Adventure Beyond Tsavo Safari

Adventure Beyond Tsavo Safari

Tsavo, as Kenya’s largest national park, is known from one end of the world to another for its open plains, red-dusted elephants, and exhilarating game drives. To the adventure-seeker, however, there is so much more to Tsavo than just Kenya safari.

Its rugged, volcanic and lava flow geology is a realm to be explored whether you’re walking along footpaths, climbing vertical rock faces, or paddling along hidden waterways. Explore beyond the jeep and experience the wild, majestic, and untamed features of Tsavo.

Ascent Experiences: Rock Climbing on Tsavo

Tsavo’s fascinating geology gives rise to exceptional rock climbing opportunities that are filled with excitement and allow climbers to enjoy unrivaled panoramic views.

Mudanda Rock (Tsavo East):

This massive, layered granite inselberg offers climbers the opportunity to climb a premier climbing destination. Mudanda rock literally serves as a natural dam, and the water pool at the bottom attracts hundreds of elephants and other wildlife for climbers to view from above. The climb offers great rewards too, with 360 degree views of the vast open savannah of Tsavo East.

Kichwa Tembo and Roaring Rocks (Tsavo West):

Tsavo West tends to be more mountainous and has popular climbing sites like Kichwa Tembo (Elephant’s Head) and the Roaring Rocks. The Roaring Rocks is a unique high vantage point, where the wind travels through the rock formations and creates a “roaring” sound from above. The hike or climb here will reward you with stunning views of the park and the Yatta Plateau, and if you’re lucky, the distant peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in the evening.

Hiking in Nature: Guided Walks

Hiking and walking in the outdoors is a great way to experience some of the smaller wonders of the bush, things that are often missed from a vehicle safari. But for safety reasons during guided walks, you will be accompanied by armed rangers due to the large and dangerous wildlife in the area.

Walking Safaris:

These guided hikes are a great way to appreciate the diversity of flora, learn tracking techniques, and become immersed in the interactions of the ecosystem at a relaxed pace. Most of the time these guided hikes are done in predetermined safer areas, and you will get an opportunity to see smaller creatures, insects and interesting plants up close that you wouldn’t normally experience while on a game drive vehicle.

Mzima Springs Nature Walk:

In Tsavo West, the Mzima Springs is an oasis not to be missed. You can take a short guided walk by an armed ranger through the thick green vegetation, where you will observe the grounds of the desert country transform into a wetland. The water coming from underground is clean and clear, providing an important habitat for hippos and crocodiles. There is also an underwater viewing room along the walking trail to look at the aquatic life from beneath the water surface that is very surreal and a world away from the dusty savannah.

Chaimu Volcanic Crater:

This fabulous, unique, black, volcanic cone found in Tsavo West offers a rewarding, short trek to the top. Your efforts will be rewarded with amazing views of the entire park, making it an excellent spot to observe and take pictures.

Other Thrilling Non-Safari Activities

Tsavo’s adventures do not stop at climbing and walking. The sheer vastness of the park combined with its unique features allows for several other ways to get your adrenaline pumping or to simply be in nature and to enjoy the sights from a different point of view.

Exploring Shetani Lava Flows:

The Shetani Lava Flows in Tsavo West are a relatively recent geological experience. These huge expanses of black, hardened lava are a wonderful adventure. You can walk in groups; guides can take you into the caves that have formed in the molten rock, which is a truly eerie adventure into the past and volatility of the region. The local people named the area Shetani for “devil,” as this area was formed during a raging fire.

Bird Watching:

With over 500 bird species documented, Tsavo is a bird lover’s dream. Locations like the Galana River, Aruba Dam (in Tsavo East), and Lake Jipe (in Tsavo West) are perfect for searching for both resident and migratory birds, a slower excursion that requires time and observation.

Canoe Safaris:

On select water bodies, such as Lake Jipe or boatable stretches of the Galana River, canoe or boat safaris provide a peaceful, eco-friendly option for watching wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and water birds, from the water.

Tsavo National Park truly is a destination for every type of adventure. The classic game drive provides amazing views of big game, but once you get out of the car and into the park, either by climbing a rock or walking down a quiet trail, you will truly see the country’s rugged beauty and great richness in a very different way. Don’t just look for the Big Five; go out and find your next big adventure.