Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park, the largest in Kenya, is a semi-arid area known for its vast herds of dust-red elephants, diverse wildlife, and unique landscapes, including the Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls.

Here’s a more detailed overview:

Location and Size:

Located in the Taita-Taveta County, inland from the coast, near the town of Voi. Covers an area of 13,747 square kilometers (5,308 sq mi). Established in April 1948. Forms part of the larger Tsavo National Park system, along with Tsavo West.

Key Features and Wildlife:

Landscape: Characterized by dry plains, semi-arid acacia scrub, and woodlands, with the Galana River flowing through it.

Yatta Plateau:

The world’s longest lava flow, stretching for over 300 km.

Lugard Falls:

Where the Galana River cascades over a series of rapids.

Wildlife:

Home to large herds of dust-red elephants, a unique feature of the park. Other animals include lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, crocodiles, and various bird species. The park is a significant wintering ground for migrant species from November to April. Known for its diverse birdlife, with over 500 recorded species. Tsavo River: The park is named after the Tsavo River, which flows west to east through the park.

Other Notable Points:

Accessibility: Can be accessed through several gates, including Manyani Gate, Voi Gate, Buchuma Gate, and Sala Gate. Park Protection: Established to protect the diverse ecosystem of the Taru Desert and the rich wilderness of the Tsavo River.

Black Rhino Sanctuary:

Along with Tsavo West, it is a black rhino sanctuary.

Man-eating Lions:

The park is also known for the man-eating lions that killed railway construction workers in the 1890s.