The
twin National Parks of Tsavo East and West together form one of Africa's
largest wilderness reserves. Tsavo as a whole consists of 10 million
acres of pure wilderness, incorporating savannah, ranges and hills,
acacia and montane forest, and an extensive river system. This single
National Park is larger than the island of Jamaica.
The vast plains of Tsavo are crossed by the main Nairobi-Mombasa
railroad. This historic railway was, in 1899, the scene of one of
Africa's greatest Adventure stories. Two large lions actively preyed on
the railway workers as they built a bridge over the Tsavo river,
claiming over 120 victims. They evaded hinters for well over a year, and
the legend of the Maneaters of Tsavo was born.
The
sheer scale of Tsavo gives the visitor a chance to really get away from
it all, and to explore the wild in total solitude.
On safari here you will see large
herds of Elephant, their hides often a luminous red with dust, as well
as Lion, Buffalo, Eland, Giraffe Impala, Kudu and possibly Rhinoceros.
Tsavo is a birdwatcher's paradise with numerous species of weavers,
hornbills, sunbirds, rollers, and raptors commonly seen.
One of Tsavo's most interesting geographical features is the Lugard
Falls, where white water rages through a series of spectacular rock
formations.
Also
not to be missed is the volcanic Mzima springs. These natural springs
produce 50 million gallons of fresh sparkling water daily. These waters
are alive with shoals of barbel and Hippopotamus and waterfowl. A unique
underwater observatory has been built that gives you an incredible view
of this crystal clear underwater world, where massive hippos glide
silently through swirling shoals of barbel.
These springs have created a sprawling wetland paradise of giant Raphia
palms and oases alive with waterbirds.
Both Tsavo East and West are ideal for those who enjoy solitude and a
chance to explore wilderness without encountering other people. Lodges
and Camps tend to be remote and accessible by long drives or air
transfer. Of the two Parks, Tsavo East is the more remote and less
visited.
Many of these can organize game walks and other activities.
The relative proximity of Tsavo East to
the coast make it an ideal safari destination for those staying on the
coast, or wishing to combine a safari and beach holiday. Many coast
based visitors combine a safari to Tsavo with visits to the Shimba Hills
and Taita game sanctuaries, Amboseli National Park, or the Chyulu
Hills.....
Getting there: The Tsavo Parks
are bisected by the main Nairobi- Mombasa Highway. The most central town
for access to the parks is Voi, although the smaller town of Mtito Andei
is the headquarters of Tsavo West.

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