National Park
Tsavo Wilderness Park A
Tsavo West National Park
Land of Lava, Springs, man-eaters & magical sunsets
A dramatic Tsavo landscape of Mzima Springs, lava flows, hills, rhino conservation, Lake Jipe and rich railway-era history.
Overview
About Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West mixes classic wildlife safari with volcanic geology and water-rich oases. Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava Flow, Chaimu and the park’s hills create striking scenery, while a major rhino sanctuary, Lake Jipe and more than 600 recorded bird species broaden the wildlife experience. Its railway and First World War history adds a distinctive heritage layer.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Mzima Springs
Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary
Shetani Lava Flow and caves
Poacher’s Lookout and Roaring Rocks
Lake Jipe
Chaimu and volcanic hills
More than 600 recorded bird species
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Game drives
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Scenic viewpoints
- History-focused visits
- Stargazing
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Rhino
- Elephant
- Lion
- Buffalo
- Leopard
- Hirola
- More than 600 bird species
Stay nearby
Accommodation
KWS homes & cottages
- Kamboyo Guest House
Public campsites
- Kamboyo
- Chyulu
- Lake Jipe
Special campsites
- Kudu
- Little Royal
- Simba
- Palm Tree
- Maji ya Chumvi
- Kichwa Tembo
- Pipeline
Private lodges & camps
- Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp
- Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
- Severin Safari Camp
- Ngulia Safari Lodge
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
KWS gives Tsavo West an area of about 9,065 km². The park is associated with the 1898 Tsavo man-eater story and with First World War East African Campaign history.
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
Mtito Andei Gate is about 240 km from Nairobi and 250 km from Mombasa; other gates include Chyulu, Tsavo River, Lake Jipe, Maktau and Ziwani.
By air
Kilaguni and Finch Hattons are among the airstrips serving the park.
By rail
SGR services stop at Mtito Andei.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, a camera or binoculars, and a basic first-aid kit.
Use clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and expected weather.
Confirm road, weather and gate conditions with KWS before departure.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 1,000 | KES 500 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 1,350 | KES 675 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 40 | USD 20 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 80 | USD 40 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Tsavo West National Park FAQs
What is Tsavo West National Park best known for?
Tsavo West National Park is especially known for Mzima Springs, Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary, Shetani Lava Flow and caves, Poacher’s Lookout and Roaring Rocks. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Tsavo West National Park?
Road: Mtito Andei Gate is about 240 km from Nairobi and 250 km from Mombasa; other gates include Chyulu, Tsavo River, Lake Jipe, Maktau and Ziwani. Air: Kilaguni and Finch Hattons are among the airstrips serving the park. Rail: SGR services stop at Mtito Andei. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Tsavo West National Park?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 1,000 and non-resident adults from USD 80 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Tsavo West National Park?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
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