Are you looking to go on a safari to the wild heart of Africa? Are you looking for an African safari full of unforgettable adventures? If yes, get ready to explore one of the planet’s largest and most diverse wildlife sanctuaries – Tsavo National Park.
Tsavo national park boasts sweeping savannahs, volcanic hills made millions of years ago, and abundant wildlife such as Monsterous elephants and killer lions. The park is also home to animals such as gazelles, leopards, hippos, and giant crocodiles found in the Tana River.
So pack your bags, and grab your camera, for an African Safari at the Tsavo National Park. Don’t hesitate to call us for a customised luxury safari for you and your family.
Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park is located in Kenya and is divided into two separate parks, Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park.
Together, the parks cover an area of 22,000 square kilometres. Tsavo East National Park is known as the Theatre of the Wild. This is because it has dusty red elephants that traverse the mighty savanna looking for pasture. Tsavo East is also the largest protected area in Kenya. It is larger than the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The Tsavo national park is a good place for a luxury safari in Kenya. It is home to monstrous elephants, the famous man-eating lions of Tsavo, and plenty of luxurious camps.
Tsavo Kenia is accessible by both road and air. Tourists on a safari can access the park through Mtito Andei gates which are located 233 km south of Nairobi or 250 km north of Mombasa.
If you are travelling from Malindi, the park can be accessed via Sala Gate.
Alternatively, luxury tourists can fly to various airstrips, such as Voi, Aruba, Satao, Sala, Ithumba, Sangayaya, Mopeo, Bachuma, and Cottars.
Best Time to Visit Tsavo National Park
We will break down the months based on the weather to understand the best time to go on a safari in Tsavo, Kenya.
Dry season (June-October and January-February)
The dry seasons are usually the peak months. During the dry season, the park experiences little to no rainfall, meaning the grass is shorter and easier to spot predators.
Temperatures are warm during the day, ranging from 25-35°C (77-95°F), but drop significantly at night.
Short Rains (November-December)
The off-peak season is during November and decemeber. During this season, the park experiences short and light rains. At the same time, the tall grass makes it difficult to see predators in the wild.
Similarly, roads become muddy and slippery, making it challenging to navigate the terrain.
Wet season (March-June)
March is usually the beginning of the rainy season in Kenya, and tourism is at its lowest. The park experiences heavy rainfall, which causes floods and makes some areas inaccessible.
Cool season (June-September)
June – September is a great time for tourists to visit the park. The weather is mild during the day, ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F), and cool at night. These months are perfect for bird watching as many migratory birds flock through the park.
The best time to visit Tsavo National Park is during the dry season (June-October and January-February) because the grass is shorter, and the roads are passable.
If you are planning to visit the Masai Mara national reserve, read our guide on the best time to visit Masai Mara to make an informed decision about your safari.
Tourist Attractions in The Tsavo National Park
Tsavo Kenya offers numerous safari experiences. Tourists can see the wildlife or visit magical sites such as Mzima Springs and Shetani Lava Flow. Below is a list of tourist attractions that can be experienced at Tsavo:
- Wildlife viewing
- Bird watching
- Mzima Springs
- Lugard Falls
- Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
- Roaring Rocks
- The Galana River
- Yatta Plateau
- Grogan’s Castle
- Tsavo River Bridge
- Shetani Lava Flow
- Rhino Valley
- Crocodile Point
- Tiva River
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Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is one of the main things to do at the Tsavo National Park. The park is home to various types of wildlife, such as:
- Elephants: Tsavo is home to one of the largest elephant herds in Kenya. The park boasts an elephant population of over 12,000.
- Lions: The park is home to the legendary ‘Man-Eaters of Tsavo.” These are lions that killed Indian workers as they built the railway line.
- Giraffes: The park has several species of giraffes, such as the reticulated and Masai giraffes.
- Zebras: Tsavo is home to several zebra species, such as the common and Grevy’s zebra.
- Buffalo: The African buffalo is one of the most formidable animals on the continent. The park is home to large herds of buffalos, which graze and wallow in the rivers and swamps.
- Leopards: Leopards are one of the most elusive animals in the park, but with a bit of luck and the help of an experienced guide, visitors can spot these big cats hunting or lounging in the trees
2. Birdwatching
Tsavo National Park is also a great destination for birdwatchers, with over 500 bird species recorded in the park. Some of the birds you can see in Tsavo include the African fish eagle, yellow-throated longclaw, red-winged lark, martial eagle, and black-faced sandgrouse.
The park’s diverse habitats, including riverine forests, savannahs, and wetlands, make it a great place to spot a wide range of bird species. Tourists on safari in the park can take guided birdwatching walks or simply keep an eye out for feathered friends while on safari.
3. Mzima Springs
Mzima Springs is a natural wonder located in Tsavo National Park. The springs are fed by underground streams from the nearby Chyulu Hills, and the crystal-clear water provides a home for a variety of aquatic life, including hippos and crocodiles.
Tourists in Kenya can take a guided walk along the nature trail to see the springs up close and observe the wildlife that calls them home.
The highlight of any visit to Mzima Springs is the underwater viewing chamber, where visitors can see hippos and fish swimming in the clear waters of the springs.
4. Lugard Falls
Lugard Falls are located on the Galana River, and the rushing water creates a series of rapids and cascades.
Tourists can take a guided walk along the river to see the falls up close and observe the unique rock formations created by the powerful water. The falls are named after Frederick Lugard, a British explorer who visited the area in the late 19th century.
The falls offer a beautiful, dramatic sight and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Tsavo Kenia.
5. Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary is a protected area within Tsavo West National Park that was established in the 1980s to protect the critically endangered black rhinoceros.
The sanctuary covers an area of about 90 square kilometres and is home to over 70 black rhinos, making it one of the most successful rhino sanctuaries in Kenya. Visitors can take guided game drive safaris through the sanctuary to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
The sanctuary also offers night game drives, where tourists can see nocturnal animals like leopards and hyenas. The Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary is a unique and important conservation area and a must-visit destination for any wildlife enthusiast.
6. Roaring Rocks
Roaring Rocks is a scenic viewpoint located in Tsavo East National Park. The viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the park’s sweeping savannahs and the Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow.
The rocks at the viewpoint are named after the sound the wind makes as it whistles through the rock formations. Visitors can take a guided walk to the top of the rocks to enjoy the breathtaking views and observe wildlife, such as baboons and klipspringers.
7. Yatta Plateau
Yatta Plateau is one of the most unique and impressive natural features in Tsavo East National Park. It is the world’s longest lava flow, stretching over 290 kilometres from near the border of Tanzania to the Athi River.
The plateau was formed from lava flows from Ol Doinyo Sabuk and other volcanic mountains that erupted over the course of millions of years. Visitors can take a guided walk along the top of the plateau to see the incredible rock formations and stunning views of the park’s vast savannahs.
Yatta Plateau is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in geology or simply looking for a unique and awe-inspiring experience in Tsavo East National Park.
8. Galana River
Galana River is the longest river in the country, and flows through the park to the Indian Ocean.
The Galana river has numerous aquatic animals, such as crocodiles and hippos. Tourists can take a boat ride to see hippos and crocodiles and observe the beautiful landscapes.
The river is also ideal for fishing because it has numerous fish species.
9. Grogan’s Castle
Grogans Castle Hotel is a colonial-style hotel in Taveta, a small town in southeastern Kenya. Taveta is near the border with Tanzania. The hotel was named after Ewart Grogan, a British explorer known for his epic journeys from Cape Town to Cairo during the early 20th century.
The castle is in a secluded location overlooking Lake Jipe, with Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. It was once a popular destination for visitors, hunters, and safari enthusiasts exploring the nearby wildlife reserves.
The hotel had a rich history, having been built in the early 1900s by Grogan. It was later refurbished and turned into a hotel in the 1930s, and over the years, it became a popular spot for visitors worldwide.
However, the hotel has been closed for many years and is in disrepair.
10. Tsavo River Bridge
The Tsavo River Bridge is a historic bridge located in the Tsavo East National Park. It was built in 1948 as part of the Kenya-Uganda railway, built during the colonial era to connect the interior of East Africa with the Indian coast.
The bridge is an impressive engineering feat, with a length of over 500 feet and a height of over 100 feet. The bridge is also known for its distinctive arch design and the scenic views of the surrounding wilderness.
Today, the Tsavo River Bridge is a popular tourist attraction site in the Tsavo East National Park.
The bridge is also a popular spot for wildlife viewing, as many animals can be seen grazing or drinking from the river below.
11. Shetani Lava Flow
Shetani Lava Flow is a geological feature in Kenya’s southern part of Tsavo East National Park.
The name “Shetani” means devil in Swahili, and it is named so by the locals who believe the devil made the formations. In reality, the formations are a result of volcanic eruptions that occurred over 500 years ago.
Shetani Lava Flow covers an area of approximately 50 square kilometres and is made up of black volcanic rock that stretches for miles across the savannah.
The lava flow is a popular tourist destination for tourists who want to explore its rugged terrain and unique geological formations. In addition, the area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, and various species of birds.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Shetani Lava Flow is also significant from a historical and cultural perspective.
Lastly, local people believe that evil spirits haunt the area, and it is a symbol of the destructive power of nature.
12. Rhino Valley
Rhino Valley is located in the Southeastern part of the Tsavo East National Park. The valley is known for its black rhino population, which is among Africa’s most endangered species of large mammals.
The valley is home to a large population of rhinos monitored and protected by park rangers and conservationists.
The valley is a popular tourist destination for tourists visiting Tsavo East. Here, you can see black rhinos in their natural habitat and learn about the conservation efforts to protect them from poachers.
In addition to its wildlife, the Valley is known for its scenic beauty, which consists of rolling hills, vast plains, and picturesque acacia trees that dot the landscape. Visitors can explore the area on foot, on a guided safari tour, or from the comfort of a safari vehicle.
13. Crocodile Point
Crocodile Point is located in Tsavo East National Park. It is a scenic spot along the banks of the Galana River: the longest river in Kenya. Crocodile Point is known for its large population of crocodiles.
Tourists at Crocodile Point enjoy stunning views of the river and its surrounding landscape, which includes rugged cliffs and rocky outcroppings that line the river banks. Crocodile
Point is home to many crocodiles bask in the sun along the river banks. These fearsome reptiles are a popular attraction for visitors, who come to see them up close and learn about their behaviour and natural habitat.
The place offers numerous safari activities, such as guided tours, bird watching, and hiking.
14. Tiva River
The Tiva River has its source in Chyulu Hills and flows through the Tsavo West National Park before joining the Athi River near Kibwezi. Athi River then flows into the Indian Ocean.
The Tiva River is an essential water source that supports various wildlife, such as elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and birds. The river also supports local communities, providing water for irrigation and domestic use.
Tiva River is known for its scenic beauty, and tourists can engage in various activities such as wildlife viewing, bird watching, and hiking.
Several luxury lodges and campsites are located along the river, providing visitors with a comfortable and convenient base to explore the area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tsavo National Park is an excellent place to go for safari. It has several luxury lodges to keep your family safe. In addition, Tsavo Kenya has plenty of things to do and see. For example, while at the park, tourists can visit Rhino Valley to spend time with endangered animals.
In addition, tourists can also explore the rugged terrain of Shetani Lava flow or take a guided walk along Lugard Falls. Get In touch for a luxury safari experience in Kenya. All our safaris are custom-made to ensure you have a memorable safari while in the country.
