September 08, 2025 | Bujo Safaris
Shetani lava in Tsavo National Park is one of the main reasons why most tourists visit the park during their Kenya safaris. Tsavo National Park is divided into two parts or two parks, which are divided by a railway line forming both the East Tsavo National Park and the Western Tsavo National Park. Tsavo National Park, at large or joined together, is the largest national park in Kenya, covering approximately 22,812 square kilometers. These square kilometers are divided between the two parts of Tsavo National Park, and Tsavo East National Park is the largest National Park, covering approximately 13,747 square kilometers, making Tsavo West National Park the second largest national Park covering approximately 9,065 square kilometers. Among the two parks, Shetani Lava is found in the Western Tsavo National Park, approximately 4 km west of Khyulu gate. The Shetani is a Swahili word which means ‘’Satan or Devil’’ in English, named by the locals when they first saw the lava erupt and flow on the ground, and believing that it was the devil who was emerging from the surface of the earth.
Are you planning a Kenya safari and wondering which tour activities or travel destinations you should visit? Well, you should consider visiting the Shetani lava in Tsavo National Park, and below is what you need to learn about the Shetani Lava.
Shetani Lava is located or found in the West Tsavo National Park, approximately 4km west of Khyulu gate on the road heading to Amboseli National Park. The Shetani Lava is believed or said to have been formed approximately 500 years ago and covers approximately 50 square kilometers near the Chulyu hills, which are made up of various volcanic lava rocks. From a distance, the lava appears like a spread blanket or black rugged landscape with beautiful layers of the dark, hardened basaltic volcanic rock.
Other attractions and activities done in West Tsavo National Park
Apart from the Shetani Lava, other attractions are found in West Tsavo National Park, and some of these attractions include,
Shetani caves are also a result of the volcanic activity or eruption that took place approximately 500 years ago, and these are believed to act as habitats for hyenas around this area, so as you approach the caves, you should be on the lookout. You should also look out for your feet since the rocks in these caves are very sharp and may cut them. Due to the darkness in the caves, you should also probably consider bringing a torch to light your way.
Acting as the flame or backdrop for the Shetani Lava fields, the Chulyu hills give a very beautiful background to the Shetani fields and also offer tourists or visitors who visit the Shetani Lava a chance to highlight their visit with a hike, which rewards them with a 360 angle of the Lava field, and they are also able to spot wildlife from a distance.
Guided walks are the most famous activities that tourists carry out when they visit the Shetani Lava fields in West Tsavo National Park. These guided walks are done to explore the different parts of the Shetani Lava using accessible trails that are well known by the guides.
Located near the Shetani Lava, the Roaring Rocks are also one of the famous attractions in West Tsavo National Park of Kenya. These rocks get their name from the unique hunting or echoing roar sound, which is produced whenever the wind rushes or blows through them.
Shetani Lava can be visited and is open to visitors or tourists throughout the year, but the best time to visit the Shetani Lava is during the dry season of the year, which happens to be from June to October and December to February.
Mazima Springs are one of the key attractions that you should not miss visiting once you are in West Tsavo National Park. The Mazima springs are made up of 4 natural springs that produce fresh water daily, which supports several wildlife in West Tsavo National Park. Some of the animals that are supported by the Mazima springs include a large number of Hippos, crocodiles, and different bird species, to mention a few. Mazima Springs are so beautiful and in a natural way all through, which makes it a perfect destination for relaxing and freeing your mind.
From a distance in West Tsavo National Park, you can also spot Mountain Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa from a distance in the backdrop.
Chaimu crater is also known as the black hill, named after the colour it has from the volcanic ash and rock that resulted from the eruption of Chyulu Hills. The Wakamba people who used to live in this area were certain that this occurrence and the black colour of the to demons, and named the place ‘’Maimu’’ which simply means the Devil’s crater
Hiking Chaimu Crater is one of the amazing, adventurous, and challenging activities that you can do when you visit West Tsavo National Park. The steep slopes of the crater hills make it challenging to climb as well as slope down from the top, but once you manage to challenge yourself and hike to the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking 360 view of the park.
Even though West Tsavo is covered by the black hardened Basaltic volcanic rocks, there are plants that grow there, which give lava fields life. some of these plants include the grasslands, acacia woodland, ivory palm, to mention a few.
Are you ready to go and explore West Tsavo National Park? We’ll let us be your campus direction and guide for your Kenya safari with a tailor-made itinerary including a tour to the West Tsavo National Park. For any questions, please contact our team of experts we will be glad to help.
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