Some facts about Tsavo East National Park
Some facts about Tsavo East National Park : One of Kenya’s biggest and oldest African safari reserves is Tsavo East National Park. 11,747 km2 make up this park, which was created in 1948, albeit not all of it is accessible to the public.
There is still a sizable region for tourists to explore and enjoy seeing the Kenyan wildlife, even if some places have been designated as “remote animal wilderness” for the sake of the local fauna. Notable features include the Yatta plateau and the Galana River, along with a number of pools and dams that serve as animal and bird hydration points.
The larger of the two, Tsavo East, is located east of the Nairobi-Mombasa road, exactly halfway between Nairobi and Mombasa. It offers a vast and unexplored arena of arid bush, guarded by the endless lava reaches of the Yatta Plateau, and patrolled by some of Kenya’s largest herds of elephants. The Galana River washes the area in blue and green.
Area: 11,747 sq. km.
150–1,200 metres above sea level is the altitude.
Location: Inland from the coast, in Southeast Kenya.
Mammals: Sightings on a Kenya wildlife safari may include waterbuck, gemsbok, Coke’s hartebeest, gerenuk, gazelle, lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino, hippo, giraffe, lesser kudu, Oryx, Cape buffalo, zebra, and yellow baboon.
Birds: There are 500 known species in this abundant bird population.
Tsavo East history and overview.
Before Tsavo National Park was established, in 1898, two male lions without a mane tormented the region. 135 railway workers who were constructing the Kenya-Uganda railway are said to have been slain by them. Despite the thorn barriers (bomas) that were constructed to keep men out, these man-eating lions dragged men from their tents. After avoiding ambushes and traps, Lt. Col. John Henry Patterson shot the maneless lions.
Tsavo East National Park is a naturally occurring region of dry, level grasslands dotted with brambles and marshy patches next to rivers. Large families of giraffes, gazelles, hartebeests, and zebras are among the many unique Kenyan wildlife that abound there. The “Big Five” must-see creatures are buffalo, African elephants, lions, rhinos, and leopards.
It is a well-known African safari game park, however unless there are specific conditions for visiting the animals, it is quite uncommon to meet other traffic. If the guides come across something odd, like a pride of lions, they communicate with each other by radio. Vehicles may suddenly assemble at the location, but they will quickly scatter once more. Since the animals prefer to sleep in the intense noon sun, the ideal times of day to see the wildlife are early or late in the day.
The park is open daily from 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., and the wardens at the gate provide visitors with a few common sense guidelines: stay on the designated paths, respect the animals’ right of way, and don’t get out of your car except at designated areas.
Wear loose, cotton clothing and a sunhat for a daytime animal safari in Tsavo East National Park. Sunglasses, cameras, and binoculars are necessities. Having a bottle of water with you that has been frozen overnight is also a smart option for during the day. It melts and creates a tasty drink that will keep you cool during the summer. Remember to take in the views in person as well as via the lens of your camera or video recorder.
There are water fountains and restrooms at the rest sites. Excellent buffet meals are served at the safari viewing lodges while you take in the views of the wildlife through the large panoramic windows. The African elephants at the watering hole can also be seen from a disguised refuge.
Climate and weather in Tsavo East Safari park.
Situated a few degrees south of the equator is Tsavo East National Park, while Kenya is situated across it. The year-round temperature is rather consistent, however the amount of rainfall varies.
October through December is the brief rainy season, but even then, the weather is suitable for going on safari; just be prepared for occasional afternoon rains. December through April sees very high humidity.
How to get to Tsavo East National park
By Road: Take public transport, drive your own car, or reserve a tour guide-led open-topped minibus excursion. Enter by Voi Gate or Manyani Gate if travelling from Nairobi (333 km); Bachuma Gate if travelling from Mombasa (173 km); and Sala Gate if travelling from Malindi or the north coast.
By Air: Any of the 13 airstrips in the north of the park or any of the six in the south are accessible to chartered light aircraft.
By Rail: Tsavo East National Park is directly traversed by the Nairobi-Mombasa railway
At 290 kilometres long, the Yatta Plateau is the longest lava flow on Earth.
The 1.6 km long Mudanda Rock outcrop has a dam at its base. Animals love to drink at this location.
Animals and birds searching for a place to drink are also drawn to Aruba Dam.
Many guides around the Galana River provide walking safaris.
The Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary is preventing poachers’ poaching from driving the black rhino to extinction.
The greatest months to go bird watching are October through January. Among the numerous migrating species that may be seen during this time are African skimmers, red and yellow bishops, goshawks, buffalo weavers, and palm nut vultures. The park is home to about 500 different species of birds, including hornbills, secretary birds, ostriches, kestrels, buzzards, starlings, weaverbirds, kingfishers, and herons.
