Wildlife densities in Tsavo West National Park are not particularly high, but the diverse fauna is present if you have patience. Elephants are abundant and often coated in red dust, giving them a unique appearance. The park is also home to maneless lions and large herds of buffalo. Since the 1980s, black rhinos have been making a remarkable recovery after nearing local extinction.
Tsavo West is an excellent destination for spotting the elusive lesser kudu. The rocky terrain provides an ideal habitat for klipspringers, often seen in pairs. Watch for antelope adapted to arid environments, such as the rare fringe-eared oryx and the gerenuk. Leopard sightings are also possible. The drive-through rhino sanctuary further enhances your chances of encountering the elusive black rhino.
The Dry season (June to October) offers the best wildlife viewing in Tsavo West, though the park is worth visiting year-round. During this period, sparse vegetation and limited water sources concentrate animal activity around the remaining waterholes. The dry spell between the short and long rains, from January to February, is also an excellent time for observing wildlife.
Tsavo West provides excellent bird watching throughout the year. Many of the park’s unique resident species can be spotted at any time. Migratory birds, which are a highlight of birding in the park, populate the trees, waterways, and skies from November to April. If birding is your primary focus, note that November and April are peak rainfall months. The months in between are generally the best for bird watching.
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Nov to Apr
The coolest months are sunny and have very little rain, so warm clothing is required for open-vehicle game drives.
In June and July, sunny afternoons see temperatures reach about 26°C (79°F), while early mornings and nights are cool, averaging 15°C (59°F).
In August and September, temperatures slowly increase. By September, the average daytime temperature is 27°C (81°F), though it can be higher.
In October, both humidity and heat rise, signaling the approach of the wet season.
The Wet season consists of two rainy periods: the short rains and the long rains, with a drier spell in January and February in between.
November & December – ‘Short rains’:
The Wet season starts in November, despite the first rains often arriving in October. Expect afternoon storms and daytime temperatures around 29°C (84°F), though the rain cools things down.
January & February:
February is the hottest month, with average afternoon temperatures of 30°C (86°F). This period is a dry spell between the short and long rains. The exact timing of this dry spell can vary.
March, April & May – ‘Long rains’:
The long rains typically begin in the second half of March. Brief afternoon showers are common, with April being the wettest month. Road conditions often deteriorate in April and May. Afternoon temperatures are around 29°C (84°F).
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is located 15km (9 miles) southeast of Nairobi, which is Kenya’s largest transport hub. Moi International Airport (MBA), the second international airport in Kenya, is 9km (6 miles) west of Mombasa.
Tsavo West National Park is situated in southeast Kenya, 232km (144 miles) from Nairobi and 210km (130 miles) from Mombasa. You can drive to the park from Nairobi (4 to 6 hours), Mombasa (4 to 5 hours), or from another park, depending on your plans.
Here’s a tip: Check Skyscanner to find airlines flying to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and to compare ticket prices.
Charter flights between parks are typically arranged in advance by Bush 2 City Adventure as part of your tour package. Scheduled domestic flights from Nairobi leave from Wilson Airport (WIL), which is 6km (4 miles) south of the city. You can book domestic flights with these airlines:
AirKenya: Flies from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Tsavo-Finch Hatton airstrip.
Safarilink: Connects Tsavo airstrips with Nairobi’s Wilson Airport.
Mombasa Air Safari: Links Tsavo-Finch Hatton airstrip with Mombasa, Malindi, Diani Beach, and the Masai Mara.
Please visit our Kenya page to learn more about passport, visa, vaccination, and other entry requirements.
In our opinion, Tsavo West National Park is a very safe destination, especially on an organized tour. Crime in Kenyan parks and reserves is very rare. However, it’s wise to take safety precautions in the cities and towns between parks (see ‘Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ below). Most visitors to Kenya experience no crime-related issues during their stay.
For the latest safety information, check the government travel advisories (see the ‘Safety & Security – Kenya Page‘).
Consult your doctor about the vaccinations you may need before traveling to Kenya. The primary health concern is malaria, but the risk is very low if you take antimalarials. Additional precautions, such as covering exposed skin in the evening and using mosquito repellent with DEET, also help reduce the risk. Malaria is most common during the rainy seasons, from March to May and November to December.
Wildlife viewing is very safe if you follow your guide’s instructions. Incidents with wild animals are extremely rare. For more details, please read the ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ section below.
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