Discovering Tsavo West National Park’s Charms

Wildlife Wonders: Tsavo West National Park emerges as a captivating wildlife haven, enticing tourists with a diverse array of species. Visitors can marvel at rhinos, hippos, elephants, buffalos, leopards, lions, hartebeests, impalas, elands, fringe-eyed oryx, giraffes, kudu, and more, creating an immersive safari experience.

Mzima Springs: A visit to Tsavo West wouldn’t be complete without exploring Mzima Springs. Known for its crystal-clear waters, this natural wonder harbors hippos and crocodiles. Situated in the western part of the park, Mzima Springs derives its water from a reservoir beneath Chyulu hills. Vervet monkeys thrive in the surrounding trees, feasting on fruits from date trees, raffia palms, waterberries, and figs. The area is also a birdwatcher’s delight.

Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary: At the base of Ngulia Hill lies the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, a crucial conservation effort by the Kenya Wildlife Service and the African Wildlife Foundation. This sanctuary safeguards endangered rhinos from the threats of poaching. While black rhinos, known for their nocturnal habits, might be elusive, the sanctuary contributes to their population growth and protects other wildlife, including elephants.

Shetani Lava Flow: For a unique geological spectacle, tourists can witness the Shetani Lava Flow, where black folded lava traverses the savannah, creating a mesmerizing landscape. The surrounding area offers stunning views, and various wildlife species, including predators, roam the vicinity. Shetani Caves, formed by volcanic activity, add an extra layer of intrigue to this remarkable site. The local name, “Shetani,” meaning devil, reflects the belief that the lava flow was the devil emerging from the ground. Accessible from the Chyulu gate, the Shetani lava flow promises an enthralling encounter with Tsavo West’s geological wonders.

Activities in Tsavo national park 

Game drives: Tourists can engage in game drives as they explore Tsavo national park to see its different wildlife species and other attractions around the national park. These game drives take place at different times of day and they include morning game drives, afternoon or evening game drives as well as full day game drives.

During morning game drives, tourists can see different wildlife species which are active at this time of day. They are recommended for tourists to get an amazing wildlife viewing experience in Tsavo national park and to catch sight of wildlife species as they graze around the national park such as elephants, buffalos, baboons, warthogs, waterbucks, impalas, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, kudus, antelopes, leopards among others. Full day game drives are also among the game drives which tourists can engage in during their safaris to Tsavo east national park. This form of game drive enables tourists to see wildlife species and observe their way of life at different times of day. Night game drives can also take place in the national park to see the nocturnal wildlife species. Ranger guides accompany tourists during the night game drives during which photography and filming can be carried out.

Birding: Bird watchers are also not left out during their safaris to Tsavo national park as they get to see various bird species such as ostriches, starlings, storks, pied kingfishers, vulturine guinea fowl, African fin foot, reed warbler, corncrakes, lesser kestrel, martial eagles, northern brownbul, and red backed shrikes, black faced sand grouse among others. Mzima springs are a good birding location in Tsavo west national park where tourists can also enjoy amazing views and also see monkeys in the trees near the springs, as well as hippos and crocodiles.

Nature walks: Another unique way of exploring the beauty is a nature walk which involves moving around Tsavo national park on foot. This wildlife viewing activity gives the tourists a close interaction with nature around their surroundings. These nature walks take place in the company of a ranger guide who shares information about the different attractions which can be seen at the destination as they follow different routes in Tsavo national park.

Hiking: Tourists can also engage in hiking adventures during their safaris to Tsavo national park as they enjoy the beautiful scenery at the destination from a higher view point. The hilly and rugged nature of Tsavo west national park makes it possible to carry out the activity. During hiking, the climbers can also enjoy seeing wildlife species such as elephants roaming in the plains. The different rocks which are climbed give the tourists a unique climbing experience due to the nature of the climbs that can sometimes be difficult and strenuous and at times requiring less effort.