Tsavo
East National Park
The Theatre of the Wild...
Establishment history
Tsavo National Park was established on 1st April, 1948 with
an area of 21,812 Km2 It is the largest Park in Kenya. In
May 1948 Tsavo National Park was divided into East and West
for administrative purposes. The two Parks are divided by
Nairobi–Mombasa railway /road.
The Waliangulu and Kamba tribes
used it as a hunting ground prior to gazettement.
Dr. Krapf journeyed on foot through this area in 1848 crossing
the Tsavo river on his way to Kitui – first European
to see Mt. Kenya.
Construction of the railway reached Tsavo river in 1898.
During the construction of the bridge Lions (Man eaters
of Tsavo) terrorized the workers, killing over 130 people
before being killed by Col. Patterson.
During the World War I (1914-1918) British forces built
fortresses along Tsavo river to counter threats from invading
German forces from Tanganyika (present Tanzania) –
whose intention was to blow up the Tsavo river bridge that
was vital to British Communication.
Captain Lugards a European explorer passed through the area
on his way to Uganda and had a drop over at the Lugards
falls area.
Scenic features
Tsavo East is a very popular Park as is indicated by the
high number of tourists. Some of the attractive scenic features
include:large herds of elephants and other wildlife. It
is easily accessible by road, air (light aircraft) and railway.
The Park is a “catchments” for coast resorts’
visitors. Popular legend of Tsavo “The Man-eaters
of Tsavo”. Yatta plateau – It is about 290Km
long and is one of the worlds longest lava flows. Lugards
Falls on the Galana river – This is not a true falls
but a series of rapids. Visitors can walk down to the river
to view the rapids. Mudanda rock – This is a long
rock outcrop that is about 1.6Km long. There is a dam at
the base. Animals can be seen drinking. Visitors can walk
along the rock and enjoy a cool breeze as well as view wildlife
at the base. Aruba Dam - was built in 1952 across the Voi
river. The dam attracts many animals and water birds can
be seen at this dam. Tsavo/Athi rivers confluence –
when the two rivers join they form the Galana river. Elephants,
Rhinos, Hirola (Hunters Hartebeest). How to get to Tsavo
East National Park. From Nairobi via Voi through the Voi
gate or Manyani gate. Similarly, from Mombasa via Bachuma
gate. From Malindi, via Sala gate. This road was recently
graded and is attracting many visitors from North Coast.
Note: The road network in
the Northern area is being worked on at the moment. The
road when completed will expand tourism activities in the
area.
There are six airstrips in
the southern part of the park and thirteen in the Northern
part.
There are no scheduled flights
to the Park but chartered light planes can be used.
The Park opens at 6.30 a.m.
and closes at 6.30 p.m.
Accommodation facilities
Tsavo East has got one lodge, several tented camps and public
campsites.
Lodges:
Voi Safari Lodge
Tented Camps:
Galdessa camp, Epiya Chapeyu Camp, Tsavo Safari Camp (Cottars),
Satao Camp, Sobo,Patterson Safari Camp
Public Campsites:
Ndololo, Kandri, Main gate campsites. All these campsites
have no facilities. Visitors bring their own camping gear.
Ongoing Tourist Activities:
Game viewing:
Walking Safaris along the Galana, Bird watching, Tourist
guidance while in Tsavo
The weather in Tsavo is pleasant
most of the year. There are two rain seasons. The long rains
generally come in March – May and the short rains
from October – December.
Note:
It is forbidden to travel in an open vehicle while in the
Park. Stay in your vehicle all the time. Get out only at
designated areas. Off road driving is not allowed. View
the wildlife from a distance with binoculars. Off road driving
destroys vegetation, might kill wildlife and could interfere
with the daily routine of animals. The tracks formed become
an eyesore. Animals have a right of way. Do not harass them
or make loud sounds – this might scare then and make
them nervous. Patience pays! Remember not to litter. Remember:
Do not take away anything, but photographs and leave nothing
behind but footprints. |
