Tsavo West National Park, covering about 9,065 square kilometers, is one of Kenya’s most scenic protected areas, famous for its dramatic volcanic landscapes of lava flows, craters, and rocky outcrops. Unlike the flat open plains of Tsavo East, this park offers diverse habitats including swamps, riverine forests, woodlands, and rolling plains, giving it a strikingly varied character.
A major highlight is Mzima Springs, where crystal-clear water flows from underground streams to sustain hippos, crocodiles, and fish, while an underwater viewing chamber lets visitors see aquatic life up close. Other unique features include the vast Shetani Lava Flow, the climbable Chaimu Crater, and scenic spots such as Roaring Rocks and Lake Jipe.
The park is home to the Big Five, including elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, and the endangered black rhino protected at the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary. Visitors also encounter giraffes, zebras, hippos, lesser kudu, and many antelope species. With over 600 bird species, Tsavo West is also a world-class birdwatching destination.
Though the park’s denser vegetation makes wildlife viewing more challenging than in Tsavo East or the Masai Mara, it enhances the sense of wilderness and makes animal sightings especially rewarding. Easily accessible from both Nairobi and Mombasa, Tsavo West combines rich wildlife, scenic beauty, and adventurous landscapes, making it a must-visit safari destination.
