Tsavo West

Tsavo West National Park covers 9,065 square kilometres of diverse terrain including volcanic hills, lava flows, forest patches, and the remarkable Mzima Springs. The park's varied topography — a stark contrast to the flat plains of Tsavo East — creates a mosaic of habitats that supports an impressive range of wildlife, from dense bushland leopards to open-plain cheetahs. Mzima Springs is Tsavo West's most celebrated feature: 250 million litres of crystal-clear water emerge daily from the porous volcanic rock of the Chyulu Hills, creating a chain of pools that support large populations of hippo, Nile crocodile, and over 50 species of fish. An underwater observation chamber allows visitors to watch hippo and crocodile from below the waterline — a unique experience in any African park. The Shetani Lava Flow, a 200-year-old river of black volcanic rock, and the Chaimu Crater offer fascinating geological excursions. Tsavo West is also a critical corridor for wildlife movement between the Chyulu Hills, Amboseli, and the wider Tsavo ecosystem, and its rugged landscapes provide excellent leopard habitat.