Tsavo West National Park is located in south eastern Kenya, in the former coast province. It is situated between Nairobi and Mombasa near the town of Voi. Covering an area of 9,065 square kilometers, it together with the adjoining Tsavo East National Park form the largest park in Kenya occupying an area of over 21,000 square kilometers. Established in 1948, Tsavo West is aptly described as the land of Lava, Springs, Man Eaters and Magical Sunsets.
Tsavo West is a beautiful, rugged wilderness. Visitors to this park are treated to the sight of fifty million gallons of crystal-clear water gushing out from the under parched lava rock that- the Mzima Springs to the Shetani lava flows.
The savannah ecosystem found at Tsavo West National Park comprises of open grasslands, scrublands, Acacia woodlands, belts of riverine vegetation and rocky ridges including the Poacher’s lookout where visitors enjoy the sight of the plains below. At Tsavo West, the discerning traveler is offered some of the most magnificent game viewing in Africa with attractions including Elephants, Rhino, Hippos, Lions, Cheetah, Leopards, Buffalos, Lesser Kudu, diverse plants and also bird species including the threatened corncrake and near threatened Basra Reed Warbler. Other notable birds among the over 600 species which have been recorded here include ostriches, buzzards, kingfishers, hornbills and herons.
To many, Tsavo is associated with the Man-Eating Lions that were featured in the movie, The Ghost and the Darkness. In 1898, the construction of the Kenya – Uganda railway was abruptly halted when two of the most voracious and insatiable man-eating lions appeared in the area. For over nine months, they waged war on the railway workers, carrying out intermittent attacks against them and all those living within the vicinity of Tsavo.
Compared to Tsavo East across the road, Tsavo West National Park is more mountainous and, with swamps, Lake Jipe and the Mzima Springs found here. The latter has a unique underwater hippo observatory while Lake Jipe which lies astride the Kenya – Tanzania border teems with aquatic life, with bird watching around the lake also being a rewarding activity.
At the Shetani Lava Flow, you will be amazed by the vibrant volcanic arena. Here, it is believed that the molten lava that form Shetani lava spewed from the earth about 200 years ago. According to locals, its fiery fury was the work of the Devil. Near Ngulia Safari Lodge, you will find Ngulia Sanctuary. It plays a huge role in wildlife conservation as it is where the growing population of the highly endangered black rhino are emerging from the chasm of extinction which had been caused by rampant poaching in the 1960s.
From Nairobi, Tsavo West can be accessed by road through the Nairobi – Mombasa highway. We also arrange road safaris from Mombasa and Diani at the coast. For those who would wish to fly, we offer scheduled and charter flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. There are multiple airstrips in the park at Chyulu, Mtito Andei, Tsavo, Jipe, Maktau, Kasigau and Ziwani gates.
By rail- The Standard Gauge Railway between Nairobi and Mombasa runs through the park. You can be picked up from Voi station and transferred to your lodge.