Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park are two separate parks that together form the large Tsavo conservation area. These parks are located in Kenya’s Coast Province, about halfway between the cities of Mombasa and Nairobi.
Tsavo is one of the largest national parks in the world and the biggest in Kenya. It covers about 22,000 square kilometers. A railway line that runs from Mombasa to the interior of the country cuts through the park and separates it into Tsavo East and Tsavo West.
Accommodation
Both parks offer many choices for places to stay. These include basic camps, tented camps, and lodges with more comfort. Most of these places are built near waterholes, so guests can see animals coming to drink water without even going on a game drive. This makes wildlife viewing easy and enjoyable.
Size & Location
Tsavo East National Park is the larger of the two parks. It covers about 13,747 square kilometers and is located in the Taita-Taveta District. The park lies inland from the Indian Ocean, near the town of Voi.
Tsavo West National Park is smaller, covering around 9,065 square kilometers. It was officially opened in April 1948. Like Tsavo East, it is also located in the Coast Province.
Main Features of Tsavo East
Tsavo East has flat and dry land with open plains. The Galana River flows through the park, giving life to animals and plants. Other important features include Lugard Falls and the Yatta Plateau, which is one of the longest lava flows in the world.
Main Features of Tsavo West
Tsavo West is more hilly and has more water sources. It has wetlands, Lake Jipe, and Mzima Springs, where clear water comes from underground. The park is home to many birds and large animals such as elephants, black rhinos, hippos, leopards, and Masai lions.
Park Entry Gates
To enter Tsavo East, you can use Manyani Gate, Voi Gate, Buchuma Gate, or Sala Gate. For Tsavo West, the main gates are Mtito Gate, Man Eaters Gate, Chyulu Gate, and another gate near Maktau.
