If you are just starting to take an interest in a Kenya Safari, then you may not probably know about Kenya’s two national parks- Tsavo East and Tsavo West. But you must have heard about their neighbor, Masai Mara, which is undoubtedly more renowned on the global stage.
However, if you are embarking on a Kenya Safari to do some adventurous activities with the animals surrounding, then Tsavo parks have to be on your bucket list. Confused about why! Here is why….
Highlights of Tsavo East and West
- Combining about 23,000 square kilometers Tsavo National Parks are so beautiful wildlife spot in Kenya.
- Tsavo East is slightly larger than West consisting of 14,000 square kilometers and 9,000 square kilometers respectively.
- Tsavo national park is the only place worldwide to see incredible red elephants. These amazing creatures get their color from bathing in the red volcanic soil in the park.
- The tale of two Tsavo lions who destroyed around 35 railway engineers in the late-1800s has been made into several Hollywood movies. The pair were shot and killed. Now they are on display in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, Illinois.
What Will You Witness In Tsavo East And West?
You can see the finest wilderness of Africa in the Tsavo parks with various animals. There are no guarantees about what will be seen, as the park habituates various species. Some animals are wild, while some are more common than others.
- Yet, it’s so possible that you will spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, zebras, and wildebeests.
- Some less commonly seen creatures are hyenas, buffalos, and lions.
- If luck favors you, you can spot a black rhino, leopard, and cheetah
- Also, you will observe plenty of other creatures along with more than 500 bird species.
How Does It Compare To Masai Mara?
First of all, you need to know about Masai Mara Game Reserve then you can catch how Tsavo differs from it-
- This is Kenya’s top game reserve along with other big names, Serengeti and Kruger, among the most famous national parks in the world.
- It covers only 1,500 square kilometres means smaller than many other national parks.
- But it leads to the most visited and rewarding wildlife spot in Kenya of all.
- It becomes overcrowding, especially during the great migration season.
- During this time, more than 100,000 people throng from around the world to sight this mind-altering spectacle.
Now talk about Tsavo National Park and will know how it compares to Masai Mara-
- Tsavo National Parks are less developed, and less popular with visitors but more than 10 times larger than Masai Mara.
- This whole ecosystem provides spectacular nature-watching experiences to visitors.
- Tsavo has much unique wildlife along with the African Big 5 (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos) and many other attractions you won’t find in the Masai Mara. For example; the red elephant which you can see only in Tsavo East National Park.
- You can also explore the epic Mzima Spring in Tsavo Wast and the Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow while on your Kenya Safari to Tsavo.
Are Tsavo Parks Worth Visiting On Their Own?
When you book Kenya Safari Packages with a trusted tour operator, you will be offered to visit several wildlife spots throughout multiple days. Among all the parks you will visit, Tsavo National Parks has its own greatness and deserves its own trip.
The first thing is that the huge size of the park makes it a beautiful destination for nature lovers. You can feast your eyes on the sightings of various animal species including the African Big 5. Apart from that you will be delighted to see the red elephant that you can’t spot anywhere else.
In addition, you will also visit the Galana River with its crocodiles and hippos to find their home in the water. You can also see Lugards Falls features a series of white water rapids while on the Kenya Walking Safaris in the park.
What Makes Tsavo East and West Different?
National parks and Kenya go hand in hand. You will find 24 national parks while on your Kenya Safari Tours with astonishing views. Among them, Tsavo East and West have their own share of uniqueness. Their vast scale surface easily makes them different from others. There are also some other features which also set them apart from others. For example; the Tsavo East and West is perhaps the best place to watch the hippos. You can get the chance to see these remarkable creatures with crocodiles from Mzima Springs. As said above, you will also spot red elephants never seen in the world.
How to explore Tsavo East and West at once on a Kenya Trip?
Tsavo East and west are two different parks located in Kenya. But it will be incredible and adventurous to see both of them on one trip. Begin your journey from the Tsavo East by chasing red elephants, hippos, lions, buffalos, and other animals. You can also do some trekking and even camping by visiting Yatta Plateau. After the East, you can go to Tsavo West to see the beautiful landscapes and do some more safari activities. To get more excitement from your Kenya Safari, visit the Mzima Springs. Also, you can head on to Poacher’s Lookout and the site of a First World War Campaign in the Tsavo West.
An Authentic Kenya Safari Experience- Visit Tsavo East And West!
So, Tsavo East and West together span a huge area of wilderness that offers something for everyone. Slightly larger in size but may not be famous as the Masai Mara, Tsavo offers great scenery to nature lovers. Tsavo East is flatter with scattered bushes on more open plains while Tsavo West has wooded and hilly volcanic landscapes.
If you are now interested in this Tsavo East and West safari to Kenya, just let us know before you pack. We at Diwaka Safaris will customize your Kenya Safari Itinerary with affordable prices and an excellent safari experience.