Tsavo National Park - Home, First to the Man Eating Lions of Tsavo and Now, Red Elephants

Tsavo National Park is by far the largest of the Kenya National Parks. This 21,000 sq km park is divided into 2 administrative units - Tsavo East and Tsavo West.

Because it covers an incredible 21,812 sq km (8422 sq miles), all visitors can look forward to immersing themselves in this enormous animal world.

Roughly the size of Massachusetts, Tsavo National Park is huge by any standard. So it encompasses a range of habitats that in turn means that it is home to a variety of Kenya animals. So your visit to the Kenya National Parks isn't quite complete until you've been to Tsavo.

Lions of Tsavo and Other Cats

Tsavo first gained notoriety in 1898 on account of the man eaters of Tsavo...

These 2 maneless lions disrupted the construction of the Kenya-Uganda Railway because they devoured about 135 of the workers.

Their reign of terror only came to an end when they were shot by John Patterson. He subsequently sold their skins and skulls to the Chicago Field Museum where the reconstructed lions are now on display. But Kenya wants them back and has started negotiations to have these repatriated.

Today, the ferocious descendants of these infamous lions of Tsavo that rained terror on the railway workers for 9 months can be seen hunting, feeding and generally dominating the park.

Besides the lions of Tsavo, other cats that can be sighted in the park are leopards, cheetahs and servals.

To increase your chances of sighting these - particularly the elusive leopard - be sure to contact the information center at Kilaguni lodge about the day's sightings.

Red Elephants

Tsavo National Park is renowned for being home to the world's only red elephants.

You will encounter scores of these baffling creatures wandering by. Not just the odd one but upwards of 11,600 red elephants...

OK. OK. These African elephants are not born red. However, the fine red volcanic soil in the park permanently coats their hides.

Hence this phenomenon also transforms zebras into wondrous tricolor creatures.

Part of the charismatic "Big Five" that also include lions, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos, your first encounter with these large-than-life herbivores is bound to make a lasting impression on you.

Rhinos

Rhinos the world over have been poached to near extinction and Tsavo is not an exception. Indeed, the rhino population has plummeted from nearly 9,000 4 decades ago.

In order to protect rhinos in the least obtrusive way, the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, a fenced-in haven in Tsavo East was established. This 90 sq km (35 sq mile) sanctuary, which is under 24-hour surveillance, is now home to dozens of black rhinos.

Hippos

Tsavo National Park is home to large hippo herds. "But so does Masai Mara National Reserve," I hear you say...

Fair enough. Tsavo though is special because, thanks to an underwater viewing chamber, you can observe hippos walking on the riverbed in the company of schools of primeval fish. To do so, head to the crystal clear Mzima Springs early in the morning before these huge herbivores seek shelter from the heat of the sun.

Crocodiles

If you'd like a goosebump attack, go in search of Tsavo's numerous crocodiles.

The best places for spotting these vicious scaly reptiles with bulging eyes are Mzima Springs and near Lugard's Falls (really rapids) on the Galana River. While they are in the water, you'll only see the top of their heads as their bodies are submerged.

The thrill of observing full size crocodiles crawling around on their bellies, basking and jockeying for a vantage position on the sandy Galana River banks is indescribable.

Crocodile Camp located in Tsavo East is, as the name suggests, your best bet for observing crocodiles. Here, you can gaze at dozens of these reptiles for hours on end while enjoying a sundowner at a campfire.

Plains and Other Animals

Tsavo National Park is one of the best places in Kenya to see lesser kudu and fringe-eared oryx. Other animals that can be seen on the Tsavo plains are buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, yellow baboons and fringe-eared oryxes.

Other animals in the parks are spotted and striped! hyenas, jackals, dwarf mongooses, warthogs, rock hyraxes and klipspringers.

Birdlife

Because Tsavo is huge and consists of diverse habitats, it is an ornithologist's paradise.

Indeed, over 500 species of Kenya birds have been recorded here.

Tsavo is also located on the southern migration route of European birds so many of the visiting species can be sighted around Ngulia Lodge every November and early December.

Lakes Jipe and Chala are home to several water birds such as the rare African Water Rail and Lesser Jacana while the park's riverine forests and scrub and hills host the relevant species.

The Taita white-eye and the Taita white thrush, which is endemic to Kenya, can also be spotted in the Tsavo area.

Landscapes

There are several breathtaking landscapes in Tsavo National Park that are reason enough to visit the park.

Volcanic cones, lava flows, scrubland, rock outcrops, plains, rivers, lakes, falls and even craters are worthwhile tourist attractions in their own right...

In such a scenario, any animal sightings should be a bonus. This though is Tsavo and the bonuses are extremely generous.

One is also able to get magnificent views of the Tanzanian Mount Kilimanjaro, which unfortunately dwarfs the mountains in Kenya in popularity contests...

That said, Mount Kenya makes for a far more technical climb than the Kilimanjaro. Enough said.

Lodges

There are a couple of excellent lodges in Tsavo National Park where you can stay to enjoy Kenya's wild side. These include:

• Finch Hatton, a camp fit for royalty. What with its fine bone china and crystal glasses complemented by excellent cuisine and immaculate service! The tents are large and well-appointed.

• Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge strategically overlooks a large waterhole that is frequented by oodles of wildlife. And, the rooms either face the waterhole, Chyulu hills or Mount Kilimanjaro.

• Voyager Ziwani Camp located just outside Tsavo's Ziwani gate is a good spot to see hippos and crocodiles wallowing in the nearby pool.

• Severin Safari Camp offers 3 accommodation levels. The priciest of these are fitted with elevated decks that offer sweeping views over the vast Tsavo savanna and priceless views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

• Ngulia Safari Camp is in a secluded hilly part of Tsavo. It is close to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary and a waterhole frequented by buffaloes. It is also located on the annual migration route of European bird species.

• Crocodile Camp is situated right on the edge of the Galana River which bisects the expansive park. It has beautiful manicured gardens and large public areas and is ideal for experiencing pristine Kenya.

Tsavo Safari

If you'd rather have an all-inclusive package to one of Kenya's renowned holiday destinations, then consider booking a Tsavo Safari.

The safari price includes transport to and from Tsavo, park entry fees accommodation, all meals and game drives...

Tsavo is vast and unless you visit with an experienced driver who also doubles up as a guide, you are bound to get lost and frustrated as you will not do justice to the park's attractions.

A Tsavo safari is recommended for anyone seeking a break from the fast-paced city and the chance to explore Tsavo National Park's wilderness.

Located surprisingly close to Mombasa which is home to some secluded powder-soft beaches, a Tsavo safari can be combined with a Mombasa vacation.

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