Mzima Springs and Falls, Kenya

Mzima Springs, situated 48 kilometres from Mtito Andei is in Tsavo West National Park, south of Nairobi, Kenya. Tsavo-West is a semi-dry wilderness, so the occurrence of the springs makes it more remarkable – like a desert oasis.

Water springs from volcanic rock, after travelling underground from the Chyulu Hills. The volcanic action occurred 10 kilometres away from the source of the springs less than 500 years ago.

Mzima Springs consists of a top pool and a long pool, from with the Mzima River flows to join the Tsavo River 7 kilometres away.

The Chyulu Hills are composed mainly of volcanic ash and lava. Due to the porosity of the volcanic rocks, rainfall seeps into the rocks until it comes to the non-porous layer. The water then travels in a stream between the layers of rock to merge into several springs. Mzima is the largest of the springs.

The porous volcanic rock acts like a filter, resulting in clear water.

In 1969 an underwater viewing tank was erected in the pool, enabling visitors to see the crystal clear water, fish, and even a crocodile or a hippopotamus, as well as eels and mud-suckers.

On the banks of the springs are papyrus plants, wild date palm trees (Phoenix reclinata), raphia palm trees (Rhapia faranifera), and doum palm trees (Hyphaene coriacea).

In 1966 the pipeline was completed, transporting the spring water to Mombasa and other cities.

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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