Almost halfway between Nairobi and Mombasa lies Tsavo East National Park, a rugged wilderness teeming with mammals, birds and reptiles. By road from Nairobi, Tsavo’s Mtito Andei gate lies 233 Kilometers south of the city, and 250 kilometers from the coastal city of Mombasa. The sight of “red elephants” wallowing, rolling and spraying each other with waters of the palm-shaded Galana River is common in Tsavo. This, together with the Yatta plateau which is 300 kilometers long; the longest lava flow in the world, make Tsavo East the ultimate theatre of the wild.

Covering an area of 13,747 sq. kilometers, Tsavo East National Park which is an endless stretch of grasslands and savannah is not only the largest one in Kenya, but also one of the oldest, having been established in 1948.

Tsavo East is a land of unparalleled biodiversity and all members of the BIG FIVE Call it home with sightings of Elephants, Black Rhinos, Buffalos, Leopard and Lions are present here. Tsavo East’s sparse foliage allows for easier wildlife spotting, with other animals present here including Gerenuks, Waterbucks, Lesser Kudu, Elands, Impalas, Crocodiles and pods of Hippos. One conspicuous feature notable among the Lions found in Tsavo East National Park is their lack of manes, compared the ones found in Masai Mara, Serengeti and other parks in East Africa. The birdlife here is prolific, with over 500 species having been recorded as residents here. These include Black headed lapwing, vulturine guinea fowl, Eastern chanting goshawk, black kite, sacred ibis and the Taita falcon.

The Galana River which is the main source of water flows through the park creating a lush line of greenery cutting across the dusty savannah. It is here where Hippos wallow, Crocodiles bask in the sun and Elephants often sprinkle each other with water on a hot and sunny day.

Besides wildlife and the landscape, there are other features that attract many tourists to Tsavo East.

Lugard’s Falls: Named after explorer Frederick Lugard who passed by here on his way to Uganda, the falls are found where the Galana river makes its way through a volcanic rock, carving a path narrower than its own width and creating a series of rapids and falls as the water flows faster. Being one of the sites inside the park where visitors are allowed alight from their vehicles, one can stand astride both sides of the falls and view its plunge into the rapids and pools below.

Mudanda Rock: This is a whale shaped rock of 1.6 kilometers towering over a natural dam. The life-giving waters here regularly attract hundreds of the Elephants living in the park.

Aruba Dam – Aruba is a man-made dam of great aesthetic charm. It is an immense conservation area, being the world’s third largest nature conservation. For nature lovers, it is an ideal getaway which provides an opportunity to mingle with the wild while relaxing and enjoying diverse attractions.