Explore Tsavo West National Park in Kenya

Tsavo West National Park is located in Taita-Taveta County, in southeastern Kenya.  Part of the greater Tsavo Conservation Area, along with Tsavo East National Park, it covers about 9065 sq. km (3500 sq. mi).  It is roughly equidistant from the capital, Nairobi, and coastal Mombasa.

As with most Kenyan national parks, the Dry Seasons; from June to October and January-February offer the best weather and conditions for game viewing.  Wildlife tends to gather around water sources and the roads are in better condition.

Accessible by road and air, Tsavo West National Park is easily reached.  When you book with FlashMc Tours, we transport you safely and in comfort from either Nairobi or Mombasa, taking 4-5 hours to reach the park.  Scheduled flights deliver tourists from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to airstrips within the park.

Yes.  Tsavo West is well-managed with ample security although it is wise to adhere to standard travel safety practices.  Wild animals do present a hazard, and as such you are cautioned to obey the rules and regulations pertaining to wildlife interactions.  Also, listen to the instructions of your guides or the authorities at all times.

Costs vary by lodge category, travel season, and transport method, with options from mid-range to high-end lodges and tented camps.

A stay of 3 to 6 nights allows enough time to explore key landscapes and enjoy a blend of game drives and scenic experiences.

Tsavo West National Park is one of the few parks in Kenya that boast the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo).  Other large predators include African wild dogs, cheetahs and hyenas.  A large variety of herbivores include hippo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and various antelopes.  Birdlife is prolific, with some 600 species recorded.

Yes, vulnerable and endangered species such as the black rhino, cheetah, African wild dog occur in the park.  Tsavo West National Park has a proud legacy in conserving these and other threatened species through interventions and breeding programs.

The dramatic landscape includes rolling plains, hills, lava flows, and riparian forest.  There are numerous spectacular geological features, like the Shetani Lava Flow and Chyulu Hills

Activities in the Tsavo West National Park include game drives, guided nature walks, visits to points of interest, such as Mzima Springs, and birdwatching.  Rock climbing, caving, and cultural visits add color to the overall experience.

Yes.  Whether an in-house program at the lodge or camp, or a special activity laid on by the FlashMc Tours staff, children will find plenty to keep them entertained.  Be it an archery or art lesson, or an exciting treasure hunt in nature, activities are designed to stimulate the senses and create awareness.

When you book with FlashMc Tours, your personal guide will facilitate your wildlife and cultural experiences at Tsavo West.  In the company of qualified and experienced guides, you’ll learn interesting ecological and cultural facts pertinent to the area.  Tours include game drives, walks, and bird identification walks.

The dramatic landscape was made for photographers.  The wildlife is the obvious attraction, but it helps photographers immensely when the scenic backdrops are as beautiful as they are in Tsavo West National Park.  Our guides are well-experienced in catering to the needs of photographers – so be sure to let them know of your passion.

Generally speaking, the day starts with a game drive, with another scheduled later in the day – all while the cooler temperatures mean the wildlife is more active.  However, the park’s massive size also lends itself to full day catered game drives.  Otherwise, most meals are served at the lodge.  Optional activities may be available in between game drives, such as nature walks or sightseeing.

Our guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation at Tsavo West.  Various lodges and camps offer an array of options catering to various preferences and budgets.  The choice includes all-inclusive luxury lodges and mobile or fixed tented camps.  FlashMc Tours selects its accommodation options based mainly on the “eco-friendliness” of the establishment.

Campsites, picnic sites, visitor centers, and viewpoints are open to the public.  Private lodges and camps have restaurants, comfortable public areas, gift shops, and swimming pools.  Luxury lodges may have a wellness center and inhouse educational experiences.

In Tsavo West National Park, conservation efforts focus on protecting wildlife, managing habitats, and supporting affected communities.  Anti-poaching measures, wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, and breeding programs all form part of the mix for park staff.  Community outreach is an ongoing and vital part of the conservation effort.

Start by booking with a tour operator like FlashMc Tours that uses only eco-friendly service providers.  Participate in conservation programs, respect the rules and regulations of the park and do not disturb the environment or the animals.  Financial donations and skill-sharing add impetus to various community initiatives.

Yes.  The various lodges and camps within Tsavo West National Park practice sustainability through the use of renewable energy, sound water management, and recycling.  Community outreach and conservation programs foster goodwill and encourage the protection and upliftment of the environment and its inhabitants.

Yes, there are archaeological sites boasting rock art, ancient burial sites, and communal middens rich in artifacts.  More can be learned about the cultural history of the area in visits to traditional villages in the neighboring areas.

The main cultural significance of the park is in promoting community upliftment through sustainable development, and outreach programs which draw on communal wisdom to formulate conservation and social strategies.

Yes, many of the safari operations utilizing the park incorporate activities that introduce visitors to the traditions and practices of the populations adjacent to the park.  The visits foster understanding and highlight the local contribution to conservation efforts within Tsavo West National Park.

Your safari wardrobe should be lightweight, neutrally colored, breathable – to be worn in layers which can be adjusted according to temperature.  Be sunwise by packing a good hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.  Keep comfortable with a water bottle, insect repellant, and good shoes.  Improve your game viewing experience with a good camera and binoculars.  Bring sufficient personal medication and a small first-aid kit.

All fees are covered in the package price when you book with FlashMc Tours.

Do not drive offroad, especially in wet conditions.  Do not feed, harm, closely approach, or otherwise harass the wildlife.  Preserve the natural beauty by not littering or creating excessive noise.  Always be respectful of the local customs and traditions.