Tsavo West is more rugged and scenic than its eastern neighbour, with lava flows, cones and the Chyulu Hills rising above the bush. The park’s best-known sight is Mzima Springs, where water filtered through volcanic rock emerges into clear pools; an underwater observation tank lets you watch hippos and fish below the surface.
The Shetani lava flow — only a few hundred years old — and the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, which protects a growing population of black rhino, add variety to game drives. Tsavo West sits between Amboseli and the coast, making it a natural stop on longer itineraries.
Highlights
- Mzima Springs underwater hippo hide
- Shetani lava flow
- Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
- Views of Kilimanjaro from the Chyulu Hills
Wildlife & what you'll see
- Black rhino
- Hippo and crocodile
- Elephant and buffalo
- Leopard and lion
- Lesser kudu and klipspringer
Things to do
- Game drives
- Mzima Springs nature walk
- Rhino sanctuary visit
Best time to visit
June to October and January to March for dry-season wildlife viewing.
Getting there
By road from Amboseli (about 3 hours) or from Nairobi and Mombasa along the main highway.
Experiences in Tsavo West
FAQs about Tsavo West
Can I see rhino in Tsavo West?
Black rhino are protected in the Ngulia sanctuary. They are shy browsers, so sightings are possible but never guaranteed.
