Overview
Covering over 22,000 square kilometers, Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks together form Kenya’s largest wildlife sanctuary, often referred to as the “Land of Lava, Springs, and Man-Eaters.” Located between Nairobi and Mombasa, the parks offer diverse landscapes, from rolling plains to volcanic hills, rivers, and lush wetlands. These parks are ideal for MICE events, business travel, and bleisure trips, offering an array of safari experiences and accommodations.
Separated by the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, Tsavo West is known for its dramatic landscapes and lush vegetation, while Tsavo East is characterized by vast open savannahs. Both parks offer excellent wildlife viewing, including the “Big Five,” and are ideal for business travelers looking to add a leisure element to their trips.
Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West is a paradise of scenic beauty, diverse ecosystems, and an abundance of wildlife. Its volcanic landscape, featuring rolling hills, dense bush, and stunning rock formations, provides a unique safari experience.
- Mzima Springs: One of the park’s main attractions, Mzima Springs is an oasis in the arid landscape. The crystal-clear waters attract hippos and crocodiles, and a submerged viewing chamber offers a rare opportunity to see aquatic life from below. A visit to Mzima Springs can be a refreshing addition to any business travel or MICE itinerary.
- Shetani Lava Flows: These ancient lava fields, formed by volcanic eruptions, offer a stark and captivating landscape for exploration. The Shetani Lava Flows are a great spot for quick excursions between meetings, providing a geological wonderland for business travelers.
- Chyulu Hills: Bordering the park, the Chyulu Hills offer hiking opportunities for the more adventurous MICE delegates and business travelers. The hills provide panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and a variety of flora and fauna, making it a perfect setting for corporate retreats or team-building activities.
- Rhino Sanctuary: Tsavo West is home to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, one of Kenya’s most successful black rhino conservation projects. Visitors can experience rhino tracking and observe these endangered animals up close, an exciting addition for bleisure travelers.
Tsavo East National Park
The vast, open plains of Tsavo East offer a different kind of safari experience, with endless horizons and fewer visitors. Tsavo East is the perfect place for business travelers and MICE groups seeking a quieter, more remote safari experience.
- Yatta Plateau: The Yatta Plateau, one of the world’s longest lava flows, stretches across Tsavo East and provides an iconic backdrop for game drives. For business travelers with a love for geological wonders, this is a must-see destination.
- Lugard Falls: Located along the Galana River, Lugard Falls is a beautiful series of rapids and waterfalls flowing over smooth, sculpted rocks. This site is ideal for a quick day trip between meetings or a leisurely stop during a business travel itinerary.
- Aruba Dam: This man-made dam attracts an abundance of wildlife, especially during the dry season. Visitors can enjoy excellent game viewing at the dam, making it a popular stop on game drives for MICE delegates and bleisure travelers.
- Wildlife in Tsavo East: The park is home to large herds of elephants, often covered in red dust from the soil, along with lions, leopards, cheetahs, and many species of antelope. Business travelers on a tight schedule can enjoy a quick safari while still catching sightings of these magnificent creatures.
Wildlife and Attractions
Tsavo National Parks offer some of the best wildlife viewing in Kenya, with vast elephant herds, large prides of lions, and even the famous “man-eating lions” of Tsavo, which have become legendary. The parks are home to a wide variety of animals, including:
- The Big Five: Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos can all be spotted within the parks, making them ideal for business travelers looking to experience a classic African safari.
- Bird Watching: With over 500 species of birds, Tsavo is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The parks are home to migratory species as well as African favorites like the African fish eagle and the ostrich, making for excellent bleisure bird-watching activities.
- Predator Viewing: Tsavo is known for its large populations of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. The expansive savannahs of Tsavo East and the rugged terrain of Tsavo West provide excellent opportunities for predator sightings during game drives.
Accommodation in Tsavo West and East
Tsavo West and Tsavo East offer a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to eco-friendly camps, ensuring that MICE delegates and business travelers have access to both comfort and adventure during their stay.
- Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp (Tsavo West): Nestled near the foothills of the Chyulu Hills, Finch Hattons is a luxury camp offering world-class facilities, including a wellness spa and a swimming pool. This lodge is ideal for MICE groups and corporate retreats, providing an elegant balance of luxury and nature.
- Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge (Tsavo West): Located close to Mzima Springs, this lodge offers stunning views of the Chyulu Hills and abundant wildlife. It provides excellent conference facilities for business travelers looking to host meetings in a serene environment.
- Ashnil Aruba Lodge (Tsavo East): Overlooking the Aruba Dam, this lodge offers prime wildlife viewing opportunities while providing modern amenities, perfect for business travelers seeking comfort while enjoying the natural beauty of Tsavo East.
- Voi Safari Lodge (Tsavo East): Situated on a hilltop, this lodge offers panoramic views of the savannah and nearby waterholes frequented by wildlife. It’s a great spot for bleisure travelers looking for a blend of leisure and relaxation.
Things to Do in Tsavo National Parks
There is no shortage of activities for MICE delegates, business travelers, and bleisure visitors in Tsavo West and Tsavo East. Whether you’re incorporating leisure into a business trip or planning a corporate retreat, the parks offer a wide range of activities:
- Game Drives: Both parks offer unforgettable game drives through diverse landscapes. For MICE groups, custom-tailored safari drives can be arranged to fit around meeting schedules, offering the perfect balance between business and leisure.
- Bird Watching: With the rich birdlife in Tsavo, business travelers can enjoy bird-watching excursions during their free time.
- Bush Dinners and Sundowners: Arrange for your MICE delegates to enjoy a bush dinner under the stars or a sundowner with spectacular views of the savannah. These experiences provide a unique way to wind down after a day of meetings.
- Guided Nature Walks: Tsavo West offers guided nature walks where business travelers and MICE groups can stretch their legs and learn about the local flora and fauna from experienced guides.
Getting Around Tsavo
Access to Tsavo National Parks is easy for business travelers and MICE delegates coming from Nairobi or Mombasa:
- By Road: Tsavo is well connected by road, with main gates accessible via the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. The drive from Nairobi or Mombasa takes approximately 4-5 hours.
- By Air: Several airstrips within the parks allow for charter flights from Nairobi or other locations in Kenya, providing fast access for business travelers on tight schedules.
- By Train: The Madaraka Express train between Nairobi and Mombasa passes close to Tsavo East, offering a scenic and comfortable journey for those preferring rail travel.
Why Tsavo is Ideal for MICE and Bleisure Travel
The vastness and diversity of Tsavo West and Tsavo East make them perfect destinations for combining business with leisure. The parks offer an unparalleled safari experience with excellent accommodations and activities that cater to MICE delegates and business travelers. Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat, a team-building event, or simply want to unwind after business meetings, Tsavo provides the perfect setting for a memorable bleisure experience.
At Unique World Destinations International, we specialize in curating seamless MICE events and bleisure itineraries in Tsavo, ensuring that your time in this spectacular wilderness is both productive and unforgettable.