Must-See Attractions in Tsavo National Park
Tsavo west national park is one of the top tourist destinations in Kenya, located in the coastal province. Tsavo west national park covering an area of 9,065 square kilometers, adjoins Tsavo east national park to form a largest national park in Kenya. Tsavo west National Park is dominated by a great savannah ecosystem comprising of open grassland, scrublands, riverine vegetation, and acacia woodlands which facilitate game viewing one of the highlights of the park.
Tsavo west national park is a habitant to many wildlife species including animals such as elephant, rhino, Hippos, lions, cheetah, leopards, Buffalos, klipspringers, lesser kadu, fringe-eared Oryx, gerenuk and birds such as threatened corncrake and near threatened Basra Reed Warbler African finfoot, Basra reed warbler, Black-faced sandgrouse, Common whitethroat, Corncrake, Fischer’s starling, Golden pipit, Golden-breasted starling, Lesser kestrel, Marsh warbler, Martial eagle, Narina trogon, Northern brownbul, 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 and many more
Tsavo west national park is composed of many attractions that you should not miss while on your safari in this great tourist destination.
Ngulia rhino sanctuary
Ngulia rhino sanctuary is a stronghold and breeding place for black rhinos in Tsavo and Kenya as a nation. Kenya as a tourist destination and a home of wildlife used to be a habitat for over 8000 black rhino individuals by 1970s but due to human practices like poaching and encroaching on rhino habitats, Rhinos almost became extinct, with less than 20 individuals remaining, this resulted in the establishment of the Ngulia rhino sanctuary in 1986 for the conservation and protection of the endangered black rhinos.
The Ngulia rhino sanctuary is located on the foothills of the Ngulia Hills, covering an area of 80 square kilometers; it is enclosed by a 1-meter-high electric fence and protected by rangers and staff. Ngulia rhino sanctuary there are 80 rhino individuals, which are easy to spot while on your visit in the sanctuary. In Ngulia sanctuary you do not only spot black rhinos but you can also spot leopards and elephants.
Shetani lava flow
The Shetani lava flow is a spectacular lava flow situated on the route leading to Amboseli national park about 4 kilometers west of the Chyulu gate of Tsavo west national park, this lava flow is magnificent 50 kilometers lava outpour from the Chyulu hills in the form of a moonscape. The Shetani lava flows are said to have been formed a hundred years ago due to volcanic eruptions but the locals have a different myth, which makes them more amazing, the locals believe they are a result of the devil himself emerging from the earth, which explains the name given to the lava flow. The lava flow’s name, Shetani, is a Swahili word meaning “devil.” The Shetani lava flow creates a spectacular view never to be missed while in Tsavo west national park, in the same area, there are Shetani caves created as a result of volcanic activity/eruptions. These caves are explored with the help of a flashlight.
Mzima springs
Mzima springs are magnificent features you should not miss while on your safari in Tsavo national park, Mzima springs are a series of four natural springs situated west of Tsavo national park about 48 kilometers from Mitto Andei town of Makueni county. These springs owe their source to chyulu hills which are composed of a range of volcanic lava rocks and ash. Mzima springs are a habitat to resident hippos and crocodiles, which are spotted living in the water pools of the springs. The springs are located in an isolated area, which makes them a perfect home for hippopotamuses and crocodiles to live a peaceful life in the water pools of the springs. Mzima springs became famous as they were part of wildlife filmmakers Alan and Joan Root’s 1969 nature documentary a portrait of spring which featured underground footage of crocodiles and hippopotamuses.
Chyulu Hills
The Chyulu hills are an impressive feature you shouldn’t miss while on your safari in Tsavo west national park, these hills are situated 150 kilometers east of Kenya rift and 30 kilometers from kibwezi town. The Chyulu Hills form a 100-kilometer-long volcanic field covering an area of 741 square kilometers, with the highest peak standing at 2188 kilometers. Chyulu hills divide the Tsavo and Amboseli plains and are very visible on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway; these hills create a magnificent scenic view, which is perfect for sightseeing and photography.
Roaring rocks
Roaring rocks are a spectacular feature in Tsavo west national park resembling the same spot in lion king where mufasa holds Simba, showing the young to the animals in the kingdom he led as a king, these rocks are situated near Ngulia rhino sanctuary and for a long time these rocks have been an observation point. Roaring Rocks derives its name from the wind that hits the rocks and rebounds, creating a loud roar. These hills offer magnificent panoramic views, but to enjoy these scenic vistas, you must climb to the top. It said that as wind blows through the hills, it makes sounds like a lion roar thus roaring rocks.
Chaimu hill
Chaimu Hill is an excellent observation point for enjoying the views of Tsavo West National Park and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro from a distance; it is also great for hiking, which takes approximately 20 minutes.
Note: When hiking Chaimu Hill, there is no shade, so you should expect to get hot; therefore, it is important to carry hats and sunscreen lotion while visiting the hill.
Poacher’s outlook
Poacher’s hill is a magnificent feature to visit while on your safari in Tsavo national park, poacher’s outlook offers 360 degrees panoramic views of the grand Tsavo west national park, originally the hill was used by poachers to look out for elephants and rhinos before the gazetting of the area.
Are you planning on visiting Kenya for a Kenya safari in Tsavo west national park? Trust Focus East Africa Tours send your safari inquiry and we will organize for you a memorable trip in Tsavo west national park and other destinations in Kenya.
