15 Amazing Things About Visiting Tsavo National Park
Previously known as Taru Dessert, Tsavo National Park is one of the largest parks in the world. It is approximately 22,000 square kilometers. It is a cocktail rich in history, tales of horror, a dense population of animals and birds, rivers, hills, dams, a lake, 4 live springs merged in one, howling rocks, a rapidly rapid waterfall and a good number of animal sanctuaries. This is the home of red elephants and it’s the only place you will encounter so many of them grazing in herds.
Tsavo is uniquely torn into two by the railway and the main road connecting two cities, Mombasa and Nairobi.
Though famously know for the Man-eating lions of Tsavo, there is alot more to it than maneless lions.
Top 9 Places To Visit On The Tsavo
Tsavo East
- Mudanda Rock
This volcanic rock welcomes you when you enter the Tsavo at Chyulu gate. It is a solid beauty. On top of it, you a jaw dropping view of the Tsavo.
2. Yatta Plateau
The Yatta Plateau gives Tsavo East a vastness that is on another level. The landscape will leave your jaw sweeping the lava. On the plateau you get a vantage view over both Tsavos. It is the largest plateau in Africa. It is also the longest running for 300kms.
3. Galana River
You haven’t seen an animals meeting until you see all species in the wild, gathered around river Galana quenching their thirst. This is a perfect place to cross off the wild wish or bucket list. Here you will see different kinds of animals assembling for a drink.
4. Lugard Falls
The rippling beauty of the rapids on river Galana results in this wonder of nature. Nothing beats the hard whispers of falling water created by the Lugard Falls. It is an exotic scenery with a breathtaking landscape that will leave you appreciating nature. This is one of the Tsavo East wonders.
Tsavo West
- Mzima Springs
This is the most scenic place in Tsavo if you ask me. The four springs of pure churn form a pool that quenches the animals. Mzima means alive. This is an oasis in what looks like a desert. Elephants bathe here! Hippos and Rhinos show their majesty here. And the cunning small bush animals play here as well.
2. Lake Jipe
This is a home of Hippos and crocodiles. The quiet waters that run deep and host dangerous water creatures you can only imagine.
3. Kanderi Swamp
This is the feeding ground of most grazers in the Tsavo. They are hunted here too. You will see the zebras, Antelopes, Rhinos, buffalos here and the big cats waiting to spring into hunting action.
4. Chaimu Volcanic Crater
They call it a volcanic chimney. It is a beautiful and thrilling sight.
5. Shetani Lava Flow
The locals name it Shetani, referring to the devil. The black lava flow is to them what the devil looks like. On top of it, one is able to see the pristine view of the Tsavo landscape. You can live forever. The sunset is what you only read in textbooks.
15 Reasons Why You Must Visit Tsavo
- Wild Wild Tsavo
Tsavo is so wild nothing compares to it. It is the savanna, the desert, the hills, the mountains, the jungle and every aspect of wilderness you can think of in one glass. It is a new experience in every way from the animals to the environment.
2. Home of mythology
There is a story to everything that exists in Tsavo. The myths of the Shetani Lava Flow will keep you hooked. The twists of the man-eating lions as well. You know why the lions of Tsavo are maneless? Have you heard about the howling rocks? The myths will leave your mind boggled.
3. Garden of Eden Experience
The mzima spring to me is equivalent to something next to the garden of Eden. The beauty, the animals, the fertility and the four rivers that flow in the Tsavo are just classics. This gives Tsavo a touch of mystery and something that looks like an artistic landscaping wonder.
4. Mystery of side by side nature paradox
The combination of desert and wetlands is a mystery. Like there is the pain of drought and heat and an antidote of springs, rivers and lakes. The oasis at Mzima will make you think the sun only comes out to make love to nature but the heat at Yatta Plateau will make you wonder if the sun just dropped lower! Such a paradox of nature!
5. Best Safaris
Tsavo West gives you the best Safari drives. It has well maintained roads and it has amazing landscapes. The East is best at night. You will see animals coming out of their hiding places or just sleeping on rocks bothering no one. In the stillness of night there is so much to experience.
6. One of the world’s largest parks
Tsavo is not only Africa’s gem but one of the largest parks in the whole world. You want to witness such vastness.
7. Architectural lodges
The lodges in Tsavo are uniquely built. You get the best sunrise views and sunsets. From the comfort of your bed you can watch the amazing azure of the Tsavo Sunset. Some lodges are just near the Yatta Lava Plateau and you can relax watching lions bask in the sun or enjoy the evening cool on the rock.
8. Cultural diversity
Originally Tsavo was the home of the Oromo people. When it became a protected area in the 1940s, they were driven out. They left behind fragments of culture that has been enriched by tribes around Tsavo in Voi, Yatta, Mwatate Taveta and Taita. Kambas also have some tales to the Tsavo. Besides the original fame story of the Man-eating lions by the Indians and other railway workers, Tsavo encompasses a lot of cultural beauty.
9. Home of inspiration
Any artist, be it a painting, drawing, writing, sculpting, name it. If you are out of inspiration, it is time to pack and visit Tsavo. You will return to your station loaded with ideas in ways you can’t imagine.
10. The breathtaking vastness
Tsavo is so large it looks like it has no end! The horizon is invisible. This is just beyond awesome. The expansive landscapes, long, winding roads, the horizon that sits in the nothingness… It is amazing staring into the endless wonder!
11. Trio wilderness Combo
This means you get to view the birds, see the savanna animals and encounter water creatures as well. It is air, land and water all combined! Isn’t that beyond expectations?
12. Textbook serenity experience
The wilderness is the most natural element of creation. Man can be in their natural element in the wilderness. Away from civilization and human creation, here you get a chance to tap into the hidden animalistic nature that lies within you. This to me is the epitome of serenity. Just sitting on a lava rock, watching the sun set, in the company of wild wild animals.
13. Archeological Riches
Galana River is home of archeology. The findings and fossils on the river bank date back to over 7000 years. The history of medieval man is here. Lovers of archeology and it’s branches can pluck leaves at the Galana river.
14. Big Five Expose
Lions, Elephants,Cheetahs, Buffalos and Rhinos are here in abundance. You can never have enough of them. Not to mention the other animals that are almost extinct in other parts of the world like the Grevy Zebra.
15. Tsavo By Night
Tsavo is a nocturnal wonderland. Driving in the park at night is an experience on another level. The darkness punctuated with shining eyes of nocturnal creatures is a textbook experience. Camping gets more thrilling at night. It is usually secure and you will be in the company of tour guides. You can make amazing videos at this time.
Top 12 Must Do Activities In The Tsavo
- Birding
Enjoy watching over 300 species of birds. Some species are extinct in other places. This can be done early in the morning and during the day. More birds are available in Tsavo East, especially around the rivers and the spring.
2. Hiking
Guided hiking is one of the top activities in Tsavo. It is thrilling going up the Chyulu hills and mou
3. Camping
There are around five camping sights in Tsavo that will give you an experience of a lifetime. The camping activities are usually guided as well but there is room for self directed activities. You can do group camps here.
4. Night Safari
This must be on every adventures’ bucket list. Imagine driving through the wilderness at night! It is a thriller and mind boggling experience! Meeting the wild cats at night is another level of spine chilling experience!
5. Encounter the Big Five
If you have not seen, taken photos, recorded videos with the big five, you got a chance in Tsavo. Don’t let it pass by you!
6. Unique lodging and hospitality experiences
Tsavo is known for its unique architecture when it comes to designing lodges and hotels. They are strategically built to allow a maximum experience of the wild and amazing views.
7. Photography
In Tsavo you will take the best pictures. The environment is picturesque, the lighting is pristine and the environment extremely photogenic.
8. Nature walk
You can decide to take the most coveted nature walk in the wilderness. This can be self directed in allowed areas but then you should be accompanied by a tour guide. This is a very relaxing activity.
9. Visit animal sanctuaries
This gives you a chance to contribute towards saving endangered species. The white Rhinos, Grevy Zebras and other species are reserved in the sanctuaries in the Tsavo.
10. Extreme Sightseeing
The title says it best. Don’t miss out on anything. See everything that there is to be seen.
11. Walk down the lane of history
Tsavo hosts a rich history. It ranges from Archeological history, to the early civilizations of Kenya, the Man- eaters of Tsavo and even has a world war two history. Don’t miss out on this.
12. Cycling
Hire a bike and cycle down the wilderness. Just don’t get eaten!
8 Things You Must Have In Your Travel Pack When Visiting Tsavo
- Over one week itinerary. This can be given in liaison with your travel agent. There is so much to see and do, you need a plan to have the best experience.
- Proper packed personal items: warm clothes, night pack including insect repellent, sun screen, glasses. Anything that will help you survive and enjoy staying in the wilderness for a few days.
- You will need necessary electronics.A fully charged camera with backup batteries. Torches, portable music systems, working watches that are properly set on East African Time.
- Camping pack. You will be provided with most of the camping requirements at the camping sites but having your own pieces of sheet, snacks, water, among others could make the camping more fun and less scary.
- Your traveling documents. Should be well updated. This includes COVID certificate, yellow fever vaccination certificate among others.
- Some petty cash in Kenya currency. Forex services are available in banks. Don’t be conned.
- A map for the areas you will be visiting. You also need to keep your agents’ contact info including your tour guides’.
- An open mind for new experiences and adventure!
Conclusion
Tsavo National Park is one of Africa’s gem and having it on your list of places to visit is not enough. You have to set aside several days to just explore and know how it feels like to glide from the Arid East into the Green hilly West of Tsavo. Karibu Tsavo!
Emily Khalayi Wekulo
REFERENCES
http://www.kws.go.ke/content/tsavo-east-national-park
https://www.tsavonationalparkkenya.com/
