Together, Tsavo East and West National Parks cover nearly 22,000 km², resulting in it being Kenya’s largest protected area. The park was split into two because of the construction of the railway line from Nairobi to Mombasa. Together they serve as vital sanctuaries for the country’s diverse wildlife, offering a haven for a wide array of fauna, including the iconic African elephant, Maasai giraffe, and big cats like lion and cheetah.
Tsavo East National Park, the larger of the two, is flat and arid, and is renowned for its red elephants, a result of the elephants’ dust baths in the park’s vibrant red soil. The park is also home to the Yatta Plateau, one of the world’s longest lava flows, stretching over 290 kilometers. On the other hand, Tsavo West National Park boasts stunning landscapes, including the Mzima Springs, where crystal-clear water gushes from underground streams, attracting a plethora of wildlife for a refreshing drink.
Both parks play a crucial role in wildlife conservation efforts in Kenya, with Tsavo West National Park serving as a rhino sanctuary to protect the endangered black rhinoceros. Additionally, these parks contribute significantly to the country’s tourism industry, attracting thousands of visitors annually who come to witness the beauty and diversity of Kenya’s wildlife in their natural habitats.
