Tsavo West National Park-Kenya
Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National Park is a popular tourist destination located in the southern part of Kenya. The park is in the coastal region of Kenya and covers an area of approximately 9,065 square kilometers.

Tsavo West National Park

How Many gates does Tsavo West National park have?

savo West National Park has several gates that visitors can use to enter the park. Further the number of gates may vary depending on the source of information, but the most commonly recognized gates are four:

  1. Chyulu Gate: Located in the northern part of the park and offers access to the park from the Chyulu Hills.
  2. Mtito Andei Gate: Located in the southern part of the park and is the main entrance to the park.
  3. Tsavo Gate: Located in the eastern part of the park and offers access to the park from the Nairobi-Mombasa highway.
  4. Jipe Gate: Located in the south-western part of the park and offers access to the park from Tanzania.

Wildlife

Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including some of the most iconic and rare species in Africa.

  1. Elephants: The Park is home to one of the largest populations of elephants in Kenya, with over 12,000 individuals. These majestic creatures can often be seen wandering through the park, drinking at watering holes, and feeding on vegetation.
  2. Lions: Lions are also commonly sighted in the park, and the Mzima Springs area is known for its resident prides.
  3. Leopards: Because leopards are more elusive than lions, visitors to the park may still have the chance to spot these elusive creatures.
  4. Cheetahs: The Park is also home to a small population of cheetahs, which can sometimes be seen sprinting across the open savannah in pursuit of prey.
  5. Buffalo: These large herbivores can be seen grazing on the grasslands, and are often accompanied by their young calves.
  6. Giraffes: Giraffes are another common sight in the park, and visitors may see these tall animals browsing the treetops for leaves.

Tsavo West National Park Attractions

  1. Mzima Springs: This natural spring is a popular attraction in the park.Visitors can take a guided walk along the river to observe the crystal-clear waters, hippos, crocodiles, and various fish species that live there.
  2. Shetani Lava Flows: These black lava flows are a result of a volcanic eruption that occurred over 200 years ago. The lava flows have formed a unique landscape with deep cracks and canyons which visitors can explore the area on foot.
  3. Chaimu Crater: This volcanic crater offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area and is a great spot for a picnic or a guided walk.
  4. Roaring Rocks: These towering rock formations offer visitors panoramic views of the park and the surrounding plains. The rocks get their name from the echoing sound made by the wind as it rushes through the rocks.
  5. Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary: The sanctuary was established to protect the endangered black rhinoceros. Visitors can take a guided tour to see these magnificent animals up close and learn about conservation efforts in the park.
  6. Game Drives: Visitors can take guided game drives to explore the park and see a variety of wildlife species. These elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, and zebras.
  7. Bird Watching: Tsavo West National Park is home to over 600 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers.
  8. Hiking and Camping: The park has several designated hiking trails and camping sites as visitors explore the park on foot and spend the night in the wilderness.

Charges

  1. Citizens/Residents:
  • Adults: Ksh 515 per person per day
  • Children (3-18 years): Ksh 215 per person per day
  1. Non-Residents:
  • Adults: USD 52 per person per day
  • Children (3-18 years): USD 35 per person per day

Note that these charges are subject to change, and visitors should check with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for the latest fees before visiting Tsavo West National Park.

How to get there

The Park is located in the southern part of Kenya, approximately 240 km from Nairobi and 250 km from Mombasa. Here are some ways to get to the park:

  1. By road: The park can be accessed by road from Nairobi or Mombasa. The Nairobi-Mombasa highway runs through the park, making it easy to access from either city. Visitors can use their own vehicles or hire a car to reach the park.
  2. By air: There are several airstrips within the park, which can be used by private charter planes or scheduled flights. The closest airstrip to the park is the Kilaguni Airstrip. This is about 45 minutes drive from the Mtito Andei Gate.
  3. By train: In addition Visitors can also reach the park by train from either Nairobi or Mombasa. The train stops at the Mtito Andei Railway Station, which is about 2 km from the park’s Mtito Andei Gate. From there, visitors can take a taxi or a tour vehicle to enter the park.

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Sabina Kamene