The largest national park in Kenya, Tsavo is famous as the home of some of Africa largest remaining big tuskers. Known for their immense tusks, which weigh more than a hundred pounds (50 kg) each, these gigantic beasts have been decimated by poaching and trophy hunting until few remain throughout the continent. Wild, uncrowded and authentic, Tsavo is revered for its ‘red elephants’. The sight of these magnificent animals, covered with red dust and bathing in the waters of the Galana River, is one of Tsavo’s most iconic images. The area’s other outstanding feature is the Yatta Plateau, formed from an ancient flow of lava 300 km (185 miles) long.
Divided into two separate parks, Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park, the reserve is situated in the Coast Province of Kenya, between Nairobi and Mombasa. Consisting of mostly vast, flat lava plains fractured by the meandering Galana River, Tsavo East is home to the Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls. Apart from its flourishing elephant population, another highlight is its sheer vastness. Tsavo West is a lush mountainous park that encompasses boggy swamps, the shallow Lake Jipe and the Mzima Springs.
This green oasis offers a stunningly beautiful contrast to the surrounding semi-arid land. A colourful array of bird life is found among the spectacular scenery, with its rocky landscapes, lush grass and dense vegetation. Excellent sightings of large mammals including black rhino, Cape buffalo, elephant, leopard, hippo and Maasai lion are abundant and the nocturnal bush baby, hartebeest, lesser kudu and Maasai giraffe can also be spotted.
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