Tsavo National Park to many is mostly associated with the ‘man-eaters of Tsavo’, which has been documented on and produced as a movie. However not all is doom and gloom in the park. Tsavo is divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West and is located midway between Nairobi and Mombasa (Kenya’s Coast), here you will find volcanic hills, and spring fed pools of water, rivers, and more a variety of wildlife and bird species.
Tsavo West borders the south Serengeti plains in Tanzania and is home to many animals as altitude levels are conducive. Tsavo in general is divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West; the Mombasa- Nairobi highway marks the separation.
There are two gates that lead to the park, chyulu gate form Amboseli and Mtito Andei from Mombasa. The park can also be reached via Taveta- Sipe road. Kamboyo, Kilagrui, Tsavo Gate and Maxtar airstrips are also at service.
Tsavo East National Park is one of the oldest parks in Kenya, located South East of Kenya near the Town of Voi in the Taita-Taveta District of Coast Province, inland from the Coast, it is 13,747 sq.km.
While the Tsavo West National Park is also located in the Coast of Kenya covering an area of 9,065 sq.km. The park was opened in April 1948.
Tsavo East Features
The slightly larger Tsavo East is generally flat, with dry plains across which the Galana River flows. Other features include the Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls.
Tsavo West Features
Tsavo West National Park is more mountainous and wetter than its counterpart, with swamps, Lake Jipe and the Mzima Springs. It is known for bird life and for its large mammal’s e.g. black rhino, Cape buffalo, elephant, leopard, hippo and Masai lion. There are also other smaller animals that can be spotted in the park, such as the bush baby, hartebeest, lesser kudu and Maasai giraffe.
The star attraction of the park would have to be what lies beneath Mzima Springs. The natural spring waters have within them a viewing point to see crocodiles and hippos.
There is a wide range of animals to be seen enhanced by the neighboring Southern Serengeti Plains from where animals migrate in search of food, water or simply change of environment. Game includes: leopard, cheetah, buffalo, rhinos, elephant, giraffes, zebra, lions, crocodiles and hippos. Smaller animals include hyrax, mongoose, dik dik etc.
Habitat diversification is also an attraction as Tsavo is outlined by mountains, forests, rivers, plains and wooded grassland. Mount kilimanjaro can be observed in the horizon. Over 500 bird species have been identified in the park and as the park is excellent for taking walks, visitors are able to capture the sight of flying birds.
African Wildlife is the main safari attraction in both Tsavo East and West. Tsavo’s relative closeness to the beaches and tourist attractions around Malindi and Mombasa make it an ideal one-day wildlife safari destination
A Tsavo Safari is the ideal destination for people who seek solitude and privacy as well as the chance to explore the wilderness. With its proximity to Mombasa it is also an ideal safari for those seeking a Kenya beach holiday
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