Diverse landscape
USD500 - USD1000 P/P
Exceptional game viewing, Corncrake bird & Basra Reed Warbler
Jun - Oct
Jun - Oct, Jan - Feb
Location
Tsavo West National Park lies in Kenya’s Coast Province in the southwest of the country. It is divided from neighbouring Tsavo East National Park by the A109 Nairobi-Mombasa road and a railway line. The distance from Nairobi is approximately 168 miles by the A109.
Size
Tsavo West National Park covers around 3,000 square miles.
History
Dating back to the Stone Ages, Tsavo West National Park once enjoyed a thriving economy through the trade of ivory, cowry shells, animal skins and most likely slaves. In 1898 the construction of the Uganda Railway line took place, an event that led to what may be one of Tsavo West’s most famous tales. It is recorded that 28 men of African and Indian descent were stalked and killed by two maneless male lions, who were listed in history as the ‘Maneaters of Tsavo’. In 1963 the now called Kenya Wildlife Services took over management of the park, which remains one of Kenya’s most remarkable national parks to this day.
Entrance Fees & Permits
Entry to Tsavo West National Park is USD52 per adult and USD35 per child.
Hours of Operation
The gates of Tsavo West National Park open at 6.30am and close at 7.00pm
By Road
Travelling from Nairobi, the drive takes between four and a half and five hours. The journey of 168 miles is along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway or A109. The drive takes five hours from Mombasa. Entry will be through any of the five gates: Tsavo gate, Mtito Andei gate, Chyulu gate, Ziwani gate and Maktau gate.
By Air
Guests of Tsavo West National Park can fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, the trip taking approximately one hour. There are various air strips visitors can land in, namely Tsavo gate airstrip, Ziwani airstrip, Kamboyo airstrip, Jipe airstrip, Kilaguni airstrip, Finch Hattons airstrip and Maktau airstrip.
The climate in Tsavo West National Park is mostly moderate in the dry, winter months from June to September, reaching a high of around 77F during the day, while summer days between December and early March can reach up to 90F. The short rains fall in November and December, with the longer rains prevailing in March and April.
Embarking on a safari in Tsavo West National Park can be enjoyed at any time of the year, the seasons presenting a variety of landscape features and wildlife wonders. For optimal game viewing, however, visiting in the winter months of June to August should be considered. The dry climate and short grass allows for easier animal spotting. Bird lovers will find Tsavo West National Park a bird watcher’s paradise when visiting in January and February.
Avoiding Crowds
Consider taking your Tsavo West National Park safari just before the busy winter season, June, offering mild temperatures and great game viewing without the crowds. September and October are wonderful times to be in Tsavo East, with fewer visitors around. Peak season travel is July and August, so planning to travel outside these months will see fewer safari vehicles on the Tsavo West plains.
Value for Money
Lodging ranges from comfortable tented camping to luxury lodges, all with access to the amazing wildlife that roam the diverse landscape of Tsavo West National Park. With a variety of accommodation options, easy access on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway and proximity to Mombasa for a “beach & bush” combination, enjoying a safari at Tsavo West National Park definitely presents a value-for-money safari experience.
Read more on the Best time to visit Kenya.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in Tsavo West National Park
Home to the “Big Five”, visitors have a fantastic chance of sighting predators such as lion and leopard, with buffalo, black rhino and elephant roaming the plains in search of food and shade. Plains game often seen on a safari include giraffe, zebra, gerenuk and the magnificent Kudu to name a few. A rich bird life is prevalent in the park with over 400 species of birds to be spotted, among them the Basra Reed Warbler, close to being on the endangered list.
The Terrain
The diverse landscape of Tsavo West National Park includes vast plains, swamp areas, rocky outcrops and volcanic craters. Its beautiful scenery creates the perfect backdrop for the variety of wildlife that traverse the land. Witness animals lazing near riverine or wandering through acacia woodlands.
Game Drives
Game drives in Tsavo West National Park are conducted in 4×4 safari vehicles, mostly closed with a pop-up roof, some more exclusive lodges and camps offering the safari experience in an open 4×4 vehicle. Guests usually head out before sunrise for a morning game drive and again in the late afternoon, stopping to capture an African sunset during your safari outing.
Guided Walking Safaris
Bush walks and nature hikes are possible within Tsavo West National Park, conducted under the guidance of qualified guides. Hike the hills of Chyulu and take in incredible views, or wander along river banks and admire your favourite animals in the distance while taking in the fascinating flora and fauna around you.
Guests looking to stay within the Tsavo West National Park have a choice when it comes to the style, size and location of their lodge or camp. Luxury tented camps offer an intimate stay, while larger lodges have a vibrant vibe, perhaps preferred by families and groups.
Tsavo West National Park Lodging – Distance from Park Entrance
Lodge or Hotel Distance to park entrance (in miles)
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge 10 miles from the Mtito Andei Gate, travelling in an easterly direction
Voyager Ziwani Camp 40 miles from the Mtito Andei Gate, travelling in a southerly direction
Severin Safari Camp 17 miles from the Mtitio Andei Gate travelling in an easterly direction
Sarova Salt Lick Safari Lodge 20 miles from Mwakitau Gate in a northerly direction
Lionsbluff Lodge 30 miles west of Voi
Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp 34 miles from the Mtitio Andei Gate travelling in an easterly direction
Maneaters Camp 30 miles from the Mtitio Andei Gate travelling in southerly direction
Excursions to Local Villages
Visit local villages and support local communities through local product purchase and donations. Visit Voi Town and interact with locals during your visit.
Visits to Aruba Dam, Lugard Falls or Mubanda Rock
Enjoy an outing to beautiful sites and locations such as the Aruba Dam, situated on the Voi River or the Lugard Falls, formed where the Galana River splashes into a sparkling pool below. Walk up the Mubanda Rock to capture outstanding views across Tsavo East.
When is the best time to visit Tsavo West National Park?
The best time to visit Tsavo West National Park is during the dry, winter season months between June and August. The temperatures are mild, the grass is low, and the park is alive with animal activity from sunrise to sunset. Birding enthusiasts will want to consider visiting Tsavo West National Park in January or February, when bird life is at its best.
How much does a safari in Tsavo West National Park cost?
The cost of a safari in Tsavo West National Park ranges from options within the park and some situated just outside. Pricing for a Tsavo West National Park safari ranges from USD500 per person sharing per night up to over, USD1000 per person sharing per night for the ultimate luxury safari experience.
How to get to Tsavo West National Park?
The options from Nairobi are by road and by air. Taking the A109/Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, the drive will take approximately five hours. Guests from Mombasa will take the same highway, the journey taking just over five hours. A flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport will take just under an hour.
What makes a Tsavo West National Park safari so special?
The diverse landscape, which includes mountains, swamps and open plains, and dramatic scenery of Tsavo West make it a wonderful and key safari destination in Kenya. It is home to the “Big Five” and scenic points such as Poacher’s Lookout and Mzima Springs.
What animals can I see in Tsavo West National Park?
Predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah along with magnificent elephants and cheeky buffalo are a delight to spot on safari in the Tsavo West National Park. Look out for wild dog as you pass by favourites like giraffe and zebra grazing among the lesser kudu and other plains game.
When is Tsavo West National Park open?
The gates of the Tsavo West National Park open at 6.30am and close at 7pm every day.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Tsavo West National Park?
It is advisable for visitors to pre-book their accommodation within or just outside the Tsavo West National Park to ensure their stay is guaranteed. A minimum of two nights should be considered to ensure you have at least one full day to enjoy the park.
What’s the best way to see Tsavo West National Park?
A game drive in a 4×4 safari vehicle, either enclosed with a pop-up roof or an open vehicle, is one of the best ways to experience the wonders of Tsavo West National Park. Standing on viewpoints like Poacher’s Lookout will give you a 360 degree view of the park, while bush walks bring you closer to the flora, fauna and wildlife grazing nearby.
What hotels, lodges, and camps are near Tsavo West National Park?
A variety of accommodation options can be found near the Tsavo West National Park. Discover Kilaguni Safari Lodge, Severin Safari Camp, Voyager Ziwani Camp, Sarova Saltlick Lodge and Lion’s Bluff Lodge.
What restaurants are near Tsavo West National Park?
Guests will eat at the lodge they are staying at as any major city or restaurant options will be located too far away, Nairobi and Mombasa the closest large cities.
What attractions are near Tsavo West National Park?
Guests staying at Tsavo West National Park have the opportunity to visit the Mzima Springs, natural springs found below the Chyula Hills. The Lumo Community Wildlife Conservancy is located nearby and offers visitors the chance to see animals such as hartebeest, Maasai giraffe and predators such as leopards and lions.
