overview
Tsavo East National Park is one of the popular destinations in East Africa. It is located in Taita-Taveta in Kenya. It is popular for its large herds of elephants. It is home to many species of animals and birds. Tsavo East National Park accommodation is readily available. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit the park.
Wildlife in Tsavo East National Park
Wildlife in Tsavo East National Park is abundant. The park is home to large herds of elephants. Spotting these animals is almost a guarantee. You can also spot the other four of the Big Five including the lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino.
The park has specials such as the long-necked gerenuk, the lesser kudu, and the fringed-eared oryx. You may also spot Hunter’s hartebeest, one of the most endangered animals. Other common animals are crocodiles, hippos, and waterbucks.
You can enjoy the sightings of wildlife across the year. But the dry season is the best time. You can easily spot animals around water sources. Vegetation is thinner, which is the best for spotting wildlife.
Birdlife
Birdlife is one of the attractions in Tsavo East National Park. It has more than 500 species. The easiest to spot are dry-country species. These include vulturine guineafowl, golden pipit, and golden-breasted starling. It is home to the Somali Ostrich. Migrant species are common between November and April. You can spot many other species across the year.
Yatta Plateau
It is one of the key attractions in Tsavo East National Park. It is the longest lava flow in the world. The hot running lava from the Ol Doinyo Sabuk formed the 300 km plateau. From the Nairobi-Mombasa road, the plateau is seen as a table with a stretch of hills.
Climate
Tsavo East National Park is usually dry and hot. Temperatures fluctuate from around 31°C during the day and around 20°C at nighttime. The dry months are cooler. These are June, July, August, September, January, and February. Rains are rare but still, it can rain. The wet season is between October to December, and March to May. Day temperatures are around 32°C.
Scenery
The Galana River is a beautiful feature in the park. Sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbucks are common. The open savannah grassland, rough rocky areas, and acacia trees give the park a scenic view.
FAQs about Tsavo East national park
• Where is Tsavo East national park located?
Tsavo East national park is located in Taita-Taveta County in Kenya. It is near the coast. It shares borders with Tsavo West National Park. It is about 250 km Southeast side of Nairobi, the capital city. Its coordinates are 2.2495° S and 38.3377° E. It is easily accessible by road, railway, or flight.
• Why should I visit Tsavo East national park?
You should visit Tsavo East national park for excellent wildlife viewing. You will spot the Big Five, some of the endangered animals, other mammals, and birds. Game drives are fun and satisfying. You can also enjoy hiking and nature walks.
• How do I get to Tsavo East national park?
It is very easy to get to Tsavo East national park. You can use the road from Nairobi to the park. You will use the Nairobi-Mombasa road which covers 250 km. From Mombasa, it is about 96 km to the park.
You can get there by railway. The railway line passes through the park. You can also choose air travel. The park has several airstrips. Your tour operator will book domestic flights for a smooth safari.
• Which is the best time to visit Tsavo East national park?
The best time to visit Tsavo East national park is during the dry season. The best months are January, February, June, July, August, September, and October. It is very easy to spot wildlife during these months. March and December have less rainfall and may be good for wildlife viewing. April, May, and November are wet. It may be challenging to spot animals as they are spread out.