Tsavo East is branded “theatre of the world”
while Tsavo west is known as “the ancient land of lion and lava”. The twin
National Parks of Tsavo East and West together form one of Africa’s largest
wilderness reserves. This single National Park is larger than the island of
Jamaica. Tsavo as a whole consists of 10 million acres of pure wilderness,
incorporating savannah, ranges and hills, acacia and montane forest, and an
extensive river system.
The vast plains of Tsavo are crossed by the main Nairobi-Mombasa railroad. This historic railway was, in 1899, the scene of one of Africa’s greatest Adventure stories. Two large lions actively preyed on the railway workers as they built a bridge over the Tsavo River, claiming over 120 victims. They evaded hunters for well over a year, and the legend of the Man-eaters of Tsavo was born. The sheer scale of Tsavo gives you a chance to really get away from it all, and to explore the wild in total solitude. On safari here you will see large herds of Elephant, their hides often a luminous red with dust, as well as Lion, Buffalo, Eland, Giraffe Impala, Kudu and possibly Rhinoceros.
The vast plains of Tsavo are crossed by the main Nairobi-Mombasa railroad. This historic railway was, in 1899, the scene of one of Africa’s greatest Adventure stories. Two large lions actively preyed on the railway workers as they built a bridge over the Tsavo River, claiming over 120 victims. They evaded hunters for well over a year, and the legend of the Man-eaters of Tsavo was born. The sheer scale of Tsavo gives you a chance to really get away from it all, and to explore the wild in total solitude. On safari here you will see large herds of Elephant, their hides often a luminous red with dust, as well as Lion, Buffalo, Eland, Giraffe Impala, Kudu and possibly Rhinoceros.
The
relative proximity of Tsavo East to the coast makes it an ideal safari
destination for those staying on the coast, or wishing to combine a safari and
beach holiday. Many coast based visitors combine a safari to Tsavo with visits
to the Shimba Hills and Taita game sanctuaries, Amboseli National Park, or the
Chyulu Hills.
The
Joint mass of Tsavo West and Tsavo East National covers a massive 4% of Kenya’s
total land area. Tsavo East the larger of the two, lies to the east of the
Nairobi –Mombasa road, equidistant between Nairobi and Mombasa, and offers a
vast and untapped arena of arid bush which is washed by azure and emerald
meandering of Galana River. Guarded by the limitless lava reaches of Yatta
plateau and patrolled by some of the largest elephant herds in Kenya
Tsavo
east is characterized by the famous ‘Elephant in Eden’ experience – the sight
of dust-red elephant wallowing, rolling and spraying each other with the
midnight blue waters of palm-shaded Galana River is one of the most evocative
images of Africa. The beautiful Aruba
dam located on the north bank of the seasonal Voi River is visited by thousands
of animals and a great game viewing destination. There is also Mudanda Rock –
this whale –backed Rock towers above a natural dam and acts as a draw to
thousands of Elephants.
The
longest lava flow in the world- at 300 kilometers in length, the heat
shimmering edge of Yatta plateau is the longest lava flow in the world and an
ornithological paradise that attract migrating birds from all over the world.
Lugards Falls - Named after Captain Lugard, the first proconsul to East Africa,
the falls feature bizarrely eroded rocks through which the waters of the Galana
River plunge into foaming rapids and crocodile –infested pools.
The slightly larger Tsavo East is
generally flat, with dry plains across which the Galana River flows. Other
features include the Yatta Plateau and Lugards Falls.
Tsavo West National Park is more mountainous
and wetter than its counterpart, with swamps, Lake Jipe and the Mzima Springs.
It is known for birdlife and for its large mammals. It is also home to a black
rhino sanctuary.
Of all
the point of attraction in this majestic reserve, Mzima springs are not to be
missed. These natural springs produce 50
million gallons of fresh sparkling water daily. These waters are alive with
shoals of barbell, Hippopotamus and waterfowls. A unique underwater observatory
has been built that gives you an incredible view of this crystal clear
underwater world, where massive hippos glide silently through swirling shoals
of barbell. The springs have created a sprawling wetland paradise of giant
Raphia palms and oases alive with water birds.
Both
Tsavo East and West are ideal for those who enjoy solitude and a chance to
explore wilderness without encountering other people. Lodges and Camps tend to
be remote and accessible by long drives or air transfer. Of the two Parks,
Tsavo East is the more remote and less visited. Many of these can organize game
walks and other activities.
Peter K.
Philip
Adventure Kenya camping safaris,
Natural
Track Safaris
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