Explore the Enchanting Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West National Park, a part of one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife conservancies, is renowned for its distinctive Red Elephants and the legendary tales of the Maneaters of Tsavo.
Tsavo West National Park.
Tsavo West is an integral part of one of Earth’s largest wildlife conservation areas and ranks among Kenya’s largest national parks. The park boasts a wealth of wildlife, yet its vast size and denser vegetation present unique challenges for game viewing. Consequently, it is less frequented than Maasai Mara and Amboseli. Nonetheless, Tsavo West showcases some of East Africa’s most diverse landscapes, featuring numerous volcanic craters and intriguing hills.
Safari Tours through Tsavo West.
– Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo Premier Safari – 13 days
– Amboseli Tsavo Classic Safari Getaway – 3 days
– Kenya & Mombasa Safari Beach Holiday – 12 days
Tsavo West Highlights and Attractions.
- Walking Safaris: Embark on walking safaris to explore the Chaimu volcanic crater and immerse yourself in the park’s captivating terrain.
- Underground Viewing Hide: Experience a unique perspective on hippos and crocodiles from an underwater viewing hide at the Mzima Springs.
- Shetani Flow: Witness the Shetani Flow, a fascinating volcanic phenomenon where a river of magma once erupted and solidified.
Activities in Tsavo West National Park
– Game Drives: Discover the park’s diverse wildlife on exciting game drives.
– Bush Walks: Take guided bush walks to intimately connect with the natural surroundings.
– Caving: Explore the intriguing caves, including the Shetani Cave.
– Rock Climbing: For those with special permission, engage in rock climbing adventures, notably at Tembo Peak.
Getting to Tsavo West
Tsavo West National Park, a cornerstone of vast conservation efforts, is located in southeastern Kenya, approximately 240 km (150 miles) from Nairobi along the highway to Mombasa.
– Chyulu Gate: Access through Chyulu Gate is available from Amboseli.
– Mtito Andei Gate: From Nairobi, the primary access route is through Mtito Andei Gate.
– Tsavo Gate: Visitors from Mombasa commonly use Tsavo Gate near Manyani.
Airport Access: While Tsavo West is expansive, several lodges feature private airstrips. Notable airstrips include Kilaguni, Finch Hattons, and Ol Donyo Wuas.
The Tsavo West Experience
Tsavo’s history is punctuated by the infamous Maneaters of Tsavo, two maneless lions that terrorized railway workers in the early 1900s, claiming the lives of around 130 individuals. These lions were eventually hunted down after their deadly rampage. Tsavo West was also a significant battleground during World War I, featuring British and German forces.
Today, the region enjoys tranquility and is renowned for its striking red-colored elephants, often seen indulging in dust baths in the rich, red soil. Tsavo West’s varied geological features are a testament to past volcanic activity.
Given the park’s vastness, wildlife is dispersed, requiring time and patience to fully appreciate the park’s treasures. Walking safaris offer an immersive experience in the picturesque savannah, including encounters with the Shetani Lava Flow, believed to have originated from a volcanic eruption 200 years ago. Covering 50 square kilometers, this flow features intriguing caves, such as the Shetani Cave. For water enthusiasts, boat safaris are available on Lake Jipe, while rock climbing can be arranged at Tembo Peak for the adventurous traveler.
A key highlight of Tsavo West is Mzima Springs, producing a staggering 350 million liters of fresh water daily, a vital water source for Mombasa. The springs feature an underground hide offering crystal-clear views of hippos’ underwater antics.
Tsavo West National Park Accommodation
- Finch Hattons Camp: This private camp invites you to relive the golden colonial era of safaris. Denys Finch Hatton, famed for his lavish safari style, inspires this luxurious camp. Accommodations consist of tastefully appointed en-suite safari tents. Explore the park with guided morning and evening game drives and immersive nature walks.
- Voyager Ziwani: Situated on a private conservancy at the edge of Tsavo West National Park, Voyager Ziwani Camp offers a serene wildlife retreat during your Kenya safari holiday.
Climate
Tsavo West National Park enjoys a moderate equatorial climate due to its proximity to the equator, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C. The park experiences two wet seasons: the long rains from March to April and the short rains from November to December.
