Tsavo East National Park
Located in southeastern Kenya, it is one of the country’s largest and oldest parks, spanning over 13,700 square kilometers. Known for its vast, arid landscapes, the park offers stunning views of savannahs, grasslands, and semi-desert regions, with the Yatta Plateau and the Galana River being key highlights. Famous for its large herds of elephants, Tsavo East is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and numerous bird species. With its rugged terrain and rich biodiversity, the park provides an authentic safari experience in the heart of Kenya’s wilderness.
Activities in Tsavo East National Park
- Go on a game drive to spot the finest of African wildlife
- Climb on Mudanda Rock for excellent views and to watch animals at the watering hole below
- Visit Lugard Falls for a series of rapid waters
- Pass by the dried-out Aruba Dam
Best Spots
Tsavo East National Park is indeed a fantastic location for wildlife enthusiasts, with a variety of highlights. Mudanda Rock is especially popular, offering stunning views of wildlife below as they come to drink. It’s a great spot for both casual visitors and photographers. Similarly, Lugard Falls, though not a traditional waterfall, is a captivating sight. The series of rapids teeming with hippos and crocodiles presents a unique spectacle that showcases the park’s diverse wildlife. Tsavo East truly encapsulates the rugged beauty of nature, making it a must-visit for safari lovers.
Climate
Kenya experiences a cold season from June to November with daytime temperatures around 20°C and cooler nights. From mid-October to November, the short rainy season occurs, followed by warmer temperatures of up to 30°C from December to April. The long rainy season, in April and May, brings showers, typically starting in the afternoon after sunny mornings.
The best time to visit Tsavo East National Park
The dry months of June to October and January to February are best to visit Tsavo East National Park when conditions in the park are favorable for wildlife watching. During the peak of the short rains (November) and the long rains (April and May) road conditions can be more challenging.
Facts About Tsavo East National Park.
- 13,000 square kilometers (5,020 square miles).
- Founded in 1948 – one of the oldest and largest parks in Kenya.
- Home to the Big Five.
- Supertaskers can be found here.
- With 290 kilometers, the Yatta plateau is the world’s longest lava flow with its origin at the Oldoinyo Sabuk mountain near Nairobi.
Man-Eaters Of Tsavo.
During the construction of the Kenya-Uganda Railway in 1898, two male lions terrorized workers for two weeks, killing around 135 men before being shot by Lieutenant Colonel John Henry Patterson.
These man-eating lions became infamous for their fearlessness and savage attacks, with their skins and heads later mounted at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.
Today, the “Tsavo Lions” serve as a symbol of the park’s wild history. Still, Tsavo East National Park is now a safe and peaceful destination, offering a rich wildlife experience free from such dangers.
