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Tsavo West NP
Overview
Wildlife
Birds
Best Time To Visit
Weather & Climate
Getting There
Malaria & Safety
Overview
Wildlife
Birds
Best Time
Climate
Getting There
Malaria & Safety
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience .
- Live Location
- View Photos
- Open Map
Best Time To Go
June to October & January to February – best wildlife viewing, little rain
High Season
December to March & July to October – more visitors, but not crowded
Size
7,065km² / 2,728mi²
Altitude
419–1,677m / 1,375–5,502ft
Tsavo West doesn’t hand you wildlife, and it lets you earn it. The thrill lies in the search, and although spotting animals can be a bit challenging. Elephants, buffalo, and big cats roam freely, while the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary provides a rare opportunity to glimpse the endangered black rhino. Look deeper and you’ll find the lesser kudu melting into the bush, oryx traversing the arid plains, and countless dry-country species that make Tsavo a hidden gem for seasoned safari-goers.
The landscape in Tsavo West is stunning; it’s cinematic Africa, think molten-black lava fields, jagged hills, acacia-studded plains, and the haunting beauty of Chaimu Crater. The Shetani Lava Flows stretch like scorched rivers across the land, while Ngulia Hills rise dramatically from the earth. Then, suddenly, you reach Mzima Springs, an oasis teeming with life. Southward, Lake Jipe paints a tranquil contrast with its bird-filled shores and distant mountain backdrop.
Game drives are the pulse of Tsavo West, offering the chance to track elusive wildlife and explore dramatic terrain. At Mzima Springs, follow a tranquil walking trail among fever trees to an underwater hide. Hike the black cinder slopes of Chaimu Crater for panoramic views. Although access is limited to preserve its wild character, each permitted experience is rich and authentic.
Tsavo West is generally hot and dry, with wide temperature swings between day and night. The Dry season (June–October) offers cooler mornings and brilliant blue skies. The Wet season (November–May) transforms the park into a lush sanctuary, with short but intense afternoon showers and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts migratory birds and awakens the landscape
Wildlife viewing is most rewarding in the Dry season (June to October and January to February), when sparse vegetation and shrinking water sources pull animals into the open. For birders and photographers, the Wet season (especially November and March) brings vibrant scenery and migratory flocks, along with glimpses of snow-capped Kilimanjaro on clear mornings.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience .
Tsavo West is a land of rugged beauty and untamed wilderness, home to a wide range of wildlife, including all members of the Big Five. While sightings require patience due to thick vegetation and vast terrain, the park offers truly authentic safari experiences away from the crowds. Elephants, often tinted red by the park’s iron-rich dust, roam in large numbers. Buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and hippos are frequently seen, while lions with their scruffy manes may be spotted near waterholes. The elusive black rhino can be seen at the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, which protects over 150 individuals.
- Abundant
- Common
- Occasional
- Rare
- None
- Common
- Common
- Common
- Common
- Common
- Common
- Occasional
- Occasional
- Occasional
- Rare
- Rare
- Rare
- None
Tsavo West is one of the few places where you may encounter the shy lesser kudu, often seen darting through dense bush. Rocky outcrops are home to klipspringers, which are usually found in pairs. Dry-country antelopes such as the fringe-eared oryx and long-necked gerenuk thrive in this arid habitat. The Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to spot black rhinos in their natural habitat during a leisurely, scenic drive.
Wildlife viewing is most rewarding during the Dry season (June to October), when sparse vegetation and scarce water draw animals into the open. The short dry spell between January and February also offers excellent conditions. Although wildlife can be seen year-round, thicker bush and dispersed animals during the rainy months may require more persistence.
- View Photos
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience .
Notable Birds in Tsavo West NP
Bird Species
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience .
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
Tsavo West National Park is a year-round destination, but the most rewarding wildlife encounters occur during the dry seasons, from June to October and January to February. During these months, the bush thins out, water becomes scarce, and wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes, offering superb game viewing with minimal interruptions from rain. While the wet season transforms the landscape into a lush paradise and attracts migratory birdlife, it also presents challenges: roads may become muddy, and dense vegetation can make spotting animals more difficult.
Best Time
Exceptional for game drives—dry weather, thinner bush, and easy wildlife spotting.
High Season
Popular travel periods with increased visitor numbers in the main safari zones.
Low Season
April to June Quiet, green, and scenic—with lower rates, but wetter roads.
Best Weather
June to September & January to February Mild, sunny days and cooler nights—ideal for travel and photography.
Worst Weather
April & November to December Heavy rains peak, affecting accessibility and visibility.
- View Photos
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
Tsavo West experiences a semi-arid savannah climate, defined by warm temperatures throughout the year and two distinct rainy seasons. Days are typically sunny and hot, averaging around 28°C (82°F), while nights cool to a comfortable 18°C (64°F). Early morning game drives often begin with a chill in the air, making a light jacket or fleece a practical addition to your safari gear.
This is the park’s most pleasant season for game viewing, with clear skies, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. Days are warm, and mornings can be brisk, perfect for active exploration without the discomfort of heat or mud.
- June & July – Expect sunny days and crisp mornings. Daytime highs reach 26°C (79°F), while night temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F).
- August & September – Temperatures gradually rise. September averages 27°C (81°F) during the day, making conditions ideal for safaris.
- October – Humidity increases in anticipation of the coming rains, with warmer, slightly more humid afternoons.
Rain brings life to the landscape—verdant scenery, dramatic skies, and excellent birdwatching. The wet season is divided into two phases: the short rains (November–December) and the long rains (March–May), separated by a brief dry period in January–February.
November & December (Short Rains) – Afternoon storms become more frequent. The air is warm and refreshed, with average highs around 29°C (84°F).
- January & February – This brief dry interlude can’t be predicted with precision, but it offers warm days and less rain. February is typically the hottest month, with daytime temperatures reaching a peak of 30°C (86°F).
- March to May (Long Rains) – Rains intensify from late March, peaking in April, the wettest month. Roads may become challenging, especially in April and May, although showers are usually brief and occur in the afternoons. Daytime temperatures hover around 29°C (84°F).
- Live Location
- View Photos
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is Kenya’s primary international gateway, located 15km/9 mi southeast of Nairobi. Moi International Airport (MBA), located 9 km (6 mi) west of Mombasa, serves as the coastal entry point.
Tsavo West National Park lies in southeastern Kenya. The Mtito Andei Gate is approximately 232km/144 mi from Nairobi and 210km/130 mi from Mombasa. Whether arriving from the capital, the coast, or another safari circuit, road travel offers flexible access—typically 4 to 6 hours from Nairobi and 4 to 5 hours from Mombasa, depending on road and weather conditions.
The park is often visited in combination with Amboseli National Park, reachable via a 100km/62 mi dirt road connecting Chyulu Gate to Kimana Gate, a journey of around 3 hours. Tsavo West is also seamlessly paired with neighbouring Tsavo East National Park, forming one of Africa’s largest protected wilderness areas.
Kenya’s modern SGR train service between Nairobi and Mombasa provides a scenic alternative. One daily intercity train stops at Mtito Andei Station (note: express trains do not). From there, travellers must arrange transfers into the park. The journey takes approximately 3 hours from Nairobi and 3.5 hours from Mombasa.
- Main Park Location
For updated international flight routes and competitive airfares to Nairobi, visit:
Most chartered and scheduled flights into Tsavo West are included in tailor-made safari packages. These flights typically depart from Wilson Airport (WIL) in Nairobi, located 6 km (4 mi) from the city centre. Popular carriers flying to Tsavo airstrips (e.g., Finch Hattons, Kilaguni) include:
- AirKenya – Direct flights to Finch Hattons Airstrip
- Safarilink – Scheduled services connecting Tsavo and Nairobi
- Mombasa Air Safari – Flights from Mombasa, Diani Beach, and Malindi to Tsavo West
All travellers must meet Kenya’s visa and passport requirements. For a seamless arrival, visit our ‘Getting There – Kenya’ section for up-to-date information on eVisa applications, passport validity requirements, and travel protocols.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
Tsavo West is one of Kenya’s most secure and professionally managed wildlife destinations. When travelling with Hola Africa Ltd, your safety is our highest priority. Our expertly guided tours ensure a seamless experience, with well-trained staff and strict adherence to safety protocols. Incidents are infrequent within the park, which is patrolled regularly by armed rangers and managed under the Kenya Wildlife Service.
While the park itself is remote and safe, guests are encouraged to practice general travel precautions when passing through urban centres en route. For peace of mind, we recommend checking the latest government-issued travel advisories before your journey.
Malaria is present in the region, but risks can be effectively managed with proper preparation and precautions. We advise all guests of Hola Africa Ltd to consult a travel health professional well in advance of departure. Recommended precautions include taking antimalarial medication, using insect repellent containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved clothing in the evening, and sleeping under a treated mosquito net where available. The malaria risk increases during the wet months (March–May and November–December), when mosquito activity is more common.
Exploring Tsavo West with Hola Africa Ltd means experiencing the wild in a safe and responsible manner. Our experienced guides are trained in both safety and wildlife behaviour, ensuring guests are always briefed and protected. Always remain in the vehicle unless instructed otherwise, and never attempt to approach wild animals on foot outside designated areas. Guided by professionals and with proper awareness, your safari in Tsavo West will be thrilling, immersive, and completely secure.
