Game drive routes in Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East Game Drive Routes
Game drive routes in Tsavo East National Park, which is one of the oldest and largest conserved areas in Kenya and occupies a land area of about 13,747 square kilometres. The park on a Kenya safari is known to offer a wilderness experience due to its expansive open arid plains, red-dust elephants and dramatic river systems. Due to its size, it is important to know the major game drive routes to optimise sightseeing of the animals and to move around the areas effectively.
The best and most effective game drive routes in Tsavo East have been outlined below in rather great detail.
Voi Gate to Aruba Dam Route
It is a very commercial and gratifying path, particularly to the tourists who come in at the Voi Gate.
The Voi Gate road will take one to the open savannah plains to Aruba Dam, which is one of the most reliable places for wildlife in the park. Aruba Dam consists of the seasonal Voi River and retains water most of the year, and hence the animals during the dry seasons.
Wild animals that are commonly found along this route are:
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Zebras
- Giraffes
- Lions
The Dam of Aruba is a very fruitful one, especially in the morning and evening, when the animals come to drink. The nearby grasslands are also preyed upon by concentrations of the herbivores.
It is a perfect half-day safari route because of its availability and the density of wildlife.
Buchuma Gate to Aruba Plains
Tourists walking into the park through Buchuma Gate are in a position to link to the core plains which lead to Aruba Dam. The Buchuma region consists of open grasslands with acacia trees scattered across it.
It is home to huge herds of elks, most of which are usually covered with the red soil of Tsavo. Tsavo East elephants are unique because of the fine volcanic dust, which makes them appear reddish in colour.
The animals, like the lion, are also known to rest in the shadowed places or hunt their prey on the plains. One can also see the cheetahs in more open areas where visibility is good.
Due to the open land, this path is good in terms of taking photographs and watching the animals at a distance.
Galana River Circuit
The Galana River is a natural lifeline that passes through Tsavo East National Park. The Galana River game drives provide different scenery as opposed to the dry plains.
Examples of habitat provided by riverine vegetation are:
- Hippos
- Nile crocodiles
- Waterbirds
- Buffaloes
The riverbanks are good places where animals can find water, particularly in dry months. Crocodiles are common on the sandy beaches as they bask in the sun, whereas the hippos are partially in the water throughout the day.
The dense riverine forest also enhances the chances of seeing the leopards, though they are hard to see as they are elusive.
The Galana River is also a satisfying road to drive along, especially during dry seasons when the animals will concentrate in their places around sources of permanent water.
Mudanda Rock Route
The Mudanda Rock is a very impressive 1.6-kilometre-long inselberg (isolated rock formation) which is found in the eastern part of the park.
This is a natural rock formation which can be seen as a catchment area, whereby the rainwater is directed towards a dam close by. In dry seasons, the elephants often congregate underneath the rock and drink water.
Game drives in the area of Mudanda Rock provide:
- Elevated viewpoints
- Elephant herds
- Plains game sightings
It is a good panoramic view of the surrounding savannah with a scenic stop in the rocky outcrop.
Kanderi Swamp Area
The Kanderi region is characterised by wetlands, which are seasonally located and attract huge numbers of herbivores as well as birds.
Swampy areas are magnets for:
- Buffaloes
- Elephants
- Antelope species
- Waterbirds
In the rainy seasons, birdwatchers are able to have a glimpse of the storks, herons and other water birds. The predators can roam these wetlands and find prey.
Due to seasonal changes in the environment of the swamps, access can be compromised by poor road transport conditions, particularly after heavy rains.
Satao Area Circuit
The Satao region, which is close to Satao Camp, is an area that is a combination of open plains and scattered woodland.
This area is fruitful to look at:
- Lions
- Cheetahs
- Giraffes
- Hartebeests
This area is characterised by frequent occurrences of predators because there is plenty of prey. It is also easier to monitor the movements of wildlife in the open landscape.
Early morning tours within the Satao region are particularly satisfying, as animals are never as active as they are in the morning before the heat can set in.
Yatta Plateau Views
One of the most spectacular geological attractions bordering a section of Tsavo East is the Yatta Plateau, which is one of the longest lava flows in the world.
Although most of the drives can be done at the plains below, some of the routes around the plateau offer breathtaking views and intermittent wildlife views. The plateau itself affects the patterns of drainage and vegetation around the plateau.
The Yatta Plateau is not yet a major wildlife destination, but inclusion in a tour would be an addition to the geological spot and visual variety.
Choosing the Best Route
Due to the large size of Tsavo East, the choices of routes depend on:
- Entry gate location
- Time available
- Season
- Recent wildlife reports
When it comes to short visits, it can be strongly advised to pay attention to the Voi-Aruba Dam corridor. On longer safari trips, there is more variety and more chances to see by combining river trips with plains travel.
Best Time for Game Drives
The times of wildlife activity are:
- Early morning (6:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.)
- Late afternoon (3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.)
Dry seasons normally have clear visibility, as the grass is shorter, and wildlife is clustered around water.
Traffic and road advice and information.
Tsavo East roads are mainly made of murram (gravel). Some areas might be wet or even impassable during rainy seasons.
Important tips:
- Use 4×4 vehicles
- Bring a lot of drinking water.
- Advise rangers/staff of the lodge on planned routes.
- Long distance causes caution in monitoring fuel levels.
The park is quite big, and so navigation planning is needed in order to prevent driving back home after sunset.
Conclusion
Tsavo East National Park has a variety of game drive routes which are rewarding and through open plains, riverbanks, rocky outcrops and wetlands. The most important places include the roads like Voi-Aruba Dam that offer great viewing opportunities, the Galana River route, Mudanda Rock, and the Satao plains that offer the best places to view wild animals.
Through good planning, early mornings and understanding of the seasonal conditions, the visitors can have the experience of the iconic red elephants, predators and vast landscapes of Tsavo East in one of the most natural wilderness environments in Kenya.
