Tsavo West National Park
On the other side of the A109 Nairobi-Mombasa Road is Tsavo West, which opened in 1948. It is smaller than its sister park at 9,065 sq.Km. A huge advantage that the west part of Tsavo has over the east is an excellent road network that makes it more accessible. The national park also has a wet climate.
Tsavo West is mountainous, allowing it to offer magnificent views. While Tsavo East might have diverse wildlife, Tsavo West has spectacular landscapes, which is why it attracts so many visitors. The park boasts a rich savannah ecosystem that includes acacia woodlands, grasslands and rugged shrubs. It features rocky ridges lined with riverine vegetation.
The national park has a decent wildlife population, including the big five. Poacher’s Lookout is a fantastic vantage point that allows you to watch the animals as they go about their business. If you want to see the highly endangered black rhino, then pass by Ngulia Sanctuary. Over 600 bird species are available. The African skimmer, sunbird and the carmen bee-eater are some of them. Lake Jipe, lying across the Kenya-Tanzania border, is a terrific bird-watching spot.
What Else To Do
Mzima Springs is an excellent spot to view different animals since they are a popular stop for thirsty wildlife. They provide 50 million gallons of freshwater from under the parched lava rocks. The crystal-clear, shimmering springs also make for stunning vistas. They are known for their crocodile and hippo population, as well.
See the Shetani lava flows, molten lava that spewed over 200 years ago, which the locals believed to be the devil’s work, hence the name.
Rock climbing is one of the top things to do at Tsavo West, thanks to the numerous cliffs in the park. Climbers get an unforgettable experience where herds of elephants roam below while different bird species fill the air. You can also catch glimpses of Mt. Kilimanjaro from the clifftops. Kichwa Tembo, measuring 300m high, is one of the best rock faces for climbers in the Tsavo. Mastodon, The Great Tsavo Chimney and Ivory Tower are other options. The Mountain Club of Kenya has a permit to use the park, and all climbers should contact the organization beforehand.
Guided walks are the best way to take in all that the park offers. Cave exploration and underwater hippo & fish watching are other available activities. Tsavo West is accessible through Chyulu Gate, Man Eaters Gate and Mtito Gate.
