TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK

Tsavo East National Park, located in southeastern Kenya, stands as one of the oldest and largest national parks in the country, covering approximately 13,747 square kilometers (5,308 square miles). Its expansive landscape showcases a rich diversity of habitats, from vast savannah plains to semi-arid acacia scrub and rocky outcrops.

The park is famous for its abundant wildlife, including the famed “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceroses. Notably, Tsavo East National Park is recognized for hosting some of Kenya’s largest elephant herds, a testament to its importance as a conservation area. Visitors can also spot a myriad of other species such as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, and kudus roaming freely across the park.

In essence, the Park stands as a beacon of Kenya’s natural heritage, offering visitors an unforgettable safari experience amidst the untamed beauty of Africa’s wilderness.

What You Need To Know About Tsavo East National Park

How To Get To Tsavo East National Park

Getting to Tsavo East National Park is available both by road and air: From Nairobi, It takes 4 to 5 hours by road along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway to  get to park, for an approximate distance of 330km, whereas travelers from Mombasa can also use the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway (A109), to enter the park through the main entrance of Voi gate in about 2-3 hours for a 160km distance.

Access by Air: Tsavo East has several airstrips located within or near its boundaries, allowing for convenient access by air. Chartered flights from Nairobi or other major cities in Kenya can fly directly to these airstrips, providing a faster and more scenic alternative to traveling by road.

However, visitors can access various gates, such as the Manyani Gate, Voi Gate, and Buchuma Gate, depending on their intended destination within the park from Mombasa:

History of Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park holds a rich and storied history, characterized by a blend of natural phenomena, human endeavors, and conservation efforts.

Tsavo East  National Park was established in April 1948, making it one of Kenya’s oldest national parks, which was split from the main Tsavo National Park. Construction of the Kenya-Uganda Railway was one of most notable historical events which occurred in the late 19th century, although they faced significant challenges due to the presence of maneless man-eating lions in the area.

The history of the Park is marked by a fascinating interplay of natural and human factors, shaping its evolution into one of Kenya’s premier conservation areas and a celebrated destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Attractions in Tsavo East National Park

Bisected by the Galana River, Tsavo East National Park features striking contrasts between lush vegetation along riverbanks and the arid plains. The park is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including the famed “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceroses. Notably, Tsavo East is recognized for hosting some of Kenya’s largest elephant herds, a testament to its importance as a conservation area. Visitors can also spot a myriad of other species such as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, and kudus roaming freely across the park.

Birdwatchers are treated to a spectacular array of avian species, with over 500 recorded within the park, including ostriches, secretary birds, and various raptors

Activities/Things To Do in Tsavo East NP

Tsavo East offers a range of activities for visitors to immerse themselves in the wilderness experience. Game drives along the park’s well-maintained road network provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly along the Galana River and around watering holes where animals congregate.

The park’s iconic landmarks, such as the Mudanda Rock and the Aruba Dam, offer scenic viewpoints and serve as prime locations for observing wildlife. In essence, Tsavo East National Park stands as a beacon of Kenya’s natural heritage, offering visitors an unforgettable safari experience amidst the untamed beauty of Africa’s wilderness.

Conservation efforts in the Park aim to address ongoing challenges, including poaching, habitat degradation, and human-wildlife conflict. Enhanced law enforcement, community engagement, and sustainable tourism practices play pivotal roles in safeguarding the park’s biodiversity and ecological integrity.

Tsavo East National Park HOTELS

Voi Wildlife Lodge

Situated on a hill overlooking Tsavo East, Voi Wildlife Lodge offers panoramic views of the park. The lodge features spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and guided safari experiences.

Ashnil Aruba Lodge

Located near the Aruba Dam, Ashnil Aruba Lodge offers luxurious accommodations in a serene setting. Guests can enjoy game drives, bush dinners, and cultural performances during their stay

Satao Camp

This tented camp offers a rustic yet comfortable experience in the wilderness. The Camp is known for its personalized service, bush breakfasts, and guided walking safaris.

Sentrim Tsavo East Camp

Nestled amidst acacia trees, Sentrim Tsavo East Camp provides cozy tented accommodations with modern amenities. Guests can relax by the pool or embark on game drives to explore the park.

Tsavo Safari Camp:

Situated along the banks of the Galana River, Tsavo Safari Camp offers spacious tents with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The camp organizes birdwatching tours, nature walks, and cultural visits to nearby communities.

Man Eaters Camp:

Named after the infamous “Man-Eaters of Tsavo,” this camp offers comfortable tented accommodations near Tsavo East National Park. Guests can enjoy guided safaris, bush dinners, and cultural experiences during their stay.

Lion Hill Safari Lodge

Located on Mbulia Hills overlooking Tsavo East, Lion Hill Safari Lodge offers luxurious accommodations with breathtaking views of the park. The lodge features a swimming pool, spa, and restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

Manyatta Camp

Situated near the Manyani Gate of Tsavo East, Manyatta Camp offers tented accommodations with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, bush walks, and sundowner cocktails in the wilderness.