Tsavo West National Park

Overview

Tsavo West National Park is located in Taita-Taveta County of Kenya. The park covers an area of 9,065 square kilometres. The A109 road Nairobi-Mombasa and a railway divides it from the adjoining Tsavo East National Park. Together with adjoining ranches and protected areas, they comprise the Tsavo Conservation Area.

Attractions

• Mzima Springs: A series of clear natural springs fed by underground streams from the Chyulu Hills, Mzima Springs is a popular attraction where visitors can observe hippos and crocodiles underwater from a glass-viewing chamber.
• Shetani Lava Flow: This ancient, vast black lava flow was formed by volcanic activity and gives Tsavo West an otherworldly landscape. Visitors can explore the stark terrain and see views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
• Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary: This protected area within the park is home to around 80 black rhinos and offers visitors a rare opportunity to see these endangered animals in their natural habitat.
• Poacher’s Lookout: A high vantage point with breathtaking views of the park, where visitors can spot elephants, giraffes, and other animals roaming below. It also offers stunning sunset views over the vast plains.
• Chaimu Crater: A volcanic cone that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is popular for hiking and birdwatching.

Activities

• Game Drives: The park offers excellent game drives with diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. The varying landscapes allow for sightings of elephants, leopards, lions, and other wildlife.
• Underwater Hippo Viewing at Mzima Springs: A unique experience where visitors can observe hippos and fish in a clear underwater viewing chamber at the springs.
• Birdwatching: With over 600 species of birds, Tsavo West is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, offering sightings of ostriches, kingfishers, hornbills, and the rare Taita falcon.
• Hiking and Walking Safaris: Explore Chaimu Crater and Shetani Lava Flow on foot, accompanied by knowledgeable guides for an up-close experience of Tsavo West’s geological features.
• Rhino Tracking: In the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, visitors can join tracking excursions to spot black rhinos and learn about conservation efforts.

What to See/Expect

• Wildlife: Tsavo West is home to the iconic “red elephants” – elephants that appear reddish due to rolling in the red soil. The park also supports a range of predators, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. Other common sightings include giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, and various antelope species.
• Birdlife: The park boasts an incredible variety of bird species, with notable ones including African fish eagles, crowned hornbills, and migratory species that come seasonally.
• Landscape: Visitors can expect an array of landscapes, from savannas and acacia woodlands to volcanic cones and rugged lava flows. Tsavo West’s scenic diversity creates stunning photographic opportunities and adds depth to the safari experience.

Best Time to Visit

• June to October: This dry season provides optimal wildlife viewing conditions, as animals gather around water sources, and the sparse vegetation makes spotting them easier.
• December to February: Another ideal time to visit, with moderate temperatures and great visibility for wildlife watching. Occasional rains bring a lush green look to the park, enhancing the scenery.