Taita-Taveta County · south-east Kenya
Tsavo West National Park
More broken, greener and more volcanic than Tsavo East, with the springs at Mzima at its centre.
- Country
- Kenya
- Typical access
- Road from Amboseli, Nairobi or Mombasa
- Usual stay
- 1–2 nights
- Terrain
- Volcanic hills, lava flows, springs, dense bush
Overview
What Tsavo West is.
Tsavo West is the hillier half of the Tsavo ecosystem: lava flows, volcanic cones, rocky outcrops and thicker bush. Game viewing is harder work than on open plains, and the landscape is more varied in return.
Mzima Springs is its best-known feature — clear water rising from underground after filtering through the Chyulu Hills, with an underwater viewing chamber for hippo and fish.
It is not on Ndurumo's current catalogue circuits, but it is a natural extension for travellers who already know Tsavo East, or who want a quieter route between Amboseli and the coast.
Wildlife
What you are likely to see.
- Elephant, buffalo and hippo
- Lion and leopard in broken volcanic terrain
- Black rhino in the Ngulia sanctuary
- Lesser kudu, klipspringer and a strong raptor list
Experiences
How the days work here.
Mzima Springs
A short walk to clear springs with an underwater hippo viewing chamber.
Shetani lava flow
A recent black lava field below the Chyulu Hills.
Chyulu Hills views
Green volcanic hills forming the park's northern boundary.
Best time to visit
When to come to Tsavo West.
- June – OctoberDry and clear.
- January – FebruaryHot, dry and good for waterhole activity.
- March – May, NovemberRains. Very green, with thicker cover.
Where you stay
Our shortlist at each level.
Properties Ndurumo may recommend or use at each level. Final accommodation is confirmed with your quotation and remains subject to availability.
Budget
Sentrim Tsavo East, or an equivalent value lodge by availability
Midrange
Ashnil Aruba Lodge
Luxury
Satao Tented Camp
Routes that include Tsavo West
Safaris through here.
Questions
About Tsavo West.
Can Tsavo West be added to a Kenyan circuit?
Yes, as a tailor-made extension. It is not part of the current catalogue routes, so we would build and price it for your dates.
Plan your safari
Build a trip around Tsavo West.
Tell us your dates and how long you have, and we will shape a route that gives Tsavo West the time it deserves.