The Ultimate Guide to Tsavo West National Park – Everything You Need to Know

Tsavo West National Park – FAQs and Answers

Tsavo West National Park is ranked among the most popular tourist destinations in Kenya due to its diverse wildlife and sceneries. Every year tens of thousands of tourists visit this famous park. Many of those visiting for the first time end up coming again as one can never get enough of Tsavo West.

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Tsavo West National Park that will help you know more about the park.

 1. What is the Best Tsavo West National Park Accommodation? What are the Best Tsavo National Park Lodges?

Tsavo West accommodation caters to all manner of visitors. There is a variety of housing available within the parks that range from budget to high-end. Some budget-friendly camps in the parks include Man-Eaters Camp, Voyager Ziwani Camp, Severin Safari Camp, and  Lake Jipe Safari Camp, among others.

The high-end camps and hotels include Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp, Leopard Lair Cottages, Kipalo Hills Lodges, and Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge. Other good accommodations available in Tsavo West include Taita Hills Safari Resort and Spa, Salt Lick Safari Lodge, Lion’s Buff Lodge, and Satoa Camp.

 2. What is the Best Time to Visit Tsavo West National Park?

The most appropriate time to have a tour of Tsavo West National Park is between January and March as this is the dry season in that part of Kenya. During this time your movement within the park is easier and also you will be able to spot many animals as warmer temperatures are ideal for breeding.

It is also during the dry season activities such as camping, hiking, mountain climbing, and other outdoor activities are done at ease. However, visiting parks during the peak season has some challenges, especially with accommodation as many hotels are fully booked. 

Thus, if you plan to visit the park during this time you will need to have proper planning before embarking on your visit.

 3. How Do I Get to Tsavo West National Park?

There are different ways you can get to Tsavo West including air, road, and railway. The most popular way is taking a flight to Nairobi or Mombasa. Once you land in Nairobi or Mombasa, you can use a short flight, board a vehicle or use a train to head to Tsavo West National Park.

 By Road

Probably this is the most convenient way to get to Tsavo West National Park if you plan to be in Kenya for several days. A vehicle will take about 7 hours from Nairobi and about 4 hours from Mombasa. The road trip is exciting and comfortable because we use luxury vehicles for our clients.

 By Railway

This is another means you can use to reach Tsavo West from Nairobi or Mombasa. This method is cheaper, but the main disadvantage is its rigidity as train movement is fixed. The train will take you up to Voi SGR Terminal whether you board from Nairobi or Mombasa. From here, you will get a transfer to the park by our tour vehicles.

 By Air

If you don’t intend to stay in Kenya for long, then it is advisable to take a flight to Tsavo West to save time. There are six airstrips within the park. The airstrips are in different parts of the park and they include Lake Jipe airstrip, Kamboyo, Kasigau gate airstrip, Kilaguni, Maktau, and Finch Hatton’s airstrip.

You can board your flight from Jomo Kenyatta International or Wilson airport in Nairobi or Moi International Airport in Mombasa.

 4. Which is Better? Tsavo West or Tsavo East

Both parks offer a unique experience to visitors although Tsavo West is more popular due to its varied wildlife, easier movement, and amazing scenes. Some of the attractive scenes at Tsavo West include Mzima Springs, Lake Jipe, and Shetani Lava flow. The park also hosts all the big five.

However, Tsavo East is more expensive, and it is common to see a large population of elephants and other big animals in this park. Other attractions at Tsavo East include the crocodile-infested Galana River and the world’s most prolonged lava flow, the Yatta Plateau.

 5. How Much Does it Cost to Visit Tsavo National Park?

Many factors will determine the cost of visiting Tsavo National Park ranging from means of transport, accommodation, and activities you intend to do. You will pay an average of US40 for budget accommodation, US80 for mid-range, and around US300 for luxury accommodation per night.

Other costs you may incur include game drives and safari walks approximately US50 per person, while bush walks will be around US20 per person.

 6. What is Tsavo West Known For?

Tsavo West is known for its magnificent wildlife and breathtaking landscapes that make visits to the park an unforgettable experience. Natural scenes, swamps, exintic volcanic craters, rocky peaks, sharp outcrops blanketed by greenery, and rolling plains are some of the scenic landscapes at the park.

The park is also home to diverse wildlife due to its numerous water sources. Elephants, rhinos, lions, giraffes, and antelopes are found here in large numbers. Other animals include leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, zebras, hyrax dik-dik, hippos, and crocodiles. There are also over 500 species of birds found at the park.

 7. Is Tsavo National Park Good?

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife including cheetahs, lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes. Tsavo also has one of the best scenic landscapes in the region. There are rivers with riverine vegetation, waterfall, lava flows, and mountains making the place unique.

The location of the park near the coast makes it a perfect destination for a combination of a beach holiday and a safari tour.