Tsavo West National Park

Land of lava, springs, man-eaters & magical sunsets

The spectacular Mzima Springs is an impressive sight of a million gallons of crystal clear waters gushing out of the under parched lava rocks forming the most welcoming and lovely scenes from Africa’s rolling jungle. Painted on a sprawling canvas of endless skies, emerald hills, liquid lava flows, palm fringed rivers, teeming wildlife and sparkling oasis set against the impressive backdrop of mile upon mile of cloud shadowed African savannah.

Tsavo West National Park is the second largest protected area in Kenya and is famous for the man eater lions who to date carry a bizarre history long after they terrorized, maimed and killed construction workers of the Kenya-Uganda Railway in 1898. The railway construction was abruptly halted by the most voracious and insatiable man-eating lions.

The first World War Site-East African Campaign, and perhaps the most bizarre campaign of the world war was fought in the “Bundu” (Bush) – the barely explored wilderness of thorny shrub and dense forest of Tsavo West. This last ‘gentleman war’ was waged under the code of honor-sometimes; or under guerilla tactics adopted from African tribal fighters.

Lake Jipe, lies astride Kenya and Tanzania boarder and is teeming with aquatic life, Bird watching is also major activity around the lake.

Attractions & Activities

Tsavo West is home to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary; this is where the growing population of highly endangered black Rhino.

Glorious game drives: Tsavo West offers some of the most magnificent game viewing experiences in the world; Spot the Leopard, cheetah, buffalo, rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, plains game, crocodile, mongoose, hyrax, Oryx, dik dik, lesser kudu, Klipspringer and the nocturnal porcupine. The prolific bird life features 600 recorded species.

The Park features over 1,000 plant species and a mixed habitat of bush, grasslands and acacia woodlands dotted with baobab, ivory palm, saltbush, doum palm, tamarind and fig trees. Cave exploration at Shetani lava flow is also another activity visitors can enjoy. The molten lava that forms Shetani lava spewed from the earth about 200 years ago and according to the local folklore, the fiery fury was work of the devil.
The Poacher’s Lookout and roaring rocks is a panoramic vantage point from which to catch a bird’s eye view of the scenic topography and the movement of wildlife.
Lake Jipe that lies astride Kenya and Tanzania boarder teems with aquatic life while bird watching is also a major activity for bird lovers around the lake.

The picturesque identical five sisters of Tsavo hills are a volcanic feature that provides a scenic backdrop for wildlife photography. Chaimu Hill is a unique one that stands on its own.