Tsavo West for a first safari

Tsavo West works for a first safari with some planning.

Suitability: ★★★★★

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.

Why Tsavo West for a first safari?

• With the Big Five present, it delivers a classic first safari.
• 2–3 days are enough for a good experience.

What awaits you in 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

Wildlife you may encounter: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, black rhino, buffalo, giraffes and zebras.

Suggested time on the ground: 2 to 3 days. Mtito Andei Gate is on the Nairobi-Mombasa road, roughly 240 km from Nairobi; the park can also be reached from Mombasa via Voi.

Activities that fit

game drives.

When to go

The best period overall is August to September.

Dry season and the best time for game viewing around Mzima Springs and other water sources.

Other destinations for a first safari

• Masai Mara Kenya
• Merzouga Morocco
• Ngorongoro Tanzania
• Pilanesberg South Africa
• Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
• Kruger South Africa

Full Tsavo West guideBest safaris for a first safari

No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.

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.