Tsavo West National Park, together with Tsavo East, forms the vast and historic Tsavo National Park. One of the largest protected wildlife areas in Kenya. Covering an area of 9,065 square kilometers, Tsavo West is the second-largest national park in the country and is separated from its eastern counterpart by the A109 highway, which links Nairobi to Mombasa. Often referred to as the “Land of Lava, Springs, Man-Eaters and Magical Sunsets,” Tsavo West is famed for the legendary man-eating lions that attacked railway workers during colonial times—a story that still draws fascination today. Beyond its dramatic history, the park offers rugged scenery, mountainous landscapes, and lush vegetation, making it more visually diverse and scenic than Tsavo East.
One of the park’s most famous attractions is Mzima Springs, where over 50 million gallons of crystal-clear water emerge daily from beneath ancient lava flows. Visitors can observe hippos, crocodiles, and fish through an underwater viewing chamber. Another highlight is the Shetani Lava Flow, a vast expanse of black lava rock created by volcanic activity centuries ago. Tsavo West National Park is also wetter and more forested than Tsavo East, contributing to its rich biodiversity. It’s home to elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalos, lions, and hundreds of bird species, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Established in April 1948, Tsavo West is among Kenya’s oldest national parks, named after the Tsavo River, which runs through the park and supports much of its wildlife. Today, it stands as a biodiversity hotspot and one of East Africa’s most unique safari experiences.
