Tsavo West National Park lies 250 kms south of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. The park covers 10,500 sq kms of pristine wilderness and hosts one of the largest diversities of animals and plant life in Africa. This includes Kenya’s largest elephant population, which stands at approximately 10,000 individuals (both Tsavo West and East). The Park’s variety of species are impressive: over 60 species of mammal (including the “Big Five”), 400 bird species and over 1,000 plant species.
The Northern part of the park features beautiful picturesque mountains, valleys, the Rhino Sanctuary and Tsavo River, spectacular lava flows and marginal – densely thick bush that provides excellent food and protection for animals while allowing visitors unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Southern region of the park, also known as the Serengeti plains features wide open areas and medium bushland that is prime habitat for plains game such as oryx, impala, eland, kongoni (Coke’s hartebeest), dik dik, zebra, Grant’s gazelle, gerenuk, and lesser kudu. In addition, there is a spectacular variety of birds that can be seen at Lake Jipe.
Vast areas of Tsavo West are one of the few untouched and really wild ecosystems left in Kenya today that is not tainted by mass tourism.
Getting There
Click here for Directions Click here for the map of Kenya Click here for a map of the Tsavo National Park
Air Charters & Commercial Flights
The closest airstrip is the Maktau airstrip at the National Park gate, 7 km away, which may be used for private charters. The next closest are at Kilaguni and Finch Hattons in Tsavo West National Park, which are serviced by Safarilink from Wilson Airport, Nairobi.
From Nairobi by Road
Travel to Mitito Andei town (approximately 3 hrs from Nairobi.) Turn right at Mitito Andei into Main Gate Tsavo West National Park. KWS smart cards may be loaded at the main gate. Once through the gate travel for 14 kms to sign No 4. Turn left. Travel to sign No 15. Go straight across. Travel to sign No 16. Go straight across. Carry on straight and do not take any right turns to reach the Tsavo River bridge for approximately 15 kms. Cross the bridge and travel for approximately 3 kms to a T-junction. This is the Mizima Springs pipeline road. At the T-junction turn left and travel for approximately 4.5 kms to reach sign No 66. At this sign turn right and travel straight for approximately 38 kms to Maktau Gate. Please call us from Mitito Andei with an approximate time of arrival into Maktau so that we can arrange for a member of staff to meet you there to guide you to Ndolwa House.
The drive through the Park from the main gate at Mitito Andei to Ndolwa House takes approximately 2 - 2 ½ hours game viewing through one of the most spectacular scenic game parks in Kenya.
From Mombasa by Road
Drive down the main Nairobi-Mombasa road to Voi (approximately 1½ - 2 hours). Just before the Caltex petrol station on the main road turn left and take this main Voi – Taveta road. Travel 20 kms to Mwatate town. Carry straight on. When the tarmac ends proceed on the murram road and pass the next town called Bura and carry on. Pass Taita Hills and Salt Lick Lodges on the left. Proceed to next town called Maktau. The road from Voi to Maktau is 55 kms (approximately 1 hour drive). Please call us from Voi with an approximate time of arrival into Maktau so that we can arrange for a member of our staff to meet you there to guide you the last few kilometers to Ndolwa House.