Tsavo West National Park, Kenya

Tsavo west national park – Attractions and information about the park

Information about Tsavo West National Park
Links to Safaris covering Tsavo West National Park and links to other activities you can engage in at the reserve
Eastern Vacations Tours and Safaris selected safari lodges and camps in Tsavo West National Park
Links to Other Kenya National Parks with related information

Tsavo West National Park

The Tsavo West National Park is Kenya’s largest wildlife stronghold. The Park comprises a diversity of habitats, open plains alternating with savannah bush and semi-desert scrub; acacia woodlands; rocky ridges and outcrops, and more extensive ranges and isolated hills; belts of riverine vegetation; palm thickets; and on the Chyulu Hills extension area, mountain forest. A section of Lake Jipe is included in the extreme south-west of the Park, an extremely rich bird locality where Pygmy Geese and Black Heron are common.

The Park is watered by two permanent rivers, the Tsavo River which flows through Tsavo West national Park and the Athi River which crosses a corner of Tsavo East national park. The two unite above Lugard Falls to become the Galana River. The Voi River, to the south, is not permanent. Lava flows and cones, such as Shetani, near Kilaguni Lodge, is a perfect example of a recent volcano.

But Tsavo west is famous of something else. Mzima Springs – a massive pool where you’ll easily see Hippopotamus and shoals of Barbel live in the springs and provide a dramatic spectacle. The water is so clear that every action of these huge aquatic beasts under the water, and of their attendant piscine scavengers, may be watched from the lookouts or through the plate-glass windows of the submerged observation chamber.

Tsavo West sister park

One of the other great spectacles of Tsavo Park is Mudanda Rock between Voi and Manyani. This is a 112km-long outcrop which supplies a natural dam at it’s base. In the dry season, hundreds of elephants come to drink and bathe. From a safe vantage point just above the water visitors may have the luck to sit and watch the activities of great beasts below them.

A similar elephant spectacle may also be observed at Aruba Dam. The Lugard Falls on the Galana River, 40km (25 miles) from Voi, are remarkable for the fantastic shapes of the water-worn rocks. The river disappears into a rocky gorge so narrow in one part that it is possible to stand astride the cleft with the Falls immediately below. Elephants in large herds are the number one attraction in Tsavo.

For those who like to indulge in game watching without effort, what could be pleasanter than to recline in a comfortable chair on the veranda of Kilaguni Lodge, a cold drink at hand, and watch the elephants take their refreshment from the waterhole 90m (100yd) or so away.

More about Tsavo West

Tsavo is also a good place to see one of our most beautiful antelopes, the Lesser Kudu with spiral horns and white striped coat. Whilst you may come across these graceful animals almost anywhere, the dry bush along the Galana River is their favourite haunt. Other animals likely to be encountered are Buffalo, Common Waterbuck, Eland, Gerenuk, Fringe-eared Oryx, Impala and Masai Giraffe. Black Rhinoceros, once numerous, are now less frequently seen. Birdlife is legion in the Park and the visitor is constantly meeting with new species. One of the most conspicuous is the White-headed Buffalo Weaver, brownish-black and white with a startling vivid red rump when it flies.

Tsavo West National Park Safaris

2 Days Tsavo East and West safari Visit the Largest park in Africa, Tsavo in two days. Spot the big five game which include the lion, the leopard, the Rhino, the elephant and the water buffaloes. Visit the fresh water springs emanating from the world’s famous Mt. Kilimanjaro. See a lot of flora and fauna, birds and fish in this wonderful park. A host of beautiful landscapes awaits you
One day Tsavo East national park – Amazing day trip safari exploring Tsavo East which is a sister park to Tsavo west national park.
3 Days Tsavo East and West Safari: “pole pole” safari to the largest park in East Africa, Tsavo. See the big five, visit the famous Mzima springs and the rhino Sanctuary.
3 Days Tsavo East and Amboseli safari Visit Tsavo West and have a chance to see the big five of Africa, game drive at the foot of the highest Mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro.
4 Days Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Amboseli Safari The best safari from Mombasa! See the Big five and the famous Mt. Kilimanjaro in Amboseli known for it’s snow cap. , a big surprise for many explorer’s safari of the early 19th century

Safari camps and Lodges in Tsavo West National Park

Kilaguni Serena safari lodge is located in Tsavo West National Park, midway between Nairobi and Mombasa. This safari lodge is in an area which has abundant wildlife and other attractions like the crystal clear waters of Mzima Springs, Shetani and Chaimu lava flows and the roaring rocks. Explore all this from this safari lodge
Voi wildlife lodge and safari spa is beautiful lodge is right within the boundaries of the mighty Tsavo East National park. The lodges offers 20 large beautifully furnished & decorated rooms. 4 family rooms cum suites and special rooms for handicapped.
Ngulia Safari lodge is situated spectacularly on the edge of Ndawe escarpment, offering a vast panoramic view of Tsavo west’s sweeping plains. Ngulia is an ideal base from which to explore Tsavo West, one of the world’s largest national parks.

Other Kenya National Parks