Tsavo West is the higher, more varied half of the Tsavo Conservation Area, with volcanic hills, springs and riverine forest. It is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and includes a black rhino sanctuary.
- Country
- Kenya
- Type
- National park
- Approx. area
- 9,065 km²
- Best time
- August to September
- Suggested stay
- 2–3 days
- Main gateway airport
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
- Big Five
- Present
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to Tsavo West
- Mzima Springs, with hippos and crocodiles in clear water
- Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary for black rhino
- Shetani lava flow and Chaimu crater
- Hillier volcanic scenery than Tsavo East
- Lake Jipe on the Tanzanian border
Best time to visit Tsavo West
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Tsavo West is August to September.
Dry season and the best time for game viewing around Mzima Springs and other water sources.
Peak rains; some rough tracks in the volcanic hills can be affected.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| February | 18–31 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| March | 19–31 | some rain | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| April | 19–30 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 18–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| June | 16–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| July | 15–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| August | 15–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| September | 16–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| October | 18–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| November | 19–28 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| December | 19–27 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Tsavo West includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, black rhino, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, gazelles, oryx, eland and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
Mtito Andei Gate is on the Nairobi-Mombasa road, roughly 240 km from Nairobi; the park can also be reached from Mombasa via Voi.
Trips to Tsavo West
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Tsavo West for families
- Tsavo West for a honeymoon
- Tsavo West for photographers
- Tsavo West for a first safari
- Tsavo West on a budget
- Tsavo West for luxury travel
Compare with
- Tsavo West vs Lake Nakuru
- Tsavo West vs Amboseli
- Tsavo West vs Tsavo East
- Tsavo West vs Masai Mara
- Tsavo West vs Ol Pejeta
- Tsavo West vs Samburu
Travelling to Tsavo West from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Tsavo West?
Generally August to September. Dry season and the best time for game viewing around Mzima Springs and other water sources.
How many days do I need in Tsavo West?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Tsavo West?
Mtito Andei Gate is on the Nairobi-Mombasa road, roughly 240 km from Nairobi; the park can also be reached from Mombasa via Voi.
Is there malaria in Tsavo West?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: Magical Kenya - Tsavo · Kenya Wildlife Service - Tsavo East (Tsavo Conservation Area) · Climates to Travel - Makindu (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.