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.
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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.
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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.
