Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National Park is located in the Coast Province of Kenya, the country’s southeastern region. Only about 100km from the coastline and is within easy reach of Mombasa and the tropical beaches of East Africa. Tsavo West National Park has an area of 9065 km2. Separated from Tsavo East Park by the Nairobi- Mombasa road, the park extends from the Athi River in the North to the Tanzania border.

Tsavo West National Park Location: The drive from Nairobi to Tsavo West National Park is very interesting From Nairobi. The first significant town is Athi River, followed by Salama, Email, Kiboko, Kibwezi, Mtito Adei, Tsavo, Manyani, and finally Voi. Voi is only 160 Km from Mombasa. Travel from Nairobi takes at most 4 hours depending on the gate that you use.  The park headquarters are at Voi gate.

Tsavo West Park is also the home of the man-eaters of Tsavo, the lions that brought the construction of the railway to a standstill. The local people believed that the lions were reincarnated chiefs protesting the invasion of their land by foreigners. A visit to Tsavo West Game Park is best combined with excursions to Chyulu Hills National Park and Taita Hills Game Reserve. Other attractions in the vicinity include Lake Jipe, Taita Hills Sanctuary, Chyulu Hills, and Tsavo East National Park.

Wildlife and Birds: Tsavo West is known for its birdlife and large mammals, especially elephants and lions. The park is also home to buffalos, rhinos, and leopards, making it a Big Five safari destination. Besides the lions, the Park has a large concentration of herbivores and predators. and other animals. These include the Bush back, dik-dik, duikers, eland, gazelles, gerenuk, wildebeest, hartebeest, impala, klipspringer, lesser kudu, fringe-eared Oryx, steinbok, suni, buffalo, elephant, Maasai giraffe, hippos, black rhino, cheetah, aardwolf, caracal, hyena, lions, leopard, baboons.

Tsavo West National Park is less arid and dusty than Tsavo East, featuring swamps, springs, and Lake Jipe. Vegetation ranges from woodlands and dense bush to lush grasslands. This wetter park is ideal for birdwatching, but spotting the Big Five in the rocky, vegetated hills of Tsavo West is more challenging. Over 500 bird species have been recorded in Tsavo East, including black kite, crowned crane, hornbill, lovebird, and sacred ibis.

One of the most popular attractions is Mzima Springs, where hippos can be viewed underwater from underground hides. Lake Jipe offers excellent birding and lovely mountain views, and visitors can hike to Chaimu Crater, and visit Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary with undisturbed vistas of Chyulu Hills, and Taita Hills. Tsavo West National Park attractions/activities include bird watching, game drives, and safaris.

Tsavo West National Park accommodation and lodges: Enjoy the hospitality of some of the best lodges in Kenyas Tsavo West National Park: Ngulia, Kilaguni, Finch Hattons, Taita Hills Lodge, Lake Jipe Lodge, Salt Lick Lodge, Oldonyo Wuas etc.

Tsavo West National Park Vegetation | Ecosystem

Tsavo West National Park is part of the larger Tsavo Conservation Area and is not enclosed by electrical fencing, allowing for the free movement of wildlife. The park’s ecosystem is diverse, featuring semi-arid grasslands, savanna, Acacia woodlands, riverine vegetation, and rocky ridges. The Mzima Springs provide a lush contrast to the dry plains, supporting a rich habitat for wildlife. The park’s unique geological features, such as the Shetani lava flows and the Chaimu Crater, add to the complexity of its ecosystem.

The vegetation is characterized by open grasslands, scrublands, and woodlands, with Acacia and Commiphora bushes prevalent, creating habitats that support a large elephant population and other species. The park also has rocky outcrops and isolated hills, providing microhabitats for various animals and plants.

Climate: Hot & Dry Season | Best Time to Visit

Tsavo West National Park experiences a hot and dry climate, with average daytime temperatures ranging between 20°C (68°F) and 31°C (88°F). The best wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from June to October and January to February. These periods are characterized by full sunshine and little rain, making it easier to spot animals around water sources.

Location | How to get to Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West is located in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya, covering an area of 9,065 km². It is accessible via the A109 road from Nairobi to Mombasa. Visitors can drive to one of the park’s several gates, including Mtito Andei Gate, Chyulu Gate, and Jipe Gate. The park can be accessed by private vehicle, and there are options for organized safaris and tours.

Mammals | Wildlife & Animals

Tsavo West is home to a variety of wildlife, including several members of the big five: elephants, lions, buffalos, and leopards. The park is also known for its rhino sanctuary, which is part of conservation efforts for the endangered black rhino. Other mammals include zebras, giraffes, hippos, waterbucks, lesser kudu, gerenuk, and many more.

Bird Checklist | Birdlife

Tsavo West National Park is a birdwatcher’s haven, boasting a checklist of over 519 bird species. This impressive diversity ranks it as one of the premier destinations for both avid ornithologists and those who simply enjoy the splendor of birds. The park’s varied ecosystems, including savannahs, woodlands, riverine areas, and unique volcanic landscapes, provide perfect habitats for an array of bird species.

Visitors can expect to see both the Common and Somali Ostriches, with the latter distinguished by its unique blue neck and legs. The park’s skies are patrolled by raptors such as the Martial Eagle and the Taita Falcon, while the ground is home to the world’s largest flying bird, the Kori Bustard. Water bodies in the park attract waterfowl like the Egyptian Goose, and the air is often filled with the colorful fluttering of bee-eaters and starlings.

Tsavo West also acts as a refuge for globally threatened species, offering them a sanctuary to flourish. The sheer number of species present means that each visit can lead to new and exciting discoveries, making Tsavo West a remarkable place for birdlife observation and conservation.

Tsavo West National Park Opening Time

The park gates are open daily from 06:00 am to 06:00 pm, allowing visitors to experience the full range of birdlife activities throughout the day.

Tsavo West National Park Entrance Fee (1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024)

Notes

* International (INTL) Visitors – Refers to visitors other than EAC and the rest of Africa with a valid passport
* Rest of Africa – Refers to nationals of African countries other than East African countries with a valid passport
* Kenyan Citizen – Refers to Kenyan nationals by birth and registration, with a valid Identification Card with a valid passport
* Resident -Refers to persons of other nationalities residing in Kenya with valid documentation from the Kenyan government
* Daily fee is a single entry fee valid for 24 hours of continuous uninterrupted stay inside a KWS national park/ reserve/ sanctuary
* Senior Citizen – Refers to Kenyan Citizens aged 75 years and above. Senior citizens shall access all KWS parks, reserves, and sanctuaries for free
* Children -Refers to persons from the age of five (5) years to seventeen years (17) years. Children below the age of five (5) years shall access all KWS parks, reserves, and sanctuaries for free
* East African Community (EAC) Citizen – Refers to nationals of East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC)
* Conservation Fees – Refers to fees charged in national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries to conserve and protect natural resources, such as wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems
* Persons with Disabilities(PWD) – Refers to Kenyan Citizens who have a physical, sensory, mental, or other impairment, including any visual, hearing, learning, or physical incapability, which impacts adversely social, economic, or environmental participation. PWD access all KWS parks and sanctuaries for free upon presentation of valid documentation from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities
* Student – Refers to an individual from a recognized secondary, government, or private college or university-aged up to twenty-three (23) years old visiting the parks for purposes of learning about conservation through a documented and organized arrangement with that institution. It excludes students on personally arranged holidays. KWS will require a minimum of one (1) week’s notice to issue a written authorization for the student rates

Where To Stay In Tsavo West Park | Tsavo West National Park Accommodation

Staying within or near Tsavo West National Park significantly enhances the experience of the park’s natural beauty. The park offers a variety of accommodation options to cater to different tastes and budgets.

For luxury in the wilderness, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge provides stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro with its comfortable and elegant lodgings. Severin Safari Camp offers a blend of adventure and relaxation, set amidst the serene landscape of the park. Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp is a tribute to the golden age of safari, offering an opulent retreat with an eco-conscious approach.

For those seeking a more rustic experience, the KWS Self-Catering Bandas provide a simple yet charming stay. Adventurous visitors can opt for the public camping sites within the park, allowing for an immersive experience under the African sky.

Click Here to see other Hotels, lodges, and camps to stay in Tsavo West National Park

Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary | Conservation Efforts

 The Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary is a critical conservation area within Tsavo West National Park, dedicated to the protection and breeding of the endangered black rhino. Established in 1986, the sanctuary began with just nine rhinos and has since grown to house over 120 individuals, showcasing the success of its conservation efforts.

 Location | Accessibility

 Located in the southeastern part of Kenya, the sanctuary spans approximately 90 square kilometers at the base of the Ngulia Hills. It is accessible via the Nairobi-Mombasa Road, making it a feasible destination for those traveling from the capital or the coast.

 Security Measures | Wildlife Protection

 To ensure the safety of the rhinos, the sanctuary is surrounded by a 1-meter-high electric fence and is closely monitored by game rangers. These stringent security measures have been pivotal in the sanctuary’s success in rhino conservation.

 Habitat | Ecosystem

 The sanctuary’s ecosystem is characterized by a mix of savannah and scrubland, providing a suitable habitat for the rhinos. The area also supports other wildlife, including leopards and elephants, which can be spotted within the sanctuary’s confines.

 Educational Aspect | Visitor Experience

 Visitors to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary can learn about each rhino’s history, including their rescue stories and the care they receive. This educational component is vital for raising awareness about the plight of the black rhino and the importance of conservation efforts.

 Visiting Hours | Best Time to Visit

 The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler, and the rhinos are more active. The sanctuary operates daily, aligning with the opening times of Tsavo West National Park, which are from 06:00 am to 06:00 pm.

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