The beauty of Tsavo National Park is indescribable. Today, just fly, roam, travel, discover, explore, and journey to Tsavo West National Park, a region covered with plants that have deep, wide roots, allowing them to absorb water from great depths to survive during the dry seasons.
The park is also covered with green grass that turns brown in the hot seasons. This type of vegetation is referred to as savanna vegetation.
Grassland vegetation serves as a grazing area for various animals such as zebras, gazelles, giraffes, buffaloes, rhinos, and more.
The park is also home to lions that have adapted to this vegetation, where they hide in the tall grass when tired or while targeting prey.
The lion’s skin color blends into the landscape, making them difficult for other animals to detect.
Lions use their golden color and night vision to outmaneuver other species in the bush. Tsavo also shelters leopards, tigers, reptiles, and primates.
The entry fees are 515 KSh for citizen adults, 215 KSh for children, and 52 USD for foreign adults, while foreign children pay 35 USD.
Tourist Activities – Top Things to Do
There are many exciting activities to enjoy in Tsavo, including:
- Camping: Camping consists of groups setting up in specific areas of the park, typically in the morning or at night. In some national parks, visitors can either rent a tent or stay in a luxury, tent-like structure. Camping is often accompanied by a fire to provide light and warmth for night campers. Tourists can book private campsites based on their budget, while others prefer public camping to interact with other travelers.
- Interaction with the Inhabitants of the Land: The Manyattas are unique structures that capture tourists’ attention. Visitors can watch the sun dip over the horizon around a fire lit by the Maasai people and observe village warriors dancing to attract potential wives. Drinks and snacks often accompany this viewing experience.
- Game Drives: Game drives are one of the most popular activities, as they offer safety within a vehicle and can be enjoyed in the morning or afternoon. Tourists can spot animals heading to their resting places or preparing to hunt.
Accommodation
The park offers accommodations with lavish interiors, comfortable rooms, ample parking, quality restaurants, and clean facilities. Recommended hotels include Lion Bluff Lodge, Rhino Valley Lodge, Severin Kitani Bandas Lodge, and Hunters Lodge.
History and Transport
Tsavo West National Park was established in 1948 to protect the wildlife in the Thar Desert. It is the largest park in Kenya, covering coastal regions with swamps, rocky peaks, and an extinct volcanic crater.
The recommended means of transportation are by road or air, though airstrips may close during wet seasons due to strong winds and thunderstorms.
Most tourists visit in the dry season to avoid these challenges, while those who prefer fewer crowds can visit year-round.
Recommended Packing List
- Safari Clothes: Comfortable clothing in dull colors is recommended to avoid attracting insects. Long-sleeved clothing is also suggested to protect against the sun and insects.
- Sunglasses and Hats: These protect the eyes and face from the sun. Visitors from colder climates may need time to adjust to the intense heat, making sunglasses and hats essential.
- Insect Repellent: This is advised due to the presence of mosquitoes and other insects, which can cause discomfort. Always use insect repellent for a pleasant stay.
Park Rules and Safety Guidelines
- Keep the Park Clean: Littering is strictly prohibited, as animals may ingest waste, which could harm them.
- Maintain Silence: Animals are sensitive to noise. Visitors should be quiet to avoid disturbing or frightening them.
- Maintain Safe Distances: During nature walks, keep a safe distance from animals, especially large mammals like elephants, which can become aggressive.
- Avoid Feeding Animals: Feeding wildlife, especially carnivores, is prohibited as it may lead to unpredictable behavior. Always stay with a tour guide and security personnel equipped with a firearm for safety.
Attractions
The attractions at Tsavo West National Park include diverse wildlife, historical sites, interactions with the Maasai people, and much more.
Now is the perfect time to explore, and Tsavo West National Park is the ideal destination for you.
