A Guide To Tsavo West National Park
The joint mass of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park Kenya forms one of the largest National Parks in the world and covers a huge 4% of Kenya’s total land area. Tsavo West National Park, the more prominent of the two, lies to the west of the Nairobi – Mombasa road, halfway between Nairobi and Mombasa, and is painted on a sprawling canvas of liquid lava flows, palm-fringed rivers, endless skies, emerald hills, teeming wildlife, and sparkling oasis set against the unforgettable backdrop of mile upon mile of cloud shadowed African savannah.
From the sight of fifty million gallons of crystal clear water gushing out of from the under-parched lava rock that is the Mzima Springs to the Shetani lava flows, Tsavo West is a beautiful, rugged wilderness. The savannah ecosystem includes open grasslands, scrublands, and Acacia woodlands, belts of riverine vegetation, and rocky ridges including the Poacher’s Lookout where visitors can see the teeming herds in the plains below.
Tsavo West also offers some of the most magnificent game viewing in the world and attractions include elephants, cheetahs, leopards, Buffalos, rhinos, Hippos, lions, diverse plant and bird species including the threatened corncrake, and near threatened Basra Reed Warbler.
Quick Facts About Tsavo National Park
Here is a List of Facts about Tsavo National Park
- Altitude: 180-1,000 meters above sea level.
- Area: 7,065 sq. km.
- Location: South-west Kenya, inland from the coast.
- Distance from Nairobi: 232 km (Mtito Andei Gate).
- Gazetted: 1948
- Vegetation: The Park features over 1000 plant species and a mixed habitat of bush, grasslands, and acacia woodlands dotted with baobab, ivory palm, saltbush, doum palm, tamarind, and fig trees.
- Climate: The Park has a typical savannah climate.
- Fauna: Includes: lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, rhino, elephant, hippo, baboon, waterbuck, Coke’s hartebeest, gerenuk, gazelle, zebra, crocodile, mongoose, hyrax, dik dik, porcupine, lesser kudu and oryx.
- Birds: The prolific bird life features 600 recorded species.
- Roads: The roads are well-graded, maintained, and signposted.
- When to go: The Park is open all year round.
About Tsavo West National Park
The Park is located in Taita-Taveta County of Kenya and covers an area of 9,065 square kilometers. The A109 road Nairobi-Mombasa and a railway divide it from the adjoining Tsavo East National Park. Together with adjoining ranches and protected areas, they include the Tsavo Conservation Area.
Tsavo West is a more famous terminus due to its magnificent scenery and the Mzima Springs, the rich and varied wildlife, a rhino reserve, rock climbing potential, a good road system, and guided walks along the Tsavo River. The park is also managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service.
History of Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West National Park was founded in April 1948 with the major purpose of protecting and conserving the diversified wildlife in the Taru semi-desert area. The park has little attachment to the Stone Age era, particularly the old stage age period.
Tsavo West National Park Animals
Tsavo West National Park is home to many animals; Leopard, Wild dogs, Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Lion, Crocodile, Mongoose, Hyrax, Dik-dik, Cheetah, Lesser Kudu, and Nocturnal Porcupine. Prolific birdlife features 600 species.
Attractions in Tsavo West National Park
Mzima Springs
- Mzima Springs has attractions such as a hiking path alongside the ponds and springs, several viewing platforms, and an underground glass windowed viewing room, all of which provide amazing views of the site’s flora and fauna.
Shetani Lava Flows
- About 4km west of the Chyulu gate of Tsavo West National Park, on the road to Amboseli, are the spectacular Shetani lava flows. ‘Shetani’ means ‘devil’ in Kiswahili: the flows were created only a few hundred years ago and local peoples thought that it was the devil himself arising from the earth.
- This extensive folded black lava spreads for 50 sq km across the savannah near the Chyulu Hills, looking strangely as if Vesuvius dropped its comfort blanket here.
Chaimu Crater
- Chaimu Crater is a tall hill of volcanic nature extending from the endless landscape of Tsavo West National Park. It is made up of bright black colored lava stones thus constructing a beautiful scenery and is a perfect site for Kenya climbing safaris in the Tsavo West National Park.
- It is referred to as the devil’s crater by the local Kamba people and from these people locally, the slag “Chaimu” where the crater gets its name.
Roaring Rocks
- From the Roaring Rocks, one can get scenic views of the Tsavo West National Park. It is also from these rocks that the lions are easily seen or spotted.
Wildlife Viewing
- Tsavo West offers superb game and wildlife viewing. Thick vegetation makes it more challenging compared to more open parks, for example, the Masai Mara, but with some patience, visitors can see some of the big five along with a wide range of hippos, antelope species, and spectacular birdlife.
What to see at Tsavo West National Park
- The spectacle of Mzima Springs is the sight of fifty million gallons of crystal clear water gushing out of the under-parched lava rocks, forming the most welcoming and lovely scene in Africa
- Ancient lands of Lions, in 1898 the Uganda railway construction was abruptly halted by two of the most voracious and insatiable man-eating lions that appeared upon the scene, and for over nine months waged intermittent warfare against the railway and all those connected with it in the vicinity of Tsavo.
- A vibrant volcanic arena; molten lava from Shetani lava spewed from the earth just about 200 years ago and its fiery fury was thought by locals to be the work of the Devil.
- Poacher’s Lookout and roaring rocks; the Park abound the panoramic vintage point from which to view the movement of the herds.
- Glorious game drives; Tsavo west offers some of the most magnificent game viewing in the world
- Ngulia Sanctuary; this is where the growing population of highly endangered black rhinos are inching from the chasm of extinction forced upon them by rampant poaching in the 1960s.
- Lake Jipe lies astride Kenya and Tanzania border and is teeming with aquatic life, Bird watching is also a major activity around the lake.
Tsavo West National Park Packages
3-Day Tsavo West National Park Tour
Your 3-Day Tsavo East/Tsavo West safari includes park entry fees, game drives, meals, and accommodations. Natural World Kenya Safaris always offers a wide choice of accommodations and depending on your budget and style choose from economy, comfort, or luxury safari lodges or tented camps.
Also, your Guide for your 3-day journey will be the one guiding, hosted, and looked after by your experienced driver/guide. Transportation between parks and game viewing will be in a private 4 x 4 Land Cruiser Jeep – this vehicle is the safari standard with its higher seating and rugged all-wheel drive.
- Day 1: Depart from Nairobi to Tsavo West with an en-route game drive.
- Day 2: Full-day exploration of the park’s attractions.
- Day 3: Morning game drive followed by departure back to Nairobi.
3-Day Tsavo East and Tsavo West SGR Safari Package
Tsavo is made up of two separate parks, Tsavo West National Park, and Tsavo East National Park. Located in the Coast Province of Kenya between Nairobi City and Mombasa.
- Day 1: Travel from Nairobi to Tsavo East via SGR, followed by an afternoon game drive.
- Day 2: Morning game drive in Tsavo East, then move to Tsavo West with an en-route game drive.
- Day 3: Morning game drive in Tsavo West, then later return to Nairobi.
9-Day Luxury Big Kenya Safari
This takes you to the best sites in Kenya: Tsavo West (two nights), Masai Mara (two nights), Amboseli National Park (two nights), and Lake Nakuru (two nights). All of our tours are customizable and we can increase or decrease the number of days, mix accommodation levels, and more.
- Start Nairobi (Day 1)
- Day 1-2 Masai Mara NR
- Day 3 Lake Nakuru NP
- Day 4 Lake Naivasha (Naivasha)
- Day 5-6 Amboseli NP
- Day 7-8 Tsavo West NP
- End Nairobi (City) (Day 9)
4-Day Tsavo East, Amboseli, and Tsavo West Safari
4 days Tsavo West, Amboseli, and Tsavo East safari is an amazing mixed safari package presenting an opportunity to tour three prominent national parks.
- Day 1: Depart from Mombasa to Tsavo East for game drives.
- Day 2: Travel to Amboseli National Park with afternoon game viewing.
- Day 3: Morning game drive in Amboseli, then move to Tsavo West.
- Day 4: Morning game drive in Tsavo West, then later return to Mombasa.
5-Day Exploring Amboseli, Tsavo West, and Tsavo East Parks
Your 5-Day Tsavo West/Amboseli/Tsavo East safari includes game drives, accommodations, park entrance fees, and meals. Natural World Safaris always presents a wide choice of lodgings. Depending on your budget and style also select from economy, comfort, or luxury safari lodges or tented camps. Your Guide.
- Day 1: Depart Nairobi for Amboseli National Park.
- Day 2: Full day in Amboseli with game drives.
- Day 3: Travel to Tsavo West with en-route game viewing.
- Day 4: Explore Tsavo West, then proceed to Tsavo East.
- Day 5: Morning game drive in Tsavo East, then return to Nairobi.
Accommodation And Hotels At Tsavo West National Park
Finch Hatton’s Tented Lodge.
P.0. Box 24423,
Nairobi.
Tel: (Nairobi) +254(20)310335/6 ~
Email: finchhattons@iconnect.co.ke
Voyager Safari Camp.
Heritage Hotels,
P.0. Box 74888,
Nairobi.
Tel: +254(20)4446651, 4447929 –
Email: info@heritagehotels.co.ke
Kitani Severin Safari Camp.
Severin Kenya,
P.0. Box 82169,
Mombasa.
Tel: +254(4l)48S00l/5 –
Email: severin@severin-sea-lodge.com
Ngulia Safari Lodge.
Kenya Safari Lodges and Hotels,
P.0. Box 42,
Mtito Andei.
Tel: +254 (43) 30091, 30000, 30140
Email: nguIialodge@kenya-safari.co.ke
Kilaguni Safari Serena Lodge.
Serena Hotels,
P.O. Box 48690,
Nairobi.
Tel: +254(20)711077, 710511 –
Email: mktg@serena.co.ke
Self-catering accommodation at Tsavo West National Park Kenya
Kamboyo Guest House:
Formerly the Park Warden’s house, consisting of 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms; and a caretaker. Reservations are made through the warden or KWS HQ, Nairobi.
Rhino Valley:
6 self-catering’Bandas’or simple cottages.
Tsavo Park Hotel,
P.0. Box 244
Voi, Kenya.
Tel: + 254(147)30285
E-Mail: info@tsavoparkhotel.com
Kitani Safari Lodge:
8 newly renovated self-catering bandas. Severin Kenya,
P.0. Box 82169
Mombasa,
Tel: +254(41)485001/5
Email: severin@severinsealodge.com
Lake Jipe Bandas:
(on the shores of Lake Jipe). 3 Self – Catering bandas. Reservations through KWS HQ or the warden.
How to get to Tsavo West National Park
By Road
- The Park (Mtito Andei Gate) is 232 km south of Nairobi and 250 km north of Mombasa on the main Nairobi – Mombasa Road.
Gates
- The following entry gates exist: Tsavo, Lake Jipe, Mtito Andei (Kamboyo HQ), Chyulu, Maktau, and Ziwani.
By Air
- There are 3 airstrips in the Park.
When to visit Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West National Park is accessible by 2WD vehicle and also by air, all year round
What to take with you to Tsavo West National Park
Drinking water, picnic items, and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, a camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks.
Open:
Daily 6.00 am – 7.00 pm. Note: No entry is allowed on foot, and visitors will not be allowed into the Park after 6.15 pm.
Tsavo West National Park Charges
Obtainable via KWS HQ: Tel: +254(20)6000800, 6002345 Fax: +254(20)6007024
Email: marketing@kws.go.ke – Website: www.kws.go.ke
‘Safari Card‘ required?
Entry is by SafariCard only. SafariCards may be loaded (but not obtained) at Mtito Andei Gate.
Tsavo West National Park Entrance fees
Citizen
- Adults KSH: 600
- Child KSH: 250
Resident
- Adults KSH: 1200
- Child KSH: 600
Non – Resident
- Adults USD: 75
- Child USD: 40
Tsavo West National Park Contacts
- Attraction Type: Wildlife
- Category: National Park, Birding Site
- Region: Coast
- City / Town: Mtito Andei
- Road / Street: Nairobi – Mombasa Road
- Telephone: 254 724 954745
- Email: tsavowestnp@kws.go.ke
- Entrance Fee: Yes
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