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.
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.
| 1. |
Lodge |
Rooms |
Beds |
| |
Voi
Safari Lodge |
52 |
104 |
| |
|
. |
. |
| 2. |
Tented Camps |
. |
. |
| |
Galdessa
camp
|
8 |
16 |
| |
Epiya
Chapeyu Camp |
11 |
22 |
| |
Tsavo
Safari Camp (Cottars) |
20 |
40 |
| |
Satao
Camp |
10 |
20 |
| |
Sobo |
|
|
| |
Patterson
Safari Camp |
|
|
3.
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.
- 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.
Park
Entry Fees
|
|
Adult
|
Child
|
Student
|
| Citizens
|
Ksh.
200 |
Ksh.
100 |
Ksh.
50 |
| Residents
|
Ksh.
1000 |
Ksh.
500 |
Ksh.100
|
| Non-residents
|
US$40
|
US$20
|
US$10
|
