The gates of Tsavo West National Park are the main entry points into the park. They also act as checkpoints where park procedures are carried out before guests are allowed to enter.
Travelers must check in with the park authorities at the gate before starting their safari. The gates are spread across different parts of the park to allow access from various directions.
Your entry through one of these gates marks the beginning of your Tsavo West safari.
Tsavo West National Park is one of the premium parks in Kenya and attracts many visitors every year. It is often included in most Kenyan safari itineraries.
The park is sometimes called the “Park of the Man-Eaters” because of the lions that killed many railway workers during the construction of the East African Railway.
It covers about 9,065 square kilometers and is one of the few national parks located near the coastal region.
All gates to Tsavo West are easily accessible by road from different parts of Kenya. Visitors do not have to use only the main gate; they can enter through any gate that is most convenient.
- Mtito Andei Gate: Mtito Andei Gate is the main entry point in the western part of the park, located in Mtito Andei Village, Makueni County. It also hosts the Kenya Wildlife Service park headquarters. The gate is about 233 km southeast of Nairobi and has craft shops, refreshment points, and public toilets.
- Maktau North Gate: Maktau North Gate is located near the Voi–Taveta Highway in the southeastern part of the park. It can also be reached by domestic flights to Maktau Airstrip.
- Maktau South Gate: Close to Maktau North Gate, this is one of the most developed gates. It has toilets, a refreshment center, a ranger base, and the Kenya Wildlife Service southern headquarters. Credit card payments are accepted here.
- Tsavo Gate: Located in the northeastern part of the park near the A109 Nairobi–Mombasa Highway, Tsavo Gate is one of the most used gates for visitors coming from Nairobi. It sits close to the border with Tsavo East National Park and also accepts credit card payments.
- Lake Jipe Gate: This is the least used gate due to its remote location on the shores of Lake Jipe. It has basic facilities and a ranger post. Visitors often use it when arriving by air through Lake Jipe Airstrip.
All park entry payments must be made in advance through the bank. Credit card payments are also accepted at the gates.
These gates are the only official entry and exit points to the park.
