The Park is home to a good population of Giraffe, many Zebra, Impala, and Gazelles, as well as irascible Buffalo. Predators are represented by a large pride of Lions, elusive Leopards, and the fastest animal on land - the Cheetah.
June to October: Dry Season
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November to May: Wet Season
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A trip to Tsavo East is best planned in June to October and January to February when conditions in the park are favorable for wildlife watching, which is the same in Tsavo West. At other times of the year, conditions will be more challenging. This is particularly the case during the peak of the short rains (November) and the long rains (April and May). The vegetation at these times is denser and animals spread out, which makes spotting them more difficult.
Tsavo East offers great wildlife viewing in pristine wilderness. All of the Big Five are here. Elephants are common throughout the park, and their red dust coating makes them stand out against the arid environment. Of the big cats, lions are most easily spotted, but many of the males have particularly small manes. Buffalo, zebra and plenty of Masai Giraffes are some of the other animals you can expect to see.
Visitors to Tsavo East can expect a hot, dry climate. The average temperature fluctuates between 31°C/88°F during the day and 20°C/68°F at nighttime. Tsavo East has a wide variation in altitude: from 171 to 845m (561 to 2,772ft). Temperatures drop by about 6.5°C for every 1,000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft), so there are significant climatic differences within the park itself. Rainfall peaks in April and November during the long and short rains, respectively. Rain tends to fall as short heavy showers.
A trip to Tsavo East is best planned in June to October and January to February when conditions in the park are favorable for wildlife watching, which is the same in Tsavo West. At other times of the year, conditions will be more challenging. This is particularly the case during the peak of the short rains (November) and the long rains (April and May). The vegetation at these times is denser and animals spread out, which makes spotting them more difficult.
A trip to Tsavo East is best planned in June to October and January to February when conditions in the park are favorable for wildlife watching, which is the same in Tsavo West. At other times of the year, conditions will be more challenging. This is particularly the case during the peak of the short rains (November) and the long rains (April and May). The vegetation at these times is denser and animals spread out, which makes spotting them more difficult.
The Dry season months are the coolest. Days are full of sunshine and there is very little rain.
The ‘short rains’ and the ‘long rains’ are separated by a drier couple of months in January and February. Road conditions are at their worst in April and May.
In Kenya, the developed network of parks and reserves are generally crime-free. Tsavo East is therefore a very safe destination. However, visitors who drive around the country independently should take the usual precautions in cities and towns between parks.
Before coming to Kenya, you should see your doctor regarding vaccinations that you may require. Malaria is undoubtedly the main health concern. While taking antimalarials is advisable, a few sensible precautions – such as covering up at dusk, and using mosquito repellent (containing at least 30% DEET) – provide a good defense against contracting malaria. If your room doesn’t have a mosquito net, spray the room every evening. The risk from malaria is greatest at the peaks of the rainy seasons from April to May and from October to November.
Visitors to Tsavo East can expect a hot, dry climate. The average temperature fluctuates between 31°C/88°F during the day and 20°C/68°F at nighttime. Tsavo East has a wide variation in altitude: from 171 to 845m (561 to 2,772ft). Temperatures drop by about 6.5°C for every 1,000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft), so there are significant climatic differences within the park itself. Rainfall peaks in April and November during the long and short rains, respectively. Rain tends to fall as short heavy showers.