Named after the river that flows through the parks, Tsavo is split into two national parks, Tsavo East and Tsavo West, and is divided by the Mombasa-Nairobi highway. Tsavo East is one of the oldest, and is the largest national park in Kenya, and together with Tsavo West covers just over 20,000 square kilometres, or 4% of Kenya. Spanning 13,747 square kilometres of pristine wilderness, it is also one of the most extensive protected areas in Kenya and has more biodiversity than any other park globally, as it marks the meeting point between northern and southern wildlife. It is 9 times bigger than the Maasai Mara and is well known for its mane-less lions, big herds of red dust-covered elephants, and cheetah.Compared to Tsavo West National Park, the topography is flatter and drier. The vegetation is sparse, so wildlife spotting is generally easier than its more dramatic counterpart.Compared to Tsavo West National Park, the topography is flatter and drier. The vegetation is sparse, so wildlife spotting is generally easier than its more dramatic counterpart.Compared to Tsavo West National Park, the topography is flatter and drier. The vegetation is sparse, so wildlife spotting is generally easier than its more dramatic counterpart.Compared to Tsavo West National Park, the topography is flatter and drier. The vegetation is sparse, so wildlife spotting is generally easier than its more dramatic counterpart.Compared to Tsavo West National Park, the topography is flatter and drier. The vegetation is sparse, so wildlife spotting is generally easier than its more dramatic counterpart.
The tourists in Tsavo East Park Game drive are assured of a great successful wildlife viewing and amazing game photography as different wildlife is spotted along the game drive routes of the park whereby tourists can view the big five African mammals such as the red dusted African elephants, the hippopotamus schools, towers of giraffes, buffalos these grazing as the leopards hurting downing their prey.
Over 500 bird species have been recorded in Tsavo East Park, including ostriches, kestrels, buzzards, starlings, weaver birds, kingfishers, hornbills, secretary birds, and herons.
But the plains and oases of Tsavo also present visitors with a vast palette of birdlife – over 500 species have been spotted. It is said the best bird watching is from October through January – it is then that migratory birds like skimmers and goshawks, and vultures are easily seen.
But you’ll also find buzzards, ostriches, starlings, kingfishers, hornbills, herons, and some unique avian life like the lovebird, sacred ibis, and the crowned crane.
The Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow, runs along the western boundary of the park above the Athi River. Its 290 km length was formed by lava from Ol Doinyo Sabuk Mountain.
Set on the Galana River, this natural rock structure captures the river’s waters in a narrow groove, then spits out a torrent, spilling into rapids and the pools below.
