Tsavo West
National Park

Introduction

Did you know? Shetani Lava Flow in Tsavo West gets its name from the Swahili name “Shetani,” meaning “Devil” - because the locals believed that the volcanic eruption that happened centuries ago was the doing of evil spirits. Today, you can walk on the black, rugged rocks of the frozen molten lava that stretches on for miles.

The land of breathtaking landscapes, dramatic wildlife encounters, and untamed beauty is Tsavo West National Park. From the crystal waters of Mzima Springs to the lava flows of Shetani, a safari in Tsavo West National Park is unmatched. With every attraction inside the park with an interesting backstory.

Location

Tsavo West is located in the southeastern part of Kenya. It is 240 km from Nairobi, taking 4-5 hours. Opting for traveling by air will take you 2 hours, 160 km from Nairobi to Mombasa. The park is famous for its attractions like the Shetani lava flow and Mzima Springs.

Tsavo West Conservancies

Located near Mwatate, Taita-Taveta County, LUMO is approximately 48,000 acres. It is a collaborative initiative formed by the Mramba Communal Grazing Area, the Oza Community Lands, and Lualenyi that promotes ecotourism opportunities that benefit local communities and conservation.

Kamungi Conservancy is nestled along the northern boundary of Tsavo West National Park between Mutito and Athi River. This conservancy serves as a crucial buffer zone, addressing challenges such as poaching and illegal grazing and promoting sustainable coexistence between wildlife and local populations.

This wildlife sanctuary was established to promote both wildlife conservation and tourism. It provides a haven for various wildlife species and promotes conservation efforts in the region.

Covering over 4,046 sq km, the Taita Taveta Conservancies Association comprises 35 community conservancies and ranches. These conservancies act as wildlife dispersal and migratory corridors connecting Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks.

Tsavo West Camps & Lodges
( In & Around )

Soroi Lion's Bluff

Inside a conservancy

Finch Hattons Luxury Camp

Inside

Severin Safari Camp

Inside

Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp

Inside

Salt Lick Safari Lodge

At the border

Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

Inside

Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa

Around

ManiEaters Camp

Inside

Lake Jipe Eco Lodge

Around

Ngulia Safari Lodge Kwaheri

Inside

Tsavo Safari Camp

Around

Soroi Lion's Bluff

Inside

Finch Hattons Luxury Camp

Inside

Severin Safari Camp

Inside

Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp

Inside

Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

Inside

Salt Lick Safari Lodge

At the border

Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa

Around

Ngulia Safari Lodge Kwaheri

Inside

ManiEaters Camp

Inside

Lake Jipe Eco Lodge

Around

Tsavo Safari Camp

Around

Tsavo West Airstrips

This airstrip is nestled in Tsavo West National Park at 3,500 feet above sea level. The closest stay is at Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge, just a few minutes away, offering stunning park views. The Voi airstrip arrival schedule is 9:00 AM, and the departure time is 3:00 PM.

This airstrip is at an altitude of around 2,750 feet, with it being close to the charming Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge. Kilaguni Airstrip arrival time is 10:15 AM and departure time is 4:30 PM, linking travelers with the rich diversity in wildlife at Tsavo West and luxury.

Nestled in the western part of Tsavo West National Park. Finch Hattons Airstrip offers a private and exclusive entry to Kenya's most iconic destination. This airstrip is named after Denys Finch Hatton, a famous British aristocrat and a big game hunter. At an altitude of 2,400 ft (800 m), this private airstrip serves Finch Hattons Luxury Camp, which is nestled near Chyulu Hills. The camp is ideal for high-end travelers seeking exclusivity; hence arrival time is 8:30 AM, and then thereafter departing back to Wilson. In cases of exclusivity, helicopters are also available.

At an altitude of 2,400 feet, Ziwani Airstrip is the perfect getaway to the enchanting Voyager Ziwani Camp, a nearby riverside retreat famed for its hippo sightings and colonial charm. The arrival time is 8:45 AM, and the departure time is 3:00 PM.

Tsavo West Wildlife

Shetani Lava Flow

Leopards, hyenas, rock hyraxes

Mzima Springs

Hippos, Crocodiles, fish species (cichlids, tilapia, and barbel fish), birds (Kingfisher, heron, and fish eagle)

Rhino sanctuary

Black rhinos, elephants, and buffalo

Poacher’s Lookout

Lions, cheetahs, giraffes

Chaimu Crater

Baboons, birds of prey, and Klipspringers

The Plains & Savannah Woodlands

Elephants, zebras, buffalo, wildebeest, & Lesser kudu

Tsavo West Safari Packages

Tsavo West Common Activities

Exploring Shetani Lava Flow

Visit Mzima Springs

Boat safaris at Lake Jipe

Hiking at Chaimu Crater

Visiting the pacher’s outlook

Rhino tracking at Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary

Game drives

Birdwatching

Photography safaris

Cultural tours and community visits

Bushwalks

Camping

Tsavo West FAQs

What is special about Mzima Springs?

Mzima Springs is a series of natural springs with crystal-clear waters where you can view hippos and fish through an underwater observation chamber—a rare experience in East African safaris.

Are the “red elephants” found in Tsavo West?

Yes. The elephants in Tsavo often appear red due to bathing in the park’s iron-rich soil, giving them a reddish tint—one of Tsavo’s signature sights.

What is Shetani Lava Flow, and why is it famous?

It is a formation of molten lava that erupted thousands of years ago, forming black, rugged rocks that stretch on for miles.

Can I camp in Tsavo West National Park?

Yes, the park has public, private, and special campsites, like the Kudu campsite.

Are night game drives allowed in Tsavo West?

No, night game drives are not allowed in the park; however, some private conservancies near the park do offer night game drives, like Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary.

Is Tsavo West accessible for disabled tourists?

Some lodges and camps have wheelchair-accessible facilities, and game drives can be arranged with custom safari vehicles for disabled visitors.

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