Tsavo West National Park

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Tsavo West National Park Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2-3 Days

Best Time: June - October Read More

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"Land of Lava, Springs, and Man-Eaters"

Tsavo West National Park Tourism

Tsavo West National Park is located in southeast Kenya and was established in 1948. It's one of Kenya's oldest and largest parks. Situated about 240 kilometers from Nairobi, the park spans over 9,000 square kilometers and is part of the larger Tsavo ecosystem, which includes Tsavo East National Park. Visitors can enjoy spotting the Big Five and a variety of other wildlife in the park. Tsavo West features special attractions like Mzima Springs, where clear water flows from volcanic rocks, home to hippos, crocodiles, and fish.

With over 9,000 square kilometres, Tsavo West is known for its beautiful scenery of savannah plains, hills, and the Shetani Lava Flow, a striking geological feature formed by volcanic activity, with the Athi-Galana-Sabaki River flowing through it. It's a paradise for bird lovers with over 600 species. The Ngulia Rhinoceros Sanctuary is one of the few places in the country where you can see the majestic black rhino.

The park also offers opportunities for bird watching, with over 600 species recorded. Activities include game drives, guided walks, and rock climbing, making it a versatile destination for adventure seekers. The park's lodges and camps provide a range of accommodations, from luxury lodges to more rustic options, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst nature. The park holds historical significance as the "Land of the Man-Eaters" due to the infamous man-eating lions that targeted railway workers in the late 19th century.

Entry Fees:

Park Entry Fee Per Person:
Citizen: Adult – KSH 515, Child – KSH 215
Resident: Adult – KSH 1,030, Child KSH 515
Non-Residents: Adult – USD 60, Child – USD 35

Vehicle Fee Per Day:
Less than 6 seats - KSH 300
6 to 12 seats - KSH 1030
13 to 24 seats - KSH 2585
25 to 44 seats - KSH 4050
45 seats and above - KSH 5000

Special Activity Charges:
Night Game Drive (per person per trip) – KSH 2155
Guided Tours (per guide up to 4 hours & over 4 hours) – KSH 1720 / KSH 3015
Horse Riding (without rider) – KSH 2585
Private horses (per day) – KSH 1030
Walking Safaris (per person per day) – KSH 1500
Cycling (per day) – KSH 215

Entrance Gates:
The main entrance gates are –

  1. Tsavo Gate (also known as Tsavo Gate East): Tsavo Gate is the main entrance to Tsavo West National Park, located on the northeastern side and accessible from the Nairobi-Mombasa highway (A109).
  2. Mtito Andei Gate: Mtito Andei Gate is located on the western side of Tsavo West National Park, close to Mtito Andei. It can be accessed from the Nairobi-Mombasa highway (A109).
  3. Chyulu Gate: Chyulu Gate is on the eastern side of Tsavo West National Park, granting access to the nearby Chyulu Hills area. It's closest to Chyulu Hills National Park and allows visitors to explore the region's unique volcanic landscapes and rich biodiversity.
  4. Maktau North and South Gates: Maktau North and South Gates, on the western side of Tsavo West National Park, are entry points from the Tsavo-Mashuuru road. They offer access to the Maktau area, renowned for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.
  5. Lake Jipe Gate: Found in the southeastern part of Tsavo West National Park, the Lake Jipe Gate allows entry to the Lake Jipe area. It is closest to Lake Jipe, a scenic freshwater lake shared with Tanzania. 

Things to do in Tsavo West National Park

1. Mzima Springs

Mzima Springs
Mzima Springs, located west of Tsavo West National Park, originates in the Chyulu Hills and produces over 250 million litres of water daily, supplying most of Mombasa's freshwater. Along a short trail (Read More), visitors can see hippos and crocodiles in the water. At the end of the trail, there's an underground viewing station where you can watch hippos and other aquatic life.

2. Shetani Lava Flows

Shetani Lava Flows
The Shetani Lava Flows are remnants of ancient volcanic eruptions. These black, rocky formations stretch across the park and offer a unique landscape for exploration. Visitors can hike or drive throug (Read More)h the lava flows, marvel at the volcanic rock formations, and learn about the geological history of the area. The best time to visit is during the cooler hours of the day, either in the early morning or late afternoon.

3. Game Drives Safari

Game Drives Safari
Game drives in Tsavo West usually last for a few hours, with morning and afternoon options available. The best time for game drives is early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active. Vis (Read More)itors can expect to encounter iconic species such as African elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, and various antelope species like impalas, elands, and gazelles.

4. Ngulia Sanctuary

Ngulia Sanctuary
The Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary (NRS) is a 35-acre enclosure in Tsavo West National Park, Kenya, set up in 1986 to protect endangered black rhinos. It's home to about 140 black rhinos and offers a special (Read More)chance for visitors to see them. You can even spend the night there for an unforgettable experience.

5. Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris
These safaris provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to observe smaller wildlife up close and learn about the park’s diverse flora and fauna. Walking safaris in Tsavo West National P (Read More)ark usually last for a few hours. While on foot, visitors may spot animals such as dik-diks, warthogs, baboons, and a variety of bird species like hornbills, weavers, and sunbirds.

6. Lake Jipe

Lake Jipe
Located in the southwestern part of the park, Lake Jipe is a peaceful freshwater lake that borders Tanzania. Visitors can enjoy boat safaris, birdwatching, and fishing in the lake. The best time to vi (Read More)sit is in the morning or late afternoon for birdwatching and to enjoy the tranquillity of the lake.

7. Birdwatching Safaris

Birdwatching Safaris
The park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 600 species recorded. Birdwatching safaris in Tsavo West are shorter in duration and can range from a couple of hours to half a day. Birdwatchers ca (Read More)n expect to see impressive raptors such as African fish eagles, martial eagles, and bateleurs, as well as waterbirds like herons, egrets, and storks. The park is also home to colourful species like lilac-breasted rollers, superb starlings, and yellow-throated longclaws.

8. Chaimu Crater

Chaimu Crater
Chaimu Crater is a volcanic crater with a cone-shaped hill that offers panoramic views of the park. Visitors can climb to the top of the hill, which provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding pla (Read More)ins and Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. The ascent can be challenging, but the reward is the stunning scenery. It is recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

9. Rhino Valley

Rhino Valley
Rhino Valley is a sanctuary within the park dedicated to the conservation of black rhinos. Visitors can embark on game drives through this area, increasing their chances of spotting these critically e (Read More)ndangered animals. The best time to visit is during the early morning or late afternoon when wildlife activity is at its peak.

10. Picnics & Sundowners

Picnics & Sundowners
Visitors can enjoy bush breakfasts and picnic lunches at spots like the Mzima Springs or the Chaimu Crater, surrounded by stunning views and tasty Kenyan food. At sunset, places like Poacher's Lookout (Read More) or Rhino Valley Lodge offer spectacular views, where guests can watch the sky change colors and wildlife gathering nearby.

11. Poacher's Lookout

Poacher's Lookout
Poacher's Lookout is a rocky ridge in Tsavo West National Park, Kenya, offering a 360-degree view of the park. It's located near Severin Safari Camp and was once used by poachers. Visitors can see the (Read More) plains of the Amboseli ecosystem and Mount Kilimanjaro to the west.

Must Know Before You Travel to Tsavo West National Park

  • Park Timings: All the gates are typically open from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM. Tsavo West National Park is open throughout the year, regardless of the season. 
  • Self-Drive: Self driving is allowed only if you have a reliable 4x4 vehicle.
  • Pre-Booking: Pre-booking is required for activities like guided safaris and accommodation within the park.
  • Recommended Duration: Allocate a minimum of two to three days to explore the main attractions and enjoy wildlife encounters at Tsavo West.
  • Access: Tsavo West is also popular because it is easily accessible from the Kenyan coast, just 100 km from Mombasa.
  • Seasonal Closures: Some roads and attractions may be inaccessible during the rainy seasons (April-May and November-December). Plan visits during the dry months for the best experience.
  • Cash Dependency: ATMs are scarce; carry sufficient cash for park fees, activities, and other expenses.
  • Cost Factors: Expenses vary based on transport, accommodation, and activities. Budget lodging averages $40, mid-range $80, and luxury around $300 per night. Additional costs include game drives (about $50 per person) and bush walks (around $20 per person).
  • Tsavo National Park: Tsavo National Park has two parts, Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Tsavo East has wide grasslands and red elephants, while Tsavo West has rough terrain, volcanic hills, and places like Mzima Springs.
  • Recommended Combinations: Consider pairing your Tsavo West trip with visits to Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu.
  • Unique Features: Despite fewer visitors compared to Tsavo East, Tsavo West offers diverse wildlife and stunning scenery, including Mzima Springs, Lake Jipe, Shetani Lava flow, and chances to see the Big Five.

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Wildlife in the Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National Park is home to the Big Five - elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos. The Ngulia Sanctuary within the park houses rare black rhinos. Other wildlife includes cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, mongooses, hyrax, Dik-dik, lesser kudu, and nocturnal porcupines.

The park's aquatic ecosystems like Mzima Springs and Lake Jipe are home to hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. With over 600 bird species, including the African fish eagle, secretary bird, lilac-breasted roller, vulturine guineafowl, ostrich, and hornbills, Tsavo West is a paradise for birdwatchers.

Travel Tips for Tsavo West National Park

  • Cash Requirement: Carry enough cash, as credit card facilities may not be widely available within the park.
  • Optimal Wildlife Viewing Times: The early morning and late afternoon are the best times for wildlife viewing when animals are most active.
  • Guided Tours and Activities: Consider booking guided tours or activities to enhance your experience.
  • Ticket Purchasing Tips: Purchase tickets from official kiosks or authorized online platforms to ensure valid and cost-efficient entry. Avoid buying tickets from unauthorized sources or on buses to prevent potential scams.

Best Time to Visit Tsavo West National Park

How to Reach Tsavo West National Park

How to Reach Overview

Tsavo West National Park is located approximately 240 kilometres from Nairobi. The park can be easily reached by road, with a travel time of about 4-5 hours. Alternatively, domestic flights are available to nearby airstrips for a quicker and more convenient mode of transportation. 

How to reach Tsavo West National Park by flight

The nearest airport to Tsavo West is the Nairobi Wilson Airport, which is approximately 240 kilometres away. There are multiple airstrips available in the park such as Kamboyo, Kilaguni, Tsavo Gate, Jipe, Kasigau, Finch Hottons, Ziwani, and Maktau airstrips.

From Nairobi: You can take a domestic flight from Nairobi Wilson to one of the airstrips. Flight duration from Nairobi to Tsavo West is around 45 minutes and a round-trip would cost approximately $400 per person. Air Kenya and Safari Link are good airlines to opt for.

From Mombasa: Similarly, there are flights available from Mombasa to the Tsavo West airstrips. These take around 90 minutes on one side and a round-trip would cost approximately $530 per person. Mombasa Air Safari is a good website to book this travel.

How to reach Tsavo West National Park by road

The park is accessible by road from Nairobi, Mombasa, and other major cities in Kenya. The A109 highway runs through the park, and you can enter from Nairobi through Mtito Andei Gate or from Amboseli through Chyulu Gate.

From Nairobi, it is approximately a 4–5 hour drive (about 240 kilometres) via the A109 highway. And it would take around 4-5 hours from Mombasa (about 250 kilometres).

How to reach Tsavo West National Park by train

Although there is no direct railway connection to Tsavo West National Park, you can take a train from Nairobi to Voi town (4-5 hours) and Mtito Andei (3 hours), which are the nearest railway stations.

Via Voi: Train from Nairobi to Voi can take around 4-5 hours and cost between $3 to $16. It would take another 1 hour to reach the park from Voi station which is at a distance of 80 kilometres.

Via Mtito Andei: Train from Nairobi to Mtito Andei can take around 3 hours and cost between $2 to $11. It would take another 2 and a half hours to reach the park from Mtito Andei station which is at a distance of 173 kilometres.

How to reach Tsavo West National Park by bus

Public minibuses (matatus) operate between major towns near the park, such as Voi or Mtito Andei, and the surrounding areas. However, these may not provide direct access to the park's entry gates, and additional transport arrangements may be needed.

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