Tsavo West National Park
The park is located on south eastern Kenya, 240km from Nairobi along the western side of Mombasa-Nairobi highway.
The savannah ecosystem comprises of open grasslands, scrublands, and Acacia woodlands, belts of riverine vegetation and rocky ridges.
Major wildlife attractions include elephant, rhino, Hippos, lions, cheetah, leopards, Buffalos, diverse plant and bird species including the threatened corncrake and near threatened Basra Reed Warbler.
Access
:: Distance: 240 km from Nairobi, 250km from Mombasa (Mtito Andei Gate).
:: By air There are 3 airstrips in the park
:: Gates: Tsavo, Lake Jipe, Mtito Andei (Kamboyo HQ), Chyulu, Maktau and Ziwani.
:: Roads: The main access routes are through Chyulu Gate from Amboseli and Mtito Andei Gate from Nairobi.
:: Visitors from Mombasa also use Tsavo Gate near Manyani.
:: The Park can also be reached via Taveta –Voi road through Maktau, Ziwani and Jipe Gates.
:: Airstrips: Kamboyo, Kilaguni, Tsavo Gate, Jipe, Kasigau, Finch Hottons, Ziwani, and Maktau airstrips are in good condition.
Size & Location
:: 9,065 Sq. Km.
:: South Eastern Kenya, Inland from Mombasa
Climate
:: Temperature ranges from 20-30 c and rainfall from 200mm – 700 mm.
:: Two rain seasons: Long rains – March & April & short rains – Nov/ December.
Major Attractions
Recent Volcanoes, lava flows and caves with potential for geological and cave exploration and hiking. Mzima Springs & underwater hippo and fish watching.
Wildlife
Leopard, Cheetah, Wild dogs, Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Lion,Crocodile, Mongoose, Hyrax, Dik- dik, Lesser Kudu, and Nocturnal Porcupine. Prolific birdlife features 600 species.
Activities
:: Game viewing
:: Camping
:: Cave exploration
:: Underwater Hippo and fish watching
:: Caving at the Shetani caves
