Elephants, buffalo and zebra gathered at the waterhole in front of Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge in Tsavo West

National park · Tsavo, Chyulu and Taita, Kenya

Tsavo West National Park

Kenya's second-largest national park, a volcanic landscape of springs, lava flows and hills, run by Kenya Wildlife Service.

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Photo: Kim Paffen for Serena Hotels Scroll

The destination

Springs, lava and hills.

Tsavo West covers about 9,065 square kilometres in Taita-Taveta County, which Kenya Wildlife Service says makes it the country's second-largest national park. At Mzima Springs, clear water rises from beneath lava rock into pools.

The Shetani lava flow and Chaimu Hill, one of the Five Sisters volcanic hills, are part of the same landscape. The park has a rhino sanctuary run by KWS and reaches Lake Jipe, which Kenya shares with Tanzania.

At a glance

Type
National park
Size
About 9,065 sq km
Gates
Mtito Andei, Chyulu, Tsavo River, Lake Jipe, Maktau, Ziwani
Airstrips
Kilaguni and Finch Hattons, plus smaller strips
By rail
Standard Gauge Railway to Mtito Andei

In the park

Ways to explore.

Aerial view of thatched tents at Finch Hattons beside a spring-fed pool, surrounded by green bushPhoto: Soul Focus Media for Virgin Limited Edition (Finch Hattons)

KWS lists these among the park's attractions and activities. We check what each camp offers before we plan.

  1. Mzima Springs

    Clear spring pools fed from beneath the lava, which KWS says draw wildlife and birds.

  2. Shetani lava flow

    KWS lists the Shetani lava flow and cave exploration among the park's attractions.

  3. Birdwatching at Lake Jipe

    KWS describes Lake Jipe, on the border with Tanzania, as a birdwatching spot.

When to go

The park through the year.

July to March

Kenya Wildlife Service calls this the high season and the best time for wildlife viewing, with sunny weather and shorter grass.

April to June

KWS says the long rains arrive in these months, and many park roads may need a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Any month

Weather varies from year to year and sightings are never guaranteed. We plan around the months you can travel.

Source: Kenya Wildlife Service.

Where to stay in Tsavo West National Park

Our selection of camps and lodges.

See all places to stay

Related destinations

In Tsavo, Chyulu and Taita.

Safari regionTsavo, Chyulu and TaitaNational park · near · reached from Tsavo west; feeds Mzima SpringsChyulu Hills National ParkCommunity sanctuary · borders the park · not part of itLUMO Community Wildlife SanctuaryPrivate sanctuary · on the edge of the park · not part of itTaita Hills Wildlife SanctuaryNational park · within the safari region · a separate national parkTsavo East National Park
Dirt vehicle tracks through Maasai Mara grassland, with topi and impala grazing among the bushes

Africa, Private & Personal

Thinking of Tsavo West?

Tell us how you like to travel, and we will suggest the camp and the length of stay that suit you, in an individually crafted journey.

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Email
enquiries@etanasafaris.com
Phone & WhatsApp
+254 795 887765
Office
The Piano Building, Brookside Drive, Nairobi
Your enquiry is answered personally by the family.
Photo: Shafiq Jagani, Maasai Mara
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