Kenya’s largest park, Tsavo, is sliced in two: Tsavo West and Tsavo East. Together these parks comprise four percent of the country’s total area and encompass rivers, waterfalls, savannah, volcanic hills, a massive lava-rock plateau, and an impressive diversity of wildlife.
Midway between Nairobi and Mombasa, Tsavo East is famous for photo-worthy sightings of large elephant herds rolling and bathing in red dust. The palm-fringed Galana River twists through the park, providing excellent game viewing and a lush counterpoint to the arid plains.
Other highlights here include the Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow; Mudanda Rock; and the Lugard Falls, which spill into rapids and crocodile-filled pools.
Tsavo West is wetter and topographically more varied, with some of the most beautiful scenery in the northern reaches of the park. Highlights here are Mzima Springs, a series of natural springs with large populations of hippos and crocodiles; Chaimu Crater, a great spot for seeing birds of prey; and Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
Wildlife is not as easy to see in Tsavo West because of the denser vegetation, but the beautiful scenery more than compensates.
Things to do in Tsavo
Game drive
If you are looking for what to do in Tsavo national park, the unforgettable game drive is one of the experiences that make your safari great in Kenya. Generally, the Tsavo east is flat and Tsavo west is volcanic with springs and water holes. This classic African experience will give you a beautiful moment to view various wildlife like elephants, buffalo, hippos, rhinoceroses, leopards among others. On the Tsavo safari you can either do the morning game drive and view predators going back to rest under the Savannah grassland or evening game drive which is so amazing because it gives a true African experience due the numerous leopards preparing to have prey as their dinner.
During your safari experience in Tsavo national park, you can have a wonderful encounter because the area harbors over 500 bird species. The presence of birds in that park largely contributes to the beauty of the safari.Tsavo is among the greatest places for visitors to see birds like , Somalia Ostrich, Martial Eagle, Anhinga rufa, African Finfoot, Casmerodius albus, -Bellied parrot, Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis, Fischer’ starling, Golden Pipit, Polemaetus bellicosus, Black-faced sandgrouse, Rufous chatterer, Taita fiscal, Masai ostrich, Secretary bird, Vulturine guineafowl, Shelkley’s starling, Slender-tailed nightjar,Golden-breasted starling, Vultures, common bulbul, black Papyrus Gonolek, Lesser Kestrel, Red, Acrocephalus griseldis.If your still wondering what to do in Tsavo national park birding is one activity that can never be left out.
Community Visit.
Many tourists come from all over the world not only to experience wildlife but also to do community visits. The local people surrounding Tsavo national park are basically Masai people who have never exchanged their culture to this modern world. Don’t miss out on the local experiences where visitors are entertained with folk songs, dances, dress code, foods among others.
Nature walks
This is among the top experienced activities in Tsavo national park. The nature walk gives you an opportunity to climb up the poacher’s hill where you will view the entire world of Tsavo national park. The activity brings you closer to the wildlife as rangers provide special watch over to visitors .And why is it called the guided walk because the visitor is given special instructions and nature guidelines on how to behave during the experience.
Attractions in Tsavo national park
Mudanda Rock-this is located at the heart of the park near mayani gate ,the mountain is a famous beautiful attraction cause it gives tourist a magical experience to clear view game drive while hiking .
Kaderi Swamp- The swamp is located in the Tsavo east and a source of water to lions and elephant that reside in the area.
River Galana-The River Galana is made up two waters Athi and Tsavo Rivers near River Glana, you can see beautiful places like Lugard falls and Crocodile point spot animals like leopards, hippos, didk diks, and elephants.
Yatta plateau-This is located in north of Galana in between two rivers between the two rivers of Tiva river and River Athi.
Aruba Dam –The dam was constructed by the Kenya authority, located near the Voi Gate and animals like lions, elephants, leopards use it as source of water to take away thirst.
Poacher’s hill-This is known as poacher’s spot point because it was anciently used by the poachers to view the game. At the hill you’re able to spot the whole world of Tsavo national park.
Others;
Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
Mzima Springs.
Crocodile point.
