Place to Visit: Tsavo Gamelands

Tsavo East & West National Parks

Southern Kenya, Kenya

The twin National Parks of Tsavo East and Tsavo West together form one of Africa’s largest wilderness reserves. 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. This single National Park is larger than the island of Jamaica.

The sheer scale of Tsavo gives the visitor 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. Tsavo is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with numerous species of weavers, hornbills, sunbirds, rollers, and raptors commonly seen.

Great Reasons To Visit

  • Large herds of elephant and other wildlife within the parks ensure excellent game viewing.
  • One of Kenya’s most easily accessible areas.
  • Watch hippos from an underwater viewing area at Mzima Springs.

Background

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. The relative proximity of Tsavo East to the coast make it an ideal safari destination for those staying on the coast, or wishing to combine a safari and beach holiday.

One of Tsavo’s most interesting geographical features is the Lugard Falls, where white water rages through a series of spectacular rock formations. Also not to be missed is the volcanic Mzima Springs.  

Relaxing

In and around Voi and Mtito Andei, many small markets and shops can be found selling local handicrafts. Most Kenyans would agree that the best carvers in the country are the Kamba from Eastern Kenya. Traditional Kamba designs include spoons, ladles and ornate three legged stools. The popular animal carvings are a more modern design. Commonly used woods include mango wood and the roots of the Leleshwa. Fine examples of their work can be found in this region.

Tsavo Gamelands

Tsavo’s massive area and wide range of landscapes make this an ideal place for a varied wildlife safari. The sheer space and freedom of Tsavo lets you really explore and feel at one with this awesome wilderness.

Exploring both parks means that your safari will take you through several very different habitats in a single day, encountering many different species.

The open plains are the best place to see the large herds of game. The region is well known for its herds of "Red Elephants", their skins stained by rich ochre dust. The plains are also ideal for finding lion, eland, impala, kudu and possibly rhinoceros.

In the forested hills, large herds of buffalo and giraffe are often found. The forests of Tsavo are ideal for birding, with a fantastic range of species recorded including a variety of weavers, hornbills, sunbirds, rollers, and raptors. Birders should definitely not miss the Mzima Springs, where the plentiful supply of fresh water has created a verdant oasis. the springs attract plenty of game, and there is an underwater observatory that gives the visitor a unique glimpse into an underwater world dominated by the presence of large pods of hippopotamus. The sight of these ungainly three tonne animals gliding gracefully through the crystal clear waters of Mzima is unforgettable.

Water sources are always a lure for game, and the Aruba Dam is a popular watering hole. Many of Tsavo’s camps and lodges are situated beside waterholes that attract a procession of wildlife from the surrounding plains. This vast area is excellent birding country, notable species recorded include the rare Basra Reed Warbler, Friedmann’s Lark, Ostrich, Blue Quail, Violet Wood hoopoe, Martial and Crowned Eagle.

Chyulu Hills National Park

Cheetah

Southern Kenya, Kenya

The Chyulu Hills are considered to be some of the youngest volcanic mountains in the world, born out of the earth only 500 years ago. The beautiful hills are bordered by an expanse of black lava flow ...

More Details

Masai Culture

Maasai girl

Central Highlands & Rift Valley, Kenya

The Masai have undoubtedly one of the most famous traditional cultures on earth. They have loomed large in western perception of Kenya, ever since the publication in 1885 of Joseph Thompson's ‘...

More Details

Mzima Springs

Red and Yellow Barbet

Southern Kenya, Kenya

These natural springs produce 50 million gallons of fresh sparkling water daily and are alive with shoals of barbell, hippopotamus and waterfowl. A unique underwater observatory has been built that g...

More Details

The Lunatic Line

Lion on the hunt

Southern Kenya, Kenya

The latter 19th Century saw the arrival and expansion of the British Colony. There was no greater example of this sudden intrusive change than the arrival of the Railroad during the 1890's. The B...

More Details

Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East Elephants

Southern Kenya, Kenya

Tsavo-East National Park, with an area of 11,747 square km, is one of Kenya’s oldest and largest National Parks: covering approx. 40 per cent of the total area of all Kenya’s National Park...

More Details

Tsavo West National Park

Wildebeest sunset

Southern Kenya, Kenya

Tsavo West National Park is easy to reach, located off the main Nairobi-Mombasa road. It offers tremendous views with diverse habitats ranging from mountains, river forest, plains, lakes and wooded gr...

More Details

Tsavo's Kamba People

Weaver

Southern Kenya, Kenya

The vast majority of Tsavo has long been the home of the Kamba people. The Kamba originate from the plains around Kilimanjaro in Northern Tanzania, where they lived a semi-nomadic existence of herding...

More Details

Reviews

Post your review:

Login or Register to post a review.