Tsavo West National Park is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Kenya, it is a part of the larger conservation area of Tsavo National Park known for its redbrick elephants and history of man-eaters during the construction of the East African Railway, the west of Tsavo national park located in the southern part of country straddling along its borders with Tanzania, it covers an area space of approximately 9065 square kilometres, a combination of the Tsavo national park makes it the biggest park in Kenya o about 2100 square kilometres, the north of the western part isa fascinating area well developed with both new and old volcanic rocks.
Tsavo West National Park was formerly occupied by the Masai pastoralists these were evicted from the park premises as a result of conservation, it was gazette in 1948 as a way of protecting the large population of lions that were on the verge of extinction due to the story of the man-eating lions during the construction of the East African railway, it boasts diverse landscapes that include open savannah grasslands, volcanic cones, acacia woodlands, and riverine forest. Attractions of Tsavo West National Park include the Mzima hot springs, these hot springs have water from surface areas of the Chyulu hills, they are shaded by the fig and acacia trees, the lakes surrounding the hot springs provide a constant water supply with mammal species like hippos and crocodiles. The Shetani Lava flows were formed as a result of hardened lava, these rocks were named by the locals as a result of witnessing the eruption the name Shetani simply means “Devil”, these lava stones are the largest lava flows in the National Park.
Tsavo West National Park is underlined by the Tsavo River along its southern boundary, it is a seasonal river whose flow reduces a lot in the dry season and wildlife of the park includes lions, buffaloes, waterbucks, Zebras, impalas, hippos, fringe-eared fox, lesser and greater Kudus, long-necked gerenuk, hunters beest, cheetahs, wildebeests, waterbucks, elands, oryx, spotted hyenas, wild dogs to mention a few, there are over 500 species of birds that have been recorded in the conservation area to date some of these are endemics to the ecosystem, example bird types include ostrich, whistling duck, Egyptian goose, crested francolin, yellow-necked spurfowl, lesser and greater kudus, pelicans, martial eagles, African green pigeons, kori bustard, white bellied go away bird, to mention a few.
Things to do in Tsavo West National Park include visiting the Mzima hot springs, Game drives through the well-distributed trails of the national park, guided nature walks, birding safari experiences, cultural encounters, enjoying bush breakfasts, picnics, and sundowners, among other Safaris, outside the park is visiting the coastal beachy areas of Mombasa. What to pack includes long-sleeved shirts and trousers, huts, insect repellants, safari shoes, and any other items of a personal nature.
Tsavo West National Park has available accommodation facilities that range from the best budget to luxury, these do offer amazing times to travellers to the destination, Examples of facilities include Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Severin Safari Camp, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, to mention a few. The park can be visited any time of the year but is best during the dry season between the months of December-Febuary and June-September when the trails of the park are much drier and easier to access.
In conclusion, Tsavo West National Park is at its best during the dry season however any season can be considered as each of these presents something different to see.