Tsavo West Facts

Location
Tsavo West is about 200km from north of Mombasa and 240km south east of Nairobi on the main Nairobi to Mombasa Highway.
From Nairobi
The main gate to Tsavo West and the best gate to take if you are traveling from both Nairobi (240km) is the Mtito Andei Gate. This is the main gate into Tsavo West and is 249 kms north of Mombasa.
From Mombasa
Use the Tsavo Gate near Manyani on the main Nairobi-Mombasa road (A109)
From Amboseli
Chyulu Gate is best if you are travelling from Amboseli. Tsavo West can also be reached via Taveta-Voi road through Maktau, Ziwani and Jipe gates.
Airstrips
There are no scheduled flights to the Park but chartered light planes can be used and there are airstrips at Kamboyo, Kilaguni, Tsavo Gate, Jipe, Kasigau, Finch Hottons, Ziwani and Maktau.
Opening Times
Tsavo West National park opens at 6.30am and closes at 6.30pm.
Park Entrance
A smartcard is needed to enter Tsavo, these can be obtained and loaded at the Tsavo West Mtito Andei Gate and used at a number of National Parks throughout Kenya including Nairobi, Lake Nakuru, Aberdare, Amboseli, Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks.
When to visit Tsavo West
Tsavo West can be visited throughout the year, you will just see different things at different times.
The temperature ranges from 20 - 30 degrees celcius and rainfall ranges from 200mm - 700mm.
Seasons
There are two rainy seasons.
The long rains from March to May and short rains from November to December.
January to March is hot and dry and July to October is warm and dry.
Malaria Area
Tsavo West is an area where there is malaria and it is recommended that you take the necessary precautions if you visit this area. More information on Malaria.