Wild zebras in Tsavo West National Park, Kenya.

©EunikaSopotnicka/Getty Images

Tsavo West National Park

Top choice in Kenya


Welcome to the wilderness. Tsavo West is one of Kenya’s larger national parks (9065 sq km), covering a huge variety of landscapes from swamps, natural springs and rocky peaks to extinct volcanic cones, rolling plains and sharp outcrops dusted with greenery.

This is a park with a whiff of legend about it, first for its famous man-eating lions in the late 19th century and then for its devastating levels of poaching in the 1980s. Despite the latter, there’s still plenty of wildlife here, although you’ll have to work harder and be much more patient than in Amboseli or the Masai Mara; the foliage is generally denser and higher here. Put all of these things together, along with its dramatic scenery, fine lodges and sense of space, and this is one of Kenya’s most rewarding parks.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kenya attractions

1. Mzima Springs

13.7 MILES

Mzima Springs is an oasis of green in the west of the park that produces an incredible 250 million litres of fresh water a day. The springs, whose source…

2. Poacher's Lookout

15.15 MILES

A short distance northwest of Severin Safari Camp, this hilltop vantage point offers fine views out over the park, and especially fine views west to the…

3. Chaimu Crater & Roaring Rocks

16.49 MILES

Southeast of Kilaguni Serena Lodge, these two natural features offer stunning views of the Chyulu Hills and birds of prey circling high above the plains…

4. Ngulia Hills

17.28 MILES

Rising more than 600m above the valley floor and to a height of over 1800m above sea level, this jagged ridgeline ranks among the prettiest of all Tsavo…

5. Shetani Lava Flows

20.72 MILES

About 4km west of the Chyulu gate of Tsavo West National Park, on the road to Amboseli, are the spectacular Shetani lava flows. ‘Shetani’ means ‘devil’ in…

6. Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary

20.96 MILES

At the base of Ngulia Hills, this 90-sq-km area is surrounded by a 1m-high electric fence and provides a measure of security for around 80 of the park's…

7. Shetani Caves

21.25 MILES

Close to (and geologically part of) the Shetani Lava Flows, Shetani Caves are a result of volcanic activity. You’ll need a torch (flashlight) if you want…

8. Lake Chala

22.64 MILES

This deep, spooky crater lake straddling the border with Tanzania is a worthwhile detour en route south to Moshi. There are grand views across the plains…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "kenya/southern-kenya/attractions/tsavo-west-national-park/a/poi-sig/1391101/355333",
      "destination": "Kenya",
      "continent": "Africa",
      "country": "Kenya",
      "position": "superzone"
    }