Tsavo West National Park Kenya flag

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Starting from

$850PP

Overview

Tsavo National Park is one of the largest national parks on the planet which covers 4% of Kenya. Tsavo National Park refers to both Tsavo East and West National Park, which are separated by a road and railway line. The two parks have separate ecosystems: Tsavo East National Park is complemented by open fields and scattered bush while Tsavo West National Park has a hilly landscape with volcanic cones and lava flows.
Tsavo West is more geologically different, from the landscape of the lake and spring to the park's ascendable precipices. The clear Mzima Springs, taken care of by clear water separated through the Chyulu Hills' volcanic stone, are overflowing with elephants, hippos, crocodiles and endemic fishes that can be seen submerged. The park is also home to the Big Five, but wildlife viewing can be a bit slow at times.

High Season
December to March and July to October
Best Time to Go
June to September and January to February

Pros & Cons

  • Amazing wildlife experience all year round with all of the Big Five Available
  • Birding is best with Dry-country specials
  • Chances to spot rare black rhino in the Ngulia rhino sanctuary
  • Mount Kilimanjaro can be viewed on a clear day
  • Hippos can be spotted underwater at Mzima Springs
  • Very limited area for tourism activities
  • Wildlife density is comparatively low

Map in Kenya

Tsavo West National Park map

Wildlife & Animals

Tsavo West has very limited options for wildlife but mostly all species are available. All of the Big Five are available. Lions, cheetahs and leopards can be frequently spotted in the region. It also has hyenas who are forever on the scent of their prey. Elands, plains zebra, gazelles, Grevy’s zebra, hunter’s hartebeest, and lesser kudus are often seen feeding on the 118 plants found in the Tsavo West National Park.

Wildlife Highlights

Wildlife viewing in the Tsavo West is good all year round. However, the Best time will be in the Dry season from June to October. Wildlife is simpler to spot since vegetation is more slender and animals assemble around predictable water sources. 

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing in the Tsavo West is good all year round. However, the Best time will be in the Dry season from June to October. Wildlife is simpler to spot since vegetation is more slender and animals assemble around predictable water sources. 

Birds

Tsavo West National park is an enormous number of over 400 bird species. Ngulia Hills, one of the tourist spots in the park, is arranged along with one of the world's most active avian migration routes. Bird ringers make a yearly journey here between October and January. Ngulia is the site of Africa's principal bird-ringing (labelling to empower individual bird distinguishing proof) project. Some of the rare bird species in the parks are a big lark, waterway songbird, red-upheld shrike, thrush songbird and normal whitethroat.

Best Time for Birding

Bird watchers can visit the park year-round to spot the resident bird species. Migratory birds can be spotted from November to April. The peak months in the short and long rains are November and April with heavy rain a possibility, leading to bird-watching activities being disrupted.

Best Time to Visit – Tsavo West National Park

Wildlife viewing in the Tsavo West is good all year round. However, the Best time will be in the Dry season from June to October. Wildlife is simpler to spot since vegetation is more slender and animals assemble around predictable water sources. 

High Season
December to March and July to October
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around Tsavo West National Park.

No FAQs available for this park yet.

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