Tsavo National Park is one of Kenya's most iconic and vast wildlife conservation areas. It is actually divided into two separate parks: Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park. Together, they form Tsavo National Park, and it covers an immense area of approximately 21,000 square kilometers (8,150 square miles), making it one of the largest national parks in Kenya.
Here are some key details about Tsavo National Park:
Location: Tsavo National Park is situated in the southeastern part of Kenya, not far from the coast. It straddles the border between the counties of Taita-Taveta, Makueni, and Kitui. The park is located about a 4-6 hour drive from Nairobi, making it relatively accessible for tourists.
Landscape: Tsavo is known for its diverse and dramatic landscapes, including open grasslands, rocky outcrops, volcanic hills, and the Yatta Plateau, which is one of the world's longest lava flows. The Athi River runs through the park, creating lush green corridors amid the arid terrain.
Wildlife: Tsavo National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. It is also known for its birdlife, with over 600 bird species recorded in the park.
Red Elephants: Tsavo is particularly famous for its "red elephants." These elephants appear to have a reddish-brown hue due to the park's red soil, which they often dust themselves with. They are a unique and iconic feature of the park.
Tsavo National Park is known for its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and captivating landscapes, making it a significant attraction for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers visiting Kenya.