Tsavo West National Park
The spectacular Mzima Springs is an impressive sight of a million gallons of crystal clear waters gushing out of the under parched lava
rocks forming the most welcoming and lovely scenes from Africa’s rolling jungle. Painted on a sprawling canvas of endless skies,
emerald hills, liquid lava flows, palm fringed rivers, teeming wildlife and sparkling oasis set against the impressive backdrop of mile
upon mile of cloud shadowed African savannah, Tsavo West National Park is the second largest protected area in Kenya and is
famous for the man eater lions who to date carry a bizarre history long after they terrorized, maimed and killed construction workers of
the Kenya-Uganda Railway in 1898. The railway construction was abruptly halted by the most voracious and insatiable man-eating
lions.
The first World War Site-East African Campaign, and perhaps the most bizarre campaign of the world war was fought in the “Bundu”
(Bush) – the barely explored wilderness of thorny shrub and dense forest of Tsavo West. This last ‘gentleman war’ was waged under
the code of honor-sometimes; or under guerilla tactics adopted from African tribal fighters.
Lake Jipe, lies astride Kenya and Tanzania boarder and is teeming with aquatic life, Bird watching is also major activity around the lake.
Distance: 240 km from Nairobi, 250km from Mombasa (Mtito Andei Gate).
By air: There are 3 airstrips in the park
Gates: Tsavo, Lake Jipe, Mtito Andei (Kamboyo HQ), Chyulu, Maktau and Ziwani.
Roads: The main access routes are through Chyulu Gate from Amboseli and Mtito Andei Gate from Nairobi.
Visitors from Mombasa also use Tsavo Gate near Manyani.
The Park can also be reached via Taveta - Voi road through Maktau, Ziwani and Jipe Gates.
Airstrips: Kamboyo, Kilaguni, Tsavo Gate, Jipe, Kasigau,Finch Hottons, Ziwani, and Maktau airstrips are in good.
TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK |
Citizen |
Resident |
Non-Resident |
|||
Adults KSH |
Child KSH |
Adult KSH |
Child KSH |
Adult USD |
Child USD |
|
515 | 215 |
515 |
215 |
52 |
35 |
MODE OF PAYMENT: Through Ecitizen (https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke/ ) via MPesa, Visa Card, RTGS ,Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Special Services/Activities:
Security/Guided tour per guide:
Ksh. 1,720 – up to 4 hours
Ksh. 3,015 – Over 4 hours
Night Game Drive (Per person per trip):
Ksh. 2,155
Vehicle Charge per Day:
No. of Seats KSH.
Less than 6 seats 300
6-12 seats 1,030
13-24seats 2,585
25-44 seats 4,050
45 seats and above 5,000
Wildlife
Leopard, Cheetah, Wild dogs, Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Lion,Crocodile, Mongoose, Hyrax, Dik- dik, Lesser Kudu, and Nocturnal Porcupine. Prolific birdlife features 600 species.
Park Size
7065 sq. Km
Climate
Temperature ranges from 20-300 c and rainfall from 200mm – 700 mm,Two rain seasons: Long rains – March & April & short rains – Nov/ December.
When to go
All year round
What to take with you
Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight.
Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks
Tsavo West is home to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary; this is where the growing population of highly endangered black Rhino. Glorious game drives; Tsavo West offers some of the most magnificent game viewing experiences in the world; Spot the Leopard, cheetah, buffalo, rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, plains game, crocodile, mongoose, hyrax, Oryx, dik dik, lesser kudu, Klipspringer and the nocturnal porcupine. The prolific bird life features 600 recorded species.
The Park features over 1,000 plant species and a mixed habitat of bush, grasslands and acacia woodlands dotted with baobab, ivory palm, saltbush, doum palm, tamarind and fig trees. Cave exploration at Shetani lava flow is also another activity visitors can enjoy. The molten lava that forms Shetani lava spewed from the earth about 200 years ago and according to the local folklore, the fiery fury was work of the devil.
The Poacher; Lookout and roaring rocks is a panoramic vantage point from which to catch a bird’s eye view of the scenic topography
and the movement of wildlife. Lake Jipe that lies astride Kenya and Tanzania boarder teems with aquatic life while bird watching is also a major activity for bird lovers around the lake. The picturesque identical five sisters of Tsavo hills are a volcanic feature that provides a scenic backdrop for wildlife photography. Chaimu Hill is a unique one that stands on its own.
Set in the quietude of nature, KWS offers a modest and wide range of self-catering accommodation options targeting the budget traveler. Whether you are looking to get away from the exhausting grind of life, a break away from the hustle and bustle of the city right into the serenity of bush, or you just long to soak in your senses and reconnect with nature, KWS bandas and guesthouses offer the perfect ambience.
Tsavo West N. Park offers the following:
Kamboyo Guest House
Accommodation; 1unit, 8Pax
Consists of four bedrooms; master bedroom with a double bed and a single bed, 2nd bedroom with a double bed, 3rd bedroom with two single beds and 4th bedroom with a single bed.
Amenities;
Two bathrooms, one being ensuite to the master bedroom. .
Equipped with a kitchenette, caretaker, electricity and toiletries.
Rates;
Citizens & Residents Ksh.15, 000
Non Residents US$ 240
Lake Jipe Cottages
Accommodation; 3units; 2Pax per unit
Each unit consists of two single beds and one communal kitchen located outside. Kitchen is equipped with cutlery, cooking utensils and gas.
Amenities;
Lighting is powered by solar panels
Rates;
Citizens & Residents Ksh. 3,000
Non Residents US$ 50
Camping:
Public Campsites;
For this category, standard amenities are provided; water, toilet/bathroom and kitchen area. Public campsites do not require prior booking.
Komboyo
Chyulu
Lake Jipe
Special Campsites:
For this category, only camping grounds are provided. The visitor has to reserve the campsite well in advance for exclusive use.
Visitors are required to bring with them personal effects, drinking water, a source of fire and kitchen utensils. Most special campsites
are located near rivers in the park unless otherwise indicated.
Kudu
Little Royal
Simba
Palm Tree
Maji ya Chumvi
Kichwa Tembo
Pipeline
*Reservation of bandas/guesthouses and special campsites should be done through the park warden or through KWS headquarters
reservations desk; reservations@kws.go.ke
*Prevailing camping rates apply per person per day for both special and public campsites including other park charges.
Privately owned Lodges and Tented camps;
Finch Hatton’s tented camp lodge
Voyager Safari Camp
Kitani Severin Safari Camp
Ngulia Safari Lodge
Kilaguni Serena Lodge
Rhino valley: 6 self-catering cottages
Telephone: +254 (0) 164 20 613
Email: tsavowestnp@kws.go.ke