Tsavo East & West National Park
The twin park Tsavo East and Tsavo West together form one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Tsavo as a whole consists of more than 20,000 km ² pure wilderness, including savannah, mountains and hills, acacia and mopane forest and an extensive river system. This National Park is larger than the island of Jamaica.
The vast plains of Tsavo are crossed by the Nairobi-Mombasa railway. This historic railway was in 1899 the scene of one of the greatest adventure stories from Africa. Two large lions had continuously preyed on the railway employees who were building a bridge over the Tsavo River. There were more than 120 victims. They managed to escape the hunters for more than one year and so the legend of the People Eaters of Tsavo was born.
The size of Tsavo gives the visitor the opportunity to really get away from everything and to discover the jungle in total isolation. During your safari you will see large herds of elephants, their skin often covered with a layer of red dust, but also lions, buffalo, eland, giraffe, impala, kudu and sometimes rhinos. Tsavo is a birdwatcher's paradise with numerous species of weavers, hornbills, sun and birds of prey.
One of the most interesting geographical features of Tsavo are the Lugard Falls, where clear water flows through a number of spectacular rock formations.
Also, you should not miss the volcanic Mzima springs. These natural springs produce over 220 million liters of water per day. The pools are populated by barbs, hippos and waterfowl. A unique underwater observatory offers an incredible view of the crystal clear underwater world. The springs have created a paradise of giant Raphia palms and oases filled with waterfowl.
Both Tsavo East and West are ideal for those who love solitude and want the option to explore the wilderness without encountering other people. Lodges and tented camps are more remote and are accessible after a long car journey or a (charter) aircraft. Many lodges and camps organize safaris on foot and by 4x4. Of the two parks, Tsavo East is the most remote and least visited.
