Tsavo west national park, also known as “Land of Lava, Man-Eaters, springs and the Magical Sunsets,” is located along the Nairobi to Mombasa highway and spans an area of 9,065 km2. It is located in the coastal region of Kenya and is divided from Tsavo East National Park by a railway. Together, Tsavo East and Tsavo West form the spectacular Tsavo National Park, which takes its name from the River Tsavo, which runs through Tsavo East National Park. Tsavo West National Park connects to Lake Jipe and shares a border with Tanzania in the south. Tsavo West is home to a diverse range of animal and plant species. The park’s vegetation includes savanna grasslands, woodlands with acacia trees, and bushes that are home to a variety of wildlife species, not to mention rocky ridges, well-known Mzima springs, and numerous other unusual tourist safari attractions.
Tourist attractions in Tsavo West national parkÂ
Wildlife in Tsavo west national park.
Wildlife is one of Tsavo West’s main draws for visitors, and it includes a variety of bird and mammal species that are worth seeing while on a safari in Kenya.
Mammals:
Large numbers of mammals can be seen crowding the area during game viewing safaris in Tsavo West National area. Mammals that can be spotted in Tsavo West include Big five mammals that includes rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, lions and leopards. Other mammals to be sighted in the park includes under-the-sea hippos, giraffes, bush babies, hartebeests, cheetahs, Oryx, dik dik, kudus, baboons, hyenas, mongooses, impalas, and more.
Birds:
More than 400 kinds of birds, including migratory birds, water birds, forest birds, and many more, can be found in the Tsavo West National Park. Some of the birds that may be spotted there include flycatchers and reed warblers. The lake Jipe, which is explored during the boat tour, the river sections, the spring, and the hills within of Tsavo West are the most popular places for birding safari in the park. Various bird species in the park can be spotted including the African finfoot, Corncrake, Golden pipit, Common whitethroat, Martial eagle, Narina trogon, Pangani longclaw, March warbler, Lesser Kestrel, Northern brownbul, Red-backed shrike, Rufous chatter, Shelley’s starling and among many others.
In addition to its animals, Tsavo West National Park offers a variety of other unusual tourist attractions, such as;
Mzima springs.
Mzima springs, which create sizable pools and draw many mammals to the pool in quest of water, are one of the amazing sights found in Tsavo West National Park. Animals including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, gazelles, and a place to fish in the pool can be found in greater numbers at Mzima Springs. Clean water from the Chyulu Hills is also brought to the inhabitants of Mombasa by Mzima springs.
Roaring Rocks.
The name “roaring rocks” refers to some rocky rocks in Tsavo West National Park that, when the wind blows, produce the sound of a lion. A trip to these rocks provides an excellent perspective of the area in front of you. Explore the rock to have the unforgettable safari memories.
Volcanic arena.
Tsavo West’s physical characteristics are a key factor in its classification as a volcanic arena. Five Sister’s Hills, which form five identical conical hills with a picturesque and breathtaking vista, is one of the volcanic characteristics. Shetani lava, which translates as “the devil,” and Chaimu volcanic crater, also called the “devil’s crater,” are two other elements of the volcanic arena. These features all provide breathtaking views of the park.
Poachers look out.Â
At the past, park guards at Tsavo West National Park would conceal themselves here and battle poachers. A clear view of the Masai cattle on the grazing hill is available from this location.
Tourist activities to do in Tsavo west National Park.Â
Game drives in Tsavo west national park.
 One of the greatest places for game drive safaris is Tsavo West, which is located in the park’s savanna plains, where a variety of wildlife species can be seen going about their everyday lives. Early morning game drives give you the chance to see early risers animals like hyenas, lions, leopards and many more hunting before they head back to their dens. Elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and other grazing mammals can also be seen during the afternoon and evening game drives, but the morning game drive is the best time to see them.
Bird watching in Tsavo west national park.
Tsavo West is the finest place for bird lovers to visit because it is home to over 400 different species of birds, making it a true birding safari paradise. Sunbirds, Rufous chatter, Shelley’s starling, Slender-tailed nightjar, Somali bunting, Taita falcon, Taita fiscal, Somali bee-eater, Thrush nightingale, Pangani longclaw, Warblers, Nightjars and other birds can be seen in this park. The wet months of November through April are prime birding months.
Boat cruise on Lake Jipe.
The ideal place for boat safaris in Tsavo West is this stunning Lake, which is situated along the Kenya-Tanzania border and receives its water from the River in Tanzania. Visitors can witness a variety of wildlife, including mammals, while on a boat excursion on Lake Jipe. It is also a top location for birders, where they can spot birds like egrets, pygmy geese, and many others while out on a nature walk.
Visiting Ngulio Rhino sanctuary.
It is a fascinating and exciting safari experience to visit the 62 km2 Ngulia rhino sanctuary, which unlocks hidden doors to the sanctuary’s endangered Black rhinos in their natural surroundings.
Other activities
Visits to Mzima Springs, Community Tours, Camping Safaris, Nature Walks, Lumo Wildlife Sanctuary, Visits to the First World War Battlefields, Cave Exploration, Rock Climbing, and other tourism safari activities are also available in Tsavo West.
Getting to Tsavo West National Park.
By road, Tourists from Nairobi can access Tsavo west through Mtito Andei gate, Lake Jipe gate which is used by tourists that take a route via Taveta voi and Man eater gate while Chyulu gate is used by tourists connecting from Amboseli national park to Tsavo west. This suggests that, depending on where visitors are coming from, there are various gates that all lead to Tsavo West by road.
By air, getting to Tsavo west by air requires travelers to take a chatter flight to any of the air fields inside or near the park and some of these airfields include; Kamboyo air strip, Jipe airstrip, Mattau air strip, Tsavo gate air strip, Finch Hattons air strip, and Kilaguni airstrip.
Where to stay in Tsavo West National Park.
While on a Kenya safari in Tsavo West National Park, visitors can stay in one of the several accommodation options available in Tsavo West, which include budget, mid-range, and luxury options. Severin Safari Camp, Kilaguni Safari Serena Lodge, Ngulia Safari Lodge, Kitani Severin Safari Lodge & Camp, Voyager Safari Camp, Chyulu Campsite Voyager Safari Camp, Lake Jipe Bandas, and hunter’s lodge are just a few of these places to stay during your safari in Tsavo West.