Tsavo East National Park is one of the oldest and largest conservation areas of Kenya, it used to be one whole park in the Tsavo conservation area however following the construction of the A109 highway connecting Mombasa and Nairobi. It isa semi-dessert area in the southern part of the country covering an area space of approximately 13,747 square kilometers. This region of the country has been blessed with abundant wildlife species including the so-called big five of the wilderness (African buffaloes, elephants, Rhinos, leopards, and Lions). It was gazette in 1948 together with its counterpart the Tsavo West National Park and is being managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service.
The size of Tsavo East National Park favors different ecosystems ranging from open Savannah grasslands dotted with scattered trees, shrubs and to riverine forests, these harbora variety of animal species including gazelles, Topis, Zebras, hyenas, crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, dik-dik, greater and lesser Kudus, elands, impalas, buffaloes, jackals, wildebeests, wild dogs to mention a few. The park is a haven of birds, over 500 species have been recorded in the conservation area to date, Examples of species include pelicans, ground hornbills, sunbirds, and ostriches, among others.
Game drives in Tsavo East National Park are conducted through the well-distributed trails of the national park, these are done in sessions in the early morning beginning at 6:00 am, afternoon at 2:30 pm, and evening times at 4-5:00 pm East African time, the park is one of the few places where doing night game drives is allowed. The morning time is the best to view wildlife when animals are most active.
Game drives in Tsavo East National Park are done using 4×4-wheel car drive for example open rooftop land cruisers to enhance guest experience on animal views and photography, the game drives of the national park are so rewarding with views of multiple species more so cats (Lions), with an experienced guide, you will have a full knowledge of the national park. the drives last for 2-3 hours and are done in the short grasses off track is not allowed in the park. major points to view animals is around water holes, and Aruba Dam, expect to encounter several animal species and birds.
Game drives in Tsavo National Park are done in the dry season between January -February and June-September, the park receives less rainfall, and the trails of the park are much drier and easier to access, grasses are thinner and shorter which makes animal viewing easy. The drives can be half-day or full-day drives depending on guest experiences.
Besides Game drives in the Tsavo East National Park, other things to do include visiting the Aruba dam man-made dam that was constructed as a way of retaining water for animals during the dry season. Visit the Lugard Falls and the Mudanda Rocks. Birding in Tsavo East National Park is a rewarding experience there are over 500 species of birds that have been recorded here to date.
In conclusion, game drives in Tsavo East National Park bring you closer to several wildlife species.