Tsavo West N.P
Overview
Tsavo West is the smaller of the two Tsavos, covering 7,065 square km (2,728 square miles). It features rugged terrain with volcanic hills, rocky outcrops, and lush riverine forests. The park's volcanic origins are evident in its varied topography, including the prominent Shetani Lava Flow, which is a result of relatively recent volcanic activity. The park is more attractive and certainly more accessible than Tsavo East.
Magnificent landscapes of heavily wooded hills dominate the north, where most safari lodges and game-viewing tracks concentrate. The flatter south of Tsavo West is more open plains, but access is tricky as parts of the park are disjointed and crossed by another highway between Voi and Taveta.
One of the park's highlights is Mzima Springs, where crystal-clear water emerges from beneath volcanic rock, creating a lush oasis that supports diverse wildlife. This area is particularly famous for its hippo and crocodile populations and offers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Because of the fertile volcanic soil and abundance of water, the park is brimming with animal, bird, and plant life. Its main inhabitants include elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, and various antelope species. The park also hosts the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, dedicated to the conservation of the endangered black rhinoceros.
Attractions
savo West is home to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary; this is where the growing population of highly endangered black Rhino. Glorious game drives; Tsavo West offers some of the most magnificent game viewing experiences in the world; Spot the Leopard, cheetah, buffalo, rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, plains game, crocodile, mongoose, hyrax, Oryx, dik dik, lesser kudu, Klipspringer and the nocturnal porcupine. The prolific bird life features 600 recorded species.
The Park features over 1,000 plant species and a mixed habitat of bush, grasslands and acacia woodlands dotted with baobab, ivory palm, saltbush, doum palm, tamarind and fig trees. Cave exploration at Shetani lava flow is also another activity visitors can enjoy. The molten lava that forms Shetani lava spewed from the earth about 200 years ago and according to the local folklore, the fiery fury was work of the devil.
The Poacher; Lookout and roaring rocks is a panoramic vantage point from which to catch a bird’s eye view of the scenic topography and the movement of wildlife.
How to get there
By air: There are 3 airstrips in the park
Roads: The main access routes are through Chyulu Gate from Amboseli and Mtito Andei Gate from Nairobi.
Visitors from Mombasa also use Tsavo Gate near Manyani.
The Park can also be reached via Taveta - Voi road through Maktau, Ziwani and Jipe Gates.
Airstrips: Kamboyo, Kilaguni, Tsavo Gate, Jipe, Kasigau,Finch Hottons, Ziwani, and Maktau airstrips are in good.
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