Tsavo West National Park is a mixture of dark history with soothing crystal-clear waters springing from sunbaked lava rocks forming cooling springs.
This park is covered by open savannah grassland, rocky ridges, fresh springs, wildlife and deposits of lava at the south coast of Kenya, lies the second largest national parks in Kenya.
Tsavo west national park is more than just a national park, it has a rich history that backs up some occurrences that happened in Kenya.
In Naicef’s guided article, journey through Tsavo West National Park, location, fees, and Tsavo West National Park lodges.
History of Tsavo West National Park
Let me start off with a sad history regarding the park. During the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway in 1898, construction workers were attacked and killed by the lions in the park causing a halt in the construction process.
This bizarre history is what makes Tsavo West National Park known as, the ‘home of the man eaters’.
It was established in April 1948 alongside Tsavo East National Park. The park measures 9,065 sq. km.
Tsavo West is more scenic than Tsavo East National Park due to the vegetation in the park.
Tsavo West National Park is separated from Tsavo East National Park by the A109 highway connecting Nairobi to Mombasa.
Tsavo West National Park Location
Tsavo west national park location is to the south coast of Kenya, in Taita Taveta Hills. It is 240 kilometers from Nairobi via the Nairobi-Mombasa A109 highway and is found in a semi-arid region, supporting wildlife with a wide portion of land to occupy.
Tsavo West National Park Fees
East African Residents (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Adults- KES 500
Child- KES 250
Rest of Africa visitors
Adults- USD 30
Child- USD 20
International visitors
Adults- USD 80
Child- USD 35
This is according to the KWS site.
Tsavo West National Park Accessibility
Tsavo West National Park can be accessed via road and air. By road, the A109 highway can be used to access the park. Tsavo West National Park gates for accessing the park include:
- Mtito Andei
- Chyulu
- Man-Eaters
- Tsavo
- Maktau
From Mombasa, the easily accessed gate is via Mtito Andei gate, and from Amboseli, the park can be accessed via Chyulu gate. Another alternative route via Taveta-Voi Road is to access the park through Maktau Jipe or Ziwani gate.
By air, access a flight from Wilson airport, Nairobi to one of these airstrips; Ziwani, Tsavo, Kamboyo, Kilaguni, Maktau, and Finch Hattons airstrip. The distance from Nairobi to Tsavo west national park is 234.1 km via Mombasa Road, which is 4hr 13 min.
Book with Naicef Travels for the best flight deals.
Tsavo West National Park Attractions
Tsavo West National Park has beauties that attract local and international visitors. They include;
Mzima Springs – Mzima Springs in this park is a beautiful attraction amidst the semi-arid climatic conditions. The waters from the springs are fresh cool and safe for drinking.
On the trail leading to the mzima springs, there are skulls and bones that are well-labeled to identify the animal type. The flora species especially the trees are labeled according to, the type of tree, their significance, and their characteristics.
A few steps ahead, there’s a wooden bridge that welcomes a tiny hut that offers beautiful marine life with different types of colored fish.
Shatani lava flow – The residents of the area named it Shatani which means, Devil. This is because, the lava deposits are a result of volcanic eruption, and the residents say it’s the Devils doing.
Wildlife – Tsavo West not only has man-eating lions but also, leopards, gazelles, impalas, black and white rhinos, wildebeest, herds of buffaloes, herds of elephants, cheetahs, and foxes. They are evident during the game drives.
Birds – The park is home to over 400 bird species and exclusive bird watching is sighted from the Ngulia hills. Bird ringers come to Tsavo West National Park around October and January each year since the game park is a bird migratory route.
Bird species include River warbler, African finfoot, and many more, tag your binoculars with you as you come along.
Fun fact: You will find Kenya’s signature bird, the Lilac Breasted Roller here!
Poachers Hill – Poachers Hill is located at the center of the park giving a stunning 360-degree view of the park. As the name suggests, the hill was for poachers to view the best game and strike.
Ngulia Sanctuary –Â This sanctuary within the park is where the endangered black rhinos are found, and it has a growing population of black rhinos in Kenya.
Best Things to Do in Tsavo West National Park
Not only is this park the second largest park in Kenya but also, but it’s also a national park that offers a vegetative African safari experience.
What makes it possible to have a number of activities to do in Tsavo West National Park is the fact that it is combined with Tsavo East National Park, forming the great Tsavo National Park, covering 22,000 sq. kil.
Game drives: This scenic park hosts the big five: lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, and rhino. The game drives come in three
Bird safaris: There are over 500 bird species- 400 bird species and 100 being migratory bird species. The best time for bird watching in Tsavo West National Park is during the rainy months of March, May, and November.
Underground fish watching: It is only in Tsavo West National Park where you will be able to view marine life on a break from the game drive. Breathtaking captures of marine life in their beautiful crystal-clear springs of settlement dazzle you to want to know more about it.
Shh I won’t tell, instead, our Naicef guide will educate you about the springs’ ecosystem.
Tsavo West National Park Accommodations
Tsavo West National Park hotel preferences range from luxury to budget-friendly. They include;
- Kilanguni serena lodge- which is eco- certified,
- Sarova Saltlick,
- Severin Safari Camp.
- Man-eaters camp,
- Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp,
- Sentrim,
- Satao Camp
- Tsavo Lodge Voi.
Contact Naicef Travels for the best deals.
How to pay for Tsavo West National Park? Through the eCitizen payment portal. Opening hours are from 6 AM-6 PM.
For every Tsavo West National Park safari you take with Naicef, you impact Sustainable tourism through the environment and the local community. Naicef focuses on raising responsible tourists.
For the best itinerary for your safari and Package, contact Naicef.com or write to my@naicef.com or +254799922277
