National park
National park
Tsavo West National Park
Lava flows, Mzima Springs and the man-eaters' country.
- Southeastern Kenya
- Best: Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct
- Entry from US$80
Overview
- Area
- About 9,065 km²
- Bird species
- 600+
- Rhino sanctuary
- Ngulia
- Main gate
- Mtito Andei (240 km from Nairobi)
- Airstrips
- Kilaguni, Finch Hattons and others
Tsavo West covers about 9,065 km², making it Kenya's second-largest national park. The Nairobi–Mombasa highway and railway separate it from Tsavo East.
Its landscape is volcanic: the Shetani lava flow, the Chyulu foothills and Mzima Springs, where water filtered through lava rock wells up into clear pools with hippos and crocodiles.
The park is famous for the man-eating lions that stopped work on the Kenya–Uganda Railway in 1898, and it holds remains of First World War fighting.
- Mzima Springs
Clear spring pools with an underwater viewing chamber.
- Shetani lava flow
A black lava field and caves from a recent eruption.
- Lake Jipe and Roaring Rocks
A cross-border lake and a viewpoint over the plains.
Things to do
- Game drives
Volcanic hills, plains and springs.
- Walking safariUS$50
Groups of up to 10, excluding entry and security.
- Cave and lava-flow visits
Shetani lava flow and caves.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Best in the dry months; springs keep wildlife in the park all year.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Wetter
- Dec: Good
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS Conservation Fees 2025 (Legal Notice 160 of 2025)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hoursChildren 5–17: KES 500 / KES 675 / US$40 / US$20 (citizen / resident / non-resident / African citizen). | US$80 | KES 1,350 | US$40 | KES 1,000 |
| Tsavo West – Amboseli packageper adult, one entry to each park | US$150 | KES 2,900 | US$80 | KES 2,200 |
| Tsavo East – Tsavo West – Amboseli packageper adult, one entry to each park | US$215 | KES 4,000 | US$115 | KES 3,000 |
| Walking safariper person per day, groups of up to 10 | US$50 | KES 3,000 | US$50 | KES 3,000 |
- Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$80
- Foreign resident
- KES 1,350
- Rest of Africa
- US$40
- East African citizen
- KES 1,000
Children 5–17: KES 500 / KES 675 / US$40 / US$20 (citizen / resident / non-resident / African citizen).
- Tsavo West – Amboseli packageper adult, one entry to each park
- Foreign non-resident
- US$150
- Foreign resident
- KES 2,900
- Rest of Africa
- US$80
- East African citizen
- KES 2,200
- Tsavo East – Tsavo West – Amboseli packageper adult, one entry to each park
- Foreign non-resident
- US$215
- Foreign resident
- KES 4,000
- Rest of Africa
- US$115
- East African citizen
- KES 3,000
- Walking safariper person per day, groups of up to 10
- Foreign non-resident
- US$50
- Foreign resident
- KES 3,000
- Rest of Africa
- US$50
- East African citizen
- KES 3,000
- Fees are paid cashless through KWSPay on eCitizen. Children are aged 5–17.
- The Kenya Tourism Federation challenged these rates in the High Court in October 2025; KWS republished the same rates in 2026. Confirm the amount when you pay.
Getting there
- By roadFrom NairobiAbout 4–5 hours
Mtito Andei Gate, 240 km from Nairobi; also via Chyulu Gate from Amboseli.
- By roadFrom Nairobi or MombasaTrain
Standard Gauge Railway to Mtito Andei.
- By airFrom Nairobi (Wilson Airport)About 1 hour
Flights to Kilaguni and other airstrips.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Roads are rough in places; a 4WD is recommended.
- Gates open from 6:00 to 18:00 unless you are staying overnight.
Frequently asked questions
Where were the Tsavo man-eaters?
Along the Tsavo River during construction of the Kenya–Uganda Railway in 1898, in what is now Tsavo West.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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