Tsavo West National Park
Dramatic volcanic landscapes, underwater hippo viewing at Mzima Springs, and the scenic Shetani Lava Flow.
About Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West National Park, covering 9,065 square kilometres, is the more topographically dramatic half of the Tsavo ecosystem. Where Tsavo East is flat and open, Tsavo West features rolling volcanic hills, lush valleys, mountain forests, and rocky outcrops.
The star attraction is Mzima Springs — crystal-clear natural pools fed by 250 million litres of underground water per day, filtered through the Chyulu Hills' volcanic rock. An underwater observation chamber allows visitors to watch hippos gliding through clear water and monitor lizards swimming beneath the surface.
Other highlights include the Shetani Lava Flow, a vast expanse of black volcanic rock from an eruption roughly 500 years ago ("Shetani" means "devil" in Kiswahili, as locals believed the lava was the devil escaping from the earth), and the Roaring Rocks viewpoint where wind creates an eerie roaring sound. The Chyulu Hills on the park's boundary are considered one of the world's youngest volcanic ranges.
Highlights
Quick Facts
Available Safari Packages
Explore our curated safari packages that include Tsavo West National Park
History & Culture
Discover the rich heritage and cultural significance of Tsavo West National Park
Shetani and Local Legends
The Shetani Lava Flow erupted from the Chyulu Hills about 500 years ago. Local Kamba and Maasai communities named it "Shetani" (devil) because they believed the dark, barren flow was the devil emerging from underground. The lava caves formed during the eruption remain largely unexplored and are considered sacred by some communities.
Kenya's First Safari Lodge
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, built in 1962, was the first lodge ever constructed inside a Kenyan national park. It pioneered the concept of comfortable wildlife viewing lodges within protected areas, built overlooking a natural waterhole — a design philosophy that influenced safari lodge construction across East Africa for decades.
Wildlife & Animals
Discover the incredible wildlife that calls Tsavo West National Park home
Hippos
Mzima Springs' clear pools offer the rare opportunity to watch hippos swimming underwater through a glass chamber.
Elephants
Red elephants roam both Tsavo parks, with herds found around Mzima and the Chyulu Hills corridor.
Lions
Present throughout, often spotted on volcanic formations and near waterholes.
Leopards
Tsavo West's hilly, wooded terrain provides better leopard habitat than the eastern park.
Crocodiles
Large Nile crocodiles inhabit Mzima Springs, visible from the underwater observation chamber.
Lesser Kudu
This elegant, spiral-horned antelope is commonly seen in the denser bush habitat.
Safari Activities
Experience the best of Tsavo West National Park with these amazing activities
Mzima Springs Visit
Walk along boardwalks to volcanic springs and watch hippos and crocodiles from an underwater chamber.
Game Drives
Drive through volcanic landscapes, lava flows, and lush valleys with diverse wildlife.
Shetani Lava Flow Walk
Walk across surreal black lava fields from a 500-year-old eruption with Chyulu Hills views.
Roaring Rocks Viewpoint
Panoramic views from an elevated point where wind creates an atmospheric roaring sound.
Where to Stay
Choose from a variety of accommodation options in Tsavo West National Park
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Kenya's first safari lodge (1962), overlooking a busy waterhole with Kilimanjaro views.
Ngulia Safari Lodge
On the Ngulia escarpment edge, famous for its bird ringing station and floodlit waterhole.
Did You Know?
Fascinating facts about Tsavo West National Park that will amaze you
Mzima Springs produces 250 million litres of crystal-clear water per day, naturally filtered through volcanic rock.
The Shetani Lava Flow is only about 500 years old — and locals believed it was the devil escaping from the Earth.
Kilaguni Serena (1962) was the first-ever lodge built inside a Kenyan national park.
The Chyulu Hills are one of the youngest volcanic mountain ranges in the world.
The underwater observation chamber at Mzima is one of the only places to watch wild hippos swimming underwater.
The Roaring Rocks get their name from wind howling through the formations — legend says it's ancient spirits.
Ngulia Safari Lodge hosts one of Africa's largest bird ringing stations each November.
The lava caves beneath the Shetani Flow may extend for several kilometres underground.