Game Drives in Tsavo National Park, Kenya, showcase Africa’s awe-inspiring natural splendor and rich biodiversity. Encompassing over 20,000 square kilometers, nine times larger than Maasai Mara, this expansive park is divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Famed for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, Tsavo National Park promises an unmatched safari adventure through exhilarating game drives.
Nestled in the southeastern part of Kenya near the coast and bordering Tanzania, Tsavo National Park is strategically situated between Nairobi and Mombasa and is divided by the Mombasa-Nairobi highway, making it easily accessible for visitors. It’s celebrated for its diverse ecosystems, including vast savannahs, lush riverine forests, and rugged terrain dominated by volcanic hills and lava flows. This varied landscape provides a habitat for an impressive array of wildlife, making Tsavo a prime destination for game drives.
Wildlife Encounters During Game Drives in Tsavo National Park
Embarking on Game drives in Tsavo National Park promises unforgettable wildlife encounters. From the big 5 including the red dust-covered African elephants with big tusks commonly known as Super Tuskers, mane-less lions, leopards, rhinos, cape and cape buffaloes other wildlife include giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, eland, African hunting dogs and an assortment of bird species including Pied kingfisher, golden pipit, vulturine guinea fowl, Somali ostriches the park teems with life at every turn. Witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience that leaves a lasting impression.
How Game Drives in Tsavo National Park are Conducted
Game drives in Tsavo National Park are conducted in open-roof safari vehicles (usually 4×4 land cruisers) with experienced guides. The terrain demands 4×4 capabilities as you explore the park’s diverse ecosystems. Follow established tracks to prime game-viewing sights Tsavo. Game drives in Tsavo National Park can last for several hours, allowing ample time to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and encounter its inhabitants.
Daytime Game Drives in Tsavo National Park: These are most popular, usually conducted early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active seeking food and water. You can also choose to for either a full-day or half-day game drive safari in Tsavo
Night Game Drives in Tsavo National Park: As the sun sets over the horizon, the nocturnal creatures of the savannah awaken like civets, hyenas, aardvarks, genets, owls, and springhares, offering a glimpse into their elusive world.
Sights and Routes for Game Drives in Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park boasts an extensive network of well-maintained roads and trails, allowing visitors to explore its vast expanse with ease.
Popular routes and sights for game drives in Tsavo National Park include the Yatta Plateau: Explore this vast volcanic lava flow, spotting lions, zebras, and gerenuk (antelopes with long necks), Mudanda Rock: Witness dramatic scenery and a waterhole attracting a plethora of animals, Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary: Dedicated to the conservation of black rhinos, offering a chance to see these critically endangered creatures, Aruba Dam: Observe a variety of animals drawn to this permanent water source, including crocodiles and hippos, and the Galana River Circuit, each offering unique sightings and scenic vistas that showcase the park’s natural splendor.
Cost of Game Drives in Tsavo National Park
The cost of game drives in Tsavo National Park varies depending on the duration, type of vehicle, and additional services offered (guided tour, meals, park fees). On average, prices range from $50 to $150 per person for a half-day safari, with discounts available for group bookings and off-peak seasons.
Park entry fees grant access to Tsavo National Park and are mandatory for any activity. Entry fees vary depending on your residency status. Expect to pay around $52 for non-resident adults and $35 for non-resident children. Walking safaris are another exciting option, priced around $150 per person.
https://www.tsavonationalparkkenya.com/tsavo-west-national-park-fees/
When is the Best Time for Game Drives in Tsavo National Park?
The best time to visit Tsavo for a game drive is during the dry season, from late June to October, when wildlife congregates around water sources, making them easier to spot. However, the park offers year-round game viewing opportunities, with each season offering unique experiences.
How to Get to Tsavo National Park For a Game Drive
By air: Several domestic airlines offer flights from Nairobi and Mombasa to airstrips within Tsavo National Park. For those seeking a quicker and more scenic mode of transportation.
By road: Access the park through various entry gates from Mombasa, Voi, and Nairobi with well-placed signposts guiding the way. Self-driving within the park is strictly prohibited for safety reasons. Opt for guided tours or park-organized game drives.
Other Activities in Tsavo National Park
In addition to game drives, Tsavo National Park offers a plethora of alternative activities to enrich your safari experience. Visitors can embark on guided nature walks, hot air balloon safaris, birdwatching excursions, and cultural tours to learn about the indigenous communities that call Tsavo home. For adrenaline junkies, activities such as rock climbing, and river rafting on Athi River, Mzima Springs; Explore this oasis with its underwater glass viewing deck, Lugard Falls; Witness white-water rapids on the Athi-Galana-Sabaki River are also available, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Can you self-drive in Tsavo?
While self-driving is permitted in Tsavo National Park, it’s recommended to hire a local guide or join a guided safari to maximize your chances of game viewing and ensure your safety in the wilderness.
What are the Big 5 in Tsavo National Park?
Tsavo National Park is home to all members of the Big Five, including lions, elephants, rhinoceros, leopards, and buffalo. Encountering these iconic species in their natural habitat is a highlight of any safari experience, and Tsavo offers ample opportunities to witness these majestic creatures up close.
Which Park is better Tsavo East or Tsavo West?
Tsavo East and Tsavo West offer unique landscapes and wildlife experiences, making it challenging to declare one better. Tsavo East is renowned for its vast open plains and large herds of elephants, while Tsavo West is characterized by its diverse terrain, including volcanic cones, lava flows, and Mzima Springs, a sanctuary for hippos and crocodiles.
However, Tsavo East is a marginally better choice than the western side hence it is frequently visited by more visitors, and easier to spot wildlife as it is less dense, Tsavo West requires harder work in finding wildlife as it is has more dense vegetation. The landscape in Tsavo West is more appealing and dramatic which is one of the most diverse landscapes in East Africa.
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