Tsavo national park size

Tsavo national park size

Tsavo national park size

Tsavo national park size: Tsavo national park is the largest national park in Kenya combining two large national parks Tsavo East and Tsavo West national park. Tsavo national park size is combining the size of the two national park.  Tsavo national park size covers 22,812 square kilometres. Tsavo East national park takes the great lions share covering 13,747 square. Tsavo West national park occupies total land area of 9,065 square kilometres. The two individual Tsavo national parks are the largest national parks starting from Tsavo East national park and followed by Tsavo West national park respectively.

The Tsavo national park size has given it an added advantage to the large population of wildlife at the park. The park habits all the African big five (Lions, leopards, Elephants, Buffalo and Rhinos) Its among the few national parks in Kenya where you can see both Black and White Rhinos.  This is the oldest national park in Kenya which was gazetted in April 1948. The park was named after the Tsavo River that runs across the park from West to East. The river is a sole source of water at the park for the wildlife.

The Tsavo national park size is cleared marked by the Tsavo national park Map that shows all the boundaries of the park. The park borders Mkomazi game reserve of Tanzania and Chyulu hills national park. Its remote location in the coastal province has made it occupy the vast savannah grassland. The park is dominated by the former Semi-desert of Turu. The park also borders the community conservancies like Taita Hills game sanctuary and Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary and many.

Geography of Tsavo national park 

The park is dominated by the open savannah grassland with semi-arid vegetation. Its cindered as one of the most diversified stronghold in the world with its popularity based of the Semi desert that the park sits on. The park is drained by different rivers though the main river is Tsavo River where the park derived its name from. Other rivers that run across the park include Galana River which is among the most popular rivers in Kenya. Its formed by the joint two rivers of Tsavo river and the Athi River. This makes the Galana river more powerful and great source of water at the park. Tsavo national park is mostly flat area that is dotted with some mountainous or hills around its borders. The savannah vegetation is dotted with some Acacia trees and the some forests which are found along the swamps and the mountains.  During the dry season you can enjoy long sighted views across its dry plains. The dry pans along the river banks of Galana river attract more bird species. Other geographical features at the park is the famous and longest Yatta Plateau., the Lugard falls, Poachers hills and others.

Tsavo national park size has given enough space for the wildlife to leave amidst the predators and the prey. The popularity of the park lies on the wildlife especially the African big five family (Lions, Leopards, Buffalo, Rhinos and Elephants). Its also among the few national parks in Kenya where traveller can view the African wild dogs. Other animals at the park include Gazelles, Kobs, Wildebeests, Zebras, Hyenas, Cheetahs, Jackals and many others. Unlike Masai Mara national reserve, Tsavo national park hosts only permanent residents. This makes all the Tsavo national park safaris to be done any time of the year. Birders also enjoy over 400 species of birds which cut across all the different habitants found at the park. Some of the most sighted bird species include: the Black kite, Lovebirds, Crowned cranes, secretary bird, Bulbul, Sacred Ibis, little Egret, vultures, different species of Eagles and many more. Tsavo West is the best spot for birding in Tsavo national park, this part is wetter than Tsavo East. The Western side is also dominated by the mountainous features. The Mzima Springs and Lake Jipe are the home of birds as well as the rare Black Rhinos which are found at the park.

Location of Tsavo national park 

The remote location of the park in the South Eastern part of Kenya nearing the Coastal province. Its found near the town of Voi in Taita-Taveta County which was once the Coast province. The park strategic location makes it easy for the traveller to start Tsavo national park safari from either Nairobi city or Mombasa region. Its cut across by the highway as well as the railway line that runs from Nairobi to Mombasa. 

Tsavo national park size
Tsavo national park size

The Tsavo national park size is overwhelming as it cuts across the entire coastal province. It runs down bordering the Mkomazi Game reserve of Tanzania and Chyulu hills national park.  Tsavo national park remains one of the largest national parks not only in Kenya but entire East Africa. It got its vast land as human settlement was limited by the semi-desert climate. The early man who settled around the area were just hunters and fruit gatherers who lived along the Galana river leaving the vast land dormant hence giving wildlife great opportunity to occupy the free area.   

Even after the park was divided into two parts by the construction of the A109 highway, the parks remain the largest in Kenya. Tsavo East national park took the lions share and its now the largest national park in Kenya. Its followed by its counterpart Tsavo West National park. Tsavo national park size is managed by the Kenya wildlife Service.

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