Tsavo East National Park

Karibu Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park is one of the biggest national parks in Kenya sitting in an area of 13,747 square kilometers. It’s the less visited but among the oldest national parks in Kenya which was established in 1948.

Tsavo East National Park is located in the Southern part of Kenya near the coastal part of the country and also bordering Tanzania. It is famously known as “Theater of the wildlife” due to the high concentration of wildlife especially the red dusty Elephants that spray and roll on the Termite molds at the park.

The park was all called Tsavo national park before the main road crossed the park in the middle to create Tsavo East national park and Tsavo West national park. Before the park was sub-divided it covered 22,000 square kilometers.

The park is managed by Kenya Wildlife Service, it was named after the Tsavo River that transects the park in the middle together with the A109 road. It is one of the few national parks in Kenya where night game drives are done inside the park.

This gives an extra mile on safari experience to the guests who will enjoy seeing nocturnal animals especially the leopards.

Tsavo East national park history is bad when the Man-eating lions intruded the park during the construction of the railway line that passed through the park. This was around the 1800s where lions attacked workers and killed many hence delaying the progress on the construction work.

It is during this time that the famous film entitled “The Ghost and the Darkness” The park has two main rivers which is draining the river which includes Athi River and Tsavo River. These two rivers are the source of water for the wildlife found at the park.

This makes the animal viewing very easy especially during the dry season when the wildlife is concentrated along with the water bodies. At a certain point, the two rivers converge together to form the larger river called Galana River.

The park is dominated by semi-arid vegetation with open savannah grassland dotted with Acacia trees and some riverine forests along the rivers. Tsavo national park has old biodiversity that attracts diversified wildlife at the park.

It’s a home of all the members of African Big 5 those include: Buffalo, Black Rhinos, Lions, Leopards, and Elephants. The park also has more grazers like zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and many more. Tsavo national park also has a good number of birds.

Location of Tsavo East National Park

A Tsavo east safari takes you a park is located in the Southwest part of Nairobi along the busy Business center Mombasa. It is found near the Voi town in Taita-Taveta County which was the former province of the coastal province. It is found 233 kilometers away from the capital city Nairobi. It takes between 7 to 8 hours’ drive. On the other hand, it takes 5 to 6 hours’ drive if one is on the coastal province around the Mombasa region.

Tsavo East national park is easily accessible through the Sala Gate on the Western part of the park from Malindi. One can use a direct route that is along Nairobi Mombasa road which enters directly through Mtito Andei Gates.

On the other side if one is already in the coastal part of Kenya that is Mombasa it is also simple for one to access the park at any point.

For the guests who may not tolerate the long drives in African roads than their daily flights that operate from Wilson airport or Jomo Kenyatta international airport to the park.

There are some airstrips at Tsavo national park which are serviced daily with chattered flights that operate domestically. The most used airstrips are Mopeo airstrip, Satao Airstrip, Bachuma airstrip, Voi airstrip and many more.

Tsavo East national park is the only park in East Africa that can be accessed by railway transport that cuts the park in the middle.

The daily departing railway which leaves Nairobi to the coast of Mombasa can drop you at the station inside the park. Then your driver-guide or accommodation driver will pick you up from the station.

Attractions in Tsavo National Park

Tsavo East national park is gifted with a wide range of attractions that guests enjoy while on their Kenya safari to this scenic park. The large size of the park has contributed to its diversified ecosystem that inhabits more games.

One can spend more than two days while exploring Tsavo East national park if one has to get its best experience. Below is a list of attractions found in Tsavo East National Park.

Mudanda Rock

These are the inselbergs that are found in the center of Tsavo East national park with great rock art which is dated back in the Old Stone Age error. The rocks are also the water catchment areas that supply the water to one of the dams that is found under the rocks.

The dams are the main source of water to the wildlife around the park. People go close to the Mudanda rocks for the great animal views.

Wildlife

Tsavo East national park is much famous with the dusty red Elephants that roam mostly around the park. With over 50 species of animals, the park is rich with animals with all the African big five (Lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and Elephants) present.

The wildlife is very common and easily seen throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season when the grass is short and the water catchment areas easily targeted.

Other animals found in the park include Cheetah, zebras, hippos, wildebeest, giraffes, wild dog, hyenas and many others.

Lugard Falls

It is named after the first European explorer to step at the falls that is Frederick Lugard. The falls is a historical site good for sightseeing too. Not very hard to hike but need some level of physical fitness to fully hike to the top.

Birds

Tsavo East national park has over 500 bird species with both migratory birds and permanent bird species. The sea birds come to the park for breeding purposes before they go back.

The most sited birds in the long list include Eastern chanting goshawk, vulturine Guinea fowl, black-headed lapwing, Red-winged lark, Rosy-patched bush shrike, Red-bellied parrot, Martial eagle, Golden pipit, Somali bee-eater, Somali ostrich, Taita falcon, Taita fiscal, rufous chatterer and many more.

Yatta plateau

Visiting Tsavo East national park without reaching the longest lava flow in the world makes your safari incomplete. This is the greatest attraction in Tsavo East national park, the plateau starts from Western part of the park crossing to the East above river Athi.

It is estimated to be 290 kilometers long as its lava starts from Mount Oldoinyo Sabuk.

The Aruba Dam

This is one of the oldest dams around the area which was built in 1952 in river Voi. This dam attracts more aquatic animals as well as the other animals which come to the dam to quench their thirst.

Activities in Tsavo East National Park

Birding

Tsavo East national park is one of the few park that hosts almost half of the bird species of Kenya. The park hosts over 500 bird species with rare and migratory birds that come only for breeding.

Birding can be done but patiently with longer days if one wants his or her list to be successful. One should also have great birding guides that are familiar with the park and habitats of the birds for a great success rate.

The best time for birding is during the rainy season when the birds are nesting and breeding. The bird species include Eastern chanting goshawk, vulturine Guinea fowl, black-headed lapwing, Red-winged lark, Rosy-patched bush shrike and Red-bellied parrot,

Others include Martial eagle, Golden pipit, Somali bee-eater, Somali ostrich, Taita falcon, Taita fiscal, rufous chatterer, Somali Bunting, Nightjar, extra.

Nature walks and hiking

The guided nature walks are available in Tsavo East national park to different destinations within the park, like Lugard falls, Aruba dam, Mudanda Rocks and many others.

You explore the park on foot is a great experience that you will never forget. See more animals in their natural habitats as you walk around the park.

Game viewing/ Game drives

Tsavo East national park is among the few parks in Africa where night game drives are permitted. The game drives using 4×4 safari cars is much experiential as you get closer to the wildlife to take more pictures and videos as they are on their natural habitat.

The park has all the African big five and several other animal species that can be viewed. The key animals include Lions, leopards, black rhinos, elephants, hyenas, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, oribi, Dik-dik, Topi, Kudu, impala, gazelles, baboons, and many more animals.

Cape Buffaloes in Tsavo East National Park

When you need to mix up African wildlife experience and coast white beaches then Tsavo East will be the right destination to choose. It’s located near the coastal province with easy accessibility from the coast.

Accommodation in Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in Kenya at 13,747 square kilometers.

Situated in a semi-arid area and is located near the town of Voi in the Taita-Taveta County. Below find some of the accommodation in Tsavo East National Park.

Afrika Lodges – Voi Town

Afrika Lodges is a 3-star hotel located along the Nairobi – Mombasa Highway, overlooking the Taita hills in Voi, Taita Taveta County, 2.3 km from Voi Bus Station.

There are a total of 39 rooms comprising of 24 Standard rooms, 6 Deluxe rooms and 9 Executive rooms, each tastefully fitted with air conditioning, satellite TV, mosquito net, work desk and seating area. The hotel also has family rooms.

Andymac Palace County Resort – Voi

Andymac Palace County Resort is a hotel located at the foot of the Mwakingali hill, 1 km from Voi Railway Station in the heart of Voi town.

There are 20 well-furnished accommodation units comprising of 1 deluxe Apartment, 2 standard apartments, 3 deluxe rooms and 14 standard rooms.

Each apartment has a fully furnished living room, satellite TV, ceiling fan, telephone and fully equipped kitchen including gas-cooker, fridge, microwave, crockery and cutlery.

Ashnil Aruba Lodge – Tsavo East National Park

Ashnil Aruba Lodge is a luxury safari lodge located in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya. It’s a 5-hour drive from Nairobi and is located on the banks of Aruba Dam which was built in 1952 as a sport fishing recreational point in the park.

Several watering holes nearby attract wildlife and spotting animals is easy because the park lies flat with savannah grassland. The Lodge features 46 rooms and 6 tents. Each guestroom features a seating area, wardrobe, mosquito net, fan, safety deposit box and furnished verandah.

Doa Doa Safari Club – Tsavo East

Doa Doa Safari Club Tsavo East is a safari accommodation located on the banks of the Galana River, in the Galana Ranch bordering the Tsavo East National Park.

The camp is just 11 km to Tsavo East National Park Sala Gate which is the official entry to the park. The camp has tents, standard rooms and bungalows.

Each is fitted with air conditioning, mosquito net, safety deposit box, closet, work desk and furnished patio.

Galana Crocodile Camp – Tsavo East National Park

Galana Crocodile Camp sits at Sala Gate of Tsavo National Park on the banks of the Galana River. Crocodile Camp itself offers both robust tents and bungalows. There are 22 tents, 14 bungalows and 1 family house.

The camp location right next to the Galana river, allows guests to safely watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles and many other animals populating the waterside.

Galdessa Camp – Tsavo East National Park

Galdessa Camp is an exclusive use, self-catering luxury tented accommodation located in Tsavo East National Park, on the banks of the Galana River, 15 km upstream of Lugard’s falls.

The camp is 3 ½ hours from Mombasa and 4 ½ hours from Nairobi. Galdessa Camp has 5 semi-tented bungalows on elevated wooden decks under attractive thatched shade.

Galdessa Little Camp – Tsavo East National Park

Galdessa Little Camp is an exclusive use, self-catering luxury tented accommodation located in Tsavo East National Park, on the banks of the Galana River, 15 km upstream of Lugard’s falls.

The camp is 3 ½ hours from Mombasa and 4 ½ hours from Nairobi. The camp 3 tents that accommodates a maximum of 6 people. Each with an en-suite bathroom and private veranda.

Impala Safari Lodge – Voi Town

Impala Safari Lodge Voi is a family-owned and run boutique bush Lodge located in Voi only 5 km from the entrance to Tsavo East National Park and about 2 km from Voi Town.

Perched on the foot of Mwakingali hills, this private and very exclusive lodge / tented camp combines modern amenities with chic African style on beautiful, nicely landscaped gardens. The lodge has 6 tents and 2 cottages.

Ithumba Camp – Tsavo East National Park

Ithumba Camp Tsavo East National Park is an exclusive use, rustic tented self-catering accommodation located in Ithumba area on the northern part of Tsavo East National Park.

Based at the foot of Ithumba Hill with commanding views across the Yatta Plateau, guests can immerse themselves in the sounds of nature whilst close by is the Ithumba Reintegration Unit which guests have the opportunity to visit.

Ithumba Hill Camp Tsavo East National Park

Ithumba Hill Camp Tsavo is an exclusive luxury thatched tented accommodation located in Ithumba, northern area of Tsavo East National Park.

The camp is owned by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Ithumba Hill Camp is 50 minutes by air from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to the Ithumba Airstrip, or alternatively 5 to 6 hours by road from Nairobi.

Ithumba Private Camp Tsavo East National Park

Ithumba Private Camp Tsavo East National Park is exclusive use, luxury thatched tented self-catering accommodation located in Ithumba, northern area of Tsavo East National Park.

Ithumba Private is an independent annex to Ithumba Hill eco lodge, elevated and carefully crafted between granite Kopjes with sprung wooden walkways weaving between branches of giant baobabs, all the while commanding expansive sweeping views of untouched wilderness.

Kiboko Camp – Galana Ranch Conservancy Tsavo

Kiboko camp is a safari accommodation situated in Galana Wildlife Conservancy bordering Tsavo East National Park. The camp is in close proximity to the Tsavo River Bridge and 40 minutes drive to the Voi Town.

The camp has 12 tents and 2 bungalows, all tastefully fitted with makuti roofs, fan, tea/coffee making facilities, desk and chair, and en-suite bathrooms with hot showers.

Kudu Safari Camp – Tsavo East National Park

Kudu Safari Camp Tsavo East National Park is a luxury tented camp located in a magical and unspoiled place at Tsavo East National Park, Kenya, next to the entrance of Sala Gate.

The Camp rises on the banks of the Galana River, a peaceful place where nature, animals, and humans live together in silence and harmony. Kudu Safari Camp offers different types of accommodation, such as standard tents, family tents, and superior double rooms.

Kulalu Camp – Galana Ranch Conservancy Tsavo

Kulalu Camp Tsavo East is located on the banks of the Galana River, close to the Galana Conservancy and Tsavo East National Park.

The camp lies just 110 km or a 2 hour drive from Malindi and Watamu. There are 5 spacious tents comprising of a double tent, 3 twin tents and a family tent.

Man Eaters Camp – Tsavo East National Park

Man Eaters Camp is a luxury tented accommodation nestled on the banks of the Tsavo River in the middle of Tsavo National Park.

The lodge is 10 km to Tsavo East National Park and 2 km to Tsavo West National Park. Man, Eaters camp is an exclusive lodge comprising of 31 fully furnished En- suits tents.

Manyatta Camp – Tsavo East National Park

Manyatta Camp Tsavo East National Park is located on the border of Tsavo East National Park 5 km off the main Nairobi – Mombasa highway and a kilometer from the Tsavo East airstrip. There are 24 tents; 13 tents offer river view and 11 tents face the National Park.

Ngutuni Lodge – Tsavo East National Park

Ngutuni Lodge is a luxury safari lodge nestled in the heart of a 10,000-acre private Ngutuni Game Sanctuary, surrounded on three sides by Tsavo East National Park.

The lodge is approximately 15 minutes’ drive from Tsavo east main gate and 2.5 hours’ drive from Mombasa. Ngutuni Lodge overlooks a water hole and is set against the spectacular backdrop of the Sagala Hills.

Osteria Swara Camp – Tsavo East National Park

Osteria Swara Camp is an eco luxury camp on the shores of the Galana river at the edge of the park in the private Kulalu Ranch in Tsavo East. The camp consists of 12 tented suites with private bathrooms, all looking onto the Galana River.

Red Elephant Safari Lodge – Tsavo East National Park

Red Elephant Safari Lodge is located just 700 meters from the Main Gate of Tsavo East National Park.

The lodge borders Tsavo East National Park & 5 km from Tsavo railway station. The camp is 170 km from Mombasa and 320 km from Nairobi. The closest airstrip to the lodge is Tsavo East Airstrip which is 2 km away.

Rock Side Camp – Tsavo East National Park

Rock Side Camp is a tented safari accommodation located next to Tsavo National Park, and a short distance from Voi Town.

The camp is located at the foot of a rocky kopje known as Kale 1 hill with amazing views of the Taita Hills. The camp is only a 30 minutes’ drive to Voi and Bachuma gate of the Tsavo East National Park.

There are 16 cozy wooden bandas and 7 new luxury bungalows, each with a mosquito net and furnished verandah.

Satao Luxury Camp – Tsavo East National Park

Satao Camp Tsavo East is a luxury tented safari accommodation situated on the border of Tsavo East National Park, overlooking a busy watering hole, a true oasis which attracts thousands of animals for their daily drink and bathing.

The camp is 45 km from Bachuma Gate on the main Nairobi/ Mombasa Highway. The camp boasts 20 authentic safari style en-suite tents, each with private verandahs, nestled among the tamarind trees surrounding the camp’s very own watering hole.

Sentrim Tsavo Camp – Tsavo East National Park

Sentrim Tsavo East Camp is a tented safari accommodation situated within Tsavo East National Park approximately 11km from Voi Gate and 40 km from the Buchuma Gate.

The camp has a capacity of 26 fully furnished en-suite luxury tents set in rows overlooking Voi River. It also comprises of a reception, lounge area, swimming pool, staff canteen, kitchen, a restaurant and bar.

Tausa Tsavo Eco Lodge Voi

Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa is a 5-star accommodation at the main entrance to the Taita Hills Sanctuary in South Eastern Kenya, 400 km from Nairobi and 200 km from Mombasa.

Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa is an inviting stone building of 60 spacious rooms and two suites, all with their own private viewing balcony.

Voi Safari Lodge – Tsavo East National Park

Voi Safari Lodge is strategically situated Safari Lodge, in one of the world’s largest game park – the Tsavo National Park.

The lodge stands high above the town of Voi overlooking a vast expanse of the African Bush about 165 km from Mombasa and 360 km from Nairobi. You can simply watch the herds of wild animals roam beneath you or you can get closer by a network of access roads reaching into many corners of the Park.

Voi Wildlife Lodge – Tsavo East National Park

Voi Wildlife Lodge is a safari accommodation located at Voi Gate of Tsavo West National Park, just 5 km off the main highway connecting the Capital Nairobi to Mombasa.

The lodge has 88 guestrooms comprising of 24 luxury rooms, 48 superior, 16 standard rooms and 20 tented rooms which can accommodate up to 300 guests.

Zomeni Lion Hill Lodge – Tsavo East National Park

Zomeni Lion Hill Lodge is situated on ‘Mlima ya Simba’ (Swahili for lion hill), and adjoining the world famous Tsavo East National Park at Voi Gate. The lodge is a 4 Hour drive from Nairobi and a 2 Hour drive from Mombasa.

The Voi airport is 20-minute drive from the lodge. There are 8 guestrooms and 4 guest tents. The guestrooms have solid construction yet they retain the rural feel.

Land of the Tswana

There are so many places that you can visit in Botswana but there are some other attractions that stand out more than others and are worth visiting during Botswana Safari. These make the list of the top Tourist Attractions In Botswana.

There are many tours that you can do in Botswana and the most common is the overland tour, where you can drive around to most parts of the country in an overland truck. Most common tours include a Botswana Wildlife Safari, Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park package, Desert tracking, Premium safaris and 5 to 10 day safaris.

• • Exploring ancient ruins, historical landmar.

• • Immersive cultural experiences, local.

• • Hiking, trekking, extreme sports, and out.

• • A romantic destination like Paris, Venice.

• • Kid-friendly activities, theme parks family.

• • Premium accommodations, gourmet.