TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK – A KENYAN GEM

Discover the History of Tsavo National Park

Tsavo National Park is Kenya’s oldest park established in 1948. The Park is situated on the south easter part of Kenya. Besides being the largest park in Kenya it is also among the largest parks in the world. It covers an approximated area of about 22,000 square kilometers. Due to its large size, Tsavo was split into two parks, Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park for better administration. In 1895 the Europeans constructed a railway line from the Kenyan coast to the capital Nairobi through the park.  There were a lot of Lions in the park that used to attack the railway construction workers who were mostly Indians, this earned the Lions the moniker Man Eaters.

The Unique Division of Tsavo East and West

This railway line serves as the border between Tsavo East and Tsavo West Parks.

The Rugged Wilderness of Tsavo West

Tsavo west stands out from the east in animal population because it is wetter than Tsavo east. Tsavo west is an attractive rugged wilderness boasting of a mountainous land scape with rocky ridges and a savannah Ecosystem made up of open grasslands, Acacia woodlands, Scrublands and beautiful belts of riverine vegetation.

Explore the Iconic Mzima Springs

Tsavo west is home to beautiful sightings like the Mzima springs and shetani lava flows. Mzima springs, located about 48KM from Mtito Andei is the most popular attraction in the park. It comprises of a series of four natural springs that gush out crystall clear water from under parched lava rocks. The water originates from a natural reservoir under Chyulu Hills. The lovely Chyulu range comprises of a very porous volcanic lava rock and ash that cannot allow rivers to flow. When it rains the rain water gradually filters through the porous rocks and emerges and emerges about 50km away at Mzima Springs. It is said that the water can stay for about 25 years before emerging.  About two kilometers after emerging the water hits a solidified lava flow and there it percolates under the surface again.

Marvel at the Shetani Lava Flows and Caves

The shetani lava flows another spectacular attraction in Tsavo west found about 4km west of the Chyulu entrance to the Tsavo West National Park. It is a vast swathe of folded black lava spaning over 50 square kilometers across the Chyulu hills savannah. About 500 years ago during its formation the locals believe the devil himself was emerging from the earth. This is how it earned it got names Shetani Lava Flows, Shetani being a Swahili word meaning devil.

Near the Lava flows are the dark Shetani caves which also resulted from volcanic activity.

Visit the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary

The Ngulia Rhino sanctuary is another must visit area while at Tsavo west National Park. Established in 2008 to protect the endangered black Rhino species Ngulia sanctuary has developed to a home of rare Rhino species and a Rhino breeding place for black Rhinos in Kenya. Covering a rea of 80 square kilometers the sanctuary is located at the foothills of Ngulia hills

Spectacular Wildlife and Scenic Views

From the poachers’ lookout, one can enjoy the beautiful scenes of herds and perks of animals in the plains of the park. Tsavo west is home to a wide variety of wildlife species compared to other parks in Kenya. Here you find the endangered black rhino, kudu, fridge eyed Oryx, giraffes, elands, lions, hippos, leopards, hartebeests, impalas and elephants.

Diverse Plant and Birdlife in Tsavo West

The Park also boasts of diverse plant and bird species including the endangered corncrake and near endangered Basra Reed Warbler.