Why You Should Travel To Tsavo West Park
Tsavo West National Park is a country of contrasting beauties, rich heritage, and plentiful wildlife, and one of Kenya’s most alluring safari experiences. Covering an area of over 9,065 square kilometres, it is but a part of larger conservation zone Tsavo, and together with Tsavo East, constitutes one of the largest national parks in the world. Here’s why your itinerary schedule must feature Tsavo West.
1. A Landscape Full of Contrasts
Tsavo West is famous for its contrasting and dramatic landscape. With its rough Chyulu Hills and rolling savannahs, the national park is an eyes’ feast for any naturist. Perhaps one of the most striking vistas in the national park is that of the Shetani Lava Flows, an enormous stretch of black lava rock curving out to the distance. This is an alien landscape of black rock, formed from volcanic eruptions hundreds of years ago, and in itself an attraction that is a jarring contrast to emerald-green country. The Mzima Springs, supported by underground springs in Chyulu Hills, stand out in their own right. Crystal-clear springs, with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of fish, and a refreshing oasis in a sea of arid country, make for a memorable attraction in a country full of them.
2. Wildlife Galore
Tsavo West is a dream for any wildlife enthusiast because of the rich diversity of animals. With the Big Five-lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino-the park should be a must-visit for any game drive enthusiast. Tsavo’s elephants are a deep reddish color from the red soil they bathe in. With mixed habitats, the park has herds of zebras and giraffes, elusive hunters like cheetahs and hyenas, and birds galore. For avid birdwatchers, there are over 600 species of birds documented in the park, some of which are really rare and quite beautiful, like the golden-breasted starling.
3. Rhino Sanctuary
The Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in Tsavo West is a sanctuary meant for conserving the endangered black rhino. This is a haven that allows these wonderful creatures to survive without danger from poachers. The visitors at this sanctuary may undertake guided walking and game drives to view rhinos in an open environment; it’s just an ideal situation where lovers of wild life will enjoy themselves immensely.
4. Cultural and Historical Significance
The region is rich in history, with a variety of locations of cultural and historical value. Home to the famous Tsavo Man-Eaters, a lions’ pair responsible for attacking and devouring railway workers in a period when Kenya-Uganda Railway was under construction in the 19th century, Tsavo West is a must-see for any history enthusiast and also for books and movies about lions, in which the lions’ legend lives on. Ancient rock artwork and petroglyphs dot the region and speak to life in a part of the country that at one time in its past must have seen an enormous variety of animals living and thriving in its rich habitats.
To the thirst of an adventurer, Tsavo West has a number of experiences that will make your heart beat with adrenalin. Hiking in the rough, rolling hills of the national park is ideal, with trails to scenic outposts and treasures in store. Harsh climbs through Chyulu Hills-aptly entitled “Green Hills of Africa”-pay off with breathtaking panoramic views of the country around. If you embrace tranquility, you could take a leisurely journey by boat through the peaceful water at Mzima Springs.
5. A Haven for Photographers
Dramatic country and prolific wildlife in Tsavo West make it a dreamland for photographers. From the blazing sunset over savannah to a delicate scheme of giraffe markings to raw, unbridled lion in hunting form, options for breathtaking shots in the national park have no bounds. Green springs and arid lava flats contrast in beauty, offering a rich tapestry for your lens work.
Top Haven for All?
Lastly, Tsavo West National Park is a vacation haven for all. With its varied lands, rich fauna, and rich heritage, it’s a must-stop for any visitor in Kenya. First-time safari-taker, seasoned safari-goer, or somewhere in between, Tsavo West promises an unforgettable safari trip with memories to cherish for a life’s duration. So grab your camera, and your bag, and head out to one of Kenya’s greatest national parks for an unforgettable safari trip.
If you need any assistance getting there, we will be glad to help you.