a

Tsavo West National Park - Mzima Springs

South Eastern Kenya  >  Kenya

Tsavo West National Park is a premier birding destination in Kenya, home to over 400–600 recorded bird species.

Geplaatst* door Eeckhaut Marc
Meest recente update 27 maart 2026

Beschrijving

One of the best birding spots in Tsavo West National Park is Mzima Springs which is a lush oasis attracting water birds like the African Fish-eagle, Malachite Kingfisher , Giant Kingfisher Black-headed Heron , Little Heron , Little Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron and African Darter. One of the very special additions here is the underwater viewing chamber from which you can see hippos, crocodiles and fish in very clear spring water. You can also go for a walk with a ranger at Mzima Springs.

In addition, the park’s diverse landscapes—including volcanic hills, acacia woodlands, and freshwater springs—support a rich mix of residents and Palearctic migrants. So there are also a number of other top birding spots which include the following:

Ngulia Hills & Lodge: Internationally famous for the annual bird-ringing project. In November, thousands of Palearctic migrants such as Marsh Warbler and Thrush Nightingale pass through this area, which is a major raptor and passerine migration path.

Lake Jipe: Located on the border with Tanzania, it is essential for wetland species, including the African Jacana , African Skimmer and White-backed Night Heron.

Shetani Lava Flows: A unique habitat where you can spot dry-country specialists like the Straw-tailed Whydah , Somali Ostrich and Black-faced Sandgrouse.

Details

Toegang

Tsavo West National Park is located in southeast Kenya, roughly midway between the capital city of Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa. The park is easily accessible via the A109 Nairobi–Mombasa Highway. From Nairobi: The drive is approximately 240 km (150 miles) and takes about 3–5 hours. From Mombasa: The journey is about 250 km and typically takes 3–4 hours.

Main Entry Gates: The most common entrances from the highway are Mtito Andei Gate (main gate) and Tsavo Gate. Other options include Chyulu Gate (if coming from Amboseli) and Maktau Gate.

For a quicker journey, you can take a domestic flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport (WIL) or Mombasa's Moi International Airport (MBA).

Flight Time: Most flights take less than one hour.

Major Airstrips: There are several airstrips inside the park near major lodges, including Kilaguni, Finch Hattons, Kamboyo, and Jipe airstrips.

Terrein en leefgebied

Verspreide bomen en struiken , Bos , Wetland , Vlakte , Steppe , Grasland/weide

Omstandigheden

Heuvelachtig , Droog , Nat , Stoffig , Open landschap

Rondlopende wandeling mogelijk?

Nee

Telescoop meenemen?

Kan handig zijn

Wanneer hier vogels kijken?

Het hele jaar

Toptijd voor dit gebied

Lente , Winter

Route

Onverharde weg

Zwaarte wandeling

Toegankelijk via

Auto

Vogelkijkhut aanwezig?

Nee

Extra info

Best Time for Birding: Peak Season (November to April): This coincides with the rainy seasons and the arrival of thousands of migratory birds from Europe and Asia.

Best Months: November is the most prolific month due to the peak of the migration and the Ngulia ringing activities. Guided Walks: Take a guided nature walk, particularly around the Tsavo River or Mzima Springs, for closer observation of smaller species.

Great places to stay like Finch Hattons and Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge also offer expert birding guides and overlook active waterholes.

Links

Bekijk vogelgebieden in de buurt op Birdingplaces

Kaart

Top 5 vogels

Andere vogels die je hier kunt zien

Toon meer vogels Toon minder vogels
Toon meer foto's Toon minder foto's

Reacties & Tips

Plaats reactie, tip of vogelwaarneming
Beoordeel dit gebied
Aan mijn favorieten toevoegen
Verwijder uit mijn favorieten