Adjacent to the Chyulu Hills National Park, the Tsavo West National Park is also home to part of the Chyulu range of hills. The park covers an area of approximately 7,065 square kilometers.

Known for its abundance of wildlife, the park has relatively good roads and can be explored in any vehicle with good clearance. You therefore do not need a four-wheel drive vehicle although the height does add to the game drive experience and help spot animals in the bush more easily.

Getting There and Access

To get there, find your way to Mtito Andei town. The park entrance is a few meters off the highway. There are also several airstrip within the park and there is a train station at Mtito Andei town. You can drive through the park to Taveta and Lake Jipe via the Maktau Gate.

Key Park Activities

Game Drives

Game viewing at Tsavo begins immediately you enter the park. The roads are relatively good so take your time and stay within the speed limits. You are likely to come across Zebras, Giraffes, Elephants, Eland, Buffalo, Rhino, Ostrich without much of a problem. Cheetah, Leopards, Lions and wild dogs are a little harder to spot.

Mzima Springs

Aim for the Mzima Springs, a lush ecosystem that spits out 250 million liters of crystal clear, fresh water a day. There is a nature trail around the springs and you will have sightings of hippopotamus and crocodiles in addition to several species of fish.

There is an underwater walk in “aquarium” where you can view the fish. It is the perfect spot for a picnic but watch out for the cheeky monkeys who might just grab you grab! You are actually discouraged from feeding them!

Chaimu Crater

Hike up the Chaimu Crater for magnificent views from this spectacular hill which is still an active volcano which last erupted in 1855.

Shetani Lava Flow

Visit this marvel of mother nature. Hundreds of square meters of absolutely nothing but molten lava. It is a sight to behold. A perfect spot for a picnic although be warned, there is no tree cover/shelter from the scorching sun due to the lava.

Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary

This is a protected area for the endangered black rhino covering 3,200 square kilometers. The largest rhino sanctuary in the world, it features a raised self-catering platform with a capacity of up to six people facing a watering point frequented by black rhinos, leopards, elephants, wild dogs and a huge diversity of bird species.

Lakes and Water Bodies

Lake Jipe

The lake is on the Kenya Tanzania border in Taveta. With a maximum depth of 9 meters Lake Jipe is teeming with wildlife. Hippos, Elephants, Giraffes and Zebras roam freely on its shores. Unfortunately, the KWS public campsite was handed over to a private developer and is yet to reopen.

Lake Chala

You can also visit Lake Chala which is a crater lake also straddling the Kenya Tanzania border.

Accommodation

There are several places to stay within the park including camp sites, guest houses and lodges.

• Komboyo Campsite – Run by the Kenya Wildlife Service, the campsite is approximately 8km from the Mtito Andei gate.
• Komboyo Guest House – Run by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). This is a budget, self-catering cottage that can house up to 8pax in four rooms.
• Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
• Ngulia Safari Lodge * Severin Safari Camp
• Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp
• Finch Hattons
• Lake Jipe Eco Lodge
• Salt Lick Safari Lodge
• Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa
• Lions Bluff Lodge