Tsavo is located near the Coast of Kenya between Nairobi and Mombasa; it is one of the largest parks in the world and the largest in Kenya. Its area is almost 22,000 km2, divided into two separate parks; Tsavo East & Tsavo West. This split occurred because the railway line crossed the park from Mombasa heading to the interior of Kenya.
Tsavo became a wildlife sanctuary in 1949 after it was gazetted by the British government in Kenya. The main reasons being that the area was large and it was uninhabited by any humans within miles, thus becoming the perfect location for the wildlife. The area was also not arable, and was also a disease-infested region with thousands of tsetse flies that carries trypanosomiasis which targeted livestock. It was known as Taru Desert in the early days because it was hot and dry scrubland.
A sizeable herd of elephants and rhinos had their home there, but the human population did exert pressure beyond their boundaries on to the park. The elephant original habitat was disrupted; in addition, the park was being transformed to be open grassland from scrubland which was a great disadvantage to the elephants and rhinos who are browsers. The unfavorable conditions gradually diminished the Elephant population and in the early 1970s, the female and the young died in large numbers creating the generation gap. Also, illegal poaching for ivory also contributed to their reduced numbers of 11,000 elephants from the initial 45,000.
The Man-Eaters of Tsavo.
The History
The construction of the railway into the heart of Africa was not to be an easy task, with a legend of The Tsavo man-eaters, which creates a nostalgic feeling. The railroad from Mombasa was constructed through the Tsavo plains. River Tsavo became the center of mauling, with the challenge of constructing a bridge over it which took 9 months to complete; workers were attacked by two male lions as they slept in their tents near the bridge. Many were dragged off the bridge.
There were preventive measures put in place but this went on from the month of March all through to December. It was during this time when many workers bolted abandoning the works, stalling the construction progress. The two lions were later shot and killed by Lt. John Patterson, the building project leader. This was after many failed attempts of the project continuation. The Chicago Field Museum holds the remains of these mane-less lions in their permanent display.
There is no real number on the causalities but it is said to be around 50-130. A number of movies have been produced based on the same, recent being ‘The Ghost and the Darkness.
The Lunatic Express
Charles Miller, an author came up with this word in the 1970s as the referral to the Kenya-Uganda Railway line which its construction started in 1896, in Mombasa, and reached the port city of Kisumu (Lake Victoria) in 1901. The railroad finally reached Kampala, Uganda in 1903. The whole construction was met with a lot of resistance, which was targeted at the British colonial government which was considered by the liberals as a waste of money. The name tends to stick because, despite its challenges during construction, it delivered its function ending up opening tourism and trade in East Africa. The line is still in use to date from Mombasa all the way to Kampala.
Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East is ultimately the biggest park in Kenya. With an area of 13,700 km2, it is 9 times bigger than the Masai Mara National Reserve. At Tsavo East, you can drive for hours in the vast wilderness without coming across any vehicle. The feeling of watching the wildlife under the big sky is way out of this world.
The history
The pre-historic communities of hunters and gatherers used to dwell in scattered settlements across East of Tsavo. They dwelled along the banks of River Galana, 50,000 to 100,000 years ago. They foraged for fruits, small animals, edible flowers, seeds, locust, roots and tubers, and fish. The men hunted the big animals with the training and practice gained during adolescents, by the use of clubs, spears, bows and arrows.
The ancestors of the Kamba community migrated from the slopes of Mt. Kenya to the northwest of Tsavo thousands of years later. In the process, the hunters and gatherers communities were gradually displaced. They were armed with iron-works technology, like their counterpart tribes; the Mijikenda and the Kikuyu that’s around 1000BC to 200BC.
Because of the River Galana, the Kamba were also restricted to banks like the hunters and gatherers. They began to explore the savannah herding their livestock there. They sought honey from the bees’ nest in the baobab trees, making them the renown bee-keepers for centuries across Kenya. Their art of arrow poisoning made the ace their hunting expeditions.
The Masai brought their livestock way after the Swahili traders had made contact with the inland of Kenya. The Kamba were used as the middlemen for the different types of business which included slaves from far interior, ivory, alcohol, gunpowder, silver coins, rhino horns, and many more. They were known as the long-distance traders because of the distance they covered during the trade. They also assisted the Swahili to lead the early missionary into the inland of Kenya, making it one of the world’s first safari. Johann Krapf, the Bible scholar from Germany, was shown the equatorial snowy peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya (then Mount Kirinyaga) In the 1880s together with the geologist from Scotland Joseph Thomson, they made way their way through Masai-land and nobody lost their life in that expedition.
The colonial government in Kenya deemed Tsavo as a major setback to their economy, because of the loss brought by the two man-eating lions. The park had a high number of black rhinos which proved to be a problem to the laborers and the pedestrian crisscrossing Tsavo. A hunter by the name JA Hunter was commissioned by the British after the Second World War, to killed and significantly reduce the black rhino population in the park. In just one year he had killed over 1088 rhinos, in the stretch where Tsavo East Park is located.
Tsavo East becomes a National Park
After 1948, Tsavo East became protected and was made a national park. The First President of Kenya Jomo Kenyatta banned all forms of hunting in the park, about ten years after the independence. Tourism began to surge. The illegal poaching of rhinos and elephants however persisted, and it became worst in the 1970s because of the huge market from the oil-rich Middle East. Their main item was the dagger handles made from this precious game. The boom of China posed a threat to the ivory and rhino horns, but the preparedness of the park authorities together with private groups has made poaching nearly impossible.
How to get to Tsavo East
The park is divided by the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway. It is 250km north of Mombasa and 233km south of Nairobi.
Road
The Tsavo East has four gates in which you can access: Sala, Manyani, Buchuma, and Voi. The most common gate when coming from Nairobi is the Manyani gate, while from Mombasa is Buchuma Gate that is when using Nairobi-Mombasa Highway (A109). If you are around Malindi then Sala Gate is convenient for you.
Air
It is a 50-minute flight from Nairobi to Tsavo while it is 35 minutes from either Malindi or Mombasa. Most of the local airlines have daily flights taking off from the Kenyan capital Nairobi. There are no scheduled flights to Tsavo, but with arrangement, everything will run smoothly. Return trips tend to take more time.
Tsavo East has several Airstrips; Mopeo, Ithumba, Voi, Satao, Cattar, Aruba, Bachuma, Sangayaya, and Sala.
By Railway
A railway line runs through Tsavo East.
Main attractions in Tsavo East.
Tsavo East has some of the most unique features in the park from the landscape to the wildlife, everything in this park is beautiful to watch. The top attractions are;
Mudanda Rock
Standing tall over the natural dam found near Manyani gate, this huge natural rock is 1km long. During the dry season, the Elephants flock there in high numbers making it look like the Ayers Rock in Australia (Uluru). Leopards also frequent this watering point.
Yatta Plateau
This is the longest lava plateau in the world. Its length is almost 300km long, it runs all the way from Ol Doinyo Sabuk.
Lugard Falls
One of the most spectacular sights you should not miss. It was formed at the point where River Galana meets with sharp rocks, in the process numerous rapids are formed.
Aruba Dam
Aruba dam is the man made and the third largest conservancy dam in the world. Birds as far as Australia visits the dam. It serves as a watering hole for thousands of wildlife. It is located 30 km from the Voi gate. It is the best spot to view lions among others.
River Galana
This is the second longest river in Kenya, and it meanders through the park. There are vast species of wildlife found along the river i.e. the crocodiles, dik-diks and waterbucks, and many more others
Kanderi Swamp
This is the favorite spot for a large number of both lions and elephants. With greenish surrounding and beautiful distant hills doting the landscape.
Crocodile Point
At the highest point of River Galana, is where you can view the crocodiles.
Wildlife
Variety of wildlife is found in Tsavo East. The big five which comprises of the elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos and elephants are found here. Other occupants of the park are crested porcupine, dwarf mongoose, white-tailed mongoose, cane rat, Egyptian Mongoose, giant rat, Oryx, crocodiles, squirrel, ratel, giraffe, warthog, otter, cheetah, Kudu, Gerenuk and many more wildlife especially near watering spots like River Galana and Aruba dam. The elephants can be sighted playing in the dust and spraying water at the water sources.
Birds
There are over 500 registered bird species in Tsavo East, a number being the migratory birds. Most commonly found bird species in the park are; Guinea fowl, Taita fiscal, Fischer’s starling, Norther brownbul, Shelley’s starling, Vulturine, Martial eagle, Golden pipit, parrot, sandgrouse, Taita falcon, and many more.
Fun activities in the park
There are numerous ways of making Tsavo trip a memorable one, this include;
Game drives
This is the best opportunity to view as much wildlife as you can from the comfort of your vehicle. The best time is the dry season when the animals are gathered at the watering holes.
Guided bush walks
With an experienced guide, Tsavo will adventurous on foot. You will access crème de la crème of the park where the vehicle cannot reach, earning yourself spectacular views. You will see a wide variety of birds, animals and beautiful scenery.
Hiking and rock climbing
This is the most rewarding quest for lovers of nature. The terrains like Mudanda rock and the Yatta plateau offer great range of experience. It is the greatest way to exercise and also test your physique.
Horse riding
Horse riding safari is not common in most of the safari packages, in Tsavo you will get the opportunity to tour the park on horse-back. This is the most ecological means to around the park.
Accommodation
Hospitality in Tsavo East is at it best. From luxury accommodation to midrange accommodation to budget accommodation are all available here. The most popular safari lodges and camps are;
This lodge is strategically located at the grassland in the Tsavo savannah. It has a total of 72 rooms (24- luxury, 32- midrange, and 16- budget) It is equipped with excellent facilities such as the spa and health club, table tennis, pool table with a jacuzzi, bars, and table tennis.
It overlooks the plains of the park, and it has 52 en-suite rooms. The lodges also have an excellent viewing terrace, restaurant, bars, and dug-up rock swimming pool.
It is equipped with eight twin tents, rig 80 feet on a huge rock. The scenery below is amazing, there is an excellent view of animals coming to the watering hole.
4. Satao camp
It is equipped with 20 ensuite tents, which are among trees surrounding the major watering hole. The camp is semi-circular in layout and offers unadulterated views of animals coming to the watering point.
Here the camp has 8 grass thatched bungalows or ‘bandas’. Its location is in the most undisturbed part of the Tsavo ecosystem offering the most fulfilling experiences with nature.
The name is derived from the Aruba dam. It has 40 deluxe rooms each having a terrace to mesmerize the beautiful scenery.
7. Ndololo Safari camp
It lies near the banks of River Voi, it has 20 luxury tents which are self-contained, it has several amenities which include fully equipped kitchen and bar, bush barbecues among others.
The lodge has 15 rooms (twelve are double rooms, two are triple rooms and one is mini suite) the roof is thatched while the walls are made of stones. It has that unique safari feeling, and every room is self-contained. The amenities are great.
It is located along the seasonal river in Voi. A total of 38 people can be comfortably be accommodated here. It overlooks watering points, and has tents that are self-contained.
10. Lion Hill Lodge
The lodge has eight luxury rooms and four luxury tents and is located at Mlima ya Simba. You will come very close in contact with animals separated by an electric fence. The amenities here also are great.
11. Patterson’s Safari Camp
It has twenty spacious tents, each accommodating four adults. In every tent, there is an excellent view of River Galana. The décor reflects the Swahili culture. Sundowners here are perfect.
It is found at the foot of Sagala ranges, and it has twenty-four bandas. The lodge is perfect for bird-watching, walking safaris and many more.
13. Kilalinda Safari Lodge
It is located at the banks of River Galana, and it consists of six cottages. Each cottage is unique on its own, and offers great privacy. The cool breeze that blows up the river, makes the experience even more fun.
14. Ngutuni Safari Lodge
It is located in a private sanctuary, and there is variety of wildlife to be seen in the 10,000 acre sanctuary.
15. Man Eaters Camp
It has thirty fully furnished luxurious tents. The camp is situated where a pair of lions mauled over 130 railroad bridge construction across Tsavo River in 1898.
16. Manyatta Camp
It is 24 luxurious tents, 11 are facing the river while 11 are facing the savannah. Both local and international cuisines is offered in this camp.
17. Tsavo Mashariki Camp
Mashariki means East in Swahili. Here you will experience one of the best sunrises before embarking on a safari. The tents offer privacy, there are 3-double tents, 2-tripple tents, and two cottages, one accommodating 4 people and the other 5.
18. Kuwinda Camp
It has 10 luxurious tents, each holding up to 3 beds.
19. Epiya Chapeyu Camp
It has 15 luxury tents which are spacious and found in the riverside area.
20. Lualenyi Camp
It is found in a private conservancy that covers 106,000 acres. The government has leased the sanctuary for 99 years and it is part of LUMO Community Wildlife Sanctuary.
21. Kulalu Camp
It has 5 tents which are spacious, with each tent in strategic view point of the great River Galana.
Tsavo West
Tsavo West, is found on the western side of Nairobi-Mombasa highway. Together with Tsavo East they form the largest wildlife conservancies on planet earth. The park is 9,065 km2 and the railroad also passes through the park. Tsavo West has more popular attractions, with distinct beautiful scenery. The park can be accessed from the Nairobi-Mombasa highway (A109). It has dense vegetation than the other parks. It is managed by Kenya Wildlife.
Tsavo is widely known for its pair of man-eater’s lions which got a taste of humans during the construction of a bridge Tsavo. The project manager finally shot and killed the lions after mauling more than 130 people. The area served as the main battleground during World War 1 between the Germans and the British.
in the recent times the area is now peaceful with herds of elephants which plays with red dust making their hide look red. The different beautiful geological features found all over the park are due to the volcanic activity. The area to be covered in the park is immense and the wildlife is spread out across the park, so a good time needs to be set aside for the maximum view of the wildlife and fully enjoy the park. Shetani Lava flow, a scenery to behold can be easily accessed through walking safaris which are offered through an expert guide. There are many interesting spots to visit in the park. There is also a spring that supplies fresh water to Mombasa amounting to 350 million liters a day.
Getting there
There are three ways to get to Tsavo West; By Road, Train, and Air.
Road
Tsavo West is found Southeast of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. It is approximately 232 kilometers (144 miles) from Nairobi and 250 Kilometers (155 miles) from Mombasa. Depending on the schedule, a drive to the park will be a great experience. When coming from Nairobi the access point is Mtito Andei gate, when coming from Mombasa the best access point is Tsavo Gate near Manyani and when coming from Amboseli the best entrance is Chyulu Gate.
Train
Getting to the park via train in the recent times has become more enjoyable. With the introduction of SGR, within four hours of boarding you can be in your favorite destination in Tsavo. It has stops in Voi and Mtito Andei which are both entrance to the amazing park.
Air
Airstrips in Tsavo
Air transport is preferred by a number of visitors who are in short safaris because of saving time. Several flights do operate from Wilson and Jomo Kenyatta International airports in Nairobi, and Moi International airport located in Mombasa. There are several airstrips serving the park;
Lake Jipe airstrip
This airstrip is located to the south shores of Lake Jipe and on the vicinity are Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) facilities for visitor’s registration and permissions granting. The park mainly receives flights from either Wilson airport or Jomo Kenyatta airport. It is gateway to the guest visiting Tsavo West.
Kamboyo airstrip
It is just a few minutes-drive from Mtito Andei gate, it is located at the north most part of the park and it has different amenities which includes the airport lounge where the guest wait their flights ranger’s outpost and it operates all year long.
Kasigau gate airstrip
It is located in the south-east of the park, at the foot of Mt. Kasigau. It handles nearly all the flights and it is equipped with all the necessary facilities to make your landing and takeoff comfortable.
Kilaguni airstrip
It is located in the west of the park; it receives most of the domestic flights due to its proximity to the main attractions such as Mzima springs and Chaimu crater. It has most of the facilities which include toilets and fuel stations.
Finch Hatton airstrip
This is a private airstrip located in the north-west near the border of Tsavo West. It is operated and owned by Finch Hatton camp which is found near the airstrip. It is located near the park’s chief attractions, Shetani lava flows and Mzima springs.
Maktau airstrip
It is located at the south-east of the park, near Maktau southern gate. It is ideal for visitors using Maktau gate as a point of entrance.
Entrance Gates in Tsavo West
The park has 5 gates, which are used by the visitors to access the park. The gates are located in strategic locations around the park, the gates are served by Kenya Wildlife Service offices (KWS) for easy registration and access to the park and the gates are;
Maktau North Gate
This one of the main entrances to the Tsavo West national park, it is situated at the south-east border of the park just small distance from Maktau town. The gate serves mainly the visitors using Maktau airstrip.
Maktau South Gate
This is the largest gate of the two; Maktau North Gate and Maktau South Gate. It is also found in South-east of the park at the outskirt of Maktau town. This gate can be accessed by road when using Taveta-Voi road, and Maktau airstrip.
Lake Jipe Gate
This is located to the western shores of Lake Jipe, and it is used mainly by visitors using Lake Jipe airstrip.
Tsavo Gate
It is on the north-east border adjacent to the Nairobi-Mombasa road. It serves most visitors coming from either Mombasa or Nairobi, a short distance from Mtito Andei.
Mtito Andei Gate (West)
It is located towards the north of the park and is accessible through all the three means of transport, train, air, and road. The airstrip serving here is Kamboyo airstrip.
Top attractions in Tsavo West
With the combination of beautiful scenery and wonderful animals, Tsavo is a place to behold. The top attractions at the park are;
Beautiful scenery
The scenery is dotted with huge baobab trees, most been thousands of years old. Immediately after the rains, Tsavo West landscape is filled with beautiful pink blossoms and some white flowers from acacia giving out a great beauty. When the sky is clear, the snow-peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro can be seen.
Shetani Lava flow
Shetani means ‘Satan’ in Swahili, it is located 4 kilometers to the west of Chyulu Gate, on your way to Amboseli. The flows came into existence a few hundred years ago when the lava folded and formed and an expanse of 50 km2 across the savannah. Its folds look like a blanket that has been dropped.
There is a road you can follow from the park, all the way to the ruined cone of Shetani. The views here are mesmerizing but you need to be cautious of predators in this place because of the abundance of wildlife. Shetani Caves which was formed as a result of volcanic activity is also found at the proximity. With an experienced guide, you will make a good sighting.
Chaimu Crater
It means ‘devil crater’ in the Kamba language, its composition is lava rocks. The rest of the park is red soil but as you arrive at this destination the soil turns to black almost instantly. There is a path leading to the top, caution though be wary of the snakes, an expert will be able to guide you well.
Mzima Springs
It forms a series of four natural springs in Tsavo West National Park, the source of this wonderful spring being the Chyulu Hills in the north. The porous rocks making up the hill can’t allow river to flow thus storing water under, for a period of 25 years then come up 50 km away in Mzima Springs. The clear stream is the result of the natural filtration the water gets.
Big animals and predators rarely visit the springs, and the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) has a post in the vicinity so can explore freely on foot. Just don’t go near the water edge and look out for crocodiles. To be on the safe side, at no time should a hippo be between you and the water, especially early in the morning or late in the evening. With the armed guards on standby, you got nothing to worry about.
A rush of rapids connects some two large pools, with numerous trees surrounding it while getting nutrients from the springs it gives shade protecting its precious water. The fruits attract birds and monkeys, while in the water are the hippos, crocodiles, and fish. With an underwater viewing chamber, you will lucky to catch their glimpse.
The springs have been beneficial to the neighboring and especially the Mombasa residents. In 1966 a direct water pipe from Mzima Springs to Mombasa was completed and since it has been the source of the city’s most precious commodity. The trees and birds found here are amazing.
Five Sisters
This one of the features as a result of volcanic activity dotting the Tsavo West. These five hills are almost identical thus the name, and the scenery in these hills is great.
A wildlife safari is the best way to see Kenya’s wildlife close-up in its natural environment. Tsavo West is home to the largest population of red-skinned elephants as well as to members of the rest of the “Big 5” African animals (buffalo, African lions, leopards and rhinos). There is also a host of Kenyan birds and other animals, both large and small, to see.
Ngulia hills
Ngulia hills is 1800 m above sea level and 600m above the park level. Its face is jagged and it is the beautiful of all the features in Tsavo West National Park. There is Rhino Valley just after the hill, where the hill makes a pretty backdrop to the valley. If you want to go a excursion to the hill, you can do so but with the permission from the warden, for your own safety. The peak of the hill is the path where the migratory birds usually fly through during the months of September to November.
Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
At the foot of the Ngulia Hill there is high security protection area for the endangered species, the black rhino. It covers an area of 90 km2 and it is fenced with a 1-meter tall electric fence. The area has lots of driving tracks and also there is a number of water holes in the enclosed area. Rhinos mainly are the animals that come out at night (nocturnal) thus seeing can be hard. The breeding of this wonderful has been successful and more than 15 rhinos has been released in to the other parts of the Tsavo West National Park. The sanctuary might undergo expansion to the South soon.
Poachers Lookout
It is a hilltop vantage point for viewing the park, it is located a short distance northwest of the Severin Camp. The walk to the peak though steep it is short. At the top is where the real deal awaits you. The hill has detailed informational signs and history of the park together with its people and geography. The view is amazing at the top as you get to see the finest plains to the west, all the way to Amboseli and even you can catch a glimpse of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Wildlife in Tsavo West
Many endangered wildlife is offered protection in the Tsavo West which ranges from L. Jipe on the border with Tanzania and all the way to the Chyulu Hills. The endangered species found here includes the hartebeest, black rhino, Cosen’s gerbil, Grevy’s Zebra, wild dogs and a number of species of shrew.
There is a number of rules you should follow; a warden usually dispenses these guidelines for your safety in the park. Some of the rules are; not getting out of your vehicle unless given green light; no harassing of animals in the park; staying in the tracks; not going off-road because you can get lost in the vast wilderness; and keeping in mind that the animals have the right of way all the time.
Keep your eyes open for the movements of wildlife when on the red-earth tracks, the more you gaze the more you will appreciate the natural beauty with your naked eyes and it gets more real, even better than videos or photos. It is intriguing to see the relationship of animals in Tsavo West ecosystem, they live-in close-knit groups. You can find a prey laying in proximity of a predator, but if the predator isn’t hungry, they just lay there in bliss as if there is no enmity.
The herds of elephants bathing in red dust, gives the park a unique experience. It is home of the lions without mane just like the pair of the man-eating lions. Large herds of buffalos, are found scattered in the park. During the 1980’s the black rhinos were at the brink of extinction but there has been recoveries and you can view them at your own appropriate time or as per your safari schedule.
The rocky terrain is the perfect place to spot klipspringer and also the lesser kudu. The antelopes that survive dry conditions are found here. They are many animals; with a good guide, you will catch a glimpse of them. The park is worth visiting all year long, although the best time is during the dry season when the animals stay around the water holes in the park where the vegetation is.
Birds
There are over 400-recorded bird species in Tsavo West National Park. One of the world’s busiest birds’ migration route is found right at the park, at Ngulia Hills. From Oct to Jan the bird ringers make their yearly migration. Ngulia is the location for the first African bird tagging project (bird-rigging), with about 100 bird species both migrant and local been rigged. The most magnificent ranging from thrush nightingale to marsh warbler, to common whitethroat. Other common species are Red-bellied parrot, Red-backed shrike, Black-faced sandgrouse, Common whitethroat, Fischer’s starling, Golden pipit, African finfoot, Golden-breasted starling, Lesser kestrel, Narina trogon, Northern brownbul, Pangani longclaw, Somali ostrich, River warbler, Rufous chatterer, Shelley’s starling, Corncrake, Slender-tailed nightjar, Somali bunting, Taita falcon, Basra reed warbler, Taita fiscal, Thrush nightingale, Marsh warbler, Martial eagle, Somali bee-eater.
The parks offer great bird watching experience all year long. With the migratory and the beautiful residents been sighted all across the park, the months of October and November are the prime season for the birds that migrates. They fill the park from the trees all the way to the beautiful skies and the water sources.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Tsavo West is easy to come by as there many world class safari lodges and camps serving the park. Below is the list of the top accommodation in Tsavo West National Park.
It is situated near the springs where it is natural habitat for the hippos, crocs, monitor lizards and terrapins who lay in the sun at the water banks. The bird life around Finch Hatton is spectacular. There are over 200 bird species recorded. The camp has a capacity of up to 50 people, and is equipped with large safari tents with twin beds, nice bathroom with hot and cold water and showers too. There many more facilities to make your stay comfortable.
The lodge is strategically located near the wonderful highlights of the park, the crystal-clear Mzima Springs, Shetani and Chaimu Lava flow is at its proximity. The lodge has 56 rooms in total, (5 being luxury and 51 budget). All the rooms are equipped with air conditioner for your comfort. There are also laundry services, mosquito nets, hot water showers, power points and many more facilities in the lodge including the conference and business facilities.
The location of this lodge is at the edge of Ndawe escarpment. In this location you get the chance to view the vast Tsavo’s captivating plains, making it ideal starting point to explore Tsavo West National Park. The lodge is equipped with 52 deluxe rooms with facilities such as a restaurant, swimming pool, bars, terraces for viewing animals and many more.
Ngulia Safari Camp (Banda)
it is located at the base of Ngulia Hill, providing an unhindered view of the park. The camp is equipped with 6 bandas which are independent, 6 budget rooms and a great campsite. The bandas are furnished well with a well-equipped kitchenette and a beautiful bathroom. There is a modern restaurant with a stylish tree bar for your maximum relaxation. The camp also offers guided nature walks and rock climbing in the Ngulia hills as well as the bird watching.
This lodge is located near the water holes where you will get a chance to see the herds of elephants and other animals flocking at the water holes. It is equipped with 96 rooms, each room having private bathrooms, and hot and cold running water and showers. The lodge serves both local and international meals with amenities like bar. The guests have the chance to watch the animals at the Salt Lick water holes.
This one of the most exotic retreat in the wilderness. It can comfortably accommodate visitors in its 25 double tents which is constructed near the banks of River Asante each tent furnished with either large double or twin beds. In the camp’s special luxury tents which are 5 in number, you will get king size beds with its own private balconies facing the river. There is hot showers fixed in all the bathrooms, and the camp offers an idyllic view of Mt. Kilimanjaro and it is easy to access the Park’s big game from here.
The camp has lots of facilities for your comfortable stay, the facilities include a nearby all weather airstrip, a nice lounge bar facing the river, e-mail services, a special vegetarian kitchen and many more
It is located at the base of Taita Hills. The lodge has 60 rooms and suites, each with a great view of the ecosystem surrounding the hotel which includes the beautiful wildlife and birds. The facilities here are great and it comprises of swimming pool, a golf course and a chance to ride a camel. It is 45 minutes from Voi Railway station.
In the camp you will have a great possibility of encountering the ‘Big Five’; the leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo and also a great number of wildlife and birds. In the heart of the African jungle a great hospitality awaits you. There are 27 luxurious rooms and 8 self-served Bandas at the Severin Camp, over a 25 hectare bushy land. The 8 bandas offer unique African experience with a well-equipped kitchenette, private bathroom, and also private access to the campfire. The tents are in octagon shapes and are furnished with hot and cold running water, private toilets, nice beds with mosquito nets, power point, and many more.
This is a small exclusive lodge which is located at the edge of a bluff, hanged above the Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated at the center of the Tsavo ecosystem. The sanctuary is made of three group ranches namely; Oza, Lualenyi, and Mramba. These ranches have all contributed towards the sustaining and protection of this great wildlife spot. It protects a very important area in the park, a migratory route for elephants, and a breeding site for lions. The lodge is small constructed from timber, canvas, and the coconut thatch.
Ndolwa House
It is a private house located at the border of Tsavo West National Park, and serves any visitor who wants unadulterated African wilderness experience. It is in a privately owned conservancy and you will get the best access to both north and south regions of the Tsavo West park, for an exciting experience of diverse wildlife and great scenery.
Situated 100 km west of Malindi, Kiboko Camp offers easy access to those visitors who are there to visit the magnificent beaches. Facing a beautiful river this camp offers relaxation and a vantage point for viewing the Tsavo’s flora and fauna.
To make your safari even more enjoyable, you put on cool and light clothes and sun hats. Carry with you your binoculars, sunglasses, and a camera then you will have the ultimate experience.