How to Get to Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park lies in southeastern Kenya, halfway between Nairobi and Mombasa, covering over 22,000 square kilometers. It’s Kenya’s largest national park and splits into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, each with its own landscape and attractions. The park sits about 250 km from Nairobi and is reachable by road, rail, or air. Key entry gates include Mtito Andei, Voi, Manyani, Buchuma, Chyulu, and Man-Eaters Gate. Your access route depends on where you’re headed and your safari base.
By Road: Nairobi or Mombasa to Tsavo
From Nairobi to Tsavo East (via Mtito Andei Gate)
- Distance: ~250 km
- Drive Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Take the Mombasa Highway (A109) from Nairobi. Turn off at Mtito Andei or Voi, depending on your lodge’s location. Mtito Andei offers access to both Tsavo East and West.
Travel from Mombasa to Tsavo East (via Buchuma or Voi Gate)
- Distance: ~160 km
- Drive Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Drive northwest on the A109 highway. Use Buchuma Gate if heading to southern Tsavo East or Voi Gate for central lodges.
From Nairobi to Tsavo West (via Chyulu or Mtito Andei)
- Chyulu Gate provides access to western lodges like Kilanguni Serena and Ngulia Safari Lodge.
- Man-Eaters Gate offers scenic access to the Tsavo River area.
Vehicle Tip: A 4WD is recommended, especially in Tsavo West due to rocky terrain and lava flows. Roads in Tsavo East are flatter and easier but can flood in the wet season.
By Train: SGR (Standard Gauge Railway)
Kenya’s SGR train connects Nairobi and Mombasa with several stops near Tsavo.
- Stations Near Tsavo: Mtito Andei, Voi, and Kibwezi
- Travel Time: ~4.5 hours from Nairobi to Voi
- Booking: Available online via Kenya Railways or at stations
- Transfers: Arrange pick-up with your lodge or use a local 4×4 taxi
The train offers comfort, security, and scenic views of the countryside.
By Air: Flights to Tsavo
Departure: Wilson Airport (Nairobi) or Moi Airport (Mombasa)
Airlines: Safarilink, AirKenya (charter or private flights)
Flight Time: ~1 hour
Airstrips: Kilaguni (Tsavo West), Voi, Satao, or Aruba (Tsavo East)
Flights land on bush airstrips. Most lodges provide transfers from these strips if booked in advance.
Best For: Luxury travelers, tight schedules, or flying safaris.
Tsavo Entry Gates Overview
| Gate Name | Park Section | Access Town | Best For |
| Mtito Andei | East & West | Mtito Andei | Central access, road or SGR travelers |
| Voi Gate | Tsavo East | Voi | Easy access for Voi-based lodges |
| Manyani Gate | Tsavo East | Near Manyani | Northern section |
| Buchuma Gate | Tsavo East | Near Mombasa | Southbound safaris |
| Chyulu Gate | Tsavo West | Kibwezi | Scenic route to Kilaguni, Chyulu Hills |
| Man-Eaters Gate | Tsavo West | Tsavo River area | Historical sites, Tsavo River lodges |
| Maktau Gate | Tsavo West | Maktau area | Southern edge of Tsavo West |
Accessibility Summary
- By Road: Best for road trip lovers or overlanders. Nairobi–Tsavo or Mombasa–Tsavo trips are scenic and flexible.
- By Train (SGR): Ideal for mid-range travelers or quick access with transfers.
- By Air: Perfect for luxury safaris or guests with limited time.
Plan Your Journey to Tsavo
Tsavo offers open landscapes, red elephants, rugged hills, and true wilderness. Whether you’re traveling by road, train, or air, reaching Tsavo is simple with the right plan. Choose your park section, entry gate, and travel method—and let Kenya’s wild side welcome you.
