Tsavo West National Park Kenya, Map, Attractions + Photos
Tsavo West National Park is one of the extensive parks in Kenya, a remarkable destination with breathtaking landscapes. The park’s varying landscapes are characterized by rocky peaks, natural springs, rolling plains, swamps, extinct volcanic craters, and scenic sharp outcrops covered by lush greenery.
Most popular as Land of Lava, springs, Man-eaters and Magical sunsets, Tsavo West is an exceptional destination that is worth visiting for thrilling wildlife encounters on Kenya safaris. This protected area makes up part of the vast Tsavo National Parks in Kenya.
Location and park size
Tsavo West National Park is located within the Coast Province of Kenya. It became most popular due to the man-eating lions. It extends up to 9065sq.km and largely experiences semi-arid climatic conditions due to its location around the Taru desert.
Attractions to explore in Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West Park features amazing attractions including wildlife, Mzima springs, birds, Ngulia sanctuary and more.
Wildlife Species
Tsavo West National Park is blessed with diversity of wildlife and avifaunal species. The park’s animal species include klipspringers, crocodiles, cape buffaloes, Maasai giraffes, leopards, lions, hippos, crocodiles, lesser kudus, black rhinos, hyenas, gazelles, mongoose, gerenuk, elephants, wild dogs, elephants, fringe-eared Oryx, cheetahs, and many others.
Mzima Springs
Mzima springs are part of Tsavo West National Park wonders. The springs are noted to have more than 50 million gallons of crystal water originating from the underground rocks. To most people, the area is regarded as miracle place and a visit to this site leaves many mesmerized.
Bird Species
More than 600 species of birds are estimated to exist in this park alone. They include the Somali bunting, Taita falcon, thrush nightingale, slender tailed nightjars, river warblers, rufous chatterer, Taita fiscals, lesser kestrel, Basra reed warblers, Shelley’s starling, Marsh warblers, Eastern black headed oriole, African finfoot, golden pipit, Somali bee-eaters to mention but a few.
Ngulia Sanctuary is a significant location to find the black rhinos on Kenya safari. The other location that visitors should consider a must visit is the poacher’s lookout where you can enjoy 360 degrees views of the park.
Activities to Do Tsavo West Park:
Game drives
Tsavo West National Park provides memorable big game safaris with nature lovers guaranteed of authentic African wilderness experiences. The available sessions to start your wildlife expedition in this park include morning, afternoon and at night.
The possible sightings for the day in Tsavo West National Park include zebras, Oryx, wild dogs, giraffes, gerenuk, elephants, hyenas, klipspringers, cheetahs, buffaloes and many antelope families.
Bird watching
Variety of avifaunal species await you to identify and include birds such as the Eastern black headed oriole, Basra reed warblers, African finfoot, Shelley’s starling, Martial eagles, pied kingfishers, Somali ostriches, lesser kestrel, Somali bunting, golden breasted starling, black faced sand grouse, Taita falcons, Red backed shrikes, Narina trogon, Pangani long claws, thrush nightingale, Northern brownbul, and others.
The best months of the year to consider visiting Tsavo West for bird watching is around October to May –the months when you can be in position to spot even the migratory bird species.
Rhino tracking
Rhino tracking is enthralling on-foot walk experience offering visitors an amazing opportunity to interact with the black rhinos. The treks are conducted at Ngulia rhino sanctuary, 90sq.km sanctuary where black rhinos live.
Explore Mzima springs
The Mzima springs should be a must-explore on Kenya tour in Tsavo West. On a tour at Mzima springs, expect to watch several crocodiles and hippos plus other species.
Volcano hiking
Volcano hiking at Tsavo West is best done on Chaimu Volcano which takes hikers on 15-20m trek. This is a perfect spot to explore by any enthusiastic hiker.
Best time to visit Tsavo West of Kenya
Tsavo West Kenya is an all year around African destination. However, the best time to get there to enjoy a guided wildlife safari is during the dry months of the year that is from June, July, August to September. The ideal items to carry for a Kenya tour to Tsavo West National Park include a good camera, daypack, insect repellents, safari shoes, safari clothes, and others.
Where to stay?
Visitor accommodation options comprise of budget, midrange and luxury available inside and outside the park. The top lodges to book for overnight stay at Tsavo West National Park include Severin Safari Camp, Kilaguni, Taita Lick Safari Lodge, River Lumi Resort, Rhino Valley Lodge, Taita Hill Safari Resort, Paran Resort and more.
How to get to the park?
By road –drive for about 5 to 6 hours starting from Nairobi on Mombasa route and access gates include Mtito gate, Chyulu Gate. Mtito gate is ideal for visitors taking the Nairobi-Mombasa route and if you are from Amboseli National Park, drive up to Chyulu gate.
By air –fly from Nairobi up to any of the nearby airstrips to the park including Ziwani, Kamboyo, Finch Hottons, Maktau, Jipe and Tsavo gate.