What is the brief history of the park?
The history of Tsavo West National Park dates back to the Stone Age and Middle Stone Age eras over 6,000 to 1,300 years ago when the park was still intact as Tsavo National Park before it was divided by the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. It was a popular economic route and environment for the profitable trade of ivory, cowry shells, animal skins, and slaves. The early Arab traders of 700 AD traded in the area of the park. In the 19th century after the coming of the British colonists to the coast of East Africa, they continued this trade with their interior collaborates and extended their rule to the whole of East Africa. This led to the construction of the 1889 Uganda railway that connected Uganda to the East African coast to transport copper from Uganda. African and Indian workers were hired to construct this railway line however, it cost dozens of them their lives. This was because of the famous ruthless maneless male lions that stalked and hunted dozens of workers which slowed down the construction process. These Tsavo lions were named Tsavo man-eaters which wrote themselves in the books of history.
Overview of Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West National Park is located in the Taita-Taveta County in the eastern region of Kenya, close to the border with Tanzania. Before it was divided, Tsavo National Park extended over 22,800 square kilometers, making it the biggest national park in the country by land mass. This huge park was later divided by the construction of the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, which led to the creation of Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks. Tsavo West National Park covers approximately 9,065 square kilometers. The park is under the management of the Kenya Wildlife Services.
What are the attractions in Tsavo West National Park?
Tsavo West National Park has incredible attractions that suit any visitor’s bucket list.Some of these attractions include the following.
Ngulia Sanctuary
Ngulia Sanctuary is among the main attractions in Tsavo West National Park. This sanctuary hosts the rare rhino, an endangered species of the Big 5. It was established to protect these rare rhinos. Its establishment saw a huge increase in rhino numbers, hence giving visitors an epic time at the park.
Wildlife
Tsavo West National Park is a great podium of nature that portrays the savannah’s finest hunters versing their prey. With over 70 wildlife species harboring this great kingdom, visitors can be certain of encountering several species. Africa’s Big 5 are some of the highly anticipated available species in Tsavo West National Park. Other animals like hyenas, zebras, kudus, mongooses, giraffes, and cheetahs can also be spotted.
Birdlife
The vastness of Tsavo West National Park and its strategic location close to the East African coast is surely a bird nest for these sky experts. The park harbors over 400 bird species making it a birder’s paradise. There are both migratory and endemic birds in the park with the migratory visiting in the wet season. Some bird species include helmeted Guinea fowl, Vulturine Guinea fowl, Blue Quail, Common Quail, Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Collared Sand Martin, Barn Swallows, European Bee-eater, Common Swift, White Stork, Common Cuckoo, Egyptian Vulture, Eurasian Golden Oriole, African Golden Oriole, and African Black-headed Oriole.
Mzima Springs
The Mzima springs are a network of over four springs flowing west of Tsavo West National Park. These springs are a huge source of livelihood to the various wildlife species like crocodiles and hippos that depend on them for survival since the springs are isolated and there is no close water source. They are kept constantly running by the underground natural reservoir strings from the Chyulu hills which are porous lava rocks that allow run water to flow through them. They are an important natural tourist attraction offering epic sceneries of nature’s wonder and also a great place to spot hippos, crocodiles, and water birds
What are the activities in Tsavo West National Park?
Tsavo West National Park offers a wide range of tourist activities given its several attractions harbored in the park. Below are some of the activities in Tsavo West National Park.
Game drives
Game viewing is a major tourist activity in Tsavo West National Park. Game drives are a perfect way to explore the park in the comfort and safety of your vehicle. Designated game viewing trails lead you straight to the natural habitats of various wildlife species. Game drives are not limited to wildlife only but offer spectacular sceneries of the park’s landscapes and ecological system.
Birding
Tsavo West National Park is a birder’s paradise with the incredible species of birds it hosts. Several designated trails cut across various ecological systems unveiling the hidden habitats of these flight masters. As you traverse the wilderness for a birding experience, you will be amazed by their colors as they fly across the horizon decorating it in beautiful feather colors coupled with sweet music. An experienced birder guide will be with you across this epic adventure to answer any bird queries and feed you with knowledge about birds in the park.
Rhino tracking
Rhino tracking is a must-do activity in Tsavo West National Park. Tracking rhinos in Tsavo West National Park while on an adventure experience in the park is like adding icing to the cake. This tracking experience takes you close to one of the world’s most endangered mammals and finding it in its natural environment is something incredible. This activity is available at the Ngulia Sanctuary.