One of the major highlights in Tsavo West Safaris is its magnificent game viewing opportunity due to the dominance of the great Savannah ecosystem constituting acacia woodlands, scrub lands, open grassland and riverine vegetation. This large park is among the top tourist destinations in Kenya situated in the coastal province, and neighbors Tsavo East National Park. Tsavo West National Park covers an area of 9,065 square kilometers, large enough to host large mammals such as elephants, rhinos, hippos, buffalos, leopards, cheetahs, lions, among many other animal and bird species.
Tsavo West is packed with incredible attractions that visiting tourists cannot miss.
Mzima Springs
Mzima Springs are home to crocodiles and hippos which are easily seen roaming around the pools of the springs. Mzima Springs are a series of four natural springs located in the west part of Tsavo National Park, and its source is Chyulu hills comprised of volcanic lava rocks and ash. Crocodiles and hippos are mainly dependent on the waters of Mzima because of its isolation and also since other water sources are too far off for them to get to.
Shetani lava flow
Shetani lava flow is an impressive 50 kilometers lava outpour deriving from Chyulu hills in the form of a moonscape. It is situated on the route heading to Amboseli National Park, around 4 kilometers west of Tsavo West’s Chyulu gate. Shetani lava flow was created a hundred years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions, and it’s a relic of that eruption. It is believed by locals that they are a result of the devil himself emerging from the earth, and many people and animals were buried alive by the fast flowing stream of lava, hence the name Shetani which means Devil.
Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
Ngulia is home to approximately 80 black rhinos, and is a project aimed to preserve these tender giants by combating poaching. It is also a breeding place for these rhinos, and other animals can be spotted as well inside the premises; like leopards and elephants. The sanctuary is set on the foothills of Ngulia hills and covers an area of 90 square kilometers. Ngulia Sanctuary is protected by rangers as well as electric fencing that surrounds the animals, protecting them from harm.
Chyulu Hills
Chyulu hills serves as a partition between Tsavo and Amboseli plains and is fairly observable on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. This is a stunning feature any wanderlust tourist should not miss while on a safari in Tsavo West. The hills’ range is 2188m at its highest and is 150 kilometers long. The hills comprise of numerous small flows and cones. Within the hills also is the Leviathan Cave, which is among the longest lava tubes in the world. Rainfall on the hills feed the Tsavo and Galana rivers as well as Mzima springs on the surrounding plains.
Chaimu Volcanic Crater
Chaimu Crater, or sometimes known as “the devils crater” in the Kamba tribe language, is a tall hill covered in the bright black color of lava stones. There is a pathway leading to the top of this hill which makes it possible for tourists visiting to hike it, although it is moderately difficult to climb as the trail can get slippery.
