BEST 8 REASONS TO VISIT TSAVO EAST

Best 8 Reasons To Visit Tsavo East National Park

In Kenya

The best 8 reasons to visit East Tsavo National Park in Kenya are; Mudanda rock, Tsavo and Galana rivers, Kanderi swamp, Yatta Plateau, Lugard falls, Bird watching, Aruba dam and Luxury and events experiences. Tsavo east national park is situated in the south east of Kenya in east Africa. It’s the most protected and oldest park in Kenya , found in Taita Taveta district in Voi town. The park homes various mammal species like pods of hippos, red elephants, buffalos and rhinos.

Amazing bird species of over 500species of them recorded. Tsavo East National Park is in a semi-arid region that was known previously as TARU dessert. It was gazzated a national park in 1948. It’s at an area site of 13747square kilometers, 250KM from Mombasa and 325 km from Nairobi city. One can access the park by using both road and air.

Tsavo east national park lodges have got private airstrips like Bachuma, Sangayaya, Aruba and Sala. Entrance gate is known as Mtito Andrei which is about 233km\144miles from Nairobi.

1. Mudanda Rock at Tsavo East National Park

Unique rock feature of an inselberg rock known as Mudanda rock which is  covered on surface of  1.6kilometers enabling a scenic view  that gives a broad viewing point for tourist to the red elephants , waterbucks and wildebeests . The Mudanda rock is as well water catchment site providing water to animals in the park as they come to drink from there.

2. Tsavo and Galana rivers 

Tsavo East national park is crossed by two rivers of Tsavo River and Galana River; these rivers are the main water sources that feed the park and its ecology. Tsavo River passes through Tsavo East and Tsavo west national parks later joining to Athi River to form Galana River.

Galana River originates from the south eastern Kenya highlands and its mouth in Indian Ocean where it pours its water. Galana River harbors crocodiles that are amazing to watch while on a Kenya wildlife viewing safaris at the Tsavo East national park.

 

3. Kanderi swamp at Tsavo East National Park

Kanderi  swamp is one other feature that gives a spectacular and adventitious reason for a destination at Tsavo east national park. This swamp also acts a source of water for the ecosystem at the park. On game drivers many animals can be sighted resting near the swamp. Animals like hartebeests, antelopes and buffaloes are one that can be viewed.

 

4. Yatta plateau at Tsavo East National Park

Yatta plateau ranks another fascinating attractions in Tsavo East national park after the red elephants and this makes it a must visit feature while in the park, Yatta plateau is the  longest lava flow of 290 km formed from Ol Donyo Sabuk Mountain as result of the eruption process. The plateau stretches from the western border of Tsavo East national park above Athi River. Yatta plateau is the longest lava flow in the world.

 

5. Lugard falls at Tsavo East National Park

Lugard falls has a series of rapid white water and this form at Galana River. The falls were named after a colonial administrator known as Fredrick Lugard who arrived in Mombasa early in 18888.  The fascinating water trails of the falls gives it a must call to tour the adventurous park.

 

6. Bird watching at Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo national park gives aboard amazing view of the various bird species that are about 500 bird species. The park gives birders the best experience to carry out the activity as many bird species like, secretary birds, ostriches, king fishers, buzzards, kestrel and weaver birds are a sight on board.

Among these include residents and migrant species; migrant species come from Europe and neighboring countries of Africa happening in the months of November to April.

 

 

7. Aruba dam at Tsavo East National Park

The park has Aruba dam as its water reservoir along Voi River, Aruba dam is one of the excellent Kenya wildlife viewing spots in Tsavo national park built in 1952. Thousands of animals are attracted to the park especially in the dry season, some these animals surround the dam so as to drink water. There are also a variety of birds which living around the dam like, king fisher’s, buzzards and kestrel.

 

8. Luxury and events experiences at Tsavo East National Park

The park gives the most distinct and stunning locations, and the country’s finest destinations. Calm breezes drift across the Tsavo and Galana rivers to refresh your soul.  FIVE STAR lodges and hotels that enrich guest satisfactions and give an attractive view of the park. 

 

Where to stay while at Tsavo East National Park

The park has a number of fascinating  homes like   Voi Wildlife Lodge, Ash nil Aruba Lodge and they provide luxury, medium and budget accommodations.

 

Accommodation ( Hotels And Lodges ) In Tsavo East National Park In Kenya

Top 3 best hotels and lodges in Tsavo East National Park. It is the oldest and largest park in Kenya, located in a semi-arid area which is known as Taru- Desert

Budget hotels And Lodges In Tsavo East National Park In Kenya

These are one to two start lodges and most of them are called Camping or tented camps. Some have self-contained rooms with hot showers and private bath rooms. The only difference from other levels is that their rooms are not very spacious in size.

They donot have some indoor facilities like sauna, swimming pools and others. Few of the budget lodges are found inside the park, most of them are located outside the park and they are owned by locals around the area. The most recommended Tsavo national park hotels include:

1. Kiboko camp In Tsavo East National Park.

Here in the African plains, where human life began, guests of Kiboko will find an un spoilt welcoming and friendly camp with people who know the savanna and its inhabitants. People who will enable you to to travel and experience adventures who will remain forever in your heart. Guests can book a jeep Safari with accommodation and full board, or clients can just enjoy the natural environment and pay only for the accommodation.

Property amenities

• Free parking
• Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
• Pool
• Free breakfast
• Hiking
• Evening entertainment
• Books, DVDs, music for children
• Children’s television networks
• Show more
• Room features
• Bathrobes
• Desk
• Housekeeping
• Room service
• Seating area
• Bottled water
• Wake-up service / alarm clock
• Bath / shower

Room types

• Non-smoking rooms
• Family rooms
• Smoking rooms available
• Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.

2. Kiluguni Serena Safari Lodge

A tranquil, hushed and cool refuge framed by Mount Kilimanjaro and the rolling, volcanic landscapes of the deep green Chyulu Hills, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge in Tsavo West National Park immerses you in stunning beauty and exhilarating adventures while surrounding you with every modern comfort.

Arriving guests are enchanted by classic stone design and views of elephants, buffalo and other plains game drinking and cooling off in our water hole. One of the earliest national park lodges in Kenya is Tsavo West hotel, ranging from  the Standard Rooms to deluxe Suites and the resplendent Kilaguni Suite. Greet the morning with a bush breakfast or sip traditional sundowner cocktails at Lion Rock.

Relax on the garden sundeck by our swimming pool. Savour seasonal, locally sourced cuisine in the dining room overlooking the water hole. Unwind in a day bed at the stone-built bar, sipping a perfectly mixed drink while taking in marvellous views of the Chyulu Hills.

Amenities

• Free parking Restaurant
• Breakfast available
• Complimentary welcome drink
• Kid-friendly buffet
• Kids’ meals
• Meeting rooms
• Massage
• 24-hour security
• BBQ facilities
• Baggage storage
• Concierge
• Gift shop
• Mosquito net
• Outdoor furniture
• 24-hour front desk
• Ironing service
• Free internet
• Bicycles available
• Conference facilities

3. Ngulia Safari Lodge In Tsavo East

It was built in 1969, is located in Tsavo East National Park which a home to a big host of wild animals. It can be accessed from Nairobi (260 km away), through Mtito Andei Gate or from Mombasa (250km away) through Tsavo River Gate. The Lodge is perched on the Ndawe Escarpment just below Ngulia Hills, overlooking the Rhino Sanctuary surrounded by Scenic Hills.

Ngulia Safari Lodge no doubt has one of the most breathtaking views in Kenya. Guests take guided expeditions to Mzima Springs ( a living Oasis inhabited with fish, crocodiles and hippos), Hippo Point ( inhabited with hippos and crocodiles), Shetani Caves, Chaimu Lava flows, Kichwa Tembo and Roaring Rocks among others.

The Lodge has 52 standard rooms, all with bath and shower and a balcony with a view of the vast wilderness and floodlit water holes. It has two restaurants: The main restaurant – built in an open-air style, has a view of floodlit water holes and the Leopard dinning tree.

Amenities

• Free parking
• Free internet
• Pool
• Pool with view
• Free breakfast
• Bar / lounge
• Concierge
• Mosquito net
• Outdoor pool
• Restaurant
• Breakfast buffet
• Sun terrace

Mid-Range Hotels And Lodges In Tsavo East National Park In Kenya

These are the second level of Tsavo national park hotels, they are improved and better than the budget Tsavo national park hotels. These are the most recommended level of accommodation that has got good value of money in relation to the service delivery.

Most of these lodges are located inside the park and have good and precious rooms that offer more comfort. They are in form of lodges or permanent tents that are located in the good view of the game.

They have hygienic large rooms with king-size beds, self-contained rooms, and hot showers, flashing toilets ensuite, television set, mini bar and others. In Tsavo there are many midrange lodge for example:

1. Voyager Ziwani Camp

Voyager Ziwani is situated on the banks of the Sante River and offers panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Its fully furnished tents include a spacious patio. Guided game walks and night drives are offered.

The tents at Voyager come with wooden floors and a 4-poster bed surrounded by a mosquito net. Each has a modern, private bathroom with a shower and a flush toilet.Home cooked meals, including a large selection of vegetarian dishes, are served at the camp’s restaurant. Bush breakfasts and barbecue dinners are also organised. Drinks are available at the bar, which offers views of the dam.

During the day, guests can visit the tombs of Grogan’s Castle or take a ranch tour of Gicheha Farm. In the evening, Maasaj dancers provide entertainment at Vogager Ziwani Tented Camp. Younger guests can join the Adventurers’ and Young Rangers’ Clubs.

2. Impala Safari Lodge

Impala Safari Lodge provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel has a shared lounge and a garden. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.

At the hotel, each room is fitted with a desk, a TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. Impala Safari Lodge offers certain rooms with pool views, and the rooms are fitted with a patio. Guest rooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle.

Continental and buffet breakfast options are available daily at the accommodation.

Impala Safari Lodge offers a terrace.There is an on-site snack bar and guests can also make use of the business area.Aruba Dam is 35 km from the hotel, while Supermarket (Voi) is 1.2 km away.

Facilities of Impala Safari Lodge

Most popular facilities

• Swimming pool
• Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
• Bar

Outdoors

• Outdoor fireplace
• Outdoor furniture
• Sun terrace
• BBQ facilities
• Additional charge
• Terrace
• Garden

Activities

• Live sport events (broadcast)
• Tour or class about local culture
• Additional charge
• Walking tours
• Additional charge
• Game drives
• Evening entertainment
• Entertainment staff

Food & Drink

• Fruits
• Additional charge
• Wine/champagne
• Additional charge
• Kid-friendly buffet
• Special diet menus (on request)
• Snack bar
• Breakfast in the room
• Bar
• Restaurant

 

3. Voi Wildlife Lodge

Situated at the Tsavo East National Park, Voi Wildlife Lodge boasts a restaurant, a spa and wellness center and conference facilities. The lodge is 4.4 km from Voi Railway station. The spacious rooms offer African decor and are equipped with a fan and mosquito nets. Private bathrooms also come with free toiletries.

The Tembo Restaurant serves International and vegetarian cuisine. The bar offers views of a nearby waterhole.

Massages and beauty treatments can be arranged at the spa, which has 5 treatment rooms, a steam bath and hot tub.

Other facilities offered at the property include a garden, a shared lounge, a games room, a children’s playground and a tour desk.

The Tsavo East airstrip is 5 minutes’ drive from Voi Wildlife Lodge and Nairobi is about a 4 hours’ drive away. Mombasa is 2 hours away by road.

Facilities of Voi Wildlife Lodge

Most popular facilities

• 1 swimming pool
• Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
• Bar

Outdoors

• Picnic area
• Outdoor furniture
• Sun terrace
• BBQ facilities
• Additional charge
• Terrace
• Garden

Activities

• Aerobics Additional charge
• Live sport events (broadcast) Additional charge
• Live music/performance Additional charge
• Happy hour Additional charge
• Themed dinner nights
• Game drives
• Evening entertainment Additional charge
• Nightclub/DJ Additional charge
• Hiking
• Billiards Additional charge
• Children’s playground
• Games room

Food & Drink

• Fruits
• Additional charge
• Wine/champagne
• Additional charge
• Kid meals
• Additional charge
• Special diet menus (on request)
• Snack bar
• Bar

Luxury Hotels And Lodges In Tsavo East National Park In Kenya

These are high end hotels that offer classic accommodation facilities to the guests. Their level of comfort is higher than the mid-rage lodges and has additional facilities like swimming pools, sauna, gyms and many more facilities. They are located inside the national parks in great strategic locations that give the guests extra wildlife experience at their comfort zone, Example of these hotels are:

1. Intercounty Gardens Hotel

Get your trip off to a great start with a stay at this property, which offers car park free of charge. Conveniently situated in the Tsavo East National Park part of Tsavo East National Park, this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options. This 3-star property is packed with in-house facilities to improve the quality and joy of your stay. Intercounty  Gardens Hotel.

Travelers are guaranteed to have a hassle-free stay with all the amenities and services provided by Intercounty Gardens Hotel. Parking is provided free of charge for guests.

The hotel provides front desk services such as concierge service for guests’ convenience. Wear your favorite outfits again and again thanks to the Laundromat, dry cleaning service and laundry service offered at Intercounty Gardens Hotel.

Rooms at Intercounty Gardens Hotel are designed with the guest in mind. Some rooms have television to keep guests entertained. You may be assured to know that bottled water is available in some select rooms. You can stay fresh and clean with toiletries and towels provided in some of the guest bathrooms.

Facilities include,

• Car park
• Laundry service
• Concierge
• Dry cleaning
• Laundromat
• Daily disinfection in common areas
• Hand sanitizer
• Hygiene certification

 

2. Heritage Hotel

It is conveniently situated in the Tsavo East National Park part of Tsavo East National Park; this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options. This 3-star property is packed with in-house facilities to improve the quality and joy of your stay.

Experience the high-quality room facilities during your stay at Heritage Hotel. Knowing that bathroom amenities play an important role in increasing guests’ satisfaction, the hotel provides toiletries and towels in some select rooms.

Amenities and facilities incude;

• Internet access
• Free Wi-Fi in all rooms.
• Elevator
• Smoking area
• Pets allowed
• Free bottled water
• Shower
• Toiletries
• Towels

 

3. Igloos Resort

Get your trip off to a great start with a stay at this property, which offers car park free of charge. Conveniently situated in the Tsavo East National Park part of Tsavo East National Park, this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options. This 3-star property features restaurant to make your stay more indulgent and memorable.

Igloos Resort provides a range services and amenities to help make your stay more comfortable. If you plan to arrive by car, you’ll appreciate the resort’s free parking, right on-site. Front desk services including luggage storage can assist with your needs.

Feel right at home during your stay at Igloos Resort. In-room entertainment such as television is provided for guests in select rooms. It’s good to know that toiletries and towels are provided in some guest bathrooms.

Dining and things to do.

If you don’t feel like going out to eat, you can always opt for the delicious dining options at the resort. A night in at the resort’s bar can be as fun as a night out with your guides.

Amenities and facilities;

• Internet access
• Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
• Dining, drinking, and snacking
• Bar
• Restaurants
• Services and conveniences
• Elevator
• Luggage storage
• Smoking area access
• Pets allowed
• Car park [free of charge]
• Fan available in all rooms
• Free bottled water
• Shower
• Toiletries
• Towels
• Wi-Fi [free]