Tsavo West National Park, located in the southeastern section of Kenya, is a vast wilderness that promises a memorable journey. This park, which covers around 9,065 square kilometers, is among Kenya’s largest and most diversified. Tsavo West has many reasons to come, including its spectacular scenery and plentiful animals, as well as its historical and geological significance. Here’s why visiting Tsavo West National Park should be on your travel bucket list.
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Tsavo West is the breathtaking scenery. The park’s geography is diversified, including volcanic hills, undulating plains, marshes, natural springs, and rocky outcrops. The renowned Shetani Lava Flow, a black lava expanse formed by volcanic explosions eons ago, provides a bizarre, otherworldly feel to the area. The Chyulu Hills and the lovely Mzima Springs, with their crystal-clear waters, add to the park’s picturesque appeal.
Tsavo West is a wildlife paradise, home to the “Big Five” – elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses. The park is well known for its vast herds of red-dust elephants, who obtain their unique hue from the region’s reddish soil. Aside from these, tourists may see giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles. Tsavo West is also a birders’ paradise, with over 600 bird species documented in the park.
Mzima Springs is one of Tsavo West’s most popular attractions. Every day, these natural springs create millions of liters of pure water, serving as an oasis for both animals and humans. The springs are surrounded by lush flora and are an excellent place to see hippos and crocodiles. An underwater viewing room provides a unique opportunity to observe aquatic species in its natural habitat, such as schools of fish and the occasional hippo paddling past.
The Lugard Falls, located on the Galana River, are a set of whitewater rapids with spectacular rock formations. While the falls itself are more rapids than a typical cascade, their beauty and surrounding environment make them a must-see. The area surrounding the falls is ideal for a picnic or a leisurely stroll, with several options for photography.
For those seeking adventure, Tsavo West offers several activities. Game drives are the most popular way to experience the park, but other options include guided bush walks, bird viewing, and rock climbing. Night safaris provide the opportunity to witness nocturnal species, and there are various campsites and resorts for those want to really immerse themselves in the wilderness experience.
