Tsavo West National Park

Also referred to as the land of lava, springs, man-eaters and magical sunsets, Tsavo West National Park covers an area of about 9,065 square kilometers divided from the Tsavo East National Park by a Nairobi-Mombasa road.

Tsavo West National Park

The two parks and adjoining ranches combine to form the Tsavo Conservation Area. 

Tsavo West is such a rugged wilderness with the beautiful Mzima springs that is formed from millions of gallons of crystal clear water gushes out from under a parched lava rock.

The scenery is consistent with open grasslands, scrublands, acacia woodlands, belts of riverine vegetation and rocky ridges. 

Being part of the Tsavo National Park, the section of Tsavo West is more mountainous and wetter, with swamps, with swamps, Lake Jipe and the Mzima Springs. The park has a magnificent scenery, Mzima springs, varied wildlife, rhino reserve, rock climbing potential with guided walks and good road systems. 

This park is a great wilderness destination with a variety of animals including the Big Five, excellent birding with many dry country specials and great rock climbing opportunities. 

Activities/Things to do at Tsavo West National Park

The Tsavo West Park is one impressive place to explore not only wildlife but the scenic sites within the area. Here are what wild species to see and activities to undertake;

Rock climbing

The setting for climbers is great with a spectacular view of elephants roaming the plains below, bird species like the vultures and falcons circling on thermals around the crags. Rock climbing in Tsavo West is one of the best experiences in Kenya.

The solid gneiss walls are often covered in holds and free of vegetation.  The 300m high east face of Kichwa Tembo is one of the most attractive pieces of rock that attracted the first explorers and resulted in the ascent of the Great Tsavo chimney. In the park is also the best and hardest bush climb in Kenya on a recent route known as the Ivory Tower on Elephant rocks.

Wildlife 

Tsavo West has some of the most magnificent wilderness game viewing experiences in Kenya. There is a variety of wildlife in the Tsavo West Park some of which are the eastern black rhinoceros, hippopotamus, Cape buffalo, elephant, leopard and lion. Others include the bushbaby, lesser kudu, hartebeest, and Masai giraffe. The Mzima springs with its underwater observation chamber offers close up views of hippos. 

Birding

The threatened corncrake and near threatened Basra Reed Warbler are some of the bird species seen in the park. Migratory birds are also present in the park and the months of October to May is the best time to see them. 

Best time to visit Tsavo West National Park 

The best time or months of the year to visit the Tsavo West is June to September and January to February. The months of December to March and July to October form the high season and during this time game viewing is great but the park is busy. October to May is the wet season and in case you want to see the park in a greener state then this is the time to visit.