Tsavo west national park, along with its counterpart Tsavo east, forms the epicenter of the great Tsavo national park, aptly dubbed the “land of lava, springs, man-eaters, and magical sunsets.” its claim to fame is rooted in the notorious man-eating lions that went on a rampage, killing hundreds during the colonial era’s railway and highway construction.
Spread over 9,065 square kilometers, Tsavo west is the second-largest national park in Kenya, separated from Tsavo east by the highway, which connects Nairobi to Mombasa. This park is a real treasure trove, harboring over fifty million gallons of crystal-clear water that flows from under parched lava rocks, making it a diamond in the rough.
Tsavo west steals the show with its picturesque landscapes, boasting rugged mountainous areas that leave Tsavo east in the shade. The mzima springs and shetani lava flows are the icing on the cake, setting this park apart. When it comes to rainfall, Tsavo west is the clear winner, outshining its eastern counterpart
How to get there?
The park is one of the oldest national parks in Kenya, gazetted way back in 1948 together with Tsavo east national park. It’s named after the Tsavo river that drains the park. Its located 240kilometers southeast of Nairobi. The park can be reached through its many entry gates such as mtiti Andrei gate near the town of mtito Andrei, chyulu gate, kamboyo gate and ziwa gate near lake jipe.
By road
The A109 highway passes directly in the middle of the park. The journey from Nairobi takes only 4-5hours via Nairobi Mombasa highway and from Mombasa it approximately 2-3 hours.
By air
Visitors can fly charter flights or scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson airport to one of the park’s airstrips, such as Tsavo west airstrip, finch Hatton airstrip, jipe airstrip, kilaguni airstrip and maktau airstrip. The flights take only 1 hour to reach the park.
Attractions in Tsavo west national park
Tsavo west national park is a treasure trove of exciting attractions that draw travelers from far and wide. This vast wilderness offers an authentic African experience, immersing visitors in the untamed beauty of the continent. Here are the park’s top highlights:
Wildlife
Tsavo west national park embodies the essence of Africa’s untamed wilderness, notorious for its legendary man-eating lions. This vast reserve is a haven for an incredible array of iconic African wildlife, boasting large herds of majestic creatures such as lions, leopards, black and white rhinos, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes. Alongside these giants, the park is also home to a diverse range of other species including yellow baboons, hyenas, impalas, jackals, foxes, wildebeest, cheetahs, African wild dogs and so much more. This incredible diversity of wildlife makes Tsavo west national park a true African wilderness experience.
Birdlife
The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting an impressive record of over 400 bird species, including some of the rarest in the country. The park’s unique geography, particularly the ngulia hills, offers a haven for birdlife, and its strategic location makes it a crucial migratory route.
Each year, between October and January, bird enthusiasts and ringers flock to the park to catch a glimpse of the incredible avian diversity. Some of the notable species spotted during these periods include, river warbler, marsh warbler, red-backed shrike, eastern black-headed oriole, African finfoot, corncrake, starlings, golden pipit. With its long list of bird species, Tsavo west national park is an ideal destination offering unique opportunities to spot some of Africa’s most fascinating birdlife.
Ngulia sanctuary
Tsavo west national park is home to a remarkable sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of the critically endangered black rhinoceros. This protected haven has witnessed a remarkable surge in the black rhino population, making it a beacon of hope for the species survival in Kenya.
Mzima springs
Mzima springs is a breathtaking wonder, boasting an astonishing 50 million gallons of crystal-clear water that miraculously flows beneath the arid lava rocks. This natural marvel is a sightseeing sensation, not only in Kenya but across the entire African continent.
Witnessing the crystal clear emerge from the underground is a truly awe-inspiring experience, earning mzima springs its reputation as a “miracle place”. As one of the most unmissable attractions within Tsavo west national park, the springs play a significant role in the park’s nickname “land of lava, springs, man-eaters and magical sunsets.
Poachers’ lookout
Perched at the heart of Tsavo west national park lies a hill that offers a breathtaking 369-degree panorama of the surrounding landscape. Infamous for its past use by poachers as a vantage point to spot wildlife, the hill has retained its name as a testament to the park’s turbulent history. Today, visitors can ascend the hill to take in the stunning views, a poignant reminder of the park’s conservation successes.
When to visit.
Best time to visit Tsavo west; for optimal wildlife viewing, plan your visit during the dry seasons which spans from July to September and December to match. These periods offer ideal conditions, with short grass and concentrated wildlife around water sources, such as riverbanks and lodge watering holes.
It’s advisable to steer a clear of the long rainy season (march to May) and the short rains (October to November), when the park’s roads and trails can become challenging. Given that the park is in the semi-arid area, rainfall is less frequent than in other parks in Kenya. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers visiting during the shoulder season, when the crowds are smaller and the scenery is particularly lush.
What to do in Tsavo west national park.
Game drives
This is an ideal way to discover the park’s diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Tsavo west national park offers an unparalleled game drive experience in Kenya. Due to its vast expanse, encounters with other vehicles are rare, providing an intimate and immersive experience. The park is home to the big five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and cape buffalo) and various rare species from northern Kenya. While Tsavo west presents a slightly more challenging environment than Tsavo east and other Kenyan national parks, the rewards are well worth the effort. To maximize your chances of spotting wildlife, consider getting an experienced guide and drivers to help you get to the park’s best spots and habits of the wildlife can significantly enhance your experience. Early morning and evening game drives are ideal, as wildlife tends to be more active during these periods.
Bush breakfasts, picnics, and sundowners in Tsavo west
Experience the thrill of dining in the wild at Tsavo west national park. Start your day with a delicious breakfast by a watering hole, surrounded by the sights and sounds of African wildlife. Take a break from game driving and enjoy a picnic under the shade of a majestic baobab tree with freshly prepared food and drinks. You can unwind with a romantic sundowner at poachers’ lookout, perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the chyulu hills.
Rhino tracking
Tsavo west national park is the only place where visitors get to enjoy all the African big five. Rhino tracking in the park is done in the ngulia rhino sanctuary. Covering 90square kilometers of land, the sanctuary is home to black rhinos. This protected sanctuary has provided a safe haven for these majestic creatures, fostering a remarkable increase in their numbers and supporting the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem, with the black rhino playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature.
Visiting mzima springs
Located in the heart of Tsavo west national park, mzima springs is a jaw-dropping spectacle that showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. This incredible attraction boasts over 50 million gallons of crystal-clear water that flow miraculously beneath the arid lava rocks, creating a breathtaking sight. Witnessing the crystal-clear water emerge from underground is a truly humbling experience, earning mzima springs its reputation as a “miracle place”. Mzima springs is an absolute must-visit destination for anyone exploring Tsavo west national park, offering an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s incredible beauty
Birding
Tsavo west national park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting an incredible array of bird species. With its diverse landscapes and habitats, the park is home to over 400 bird species, making it an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts. The key birding areas in the park include; ngulia hills, a renowned spot for birdwatching, with species like the African finfoot, lesser kestrel, and Jackson’s widowbird, mzima springs, a haven for waterbirds, including the grey heron, African fish eagle, and black-headed heron and around lake jipe, a vital stopover for migratory birds, with sightings of the Eurasian roller, European bee-eater, and amur falcon. Other notable bird species include, ostrich, lilac-breasted roller, Kori bustard, secretary bird among others.
The best time for birding in the park is during the dry season that is from June to October and December to march, when bird concentrations are higher around water sources and the wet seasons from November to April, when migratory birds from Europe and Asia visit the park.
