Ithad Air Lines - Best Kenya National Parks Vacation-Tsavo West National Park

Extinct volcanic cones to rolling plains and sharp reddish outcrops dusted with greenery, from swamps and natural springs to rocky peaks, the fine Tsavo West National Park covers a huge variety o landscape.

Attractiveness of Tsavo west national park

But they tend to stay hidden, lions are out there. Hippos and leopards, zebras, birds are very common and there are large populations of elephants. But wildlife can be hard to spot because of the dense scrub, it's easily the more attractive of the two parks.

Be a little careful here-both crocs and hippos are potentially dangerous. There's an underwater viewing chamber. The springs are the source of the bulk of Mombasa fresh water and you can walk down to a large pool that is a favourite haunt for crocodiles and hippos. Which produces an incredible 93 million gallons of fresh water a day, the focus is Mzima springs.

Birds eye views on crater hills

Be ware that the wildlife is still out there so keep your eyes open, while there is little danger when walking these trails. Eagles and buzzards whirling over the plains, the views from either spot are stunning with falcons. Just south east of Kilaguni Serena lodge and the roaring rocks viewpoint can be climbed in about 15minutes, chaimu crater.

Rhinos in the National Park

The 70 sq km area is surrounded by a 1m-high electric fence and provides security for the park's last 49 black rhinos. But a long drive from anywhere else, it's close to Ngulia safari Lodge. Part of the Rhino Ark program, at the base of Ngulia Hills, another attraction is the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.

Buffaloes and other species have moved into the enclosure, large numbers of elephants. There are driving tracks and waterholes within the enclosed area and there's a good chance of seeing one of these elusive creatures.

Unusual animal species

Look out for dung beetles rolling huge balls of elephant dung along the tracks. Red- beaked hornbills and bateleur eagles are common. Which is often seen perched in dead trees, and the enigmatically named white bellied go-away bird, which can sometimes be seen kicking sand from its burrows, some of the more unusual species to look out for in the park include the naked mole rat.

Rock climbing in the park

Near the Ngulia Safari Lodge, this area is also fantastic for birdlife and there is a very reliable hippo pool on the Mukui River. It's possible to go rock climbing at Tembo peak and the Ngulia Hills but you'll need to arrange in advance with the park warden.

Lake Vacation Spot-Lake Jipe

Huge herds of elephants come to the lake to drink and large flocks of migratory birds stop here from February to May. You can hire boats at the campsite to take you hippo and crocodile spotting on the lake (US$5). Reached by a desperately dusty track from near Taveta, lake Jipe at the south west end of the park.

Vacations to Tsavo West National Park can be arranged by a Kenya tour company based in Nairobi or you can also have a self-drive safari with equipment on hire from a car rental and camping Gear Company.