Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National park is a break out of Tsavo National park after the main road was constructed that divides the park into 2 sections that is Tsavo West National park and Tsavo East National park. The park is found along with the Kenyan coastal prince adjacent to the Indian Ocean. Tsavo West National park covers an area of 9,065 square kilometers. The A109 highway that runs from Nairobi to Mombasa together with the railway line that also runs from Nairobi to Mombasa cuts it away from Tsavo East National park. The park adjoins different ranches and other protected Areas that combine to form the greater Tsavo Conservation Area. This is one of the Best Kenya National Parks.

Tsavo West National park is the most famous destination in the two Tsavo parks due to its easy accessibility from the coastal province of Kenya as well as the great scenic beauty of the park. It is rich in wildlife with a variety of wildlife. There are several Volcanic features found at the park like Mzima Springs, Rocks and others. The other advantages it has included a good road network, good guided walk trails, Rhino reserve, and others.

The Tsavo West National park was established together with its counterpart Tsavo East National park in 1948. It is famous as “the land of lava, springs, magical sunsets and Man-eaters”. The much experiential part during your visit to the park is witnessing the clear crystal water that gushes from the underground of the rock. The lava rock produces over 50 million gallons of the clear crystal water daily. Gifted with a wide range of attractions like the dominant underground parched lava rock, Mzima Springs. The park stands as one of the largest protected areas in Kenya which is under the management of Kenya Wildlife Services. It sits in the total land area of 9065 square kilometers with a wide range of landscapes that ranges from Swamps to natural springs.

There are a lot of old stone age that evidenced that humankind settled around this park over 6000 years back. The archaeological sites that are located near Galana River which was the source of livelihood for the early man through fishing ad providing water for domestic use. Most of these people were fruit gatherers, hunters, and fishermen who enjoyed trapping wildlife when they come for water. However, the park was much known as a place for man-eating lions that attacked workers of the Railway line that crosses the park.

Tsavo West national park was slightly affected by poaching around the 1980s that led to the depopulation of the African big game animals especially Elephants and Rhinos. Good credit goes to the Kenyan Government through Kenya Wildlife Service for the best work done to fight against poaching hence making dramatic changes in the population of wildlife of the animals.

How to get to Tsavo West national park

By Road; Tsavo West national park is located 240 kilometers away from Nairobi along Nairobi-Mombasa Road. It takes 5 to 6 hours’ drive through different villages and small towns along the great tarmac road which is smooth. The park can also be accessed on the Southern gate of the Mtito gate that connects directly from Mombasa. One can also use the train which departs daily from Nairobi to Mombasa. You can also extend your Amboseli trip to Tsavo West national park through the Chyulu gate.

By Air: You can also book your domestic flights from Wilson airport or Mombasa or Jomo Kenyatta international airport to different airstrips found across the park, like Kamboyo airstrip, Tsavo gate Airstrip, Ziwani Airstrip and others.

Attractions at Tsavo West National Park

There are a good number of attractions that are found in Tsavo West national park. The size of the park adds an advantage to a large area. Guests can enjoy this park for more than 4 days but visiting different attractions.

Ngulia Sanctuary: The Ngulia Sanctuary is a home of rare Rhinos, the sanctuary was opened to protect and protect the lives of the rare black Rhinos at the park. The sanctuary has seen a rampant increase in Rhinos from the time they were introduced. The sanctuary is one of the key attractions that is found in Tsavo West national park which makes your African safari experience complete.
The Mzima Springs: This is where more than 50 gallons of crystal water is produced by underground forces. The Mzima Springs are unique features of the active volcanos that attracts more guests to witness the powers of nature. The water is quashed out from the bottom of the lava rock, it’s a good sightseeing site.
Wildlife: Tsavo West national park is a home of over 70 species of animals with all African big five available. One can enjoy predators and all the big cats while at the park making its one-stop point for the guests who need true African wildlife experience. Wildlife at the park are permanent residents which can be viewed throughout the year with the support of the permanent River. The most sited animals include lions, leopards, Giraffes, Elephants, Buffalo, hyenas, cheetahs, Topi, Kudu, zebras, mongoose, olive baboons and many more.
Birds: Tsavo West national park has over 400 bird species recorded with Ngulia Hills is the best birding spotting points. The park receives avian Migration that comes always during the rainy season as the park is a route for the migration. The bird list is long that includes: Pangani Longclaw, African finfoot, Basra reed warbler, River Warbler, Corncrake, Golden Pipit, Shelley’s Starling, Pied Kingfisher, Golden palm weaver, Eastern black-headed oriole, Somali Ostrich, Taita fiscal, Taita falcon, Narina trogon, Martial eagle, Lesser Kestrel, and many more.
Lake Jipe: The Lake is a source of water to wildlife, the water catchment is the best wildlife site and home of more aquatic life like crocodiles, hippos, water birds like African finfoot and many more.

Activities done in Tsavo West

Game viewing/Game drives: Tsavo West national park offers true African wildlife experience with more chances to see all African big five. The game drives are done three times a day that is morning game drive, afternoon and night game drives. The park is among the few national parks in Kenya where the night game drives are done. You can enjoy a great close view of the animals especially the red dusty Elephants, Leopards, lions, cheetahs, zebras, hyenas, topis, kudu and many more. Game drives are done throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season when the grass is small. The best time for doing the game drive is from June to October and from December to February.

Visiting Mzima Springs: The Mzima Springs is the point at which over 50 Gallons of clear crystal water that come from beneath the lava rocks. The Springs are found in the Northern part of the park near the Chyulu hills that run beneath the lava ridges. The natural open holes which let the water splash out where the guests have sightseeing. Visiting this springs is worth it with its unique experience as we witness the powers of nature.
Birding: If you’re a bird-loving person, please Tsavo West national park is the rightful destination top be. It is only a challenge to see that you select the best tour operator that has good birding guides. The park is a migratory route for many good migrant bird species that come from different parts of the world. Birding can be done throughout the year though the best months remain the wet months when the birds are breeding. The most sited birds include Pangani Longclaw, African finfoot, Basra reed warbler, River Warbler, Corncrake, Golden Pipit, Shelley’s Starling, Pied Kingfisher, Golden palm weaver, Eastern black-headed oriole, Somali Ostrich, Taita fiscal, Taita falcon, Narina trogon, Martial eagle, Lesser Kestrel, and many more.
Rhino Tracking: It is in Tsavo West that the guests enjoy all the African big five with Rhino trekking done in Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary. Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary is a home of black Rhinos, the sanctuary covers 90 square kilometers which is fenced. This sanctuary was started to ensure the safety of the Rhinos.

Tsavo West national park is a great secrete Isolated national park which is ideal for guests who want deep secrete African wilderness that is rich with wildlife.