Tsavo National Park West is undoubtedly one of the best places for a Kenya safari. Since every region is different, visiting a couple while you’re in Kenya will give you the best experience.
With its red soil and abundance of elephants, Tsavo National Park West and East are a must when in Kenya. This guide is designed to give you an idea of what a sustainable safari is like, and all the reasons why to put Tsavo on your Kenya safari itinerary.
I started my safari in Kenya Masai Mara prior to hopping on a plane directly towards Tsavo. So, this guide is a direct continuation of this and hopefully gives you a better idea of why they are great to combine.
Things to Know about Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park West is part of the larger Tsavo National Park, which is one of the largest national parks in the world. It covers approximately 22,000 square kilometers, Tsavo West itself spans about 9,065 square kilometers. The park is situated in the Coast Province of Kenya, near the Tanzanian border.
I stayed at Kipalo Hills by Secluded Africa Lodges which sits in the Mbulia Conservancy. The camp was established on the grounds of the Mbulia Group Ranch which covers almost 36,000 acres and is the most peaceful place. The location permits to easily do both game drives to Tsavo West and East.
How to Get to Tsavo
Flight: Air travel offers a quicker alternative with several charter flight options available from Wilson Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa. These flights land at various airstrips within the parks, such as Kilaguni, Finch Hattons, and Jipe in Tsavo West, or Voi, Aruba, and Satao in Tsavo East. For us, Voi was the most convenient and ideal to already do a game drive upon arrival.
Train: Alternatively, the Madaraka Express train provides a scenic and comfortable journey from both Nairobi and Mombasa to Voi. The train ride from Nairobi to Voi takes about 4 to 5 hours, while from Mombasa to Voi, it takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. Upon arriving in Voi you can easily arrange transfers to the park gates.
Self Drive: If you’re an experienced driver in Africa, you can also opt for renting a car. By road, the most common route from Nairobi involves driving via the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway (A109). This scenic drive covers approximately 240 kilometers to Tsavo West, taking around 4 to 5 hours.
Entrance gates such as Mtito Andei, Tsavo Gate, and Maktau Gate provide access to the park. From Mombasa, the distance to Tsavo West is roughly 250 kilometers, with a similar driving time of 4 to 5 hours along the same highway
When you plan your visit, I recommend you to use a 4×4 vehicle if driving. Ensure your vehicle is well-fueled, as petrol stations are scarce near the park. Additionally, I suggest you to carry ample water, snacks, and other essentials is wise.
You can arrange your entry permits for the park at the gates or online through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website.
An alternative trip could be this 4-Day Tsavo National Park West, East and Amboseli Safari from Mombasa to Nairobi.
Kenya Wifi & Internet
When it comes to staying connected, Wi-Fi is rather spotty and only available in the main mess at camp. You could consider getting a local Safaricom SIM card in Nairobi or Mombasa.
If you need mobile internet access on the go, purchasing an eSIM card is a convenient option. For the duration of your 3-day safari in Tsavo National Park West itinerary, check out Airalo for great data packages that offer affordable internet access.
Tsavo National Park West: 7 Reasons to Visit
Wildlife Abundant Game Drive
One of the perks of staying at Kipalo Hills is the individual game drives in custom-built 4×4 vehicles with open roof hatches. Since the lodge is so conveniently situated, you can easily head off to Mbulia Conservancy as well as to Tsavo National Park West and East!
The park is characterized by its dramatic scenery, including rolling plains, volcanic hills, dense bush, rocky outcrops, and rivers. Driving through Tsavo West really includes the most breathtaking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, making you feel small in the process.
Prepared with a camera, breakfast picnic and sunscreen, we headed off to our safari in Tsavo East. The distances are longer than you think, however the roads are good and you likely run into a few other cars. We passed a bunch of waterholes surrounded by elephants, zebras or giraffes – truly special!
Tsavo is particularly famous for its large elephant population. The red dust of the park gives the elephants a distinctive reddish appearance. The area is also well known for its lion population, giraffes and zebras are frequently spotted across the landscape as well as herds of buffalos, hippos and crocodiles.
Guided Bush Walks
Starting off early, one of the local rangers and guide take us on our morning bush walk. You can learn about dung beetles, plants that serve as a natural band-aid and others that can be used as eye drops. The guide Mustafa will closely inspect footprints with you (which could be from one of the resident leopards), but also elephant footprints and others – truly fascinating!
Exclusive Waterhole Visits
The visit of the waterholes in the conservancy is the best opportunity for you to get very close to the resident elephants. After our bush walk, we headed to a big waterhole, and the team already prepared our bush breakfast. Nestled under a tree, we started eating the wonderfully prepared meals – they even cooked eggs in the bush!
Eventually, we heard an elephant approach, slowly wandering to the water. Not long after, another 4-5 approached, all young males. Talk about the best breakfast of my life! Seeing these giants so close, just water and dust between us was just fantastic. They enjoyed their breakfast alongside us
With our team was about 1-2 armed rangers to watch the behaviors closely in case we have to return to our cars.
Visiting the Anti-Poaching Ranger Post
As with all Secluded Africa Lodges, each booking contributes money to a trust that benefits the local community. Especially in the private Mbulia Conservancy, you have the chance to visit the Rangers. One of the ladies will prepare a delicious chai tea while you get to meet the guys. They have no shortage on stories of how they ambushed poachers and made sure the animals were safe.
As we learned there are different levels to poachers: some want to feed their family while the big boys show up with firearms, looking for elephants. Over 12 poachers have been arrested by the team so far. Then, they get jail time or a chance to change their lives to become beekeepers!
Adventurous Bush Picnic Breakfasts
On your game drive days, you’ll start with some cookies & tea or coffee for your wakeup call in camp. From there, you’ll start your adventure day in either Tsavo National Park West or East for a full-day safari. Our guide Mustafa took us to this stunning rugged mountain that reminded of The Lion King. From up there, we could overlook a big natural waterhole with some zebras, marabou storks and even an eland around!
Fueled with coffee, pancakes, yogurt, eggs and sausages, you’ll be ready to embark further into the park!
Dreamy Sundowners with a View of Mt. Kilimanjaro
Another unmissable activity arranged by the Kipalo Hills team – a sundowner up the rocks. Overlooking the vast Tsavo National Park West and Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance is something you can’t top. The bar is set up with drinks from wine, beer and cocktails while the chef is preparing another great lamb leg by the open fire.
Planting Trees to Support Conservation
The wonderful end of your stay at Kipalo Hills includes planting trees! In total, the team has planted over 200 trees in the communities and replaced over 600 trees in the conservancy. Each guest that stays will have the opportunity to plant their own tree or the rangers plant it for you.
Kenya Safari Lodge: Tsavo West
Kipalo Hills is one of the most magical places I’ve stayed in. Perched against the rocky hillside, it sits within a private conservancy (hello night game drive!) and faces Mt. Kilimanjaro. The views overlooking the vast landscapes, the sounds of baboons and the rocky terrain remind of The Lion King.
The lodge features a grand Mess area with ample dining spots a bar and lounges, ready for you to unwind. There are 6 Traditional Safari Tents, The Rock Suite and the incredible The Cliff Villa with a private pool. The whole camp runs on solar power, features a pool and overlooks a waterhole that welcomes elephants, leopards and water buffalos. The daily wake-up calls with homemade cookies and coffee are an extra treat!
Lodges in Tsavo East
If you prefer to stay in Tsavo East, you can look into Sentrim Tsavo East. The hotel offers tented accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. Another option could be Ashnil Aruba Lodge which is situated near the Aruba Dam. This lodge features modern comforts and overlooks a prime game-viewing area. The lodge offers a swimming pool, restaurant, and comfortable rooms, making it a popular choice for visitors.
I hope this guide gives you inspiration for your next Kenya safari. In the end, each game reserve in Kenya is unique and worth visiting for different reasons. Nevertheless, the wildlife, and especially the team members of Kipalo Hills with their unwavering effort to sustainability and protect the wildlife are a true travel highlight.
Keen on more East Africa travel inspo? Check out these posts!
Kenya Masai Mara: a 3-Day Conservation Safari You’ll Love
Are you looking for a longer Kenya itinerary? Head to my 10-Day Kenya itinerary and the 30 gems you’ll love!
Been to Zanzibar? Find out about the best activities & things to do in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
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