Tsavo West National Park: Mzima Springs, rhinos and volcanic landscapes
Tsavo West is the most varied part of the great Tsavo complex: hills, lava flows, clear springs and scrubby savannah, at the foot of Kilimanjaro on the Kenyan side. Hillier and greener than Tsavo East, it appeals to those who want landscapes as much as animals. Its highlights are Mzima Springs, where you can watch hippos and crocodiles in very clear water, the Shetani lava flow and the Ngulia black rhino sanctuary. To organise a trip from the coast, see safari to Tsavo from Mombasa.
Highlights
Mzima Springs
Springs that feed pools of very clear water. Park guides accompany the walk; you see hippos and crocodiles, and an observation platform gives a view under the water, depending on the season.
The Shetani lava flow
A field of black rock from an eruption that is recent in geological terms. You cross it on foot on a short trail, sometimes with the entrance to a lava cave.
The Ngulia sanctuary and the hills
A protected area home to a population of black rhinos; access is controlled and the rhinos are rarely seen up close. The hills offer fine viewpoints.
Practical info
Tips
- Entry fee for non-residents (KWS rates found in October 2026): USD 80 per adult and USD 40 per child for 24 hours, the same as Tsavo East; about KES 800 more for a car. Payment on the KWS eCitizen portal (card or M-Pesa) or at the gate. These amounts change: check them before you go. Animals are harder to spot than on the open plains because of the dense vegetation: an experienced guide makes all the difference. Mzima Springs is visited on foot: closed shoes, hat, water. Sleep in a lodge in the park or at the gates. The area is hot all year.
How to get there
From Nairobi, the Mtito Andei gate is the most used, and KWS gives about 250 km from Mombasa for this entrance; the Tsavo gate near Manyani is another option from the coast. Operators in Mombasa, Diani and Nairobi offer tours. See also flight or road for a safari and the Nairobi-Mombasa train for getting to the region.
Opening hours
Nearby
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