Tsavo West national park Kenya is one of the top national park and Kenya wildlife safari destinations in Kenya located in the Central Province, this park is famously known for its abundant wildlife including the red elephants, the remaining population of Hirola antelopes in Kenya and the scenic landscape.
Tsavo West national park together with its sister park – Tsavo East national park form the Great Tsavo Conservation Area (Tsavo national parks) which is the largest protected area in Kenya, these two national parks that is Tsavo East and Tsavo West national park are separated from each other by a railway line and the Mombasa – Nairobi Highway.
Tsavo West national park covers an area of 9,065 square kilometers protecting a savannah ecosystem comprising of open grasslands, scrublands, riverine and acacia woodlands. The landscape of the park encompasses of Mzima Springs, Shetani lava flow, Lake Jipe and Chaimu Volcano.
Wildlife in Tsavo West national park
Tsavo West national park is a home to abundant wildlife living in the savannah plains, the park is recognized for a home to Man Eaters – lions, large sized red elephants and a few of the remaining population of Hirola antelopes in Kenya. Wildlife found in Tsavo West national park include lion, elephants, cheetah, wild dogs, antelopes, buffalo, black rhinos, hippos, zebra, hyenas, lesser kudu, klipspringers, gerenuk, mongoose, nocturnal porcupine, fringe-eared Oryx, giraffe, crocodiles, hippos among others.
Birdlife in Tsavo West national park
Tsavo West national park is listed among the Important Birding Areas in Kenya and one of the best spots for birding in the country with recorded 600 bird species including thrush nightingale, Taita falcon, Taita fiscal, Somali bunting, Somali Ostrich, Somali bee-eater, Rufous chatterer, river warbler, Shelley’s starling, slender-tailed nightjar, red billed parrot, red backed shrike, Narina trogon, marsh warbler, Northern brownbul, pangani long claw, lesser kestrel, common white throat, Basra reed warbler, African fin foot among others.
Kenya safari activities to do in Tsavo West national park
Game viewing
Game viewing is the most popular safari activity offered in Tsavo West national park and is offered in 3 sessions that is morning, afternoon and evening game drive, these game drives are done in 4×4 wheel vehicles with popup roofs and open windows offering uninterrupted views of the park.
During game viewing experience in Tsavo West national park, lookout for animals such as lions, elephants, cheetah, wild dogs, klipspringers, gerenuk, mongoose, Oryx, giraffe, black rhinos, cape buffaloes, antelopes, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles among others.
During game viewing activity, you will visit the Ngulia rhino sanctuary where you will encounter the endangered back rhinos, also visit the Mzima Springs where you will watch Nile crocodiles, rhinos and species of fish in the clear waters.
Game viewing in Tsavo West national park can be done all year round, however it is best done during the dry season where animals are easily spotted as they congregate at water holes to drink water.
Rhino tracking
Rhino tracking in Tsavo West national park is a memorable activity offering tourists an opportunity to watch the endangered black rhinos in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, the sanctuary is a home to about 80 black rhinos.
Rhino tracking n Tsavo West national park offers visitors a chance to encounter rhinos in their natural habitat.
Bird watching
Tsavo West national park is a birding paradise and recognized as one of the Important Birding Areas in Kenya with over 600 bird species, during bird watching experience in Tsavo West national park look out for colorful bird species such as African fin foot, Basra reed warbler, Black-faced sand grouse, Common whitethroat, Corncrake, Fischer’s starling, Golden pipit, Golden-breasted starling, Lesser kestrel, Marsh warbler, Martial eagle, Narina trogon, Northern brownbul, Somali Ostrich, Pangani longclaw, Red-backed shrike, Red-bellied parrot, River warbler, Rufous chatterer, Shelley’s starling, Slender-tailed nightjar, Somali bee-eater, Somali bunting, Somali ostrich, Taita falcon, Taita fiscal, Thrush nightingale among others.
Birding in Tsavo West national park is done with a help of an experienced birder guide, this activity can be dome throughout the year, and however it is best done from October to November when migratory bird species arrive in the park from Northern region of Africa and Europe.
Volcano hiking
Volcano hiking in Tsavo West national park is done on the Chaimu Volcano, this volcano has a spectacular crater lake on top which make the hiking experience worth it. Hiking Chaimu Volcano takes about 15 – 20 minutes.
Walking safaris
Walking safaris in Tsavo West national park is one of the best ways to explore the park and get more close to nature, Tsavo west national park has a spectacular landscape comprised of Shetani flow, Mzima Springs and Lake Jipe which can be visited.
Walking safaris are done is done with the guidance of an armed ranger and as you walk on several trails you will have a chance to watch many animals such as Masai giraffes, lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, hartebeests, lesser kudu, bush baby and many colorful birds such as secretary birds, Somali Ostrich, Somali bee-eater, Taita falcon, Shelly’s starling, river warbler among others.
WHERE TO STAY IN TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK
Tsavo West national park has a wide range of accommodation options found inside and outside the park, these accommodation options range from Luxury, Midrange and Budget and they include
- Taita Hill safari Resort and Lodge
- Taita Lick Safari lodge
- Lavender garden hotel
- Rhino valley lodge
- Voyager Safari camp
- River Lumi Resort
- Kilaguni Serena safari lodge
- Teen Ranch Kenya
- Paran Resort among others.
HOW TO GET TO TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK
Tsavo west national park is found in the South Eastern region, in the central province about 240 kilometers from Nairobi, the park is accessed using 6 entry and exit gates that are Tsavo gate, Lake Jipe gate, Mtito Andei gate, Chyulu gate, Maktau gate and Ziwani gate.
To get to the park, road and air transport means are used.
By road – public and private means of transport are used to get to the park, from Nairobi it is a drive of about 4-5 hours and the recommended type of vehicle is a 4×4 wheel vehicle.
By air – there are domestic and chartered flights to Tsavo West national park from Wilson airstrip to several airstrips serving the park including Kamboyo, Kilaguni, Tsavo, Jipe, Kasigau, Finch Hottons, Ziwani and Maktau airstrips.
