Tsavo East National Park is a Park of vast plains and empty bush savannah. It is characteristically a plain land with mainly acacia bushes and savannah grassland which form good cover for wildlife. Tsavo is habituated with one of the largest elephant populations in the world and Tsavo East accommodates the bulk of them which easily observable as they graze in the swampy plains of the park in large or small herds. Unlike Tsavo West, Tsavo East is relatively flat which makes it easier to spot game even far in the distance, save for the thickets which provide perfect cover for the animals. For the most parts, the park is waterless with seasonal streams, waterholes and ponds which attract animals in the dry season. Common here are dik diks, the lesser kudu, giraffes, zebras and buffaloes.

Huge ranges of semi-desert bush and open plains easily make large herds of elephants the main attraction of the park as they feed on the swampy areas or visit water holes in the hot afternoon sun. At water holes, one would marvel at the sight of an elephant taking a swim after quenching their thirst or a waterbuck taking that extra caution not to fall prey of the waiting rare hunting dogs renowned for their efficient hunting skills. There are also other scenic attractions in the park apart from wildlife including the Livingstone’s falls on the crocodile and hippo infested River Galana which is lined with beautiful palm trees within the backdrop of the Yatta escarpment. The park is sparsely populated with lodges and hotels. In fact most of the lodges are established just outside the park on the main Nairobi - Mombasa Highway thus making it easily accessible via road. There is an airstrip at the park for small charter planes.

Tsavo West National Park covers an area of about 9,060 km square. It receives an annual rainfall of between 200-700mm. It is accessible both by road and by air with airstrips at Kilaguni Serena and Finch Hatton. SafariLink, Mombasa Air Safari and East Africa Air Charter and flights connect from Mombasa, Nairobi or to the Mara. The Park can also approach the Park from Amboseli or Taveta border. In terms of attractions; Tsavo West is quite a scenic place. With plains, hills and valleys, ragged mountain blocks like the Ngulia open in grassland, acacia thickets, swamps and escarpments this is a place ideal for picture rescue covers. Yet it still offers abundant wildlife which is easier to spot during the dry season when shrubs have not over grown and also at water holes.

Being at the base of the mighty Kilimanjaro and the Chyulu hills, there is abundant water springs e.g. the Mzima springs as well as the host of small springs and ponds which serve as water holes for wildlife. There are also streams flowing through the Park like the Tsavo River being a home to many hippopotamus.Main Attractions of this park include game: Most big game are easy to spot here except the cats due to thick shrubs and their tendency to seek cover. Elephant herds, lone buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, antelopes and wilderbeast herds are a common sight. Other natural features include the Shetani Caves and Shetani lava, the Roaring Rock, Poachers Lookout and the Rhino Sanctuary. The Chyulu Hills National Park lies just opposite the Park and is a convenient spot to visit, with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation in Tsavo East & West

Images of Tsavo East & West