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Kenya · National Parks & Wildlife
Tsavo West National Park
Volcanic hills, crystal-clear springs and views to Kilimanjaro, in Kenya’s wilder southern park.
Location
Taita-Taveta County, Kenya
Park size
About 9,065 km²
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
Two nights
The park
Springs, lava and hills
Tsavo West is the more dramatic half of the Tsavo parks: a landscape of volcanic cones, black lava flows and rocky hills rising from the bush, with Kilimanjaro on the horizon on clear days.
Its highlight is Mzima Springs, where water filtered through the Chyulu Hills rises into clear pools. An underwater viewing chamber lets you watch hippos and fish below the surface. The park also protects black rhinos in the fenced Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, and its thick bush is good leopard country.
Tsavo West sits between Amboseli and Tsavo East, which makes it a natural stop on a southern Kenya circuit ending at Diani Beach.
Places your guide will show you
Mzima SpringsShetani Lava FlowNgulia Rhino SanctuaryRoaring RocksChaimu CraterLake Jipe
Signature sight
Hippos underwater at Mzima Springs
Wildlife
Who you will meet
Thicker bush and rocky hills shelter shy species alongside elephants and buffalo.
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01
Elephant
Herds move between the springs, rivers and lava plains.
02
Leopard
The rocky hills and dense bush are good leopard territory.
03
Buffalo
Gather in herds near water and in the greener valleys.
04
Hippo
Watch them from above or below the water at Mzima Springs.
05
Zebra
Graze the open areas with oryx and impala.
06
Hornbill
Colourful birdlife, including hornbills, lives in the acacia bush.
Experiences
More than game drives
Tsavo West rewards curious travellers with springs, lava flows and sweeping viewpoints.
Game drives
Drives through hills and valleys with an English-speaking driver-guide.
Mzima Springs
Walk the nature trail and look into the underwater observation tank.
Shetani Lava Flow
Explore a black lava field left by an eruption a few hundred years ago.
Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
Look for black rhinos in a protected area at the foot of the Ngulia Hills.
Roaring Rocks
Climb to a lookout with wide views over the park.
Sundowners
Watch the sun set behind the volcanic hills.
When to visit
The best time for Tsavo West
Tsavo West is good all year. The dry months make animals easier to find around the springs and rivers.
Jan – Feb
Short dry season
Clear skies and good views of Kilimanjaro.
Mar – May
Long rains
Green hills and fewer visitors, with lower rates.
Jun – Oct
Peak season
Long dry season
Cool, dry weather. Wildlife gathers near water.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Brief showers, fresh greenery and migrant birds.
Getting there
Reaching the park
By road
About 240 km from Nairobi, roughly four to five hours to Mtito Andei Gate.
From Amboseli
A scenic half-day drive links Amboseli and Tsavo West.
By train
The Madaraka Express stops at Mtito Andei and Voi, close to the Tsavo gates.
Where to stay
Lodges, camps and stays
01
Inside the park
Lodges set on hillsides and near waterholes, some floodlit at night.
02
Tented camps
Smaller camps in quieter corners of the park.
03
Near the gates
Simple stays near Mtito Andei for budget travellers.
Pairs well with
Park entry fees are set by the Kenya Wildlife Service and charged per person per day. Ask us for current rates when you request your quote.
Ready-made trips
Tsavo safari tours
Safaris that include Tsavo West, often combined with Amboseli, Tsavo East and the coast.
- Tsavo West, Tsavo East, Amboseli
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West
- 3 Days 2 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Mombasa, Diani
- 6 Days 5 Nights
Good to know
Tsavo West FAQs
Where is Tsavo West National Park?
In south-eastern Kenya, west of the Nairobi to Mombasa highway, between Amboseli and Tsavo East.
What is Mzima Springs?
A series of clear pools fed by underground water from the Chyulu Hills, with an underwater tank for watching hippos and fish.
Can you see rhinos in Tsavo West?
Black rhinos live in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary. Sightings are possible but never guaranteed.
How many days do you need?
Two nights is ideal, or one night as part of a circuit with Amboseli and Tsavo East.
Can you see Kilimanjaro from Tsavo West?
Yes, on clear days, especially early in the morning from the western side of the park.
Is Tsavo West good for a family safari?
Yes. Short drives, varied scenery and Mzima Springs keep children interested.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Tsavo West and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Start your Tsavo West journey
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will shape a Tsavo West itinerary around the season and the experiences you want.
