Tsavo (East and West) National Park
Tsavo National Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in
Kenia at 11.747 kilometers. Opened in April of 1948, it is
located near the village of Voi in the Taita District of Coast
Province. The park is dived into east and west sections by the
Mombasa-Nairobi road and a railway. Named for the Tsavo River,
which flow west to east through the national park, it borders
the Chyulu Hills National Park, and the Mkomazi Game Reserve in
Tanzania.
Tsavo national park is split in Tsavo West national Park and
Tsavo East National Park divided by the Nairobi-Mombasa road.
Tsavo East is a little bit dryer and less busty but therefore
the chance to see the wild animals is bigger. Most of the action
is concentrated along the Galana River, because a lot of animals
will drink at this river. At the river you will see a lot of
crocs and hippos. During the dry season, the landscape in both
parks is dusty and parched, but it erupts into colour at the end
of the wet season. There are over 60 different mammals in the
Parks and the bird life is equally varied. Tsavo East area is
mainly dominated by flat bush and huge baobab trees. It was the
main area of poaching in the past and some parts still remain
closed to public.
The Kenya/Uganda railway lines runs close to the road in this
area of the Park and it was here that work on the railways was
halted in the early 20th century when man-eating lion dragged
several workers always and devoured them in the bush.
The park can be accessed by three main gates, from Voi through
the Manyani, gate, from Mombasa through the Bachuma gate or from
Malindi through the Sala gate. There are also several airstrips
in the park that allow chartered light planed. Inside the park,
the Athi and Tsavo rivers converge to form the Galana River.
Most of the park consist of semi-arid grasslands and savanna. It
is considered one of the world’s biodiversity strongholds, and
its popularity is mostly due to the vast amounts of diverse
wildlife that can be seen. The park also offers camping and
several geographical points of interest.
The slightly larger Tsavo East is generally flat, with dry
plains across which the Galana River flows. Other features
include the Yatta Plateau and Lugard's Falls. Wildlife in Tsavo
East includes black rhinos and Hirola antelopes.
Tsavo West National Park is more mountainous and wetter than its
counterpart, with swamps, Lake Jipe and the Mzima Springs. It is
known for birdlife and for its large mammals. It is also home
to a black rhino sanctuary. Safari Camps and Lodges in
Tsavo East
Safari Camps and Lodges in Tsavo West National Park
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