Africa’s biggest wilderness reserve is made up by the two National parks of West and East Tsavo.Its one park that can’t be compared with any other in the world.Tsavo covers an area of about 20 million acres of unadulterated wilderness that consists of acacia,montane forest,foothills,river streams as well as savannah.
The massive plains of Tsavo are transversed by the major Nairobi-Mombasa railway. This famous railway was constructed in 1899 and it was Africa’s thrilling venture, there were so many stories that were attached to it that Nairobi a great city known to the rest of the world.
The railway workers were always attacked by some two big lions that targeted them as they were building the bridge across the Tsavo River. It’s in record that over 120 people were killed and hunters were also stopped since then the Man eaters of Tsavo come in the world. A visit to Tsavo will surely give you a chance to see the wildlife isolation. Animals that are spotted on your arrival include Rhinoceros, Kudu, Eland, Buffalo, lion, Giraffe Impala along with big herds of elephants.
Tsavo is also known to be a home to many different kinds of bird species and among these include rollers, sunbirds, raptors hornbills and weavers. Something exciting about Tsavo is the lugard falls, the water flows through the beautiful rocks that surround it.
The Volcanic Mzima Springs is a must see, the springs are well known for producing fresh and clean water on a daily basis. The waters attract animals like the waterfowl, hippos and crocodiles. There is a spot that can give you a clear view of the huge hippos as they relax and play in water.
The springs have formed an extensive wetland haven of massive Raphia palms as well as Oases that harbor waterbirds.Tsavo is a bit isolated and it’s the best place to experience the wildlife in its natural environment without interference from other people. Safari lodges and camps are distant and can be accessed by flight or long drives. When we are to consider the two parks,Tsavo East is less populated and distant and with this, you can easily plan for game walks and hikes at your own time.
Tsavo East is located close to the coast and it’s because of this that it has made it a famous tourist destination. It’s the best place to have both the safari and the beach vacation; it’s such a wonderful experience. A visit to Tsavo will give an opportunity to tour the Taita game sanctuaries, Chyulu Hills, Amboseli National park along with Shimba hills. Your stay at Tsavo will be memorable and one in a life time.
How to get to Tsavo
The Tsavo Park is divided by the major Nairobi-Mombasa highway.Voi is one of the most accessible town around the park.Mtito Andei is the central town of Tsavo west. Getting to Tsavo National park is quite a big challenge and the only way to access the park is by using a private means of transport. It’s a safari package that can be organized right from Nairobi and cars can be hired as well. The parks have well maintained inner roads as well as tracks. You may book a safari vehicle that is spacious and an open roof that will enable you take wonderful photographys.Tsavo has many airstrips and you can take a flight at any time, it’s scheduled daily.
Where to Stay in Tsavo
Both parks have a wide variety of accommodation to that will surely go along with your budget and according to your demands and preferences. They have the best campsites and all you will need to do is to set up the tent and enjoy a wonderful night in the wilderness. Safari lodges as well as luxury tented camps are well equipped with better facilities and services. Your stay will be memorable as you will delight in the beauty of the park.
Dining in Tsavo
The safari lodges in addition to the camps offer the best cuisines that are served both locally and interenatioanlly.They have bars fully stocked with any drink you would like to take. Safari companies that organize campsites have a special place where visitors cook from in case they want. Camp fire is set up usually in the evening to keep people warm as they enjoy the night.
Depending on what you want, you can order breakfast or dinner in the African bush. It’s such a wonderful moment, you eat as you spot some animals moving freely in the willderness.For the campers, shopping of food stuff can be done at the nearby towns of Voi along with Mtito Andei.The experience is worth it.
What to do in Tsavo
Tsavo is a famous tourist destination in the world, it has a wonderful view of its landscape that attract large numbers of animals.Tsavo covers a wider area that enables every visitor to discover the natural beauty of the park at your own pace. Visiting both parks will surely necessitate you tour many habitats with various wildlife species that will make your day exciting and fun filling.
The only way to spot the big herds of wildlife is through the great open plains. The area is prominent for its large herds of red elephants, their skin discolored with dust. These are the best creatures you will love seeing and the memories will be for a life time.
The plains are a home to many wildlife for instance Rhinoceros, Kudu, Impala, Eland as well as the lion. Buffalo and giraffe are spotted in the thick forest as they graze.Tsavo is also habitat for different kinds of bird species and among these include raptors, sunbirds, hornbille, rollers along with the weavers.
Birdwatchers ought to visit the Mzima springs, they have crystal clear and fresh water that attracts large numbers of wildlife as well as bird species. It has an underwater spot were visitors can catch a glimpse of the animals in the water particularly the hippos and crocodiles. The sight of these animals playing or resting is memorable for a life time.
Wildlife love settling around the water bodies, thus the Aruba Dam is a famous watering spot for all animals in the park.Tsavo lodges as well as camps are strategically located close to the water sources that attract large herds of wildlife from the adjacent open plains. As you relax at the lodge’s balcony, you will see a wonderful view of the game going done to the stream to take some water.
Very early in the morning and later afternoon is the best time to spot all kinds of wildlife. During midday, the heat is so much and the animals are moving down to the stream to cool off the heat, believe me at this point, you may not see any kind of animal moving around the environment. The game drives are enjoyed during morning and afternoon; it’s the best time to appreciate the beauty of Africa’s sunrise and sunset.
Game viewing can be carried out in tailored-made vehicles; they are spacious with an open roof that enables you to take beautiful pictures of the animals in the wilderness.
Escorted walks are also arranged in both parks, this can be done by the booked lodge, camp or tour operator. It’s at this moment where you will discover the wildlife at a close range and the experience is for a lifetime. In case you want to specialize with a birding or a particular wild animal, any tour operator can provide you with the best information that will suit your demands.