Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park stands as one of the most famous tourist destinations in Kenya and lies in the southwestern part of Kenya. The Tsavo National Parks are divided into two; Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park. Both national parks are known for having big number of lions that were sometimes termed as the ‘’Man -Eaters’’ and other animal species like the herds of elephants. The park sits on an area of about 13,747 square kilometers.
More fact, Tsavo National Park is also one of the oldest national parks in Kenya which is lied in the southeastern part of the country and it is made up of both Tsavo West National Park and Tsavo East National Park and are separated by a railway line. Famous for man -eating lions. The park also composed of a rugged land scape which is made up of mountains as well as wooded grasslands in Tsavo West National Park. In contrast, Tsavo east national park is comprised by semiarid grasslands and savannah where wildlife species can be seen. The main-eating lions in Tsavo became popular when the two male lions attacked construction workers during the construction of the railway passing through the national park. Lions are the main attractions in the park and they had attracted many tourists who come to explore the destination.
Tsavo National Park is managed by Kenya Wildlife Service which maintain different tourist facilities in the park such as the roads leading to the park, brides among other.
Kenya wildlife service is also in charge of ensuring rules and regulations of the park and also manages, protects and conserves the wildlife in Tsavo. It also updates park entrance fees.
The park entrance fees is paid according to the status of the visitors: Foreign residents, nonresidents and East Africans. Children pay different fees from adult during safari to the Park.
Nonresidents pay USD52 for adult and USD35 for children while East Africans pay their entrance fees in Kenyan shillings ‘’KSHS’’. The entrance fees are similar for Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park.</p>
There are different entry gates to Tsavo west national park such as Maktau gate, Mbuyuni gate ,Jipe gate, Ziwani gate Chyulu gate and Kasigau gate. It can also be accessed from Mtito Andei route from Nairobi which is a main entry gate come along Chyulu gate.
Tourists touring Tsavo east national park can reach the destination through Manyani gate, Voi gate, Buchuma gate as well as Sala gate.
Attractions to see during a safari in Tsavo include;
Wildlife species; Tsavo west national park stands as famous home for wildlife viewing on Kenya safaris. Some of wildlife species to see include; rhinos, hippos, elephants, buffalos, leopards ,lions , hartebeests, impala , elands, fringe eyed oryx, giraffes, kudu many more.
Mzima springs; During your safari to Tsavo West can visit Mzima springs with clear water and home to hippos and crocodiles. The park consist of four springs in the western part of the national park. The springs are a source of water for the wildlife species that graze around the savannah plains. The surrounding area are home to vervet monkeys which feed from the date trees ,raffia palms, waterberrys and figs fruits.
Ngulia Rhino sanctuary; This is another attraction in Tsavo west which lies at the base of Ngulia hill. It is home to a number of endangered rhinos which are kept and bred by the Kenya wildlife service. The sanctuary is fenced and guarded by rangers, to protect rhino populations, elephants among others.
Shetani lava flow; Tourist on safari in Tsavo can enjoy viewing the black folded lava which flow across the savannah as well as the spectacular views in the surroundings.
In Tsavo east National Park; To add on that, Tsavo east also offers various attractions which can be see during a safari to the destination, which include;
River Galana; Different wildlife species gather around River Galana to quench for thirsty in regards it acts as an attraction in Tsavo east national park. During your visit to River Galana, tourists get opportunity to see crocodiles as they explore the scenery of Tsavo east National Park.
Yatta plateau; The Yatta plateau is one of the relief features in the Tsavo East National Park. It lies between River Athi and River Tavi. The plateau is characterized by plain wide valleys as well as shallow space valleys formed as a result of lava flows.
Lugard falls; During your safari to Tsavo east take a visit to Lugard falls which is formed along the Galana River. These falls were named after Lord Fredrick Lugard as he made his way through the region and the rapids were formed as a result of interruption of the river flow by sculpted channels and rocks. From its bottom, visitors can see various wildlife species like buffalos and hippos as well as crocodiels . Other attractions to see or visit include; Mubambda rock ,Aruba dam ,Kanderi swamp, Tsavo river.
Activities to do in Tsavo, below;
During safari you can engage in game drive, nature walks, birding , walking safaris and hiking’s.
Game drives: One engaging in game drive allows you to explore the Park to see different wildlife species and attractions. Such as elephants, buffaloes, baboons , warthogs, waterbucks, impala ,zebra , hyenas , giraffes, kudus , antelopes, leopards many more.
Birding; Birding in Tsavo allows you watch various bird species found in the park and the best birding site is Mzima springs.
How to get to the Park
There are different ways which tourists can use to access the Park;
By road; Tourists can drive along the Nairobi – Mombasa highway to access Tsavo east national aprk.
By Air; The park has different airstrip which tourists can use to fly to the national park and these include; Voi airstrip ,Satao airstrip, Sala airstrip ,Aruba airstrip, Ithumba airstrip, Bachuma airstrip many more.
Where to stay;
There is no worry from where to stay during your visit to the Park ,ranging from Luxury, Mid-range and budget accommodation.
Luxury lodges; Sarova salt lick lodge, Rhino valley lodge, Kiboko camp, Kiboko camp, Finch Hatton’s camp.
Mid-range lodges in Tsavo include; Voi wildlife lodge ,Asnil Aruba lodge, Red elephant’s safari lodge, Severin safari camp lions bluff lodge .
Budget lodge ; Lake Jipe safari camp, Manyatta camp, Voyager ziwani safari camp, Leopard lodge .
Get started planning a visit to unmatched wilderness of the Park and get to explore the home of the man -eating lions while engaging in different wildlife viewing adventure ,plan your next safari with us Achieve Global Safaris.
