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Tsavo East National Park – Home to Red Elephants

Safari to Tsavo East - elephants of tsavo kenya

Are you looking to go on a Kenya Safari to the Tsavo East National Park? Do you want a luxury safari where the untamed wilderness meets opulent indulgence? If yes, consider a Tsavo East luxury escape.

Our safari is custom-made to ensure lavish comfort. Luxury escape will take you to the untamed nature of the Tsavo east national park, which is nestled in sprawling savannahs and ancient lava flows.

This Tsavo East National Reserve article will give you first-hand information on what to do and see when visiting Tsavo East. 

Tsavo East National Park

The Tsavo East National Park is one of Kenya’s largest and oldest parks. The park is famous because of the sight of dust-red elephants that roll, wallow, and spray each other with the blue waters of the Galana River

The park was formed by one of the longest lava Flows in the world, the Yatta Plateau. In addition, it is one of the largest protected areas in the country.

It is home to large mammals such as red elephants, rhinos, hippos, and buffalos. Predators found in Tsavo East include lions, leopards, wild dogs, and hyenas. 

Tsavo East has a park size of 13,747 square kilometers and is part of the larger Tsavo National Park. Tsavo West is around 9,065 square kilometers3. 

Differences Between Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West

Several factors differentiate Tsavo East and Tsavo West. One is the size and location. Tsavo East is bigger than Tsavo West National Park because it has a pack size of 13,744 square kilometers. Another factor differentiating the two are

Location: Tsavo East is a few kilometres from Voi, present-day Taita-Taveta County. It is 250 km from Nairobi, near Mkomazo Game Reserve in Tanzania, and Chyulu Hills National Park.

Tsavo West is located 240 km from Nairobi along the Nairobi -Mombasa highway. The park is located in the former Taru Desert. It is easier to access the park because the Nairobi-Mombasa highway passes in the middle of it.

Landscape and scenery: Tsavo East boasts open Savannah plains, scattered baobab trees, and seasonal rivers. The park also has a flat landscape when compared to Tsavo West. Tsavo, West, has a more dramatic landscape full of volcanic Hills and dense Woodlands and is also home to the famous Mzima Springs.

Wildlife concentration: Tsavo East has many elephants which like to play with the red soil, hence the name red elephants. The park also has other wildlife, such as lions, buffalos, cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras.

Tsavo West has a larger number of rhinoceroses than elephants. It is also home to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.

Attraction points: Tsavo East is home to iconic landmarks such as the Mudanda Rock, Galana River and Aruba Dam. The West is home to tourist attractions such as the Tsavo River Bridge, Mzima Springs, and Chaimu Crater.

The tsavo national park is a good place for a luxury escapes Africa safari. The park has numerous luxury lodges and can be accessed by air. Contact our local experts to create a customised safari for you and your family.

What to See When You Go For a Tsavo East Safari

Tsavo East is a good place to go for a luxury Safari. There are many things to see and do while on a safari in the Tsavo East National Park. One of them is wildlife tracking. Tsavo East is a good place to track wildlife in its natural habitat. Wild animals in the park include buffalos, zebras, giraffes, antelope, lions and hippos. Other things to do in the Tsavo East national park are:

Aruba Dam

The Aruba Dam is an artificial dam created to provide water to wild animals. The dam was built along the Voi River at the Southern end of the National Park. It has a size of 85 Hectors.

The dam has a jetting for tourists to have a good time. One of the activities that can be done near the dam is game driving. This is because over 50 different animal species go to drink and cool themselves in the dam. The area is also good for bird watching because it attracts rare migratory Birds.

We advise bird photographers to visit the area during the rainy season when the birds are breeding and nesting. The best time to visit Aruba Dam is during the dry season because vehicles can easily pass through. 

Mudanda Rock

Mudanda Rock is a geological formation located in Tsavo East National Park. It is a unique landmark with cultural significance to the locals. Mudanda rock is a massive outcrop over 1.6 kilometres long and 1.2 kilometres tall. The rock is located a few meters from Manyani Gate.

Mudanda rock is a natural water catchment rock that supplies water to a natural dam downstream. It is easy to spot the rock because of its distinct rugged surface, size, and colours ranging from shades of reddish and brown.

Tourists can climb the rock to get a scenic view of Tsavo East. The vantage point gives you access to hidden sights of the sprawling savannah plains and acacia woodlands. Also, the base of the rock acts as a gathering spot for animals such as Zebras, red-coloured elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and gazelles.

Tourists can access designated picnic spots at the top of the rock to enjoy a meal and connect with nature. 

Kanderi Swamp

Kanderi Swamp is an excellent place to visit, especially if you are a bird lover. This off-the-beaten-path is an excellent place to understand the harmonious coexistence of bird species and wildlife.

Kanderi Swamp is located on the banks of river Voi, just a few minutes east of Voi town. The swamp is home to lions and elephants congregating near the water source. Safely hidden in the trees are leopards that only come down when the lions are away 

The swamp is also home to elephants, giraffes Gazelles, and hippos. Acacia Woodlands surround the swamp, and it is a bird-watching haven. It attracts more than 200 bird species, including kingfishers, plovers, egrets, storks, and ducks.

Kanderi Swamp is important because it supports a rich biodiversity of aquatic organisms and plants. The best way for tourists in Kenya to explore the swamp is with a knowledgeable tour guide. 

Yatta Plateau

shetani lava flow- tsavo east national park

The Yatta Plateau is a remarkable geographical feature in Tsavo East National Park. Yatta plateau was formed due to a volcanic eruption which produced the lava flow.

The plateau boasts of having the world’s longest lava flow, 290 km long. During the volcanic eruption millions of years ago, the famous Ol Doinyo Sabuk mountain was formed. The plateau is located along the Western boundaries of the Athi and Tiva river. The best month to visit the 

Yatta plateau is during the dry months of January and February.

The Yatta Plateau can be accessed via road {106 km from Nairobi} or air {1 hr 15m flights} from Nairobi. Things to do at the yatta plateau include camping and walking safaris. It is also a good place to witness magical sunrises and sunsets. 

Lugard Falls

Lugard Falls is a good place to see dramatic waterfalls, wildlife, and unique rock formations. The fall is located along the Galana River, named after British Colonial administrator Frederick Lugard.

The falls create a dramatic site as the Galana River rushes through a narrow channel creating a series of rapid cascades and rock formations over 16 km long. This visually stunning display of water cascades is a sight to behold.

The area is also known for its scenic beauty because the combination of rushing water, lush vegetation, and rocky outcrops create a picturesque setting.

The falls are also home to wildlife such as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. 

Lugard Falls is an ideal place for photography and observation. This is because the dramatic interplay of water, wildlife, and rocks creates a stunning scene.

The Galana River

Lastly, your safari in Tsavo East cannot be complete without visiting the mighty Galana River. The Galana River is one of the longest rivers in Kenya and stretches for approximately 560 kilometres from the highlands to the Indian Ocean.

The river meanders through Tsavo East National Park, and it is a critical source of water. It creates a scenic beauty over Tsavo East by creating a conducive environment that ensures the river banks are lined up with lush vegetation, which includes tall grasses, acacia, and palm trees.

Along the river are riverine forests, home to birds, monkeys, baboons, and small mammals.

Book a Tsavo East National Park Safari

Tsavo East can be accessed by air or road. A road safari is preferred for tourists looking to explore the countryside. Book your African safari with us for an unmatched luxury experience. We deal with local tour guides who will show you hidden gems and places that mainstream media don’t know exist.

Robert K

I am an entrepreneur who spends his time travelling around the country and Africa. I love to travel in Luxury, engaging in outdoor activities and camping in luxurious tents while counting the stars in the sky. My motto is simple: Travel the world and expose yourself to a world of opportunities.

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