Halfway between the Kenyan cities of Nairobi and Mombasa lies the West and East sections of Tsavo National Park; together with adjacent Chyulu Hills National
Park, they provide over 8217 mi² (21,823 km²) of protected land. Tsavo West’s landscape is characterized by semi-arid plains and woodland (acacia and
commiphora), punctuated by occasional granite outcrops and the duom palms and baobabs near the floodplains of the park’s various rivers. In contrast,
the hotter and drier Tsavo East is mostly arid bush. Tsavo West’s most distinguishable natural feature is the Shetani Lava Fields. The volcanic cones
and lava spread provide a magical setting, and are frequented by the diminutive klipspringers.
Other animals include elephant (herds can exceed 100) lion, leopard, rhino, caracal, giraffe, zebra, fringe-eared oryx, eland, and cheetah. From Mzima
Springs’ underwater viewing platform, guests can watch hippo, crocodile and otter swim in its clear waters.
