Overview
Tsavo West National Park is celebrated for its dramatic landscapes: volcanic hills, lava flows, the famous Mzima Springs, rhino sanctuary, and the lush Chyulu Hills. Accommodations are as varied as the park’s habitats—ranging from five-star tented camps and family-friendly lodges to rustic bandas, eco-retreats, and budget camps. Whether you crave adventure, romance, eco-consciousness, or a family base, there’s something for every traveler.
1. Luxury Lodges & Tented Camps
Enjoy outstanding service, gourmet dining, spa treatments, and superb locations with stunning park or Kilimanjaro views.
- Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp (near Chyulu Gate): Award-winning, all-suite tents with private decks, spa, fine dining, pool, private airstrip.
- Severin Safari Camp (Kitani Wildlife Area): Upscale tented camp, eco-friendly, infinity pool, bush spa, luxury suites, prime wildlife viewing.
- Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge (near Kilaguni Airstrip): Stone lodge, historic, beautiful pool, great restaurant/bar, rooms overlooking a waterhole.
- Voyager Ziwani Camp (on Sante River): Boutique tented camp, riverside views, night drives, bush walks, hippos and crocs.
- Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge (near Taita Hills Sanctuary): Iconic stilted rooms, panoramic views, wildlife at the waterhole, romantic atmosphere.
- Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa (Taita Hills): Modern, family suites, pool, spa, easy access to Salt Lick Game Lodge.
- Ngulia Safari Lodge (Ndawe Escarpment): Classic lodge, views, pool, seasonal leopard baiting.
- Lions Bluff Lodge (Lumo Conservancy): Boutique eco-luxury, jaw-dropping views, guided walks, conservation focus.
- Rhino Valley Lodge (Ngulia Hills): Cottages and tents, overlooks rhino sanctuary, birdwatching hotspot.
- Man Eaters Camp (Tsavo River, on edge): Riverside luxury tents, bush dinners, Maasai-guided walks.
2. Mid-Range Lodges & Camps
Enjoy comfort and value in scenic settings, with good food, pools, and reliable guiding.
- Rhino Valley Lodge (Ngulia Area): Stone cottages and tents, prime rhino viewing, restaurant/bar.
- Ngulia Safari Lodge (as above): Affordable, lovely escarpment setting.
- Voyager Ziwani Camp (as above): Mid-range tented, riverside.
- Kipalo Hills Lodge (Mbulia Conservancy): Tented lodge, infinity pool, hilltop views, walking safaris.
- Chyulu Bandas (Chyulu Gate): Self-catering cottages, basic comfort, quiet setting.
- Kitani Safari Lodge/Bandas (near Severin): Rustic, self-cater or dine at Severin, budget-friendly.
- Manyani Camp (Manyani Gate): Simple tents and bandas, affordable, good for groups.
- Salt Lick Game Lodge (also luxury): Check for mid-range specials.
- Taita Hills Safari Resort (also luxury): Affordable rates off-peak.
3. Eco-Lodges & Sustainable Stays
Low-impact, conservation-focused, and supporting local communities.
- Severin Safari Camp: Solar power, water recycling, eco-certification.
- Lions Bluff Lodge: Community owned, solar, supports local projects.
- Finch Hattons: Green practices, water recycling, local employment.
- Kipalo Hills Lodge: Solar, water catchment, community partnership.
- Kitani Bandas: Minimalist design, solar, eco-toilets.
- Sarova Salt Lick: Works with Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary for conservation.
- Voyager Ziwani: Riverside conservation, supports local schools.
4. Family-Friendly & Group Accommodations
Spacious rooms, pools, kids’ activities, and flexible dining—ideal for families or larger groups.
- Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge: Family suites, pool, kids’ menus, waterhole.
- Taita Hills Safari Resort: Family rooms, pool, playground.
- Voyager Ziwani Camp: Activities for children, large tents.
- Severin Safari Camp: Family tents, pool.
- Ngulia Safari Lodge: Connecting rooms, pool, group discounts.
- Chyulu Bandas: Multiple cottages for groups/families.
- Kitani Bandas: Great for groups, self-cater option.
- Manyani Camp: Budget-friendly, simple group rooms.
5. Budget Camps, Bandas & Guesthouses
Clean, safe, affordable bases for self-drivers, backpackers, and overlanders.
- Kitani Bandas: Basic cottages with kitchenettes, affordable.
- Chyulu Bandas: Simple, self-catering, near Chyulu Gate.
- Manyani Camp: Basic tents/bandas, cheap, bring your own supplies.
- Ngulia Safari Lodge: Budget off-peak rates.
- Rhino Valley Lodge: Budget tents and bandas.
- Public KWS Campsites: Several within park, bring your own gear.
- Voi Town Guesthouses: Budget hotels and lodges for park access.
6. Self-Catering & Special Interest
For independent travelers, longer stays, and self-drivers.
- Kitani Bandas: Self-catering, own kitchens, basic but atmospheric.
- Chyulu Bandas: BYO food, quiet, nature-based.
- Severin Safari Camp: On request, special dining packages.
- Private Airbnbs/Villas: Available in bordering towns or conservancies.
- Public Campsites: For self-sufficient campers and overlanders.
7. Camping & Public Campsites
Ideal for adventure seekers and overlanders.
- KWS Public Campsites: (e.g., Kamboyo, Chyulu, Poacher’s Lookout): Basic facilities, secure, scenic.
- Manyani Camp: Offers pitches and rental tents.
- Kitani Bandas: May allow camping on grounds, confirm in advance.
- Ngulia Safari Lodge: Camping area available.
- Private Campsites: Offered by some eco-lodges (advance booking required).
Tsavo West Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | Eco/Ethical | Inside Park |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finch Hattons | Chyulu Area | Luxury Tented | $600–$1000 | Award-winning, spa, private airstrip | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Severin Safari Camp | Kitani Area | Luxury Tented | $250–$400 | Infinity pool, eco, family suites | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kilaguni Serena Lodge | Central Park | Lodge | $200–$350 | Waterhole, family suites, pool | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes |
| Voyager Ziwani Camp | Sante River | Tented Camp | $150–$300 | Riverside, night drives, birding | Yes | Yes | Some | Near |
| Sarova Salt Lick Lodge | Taita Hills | Stilted Lodge | $250–$400 | Iconic views, wildlife, romantic | Yes | No | Yes | Near |
| Taita Hills Resort | Taita Hills | Lodge/Resort | $140–$260 | Family rooms, pool, spa, events | Yes | Yes | Some | Near |
| Rhino Valley Lodge | Ngulia Area | Lodge/Budget | $80–$200 | Birding, rhino sanctuary, tents | Yes | No | Some | Yes |
| Ngulia Safari Lodge | Ndawe Escarpment | Lodge/Budget | $100–$180 | Pool, classic style, group rates | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Lions Bluff Lodge | Lumo Conservancy | Eco-Luxury | $250–$400 | Panoramic, conservation, solar | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Kitani Bandas | Near Severin | Bandas/Self-Cater | $50–$100 | Kitchenettes, budget, eco-friendly | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Chyulu Bandas | Chyulu Area | Bandas/Self-Cater | $40–$80 | Nature, self-catering, quiet | Yes | No | Some | Yes |
| Manyani Camp | Manyani Gate | Budget/Bandas | $20–$60 | Basic, group rates, camping | Yes | No | No | Near |
| Public Campsites (KWS) | Various | Camping | $10–$30 | BYO gear, basic, wild settings | Yes | No | No | Yes |
*pppn = per person per night, prices are estimates and vary by season/offer.