Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park is huge. Over 11,747 square kilometers of bushy grasslands, open plains, and semi-arid acacia scrub make up Kenya's oldest and largest Game Park. Tsavo is credited with one of the world's leading biodiversity strongholds. From red brown rivers surrounded by green grass and doum palms, to the endless plains covered in red dust, with a single surviving acacia tree, the scenery is constantly changing.

Tsavo's stunning views over the plains of Africa include the Yatta Plateau, the largest lava flow in the world, Mudanda Rock, which resembles a smaller version of Ayers Rock, and the incredible Lugard Falls. Tsavo receives very little rain, and the brilliant sunshine and fantastic scenery make it perfect for those interested in photography.

If the scenery isn't enough for you, don't worry! Tsavo abounds with elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and lion. And while you are chasing the big ones, there are always waterbuck, gazelle, zebra and kudu to watch. Not to mention over 500 species of birds!

Ever seen a pink elephant? In Tsavo you will see nothing else. Covered in a fine layer of red dust to stop the biting insects, Tsavo's elephants are certainly not gray! With over 4,000 elephant in the area, this is the park to visit if elephants are your passion.

Famous also for its past, Tsavo became known worldwide in the late 1890's for the man-eating lions which slowed the building of the Mombasa-Nairobi train tracks. For several months two large male lions terrorized the railway workers and brought work to a standstill until they were finally killed. Whilst those two animals are no longer in Tsavo, their descendants are; it is not unusual to see large prides of up to 16 lions lazing under a shady bush.

With half the park area banned to vehicles, Tsavo still enjoys true wilderness. Walking or mobile camp safaris are the only way to penetrate this area, and even then only with special permission. The proximity of the Indian Ocean makes Tsavo a popular destination for many safari travelers, who wish to rest and relax either before or after their safari.

Easily accessible, Tsavo offers the choice of a quick introductory safari or the space to allow a detailed exploration of the wonders of Kenya's wildlife over several days.

© Melinda Rees of Best of Kenya