Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National Park, an integral part of the vast Tsavo ecosystem, is one of Kenya’s most famous and largest national parks. Spanning approximately 9,065 square kilometers, this park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and significant historical landmarks. Together with Tsavo East National Park, it forms one of the world’s largest national park complexes, providing a unique and varied experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Tsavo West National Park

Geography and Climate

Located in southwestern Kenya, Tsavo West straddles the Mombasa-Nairobi highway and borders Tanzania. The terrain is marked by a great diversity of landscapes, including volcanic hills, dense acacia forests, riparian vegetation, and open grasslands. Among the park’s most notable geographical features are the Shetani lava flow, the Chyulu Hills, and Mzima Springs. 

Fauna

Tsavo West National Park hosts an impressive diversity of mammals and birds. Tsavo elephants are known for their characteristic red color, due to the red soil they roll in. Tsavo lions are famous for their unique behavior, with some males lacking manes. Leopards are often seen resting on tree branches, waiting for prey. Black rhinos can be observed in the protected Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary. Cape buffaloes move in large herds, offering a spectacular sight.

Main Attractions in Tsavo West National park

Visitors to Tsavo West National Park can immerse themselves in a variety of landscapes and activities. Mzima Springs, a series of four natural springs producing over 220 million liters of water daily, are a lifeline for wildlife and offer underwater observation hides for visitors. The Shetani lava flow, a vast expanse of hardened black lava from volcanic eruptions in the Chyulu Hills about 500 years ago, provides a unique geological landscape. 

Accommodation

Tsavo West offers a range of accommodation options:

  • Luxury Lodges: With high-end amenities and services, like Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge and Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp.
  • Mid-range Lodges and Camps: Offering comfortable and reasonably priced stays, including Ngulia Safari Lodge and Voyager Ziwani Camp.
  • Budget Camps: With several public and special camps for a more rustic experience.

Access to Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National Park is easily accessible by different modes of transport:

  • By Road: It’s about 240 kilometers from Nairobi, 200 kilometers from Mombasa, and 145 kilometers from Amboseli. Visitors can use public transport like buses and matatus to reach Voi town, then organize a minibus or 4×4 for the safari to the park.

  • By Air: The park has several airstrips for light aircraft, such as Kilaguni, Finch Hattons, and Ziwani. Charter flights are available from Nairobi, Mombasa, and other Kenyan cities to these airstrips.

These access  points facilitate access and offer different perspectives on the park’s natural wonders.