Mzima Springs

West of the Tsavo National Park are four springs called Mzima Springs whose name in Kiswahili means life. One may be curious to know where these springs get their water, which is very simple. They are watered from a natural reservoir under the Chyulu Hills to the north not far from the park. Mzima springs is surrounded by green palms and shady trees which is a sweet relief from the hot temperatures, the hot lava covered area and the very dusty terrain that is characteristic of the Tsavo plains.
The greatest attraction of these springs, are the Nile crocodiles and hippos that lie lazily in the blue waters. The wildlife present is monkeys, hippos and crocodiles as well as birds that form a symbiotic relationship with these animals. Because of the porous lava rocks that form the floor of the springs, water sips through, is purified then is released back up when the rocks are properly saturated. Hence gives the springs a crystal clear blue surface that seems not to ever be affected by pollution of all sorts.
The area is very peaceful for any traveler. There is a wooden plank for visitors to be engaged in a nature trail which also leads to a glass sided tank under the water where four different kinds of fish can be viewed. The hippos could also be seen but they suddenly became very clever and decided to shift their base to the other side of the springs. However, visitors can still view the animals early in the morning as they lazily bask in the morning sun.
The sad part is that this area is susceptible to bad droughts which require the efforts of the wildlife officials to keep wet and the animals to stay alive. In the year of 2009, the officials had a hard time maintaining the wildlife species but they did a good job in conserving the flora and fauna in this wonderful site.
This is a very beautiful place to visit for many reasons. It is a good site for geographers to come and study the region and for animal lovers to come and savor the enchanting animals present. The shady paths are also a good place for tourists to come and visit as the peace and tranquility is sweet relief from the hassle and bustle of the city and work places. Indeed Kenya is a very beautiful country.

Kenya Wildlife Safaris