Tsavo National Park is the combined area of Tsavo West National Tsavo and East National Parks covering some 4% of Kenya’s total land area makes Tsavo National Park one of the world’s largest game sanctuaries. Situated halfway between Nairobi and Mombasa, the park is a haven for a diverse cross-section of wildlife, including the ‘Big Five’. Tsavo National Park is divided into two sectors by the Nairobi Mombasa Highway with Tsavo East National Park lies on the eastern side of the highway while on the western side of the road lies the Tsavo West National Park.
Tsavo East National Park is huge. Over 11,747 square kilometres of bushy grasslands, open plains, and semi-arid acacia scrub make up Kenya's oldest and largest Game Park. It is a massive flat plain broken only by the meandering Galana River. Tsavo's stunning views over the plains of Africa include the Yatta Plateau, the largest lava flow in the world, Mudanda Rock, which resembles a smaller version of Ayers Rock, and the incredible Lugard Falls. This vast reserve is mainly a plain of flat bush dotted with the bizarre shapes of monstrous baobabs. Large herds of ‘red’ elephants are a characteristic sight - ‘red’ due to the rich colour of the earth they throw over themselves
Tsavo East National Park is credited with one of the world's leading biodiversity strongholds. From red brown rivers surrounded by green grass and doum palms, to the endless plains covered in red dust, with a single surviving acacia tree, the scenery is constantly changing. Tsavo receives very little rain, and the brilliant sunshine and fantastic scenery make it perfect for those interested in photography. Ever seen a pink elephant? In Tsavo you will see elephants covered in a fine layer of red dust to stop the biting insects, Tsavo's elephants are certainly not gray! With over 4,000 elephant in the area, this is the park to visit if elephants are your passion. If the scenery isn't enough for you, don't worry! Tsavo abounds with elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and lion. And while you are chasing the big ones, there are always waterbuck, gazelle, zebra and kudu to watch. Not to mention over 500 species of birds!
Half the Tsavo East National Park area vehicles are banned in measures to conserve this fragile Ecosystems nevertheless Tsavo still enjoys true wilderness. Walking or mobile camp safaris are the only way to penetrate this area, and even then only with special permission. The proximity of the Indian Ocean makes Tsavo a popular destination for many safari travelers, who wish to rest and relax either before or after their safari. Tsavo is easily accessible and the park offers the 1st choice of a quick introductory safari or the space to allow a detailed exploration of the wonders of Kenya's wildlife over several days.
|