsul of East Africa, Captain Lugard.
• Crocodile Point
• Aruba Dam – Aruba Dam was built in 1952 across the Voi River. The reservoir created by the dam attracts many animals and water birds. Tsavo West National Park is more mountainous and wetter, with swamps, Lake Jipe and the Mzima Springs. It is known for birdlife and for its large mammals.
• Kanderi Swamp – The lovely Kanderi swamp is one of main sources of water in Tsavo East. It has a resident pride of lions. Elephants also congregate here for watering and mud baths. This and Galana River are two main sources of water to the park.
• Yatta Plateau – Located to the north of Galana River is the vast prehistoric lava flow that stretch for over 300km. It’s counted amongst the longest lava flows in the world
• River Galana-The waters of Athi and Tsavo Rivers make up River Galana. Along The Galana river are places of interest like the Lugard falls and Crocodile point. Most of the animals congregate along the river banks. You can easily sight lions, elephants, kudus, leopards, crocodiles and hippos.
• Tsavo River: Tsavo River is another attraction which can be seen at this destination and it runs through Tsavo East National Park. The river connects with River Athi to form Galana River. 

Tsavo East National Park Activities

One can engage in activities such as game drives, bird/nature walks, camping, visiting local villages, balloon safaris and cultural dances.

Conservation Efforts

Tsavo East National Park is a vital area for wildlife conservation, implementing a range of initiatives to protect its diverse ecosystems. Anti-poaching efforts have intensified with increased patrols and surveillance, targeting the illegal hunting of elephants and rhinos. Engaging local communities is a cornerstone of conservation strategies, promoting eco-tourism and alternative livelihoods to reduce reliance on poaching. Advanced technology, such as GPS tracking and drones, is utilized for wildlife monitoring, enhancing management practices. Additionally, habitat restoration projects focus on reforestation and controlling invasive species to support biodiversity. Ongoing research and educational programs further raise awareness and understanding of conservation issues, ensuring the long-term protection of this unique landscape.

Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National Park is a prominent protected area located in southeastern Kenya, spanning approximately 9,065 square kilometers (3,506 square miles). It is part of the larger Tsavo Conservation Area and is known for its diverse landscapes and rich wildlife.

Accessibility: Tsavo West National Park is accessible by road from Nairobi, it’s a drive of around 4 to 5 hours. There are also domestic flights from Nairobi to airstrips within the park, offering a quicker option for reaching the park. The park can be accessed via a 4WD vehicle, which is recommended for navigating the sometimes-rugged terrain.

Attractions and Features of Tsavo West National Park

• Scenic Landscapes: Tsavo West National Park boasts a diverse range of landscapes, including volcanic hills, expansive savannahs, and lush riverine forests. Prominent features include the Mzima Springs, where crystal-clear water flows from underground aquifers, and the Chyulu Hills, a volcanic mountain range offering breathtaking panoramic views.
• Mzima Springs: One of the park’s most renowned attractions, Mzima Springs is vital for wildlife as it provides a critical water source. An underwater viewing chamber allows visitors to observe hippos, crocodiles, and fish in their natural habitat, making it a unique experience.
• Wildlife: The park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras. Tsavo West is particularly famous for its population of the endangered Tsavo Lions, known for their distinctive large size and unique appearance.
• Birdwatching: With over 500 bird species, Tsavo West is a haven for bird enthusiasts. It offers a wide range of avian species, including raptors, water birds, and various endemic and migratory birds.
• The Shetani Lava Flow: This striking volcanic feature was created by a lava eruption around 200 years ago. The contrast between the black lava and the surrounding vegetation creates a dramatic geological attraction, providing a fascinating glimpse into the park’s volcanic history.
• Cultural Experiences: Located near the traditional lands of the Maasai and Kamba peoples, the park offers visitors the chance to engage with local communities. Experience Maasai cultural practices, crafts, and customs, adding a cultural dimension to your visit.
• Night Game Drives: The park offers night game drives, providing a unique opportunity to see nocturnal wildlife. Observe animals like leopards and hyenas that are more active after dark, adding an adventurous twist to your safari experience.
• Roaring Rocks: Located near the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, the Roaring Rocks offer stunning panoramic views of Tsavo West National Park. The rocks are named for the roaring sound created by the wind and the lions that are often heard from this vantage point. The area features a picnic spot with a table, shade, and seating, perfect for relaxing while enjoying the scenery.
• Chaimu Crater: Known locally as the “Devil’s Crater,” the Chaimu Crater is a prominent volcanic hill covered in black lava stones. A path leads to the summit, providing a challenging but rewarding climb with spectacular views. The climb can be difficult and slippery, adding to the adventure.
• Five Sisters Hills: This scenic feature consists of five closely spaced, cone-shaped hills that are strikingly similar in appearance. Their uniformity and proximity create a captivating landscape, enhancing the natural beauty of Tsavo West National Park.

Conservation Efforts: Tsavo West is dedicated to conservation, with ongoing initiatives to protect wildlife and preserve natural habitats. This includes anti-poaching efforts, habitat preservation, and community outreach programs aimed at fostering sustainable coexistence between wildlife and local communities.