Tsavo National Park is the largest of the Kenya National Parks. So why is the Tsavo so famous? Several reasons actually...
First, it sheer vastness is geographically threatening. It is so massive that it occupies the same area as France or Texas. For administrative purposes, it's divided into two parks; the bordering Tsavo East National Park and the Tsavo West National Park. These are separated by the Mombasa Highway which connects Mombasa, the country's port town and main beach destination with Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya and the remainder of the East African region.
Second, it was made famous because it was the theater for the notorious man eating lions of Tsavo. These maneless lions terrorized the Indian employees who had been brought in to build up the Kenya-Uganda Train line in the last few years of the 19th century. The man eaters are said to have eaten up 12 or so of the railway line workers before they were shot dead by a Brit called John Patterson. He later sold their skulls and skins to the Chicago Field Museum where the reconstructed maneless lions are currently on display.
Third, it is known for its red elephants. Even though these elephants aren't born red, the red rich volcanic soils of the wildlife park permanently dye the hides of the Tsavo elephants, making them a key traveller attraction in and of themselves.
4th, the wildlife park has some very dramatic landscapes. Lush undulating hills are a common sight in the big Tsavo. The Lugard Falls that cascade down in the middle of a forest are very attractive. The Tsavo parks are also home to a variety of engaging rock formations probably the most renowned of which are the Munanda Rocks.
Fifth the Tsavo is a must see because it is a wildlife treasure trove. You can gaze at loads of hippos and crocodiles at their favorite hangout at the clear Mzima Springs. The springs also host astounding schools of fish even though you have got to remember that fishing is strictly banned. More than 300 avian species have been recorded in the nation's park, making it a bird watcher's paradise.
In addition, there are a variety of exclusive accommodations within and adjacent the national park to make your Tsavo safari particularly memorable.
First, it sheer vastness is geographically threatening. It is so massive that it occupies the same area as France or Texas. For administrative purposes, it's divided into two parks; the bordering Tsavo East National Park and the Tsavo West National Park. These are separated by the Mombasa Highway which connects Mombasa, the country's port town and main beach destination with Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya and the remainder of the East African region.
Second, it was made famous because it was the theater for the notorious man eating lions of Tsavo. These maneless lions terrorized the Indian employees who had been brought in to build up the Kenya-Uganda Train line in the last few years of the 19th century. The man eaters are said to have eaten up 12 or so of the railway line workers before they were shot dead by a Brit called John Patterson. He later sold their skulls and skins to the Chicago Field Museum where the reconstructed maneless lions are currently on display.
Third, it is known for its red elephants. Even though these elephants aren't born red, the red rich volcanic soils of the wildlife park permanently dye the hides of the Tsavo elephants, making them a key traveller attraction in and of themselves.
4th, the wildlife park has some very dramatic landscapes. Lush undulating hills are a common sight in the big Tsavo. The Lugard Falls that cascade down in the middle of a forest are very attractive. The Tsavo parks are also home to a variety of engaging rock formations probably the most renowned of which are the Munanda Rocks.
Fifth the Tsavo is a must see because it is a wildlife treasure trove. You can gaze at loads of hippos and crocodiles at their favorite hangout at the clear Mzima Springs. The springs also host astounding schools of fish even though you have got to remember that fishing is strictly banned. More than 300 avian species have been recorded in the nation's park, making it a bird watcher's paradise.
In addition, there are a variety of exclusive accommodations within and adjacent the national park to make your Tsavo safari particularly memorable.
About the Author:
Imani Kimatt is is impassioned about Kenya and enjoys writing about the numerous Kenya National Parks.
