Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West is a Kenyan park of black lava flows, the Mzima spring pool and dry-bush game drives, lying between the coast and Amboseli.
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Tsavo West is a national park in southeastern Kenya and the country's second-largest, covering 9,065 km². Much of it is dry bush and low hills, with black lava flows cutting across the land. The park's main draw beyond game drives is Mzima Springs, where clear water rises from the ground and fills a pool. At Mzima, an underwater viewing chamber lets you watch hippos and crocodiles from below the surface.
The park sits between the Kenyan coast and Amboseli, so it fits easily into a longer Kenya itinerary. It suits travelers who want game drives, the lava flow and the springs in one visit. The lava is bare and black, so the ground looks very different from the grassland near the springs. The dry season is the usual time for game viewing, because animals gather near water. Plan at least two nights so the springs and the lava flow do not take time from your drives.
Tsavo West National Park in five
- Use a reputable operator and read the UK adviceThe UK advice names the Kenya Tourism Federation Safety and Communication Center for tourist help in remote areas and says to arrive in daylight and avoid touts selling safaris.UK travel advice
- Budget for a wilderness-park feeKWS lists Tsavo West at USD 80 per adult and USD 40 per child for non-residents, plus a vehicle charge. A Tsavo West and Amboseli package is listed at USD 150 per adult.KWS fee schedule
- Take the inter-county train to Mtito AndeiKenya Railways lists the 8:00 inter-county train from Nairobi reaching Mtito Andei at 10:50. KWS lists the Mtito Andei Gate as 240 km from Nairobi and 250 km from Mombasa.Nairobi to Mombasa options
- Plan around Mzima Springs and the lava flowKWS lists Mzima Springs, the Shetani lava flow and cave, Poacher's Lookout, Lake Jipe and a rhino sanctuary. Choose two or three by area, since the park is vast and drives are long.
- Pick a gate to match your routeKWS names Mtito Andei, Tsavo River, Lake Jipe, Maktau and Ziwani gates, plus Chyulu Gate from Amboseli. Coming from Amboseli, use Chyulu Gate and keep the route in daylight.Amboseli guide
Things to do in Tsavo West National Park
See all attractions in Tsavo West National Park
Need to know
- Entrance
- USD 80 adult, USD 40 child for non-residents, per day (KWS)
- Permits
- Paid through KWS; Tsavo West and Amboseli package USD 150 adult
- Season
- Year-round; gates 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (KWS)
- Nearest town
- Mtito Andei, at the main gate and SGR station
- Getting there
- Mtito Andei Gate: 240 km from Nairobi, 250 km from Mombasa (KWS)
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryDry, hot
- FebruaryDry, hot
- MarchHot, rains start
- AprilLong rains
- MayLong rains
- JuneDry, cooler
- JulyDry, cool
- AugustDry, cool
- SeptemberDry, warm
- OctoberShowers start
- NovemberShort rains
- DecemberHot, drying
Right now in Tsavo West National Park
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
20
- Feels like
- 22°
- Humidity
- 85%
- Wind
- 5 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 66%
Tsavo West National Park
04:34 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today29°21°66%Tuesday: Rain. High 29°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 66%.
- Wed31°21°12%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 12%.
- Thu31°20°15%Thursday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 15%.
- Fri33°21°2%Friday: Cloudy. High 33°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Sat33°21°25%Saturday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 25%.
- Sun33°20°76%Sunday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 76%.
Updated 12:09 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 129.9 KES
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Tsavo West National Park
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Rules for Tsavo West National Park, checked
- KWS lists Tsavo West at USD 80 per adult and USD 40 per child for non-residents, with a vehicle charge on top; a daily fee is valid for up to 24 hours.Checked Oct 6, 2026 · Source
- Gates open 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM unless you stay overnight; keep to 40 km/h, stay on established roads and in your vehicle outside designated areas.Checked Oct 6, 2026 · Source
- Organized walking safaris in Tsavo West are limited to groups of up to 10 at USD 50 per person per day, on top of park entry and under KWS terms.Checked Oct 6, 2026 · Source
Plan around Tsavo West National Park
The SGR stops at Mtito Andei on the morning train
Read the guideMombasaThe coast end of the train line
Read the guideAmboseliReached through Chyulu Gate from Tsavo West
Read the guideNairobiThe usual start of a Tsavo trip
Read the guideDiani BeachBeach days after the bush
Read the guideAll of KenyaParks, the coast and entry rules
Read the guideTsavo West National Park FAQ
How far is Tsavo West from Nairobi and Mombasa?
KWS lists the Mtito Andei Gate as 240 km from Nairobi and 250 km from Mombasa. That makes it a long day by road from either city, so plan at least one night inside or near the park.
Can I get to Tsavo West by train?
Yes. KWS lists the SGR to Mtito Andei Station, and Kenya Railways shows the morning inter-county train stopping there. Arrange a pickup from the station, since the park gate is separate.
Should I choose Tsavo East or Tsavo West?
The two parks are separated by the A109 highway and the railway, and KWS prices them the same. KWS lists Mzima Springs, lava flows, hills and a rhino sanctuary for the West, so choose it for variety of scenery.
How many days do you need in Tsavo West?
Two nights gives you Mzima Springs, the lava flow and a long game drive. A third night helps if you also want Lake Jipe or a walking safari, since drives between areas are slow.
What is Mzima Springs?
KWS describes it as a place where millions of gallons of crystal-clear water surge from beneath lava rocks into pools that attract wildlife and birds. Treat visits as a guided stop and follow park rules.