Western Tsavo. Tsavo National Park

Is huge environmental protection zone, located in the southeastern part of Kenya. The protected area includes Oriental And West Tsavo. Both sites received protected area status in 1948.

Today the total area of the park is 2.1 million hectares. Within its borders the most widespread natural complex is the East African savanna.

Elephant grass, tree-like spurges, acacias, baobabs, and thickets of thorny bushes form the basis flora national park Tsavo. In addition, the park has small areas of forest and bushali islands. Areas with the most lush vegetation become home to numerous African animals.

Tsavo National Park is the largest park in East Africa

Among the most interesting places parks include Tsavo river And Ngulia Canyon. On the river coast in large quantities live various birds, as well as ungulates and rhinoceroses. Also curious Mzima springs. They are located underground, in the east of the national park. Every day, approximately 500 million liters of water are released from the bowels of the earth in the protected area.

Much of East Tsavo is occupied Yatta highlands- a three-kilometer-long frozen lava flow. It was formed as a result of the eruption of the Ol Doinio Sabuk volcano. You can also see Mount Mudanda here. From its height it opens amazing view, and, having climbed it, you can safely observe the local animals.

A considerable number of lakes are located in the Mzima region. As a rule, these reservoirs are surrounded by dense and fairly diverse vegetation. The clear Mzima lakes are surrounded by reeds, acacias, baobabs, tamarind trees and palm trees. There is a small underwater observatory here, built for filming a film about wildlife. Now it is one of the local attractions. From a glass shelter you can observe the behavior of hippos, crocodiles, as well as flocks tilapia.

Typical inhabitants Tsavo National Park The following animals are: antelopes, zebras, giraffes, rhinoceroses, elephants and others. The protected area is home to predators - jackals, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs and lions. The rhino population is very large.

The world of birds is very widely represented in the national park. Yes, within Tsavo Park About 500 species of all kinds of birds live here.

Location: Coast Province, Kenya (between Nairobi and Mombasa)
Total area: 22 thousand sq. km.
Year of formation: 1944
Cost of visit: adult - 65 dollars, child - 30

National Park Tsavo is one of the world's largest nature reserves, located in exotic country. Its territory occupies 4% of total area state and is 22 thousand square kilometers. The reserve is a large conservation area located in the south-east of the country, and includes Tsavo West and Tsavo East. In 1948, both sites received protected status.

Quite rare specimens of animals that are listed in the Red Book live here. The national park is also home to many large mammals, which are included in the "Big Five". So, the largest population lives here African elephant, which numbers up to seven thousand individuals. These animals love to pour red clay on themselves, which is why they are often called “red elephants”. Up to five hundred species of birds nest here, including migratory birds. Most of the year, with the exception of October-November and April-May, the weather is hot, dry. Fortunately, the Galana River flows through the reserve, which is a watering place for various birds and animals.

Eastern Tsavo

The territory of East Tsavo is essentially an arid savannah, which is strewn with bushes and many swamps. Open to the public only southern part reserve where the river flows. Therefore, tourists do not like to visit these regions, depriving themselves of the pleasure of enjoying unique species terrain. Here is the largest plateau on the planet - the Yatta Plateau, formed from cooled lava.

In order for visitors to fully enjoy wildlife, nearby there is a special camp where you can spend the night and watch African animals around the clock: buffalos, impala antelopes, kudu, waterbucks and so on. And in the shade of the “fever trees” tourists will hear the soulful cries of green and crowned (blue) monkeys.

During droughts, the Aruba Dam, where animals come to drink, almost completely dries out. In this case, the animals go to the Athi River, which during high water (May, June, November) appears in all its splendor and ends with the seething Lugard Falls. The reservoirs are home to a huge number of Nile crocodiles, which hunt inattentive mammals trying to quench their thirst.

In Tsavo East you can see elephants, ostriches, hippos, cheetahs, lions, giraffes, herds of zebras and antelopes. Near the waterfall there is a black rhinoceros reserve. All conditions have been created here to increase the population of these animals, since due to poachers their number has decreased to fifty individuals. This part of the park is a nesting site for many migratory birds that arrive here at the end of October from Europe. Water cutters, palm vultures, weaver birds and other birds live here.

What is Tsavo West like?

The territory of Western Tsavo, compared to Eastern Tsavo, is much smaller. They are separated by the main highway A109 and railway. The area of this part of the national park is seven thousand square kilometers. However, there is quite a diverse flora and fauna here, with approximately 70 species of mammals living in these parts. In the clear sunny days From here you can see an amazing landscape. The landscape of Western Tsavo is more rocky and there are also more varieties of vegetation here than in the eastern part.

Chulu is also located here - these are young mountains that were formed from compressed ash as a result of a volcanic eruption. They rise at an altitude of two thousand meters and absorb moisture, and then, feeding underground springs, return it to the earth. According to researchers, the age of the youngest mountain is approximately five hundred years. This part of Tsavo Park is also famous for the underground springs Mzima Springs, which translates as “living”. Using the exit groundwater to the surface, many reservoirs have formed in the reserve, which provide mammals with vital moisture. Here you can often find hippos swimming, and white and black rhinoceroses wander into the green thickets surrounding the lake. The latter can be seen only at night, during their activity, since these animals wait out the heat of the day in the shade of trees.

Man-eating lions from Tsavo Park

In 1898, construction of the railway reached the Tsavo River valley. The progress of work was disrupted by the disappearance of several workers. The people soon discovered that they were being hunted by two huge lions around the camp. The length of the predators was approximately three meters, the animals were devoid of manes, although both were males. These animals specifically hunted down and then killed their victims, not because they were hungry, but simply because it gave them pleasure. Over the course of six months, according to various sources, from thirty to one hundred people were killed. The workers abandoned everything and began to go home. Then the construction manager decided to set traps, which the lions skillfully avoided. After this, John Patterson began hunting predators and first killed one, and after a while the second animal.

Tsavo National Park got its name from the river flowing here. It is divided into two zones - "East Tsavo" and "West Tsavo". In this reserve, in its spacious savannah covered with grasses, occasionally intersected by clusters of thorny bushes, nature has created ideal conditions for the free life of lion prides.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Ostrich on a terracotta road.

Lions in Tsavo have freedom - the savannah is not only their home, but also the homeland for antelopes and gazelles, not to mention buffalos, giraffes and zebras. Trying to get to know their life better on your own, without an experienced guide, is not just dangerous, but suicidal. But by relying on experienced specialists, you can take a fascinating immersion into the world wild africa, without fear of anything.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. View from the hill.

Hippos and crocodiles live on the Tsavo River - next to them you can often see zebras, antelopes and gazelles coming here to drink.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. And giraffes have love!

As already stated, Kenyan Tsavo National Park divided into eastern and western parts, which are essentially independent zones. Which one will be more interesting? It is difficult to answer this question unambiguously. “West Tsavo” is smaller, and “East Tsavo” is more difficult to move, as the area is swampy. But in “East Tsavo” live elephants and black rhinoceroses - although in the western part of the reserve there are many interesting representatives African fauna.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Termite mound.

Perhaps in this case it is worth relying on the opinion of professional guides - after all, different times animals prefer different territories. Note that in " Tsavo» you can spend time comfortably both before and after the excursion: hotels on the site of former plantations provide tours to Kenya travelers and comfortable stay, and the opportunity to watch the world of the reserve directly from the windows.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Typical landscape.

It’s probably difficult to add anything else here, just look at the photos.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Zebras.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Baobab.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Looks like nests.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. At the watering hole.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. An equipped place for observing animals at a watering hole.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Elephant and buffaloes.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Small volcano.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. You can fly in a helicopter!

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Ranger.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. The soil changes color from black to terracotta.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Monkey "Crown Monkey".

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Antelope.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Black volcanic soil.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Lunar landscape.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Three species of animals in one place.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. The inscription at the spring: "Beware of crocodiles."

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. And here comes the crocodile!

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Beautiful lake.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Entry.

Loik Tsavo camp

This camp is located near the Mombasa-Nairobi highway in Tsavo East. But since the road just separates East and West Tsavo, it is convenient to take a safari to both parks from the camp. The camp is located halfway from Mombasa to Nairobi, so planning routes with this camp is quite convenient.

Loik Tsavo camp is located on the banks of a picturesque river, the area is somewhat reminiscent of Russia. But don’t get your hopes up! Crocodiles and hippos live in the river, and the camp is not fenced in any way, so here, too, you need to be extremely careful and use the services of Maasai accompanying you.

Kenya. Tsavo National Park. Loik Tsavo camp.

The camp has a wonderful restaurant, the chef creates real masterpieces! But be careful. If you turn away, the monkeys will instantly steal everything that is on the table.

In the evening, around the fire, the Maasai will perform their traditional songs and invite you to dance with them. It's very fun and original! Dance or watch the action while sitting in a comfortable chair and sipping whiskey.

Behind the name "Tsavo" stands not only the river, but also the largest of the Kenyan national parks: Divided into East and West, Tsavo Park covers almost 23,000 km2 (13,747 km2 and 9,065 km2 respectively). This reserve is very well located between the resort center and the capital, so tours to any program can include a visit to Tsavo without additional hassle.

And it is with Tsavo that the legend of man-eating lions is connected, which found its expression in the film “Ghost and Darkness”.

Climate and landscape of Tsavo

So, Tsavo is divided into two parts by a road and a railway track.

The western part has three segments:

the southwest, where only Taita Hills (the Taita private nature reserve is located here) and Lake Jipe are suitable for inspection;
section from the Tsavo River to the highway to Taveta;
the northern side of the Tsavo River, best suited for safari.

Territory of the national park "West Tsavo" stretches all the way Mount Kilimanjaro. Here is the Mzimia spring, essentially a lake from where Mombasa gets its drinking water, and the surrounding lakes - vitality. The abundance of water provides comfortable conditions for other river life in Western Tsavo. In addition, baobabs grow there, not to mention other trees.

The eastern part of Tsavo National Park looks completely different. This is a bush, an arid plain covered with thorns and rare acacias. The only more or less large body of water here, the Galana River, cuts off the northern segment of East Tsavo, which is not intended for visiting, from the southern sector, which is perfect for safari. East Tsavo– very old protected natural area: it became a nature reserve back in 1948. Various ungulates of the savannah (antelope, gazelle, zebra, giraffe), as well as predators (leopards, lions, hyenas, cheetahs) feel great in the bush. Ostriches and a variety of flying birds live here.

Animals of Tsavo Park

"Red" elephants of Tsavo

When talking about Tsavo with those planning tours to Kenya, old-timers first mention the local "red" elephants. Numerous (there are thousands of them!) Tsavo elephants roll out in special mud and become a rich brick color. It is especially interesting to observe elephants in Western Tsavo, where they spend a long time and tastefully eat the rich local vegetation. Elephants even eat the core of baobab trees, which can cause the death of a centuries-old tree.

Lions of Tsavo Park

Of course, all visitors to Tsavo are interested in lions. After all, it was here during the construction of a river bridge that occurred in the 19th century. a string of murders committed by a pair of man-eating lions. Modern Tsavo lions have never been seen attacking people, but they are noticeably larger than their relatives living in the neighborhood, and the males have very beautiful manes.

Ungulates in East Tsavo

Finally, one cannot fail to note the amazing antelope variety and gazelles in East Tsavo, natural conditions which are ideally suited for such ungulates. The graceful impala, the jumping springbok, the rock-dwelling springbok, the horse-like oryx - all of them are found in large numbers during the safari in East Tsavo, and with them - giraffes, buffaloes, etc.

Accommodation in Tsavo

One of Kenya's oldest game reserves, Tsavo National Park has excellent campsites and loggias in both parts - western and eastern. Here you can choose between five-star accommodation and a modest tent camp, where, however, there are comfortable sleeping places, hot food, electricity, showers, etc. In both cases, under no circumstances should you leave the fenced area of the camp (lodge) without an escort, because there are a lot of wild animals around. But most often you can watch them right from your sun lounger, being safe.

Lodges Tsavo National Park:

Voyager Ziwani
Rhino Valley Lodge
Ndololo Safari Camp
Tsavo Lodge
Loyk Tsavo Safari Camp

How to get there?

As already mentioned, a railway and a highway run right through Tsavo, dividing it in two. Thus, by taking a train or bus from Mombasa or Nairobi, you can quickly get to the park (and even faster if you are talking about a separate car).

The national park is divided into two parts by a highway and a railway track. IN lately More and more attention is being paid to the problem of animal migration from one part of the park to another.

In March 2017, for the first time, an experiment was carried out to supply animals with electronic chips that report their movements. 10 elephants were chosen as “pioneers”.

Park Tsavo is home to the largest population African elephants and now their interaction with an object alien to them will be monitored by special workers in order to avoid emergency incidents.

Tsavo updated: May 31, 2019 by: Amazing-world!