Tsavo West

Tsavo National Park was established on 1st April, 1948 with an area of 20,812 sq Km. It is the largest Park in Kenya. In May 1948 Tsavo National Park was divided into East and West for administrative purposes. The two Parks are divided by Nairobi–Mombasa railway/road West being the more popular of the two because of its diversity of scenery.

Within Tsavo West are the Ngulia Mountains and the Ndawe Escarpments, which are part of the same volcanic movements that created Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valley. This volcanic upheaval also created an underground river system forming the famous Mzima Springs, which gushes out several thousand gallons of crystal-clear water each day providing Mombasa with its drinking water supply.

Hippos, crocodiles and a variety of fish can be seen in the crystal-clear water from a sunken observation tank built at the springs. The largest concentration of elephants is found in this park. Lions and cheetahs are abundant but are difficult to spot in the high grass.

Location: Is located in South Eastern Kenya, inland from Mombasa.

Best time to visit: October-February.

Birdlife: Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the area, including ostriches, kestrels, buzzards, starlings, weaver birds, kingfishers, hornbills, secretary birds, and herons.