Discover Tsavo West National Park
Part of a protected conservation area, Tsavo West National Park is a place of stunning natural beauty and is not to be missed on your visit to East Africa. There is so much more to do here than game drives, including rock climbing, visiting the rhino reserves and traversing the Tsavo River.
Tsavo West National Park Attractions
The Mzima Springs are a main attraction in Tsavo West, made up from four natural springs across the National Park that are born from volcanic rock. The water is also home to alligators and hippopotamus and the surrounding trees that are a by-product of the pure water help sustain food for monkeys and birds. You can spot them all on an exciting game drive with Cheetah Safaris.
Tsavo West National Park covers nearly 10,000 sq. Km and has swamps, extinct volcanoes, plains and greenery that you can explore on your next trip to Kenya that is a thriving eco system that sustains a wide range of flora and fauna. Why not stay over night in one of the on-site lodges as part of your package when you book with Cheetah Safaris? Spend three days exploring both Tsavo East and West with us, perfect for first time adventurers.
Not sure which safari experience is the right one for you and your family? Browse Kenya safari holidays online.
Tsavo West National Park Entry Fees
| Category | Entry Fee (USD) |
| Foreign Adults | $80 |
| Foreign Children (5-15 years) | $40 |
| Citizens | KSH 1,000 |
| Citizen Children | KSH 500 |
| Foreign Residents | KSH 1350 |
| Students & Researchers | Special rates apply with permits |
Best Time to Visit Tsavo West National Park
The best time to visit Tsavo West National Park is during the dry seasons, from June to October and January to February. This period offers excellent wildlife viewing, as animals gather near water sources like Mzima Springs and the Tsavo River. The park remains open year round, but the experience varies by season.
March to May & November – Early December
Tsavo West experiences long rains from March to May and short rains from November to early December. During this time, the park is lush and green, making it perfect for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive. However, thick vegetation can make spotting wildlife harder, and some roads may become muddy and difficult to navigate. Fewer tourists visit during this period, meaning more affordable accommodation and a quieter safari experience.
June to October
This is the best time for game drives and visiting attractions like Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava Flows, and Chaimu Crater. Wildlife is easier to spot as the vegetation thins out, and animals gather at permanent water sources. The weather is cool and dry, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. Although visitor numbers increase, Tsavo West remains less crowded than Maasai Mara or Amboseli.
July to September & December to February
This is the busiest time of the year, especially during the European summer holidays (July to September) and the festive season (December to February). Lodges and camps are often fully booked, and prices are at their highest. Wildlife sightings are frequent, and photographers get the best shots due to clear skies and good lighting.
How to Get to Tsavo West National Park
By Road
A 5 to 6 hour drive from Dar es Salaam via Morogoro and Mikumi along the A7 highway. The final stretch from Mikumi to the park entrance at Mang’ula takes about 1.5 hours. Buses and taxis are available from Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, or Mikumi.
By Air
The closest airstrip is Mikumi Airstrip, which receives charter flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Arusha. From Mikumi, a short road transfer leads to the park.
By Rail
The Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) offers a scenic 6 to 7 hour journey from Dar es Salaam to Mang’ula Station, located near the park entrance.
Best Places to Stay at Tsavo West National Park
Gallery and Photos of Tsavo West National Park
Safari Packages to Tsavo West National Park
Other National Parks to visit
