A guide to Tsavo East on a wet season safari

Tsavo East Wet-Season Safari Guide

A guide to Tsavo East on a wet season safari: Tsavo East National Park is a completely different place in the wet season than it is during the dry months. Tsavo East National Park is a huge semi-desert region, with red-dust elephants and the river of life, the Galana, which is lush and emerald green after the rains. Although most of the travelling people prefer the dry season, the wet season has its own benefits; it has fewer visitors, amazing views, newborns, and fantastic birds.

Getting to know the wet season at Tsavo East.

Tsavo East has two rainy seasons:

• Long Rains: March to May
• Rainy seasons: November and December.

The intensity of rainfall differs. The long rains are more regular and abundant, whereas the short rains are less regular and therefore less abundant. Showering is usually in the afternoon or evening, so mornings are clear and suitable for taking game drives.

The wet season has temperatures of 24°C to 30°C (75°F-86°F). The humidity is not as high as that of the dry season, and the rain lowers the temperature of the air and minimises dust.

Landscape Transformation

The change of the landscape in Tsavo East is one of the most vivid changes in the wet season. What is dry and golden is changed to green.

You’ll notice:

• Plains are covered with fresh grass.
• Blooming wildflowers
• Full-grown rivers, waterholes.
• Dramatic cloud formations

The stark difference in colour between the green foliage, the red volcanic soil and the dark storm clouds gives spectacular scenes. This is one of the most aesthetically satisfying periods to visit nature for those who love to take photographs.

Wildlife Watching during the Wet Months.

Whereas wildlife is likely to be spread further with enough water and vegetation, the wet season provides another and fascinating safari experience.

Newborn Animals

Many herbivores that enter the wet season include calving, such as:

• Zebras,
• Impalas
• Gazelles
• Wildebeest

Young animals can often be seen together with protective mothers, and these are sweet and endearing scenes. Also, the activity of predators is raised by the appearance of newborns.

Predators in Action

Lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas are on the hunt as the prey animals give birth. Even though the vegetation is denser, the experienced guides can locate predator areas and trace new movements.

Elephant Herds

Tsavo East boasts of huge herds of red elephants. When it rains, they go on an extensive spurt on the revitalised plains. You can see the elephants taking baths in muddy waterholes; it is a fantastic view.

Birdwatching Paradise

The wet season is perhaps the most favourable season for bird lovers. Tsavo East is a sanctuary to the migratory birds that have flown in from Europe and other places.

Expect to see:

• Colorful bee-eaters
• Kingfishers on either side of the river.
• The wetlands have herons and egrets.
• Raptors are exploiting a rich source of food.

The wet months in the greater Tsavo ecosystem can be used to perform great bird photography and observation since more than 500 species of birds are recorded in it.

The most important places that should be explored during the wet season.

Although wildlife moves around, there are still some spots worth the gold.

• Galana River

During the rains, there is more of the Galana River. On its banks, crocodiles, hippos and elephants congregate. This is an exceptionally beautiful season in the riverine forests, and it is filled with birds.

• Aruba Dam

The Aruba Dam is also a habitat for wildlife, although water is more common. It is a sure place for sighting buffalo, elephants, and other species of birds.

• Mudanda Rock

The Mudanda Rock is above a natural water catchment site. The greenery surrounding this rocky outcrop makes it look even more scenic, especially during wet months.

• Lugard Falls

The Lugard Falls is even more astonishing when it is in the rainy season, and the falls are flowing. The churning swamps across the carved rocks are great in terms of photography.

Benefits of Travelling During the Wet Season.

• Fewer Tourists

The rainy season is regarded as the low to shoulder season, which means that there is less safari traffic and it is more exclusive. Sightseeing of wildlife usually seems intimate and quiet.

• Lower Accommodation Rates

During the wet season, many lodges and camps are offering reduced rates, so it is a cheaper time to visit.

• Beautiful Scenery

The flowers, green terrains, and dramatic skies provide an excellent background to the game drives.

• Reduced Dust

The wet season also has cleaner air and better visibility following downpours, unlike the dry season, when dust can be a great issue.

Challenges to Consider

The wet season is not without its pros; however, there are also some problems associated with the wet season.

• Road Conditions

Upon heavy rain, some of the tracks can get muddy or slippery. The use of a 4×4 is highly advisable when travelling in the park during this season.

• Wildlife Visibility

Animals can be concealed by tall grass and thick vegetation. But the skilled guides overcome this difficulty through tracking and animal behavioural expertise.

• Rain Interruptions

Afternoon showers can interfere temporarily with the game drives and, in most cases, are brief.

Activities to offer during the wet season

• Game Drives: Morning and Afternoon.

There is nothing better than a morning drive; the wildlife is active, and the weather is usually clear. Afternoon drives may also be as fruitful, and more so, after a rain has fallen and the animals come out.

• Photography Safaris

The rainy season offers special photographic possibilities:

• Reflections in water pools
• Elephants splashing in mud
• The lightning and storm clouds are dramatic.
• Vibrant green landscapes
• Walking around in nature (Where it is authorised)

The guided walks around some of the lodges enable the guests to enjoy minute aspects of the ecosystem, including insects, plants and birds.

Accommodation during the rainy season.

Tsavo East has various accommodation services, including the luxury lodges and the low-cost campsites. During the wet season:

• The availability is usually better.
• Rates may be lower
• It is also advisable to pre-book, especially during holiday seasons.

The proximity to water bodies like rivers or dams that can be relied on boosts the chances of wildlife encounters.

The Wet Season Safari Packing List.

A good preparation will guarantee a good experience:

• Light jacket made of waterproof material.
• Electronic waterproof bag covers.
• Breathable clothing
• Sturdy shoes with a good grip
• Insect repellent
• Protective cover of the camera.

Even though it rains regularly, it does not have to be all day long, and hence it is better to have layers of clothing that are flexible.

Conclusion

The Tsavo East National Park has a wet season safari, which is a cool and vibrant alternative to the conventional dry season interest. The conversion of the park into a green, vivid picture improves the natural beauty of the park, and the sight of newborn animals, migrating birds, and hunting predators gives unforgettable experiences in wildlife.