Mzima Springs in Tsavo West
Mzima Springs is one of the main attractions in Tsavo West National Park. Here water comes out from beneath lava and fills a series of spring pools. The pools lie under green trees, and clear water runs over rocks below them.
The pools are home to hippos and crocodiles, and fish live in the water. Visitors explore the area on foot, on walks that are usually done with a ranger. This page explains what to expect, what the park fee is, how to get to Tsavo West and what else is nearby. If you would rather leave the planning to someone else, combined Tsavo West and Amboseli tickets exist, and the Tsavo safari tours below include trips that visit Tsavo West.
Our pick: a Tsavo West day with Mzima Springs
Mzima Springs is one of the stops on this day trip from Nairobi, and what you see at the springs varies from visit to visit.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tsavo West safaris and day trips
Game drives and trips that include Tsavo West, with live prices and availability.
Hippos and crocodiles at Mzima Springs
Hippos and crocodiles live in the spring pools, and fish swim in the clear water. Because both animals are dangerous, the path along the pools matters. Stay on the path, keep out of the water and keep at least 20 m from wildlife, which is the park rule.
There is no promise of a sighting. What you see depends on the day and the pool. Treat anything you do see as a bonus and not as the reason for the trip.
Walking trails and the underwater viewing room
What to ask at the gate on the day.
Walking by the pools
The pools are explored on foot, and walks are usually done with a ranger. Ask at the gate how long the route is and what the rules are on your day.
The underwater viewing room
An underwater viewing room has long been part of the Mzima story. Ask at the gate whether it is open on your day, and do not plan your visit around seeing hippos through glass.
Walking safaris in Tsavo
A separate tariff exists for organised walking safaris of up to 10 people: 3,000 KES per person per day per park for East African citizens and residents, or $50 for African citizens and non-residents. Park entry and security are extra, and conditions apply. This is a general Tsavo tariff and not a price for the Mzima walk.
Tsavo West park fees
Adult and child rates per park entry, valid for up to 24 hours, in the tariff in force since 1 October 2025.
| Category | Adult | Child or student |
|---|---|---|
| East African citizen, including Kenya | KES 1,000 | KES 500 |
| Kenya resident | KES 1,350 | KES 675 |
| African citizen outside the EAC | $40 | $20 |
| Non-resident | $80 | $40 |
Resident rates need a valid Kenyan residence permit, and a tourist visa or eTA does not count. Payment is through KWS eCitizen, and card payment at the gate is not a given. For most foreign visitors, plan on $80 per adult and $40 per child for each park you enter, and read the full Tsavo park fees page for exemptions and age rules. A Tsavo West ticket does not automatically cover Tsavo East.
Getting to Mzima Springs
Tsavo West has its own gates and its own train stop.
By train to Mtito Andei
The Madaraka Express Inter-County train leaves Nairobi at 08:00 and reaches Mtito Andei at 10:50, which is 2 hours 50 minutes. From Mombasa it leaves at 08:00 and arrives at 11:18. The station is not the park gate, so plan the transfer. Check the current timetable before you go.
Madaraka Express and roads →By road
The A109 Nairobi to Mombasa road runs between the two parks. Mtito Andei Gate is about 233 to 240 km from Nairobi and 250 km from Mombasa. Other Tsavo West gates are Chyulu, Tsavo River, Lake Jipe, Maktau and Ziwani. Gates are open from 06:00 to 18:00 unless you stay overnight.
Inside the park
The speed limit is 40 km/h, and driving off the roads is not allowed. You leave the vehicle only at designated places. Do not feed animals, and single-use plastic is banned.
More to see in Tsavo West
Other places in the same park.
Shetani Lava Flow
The black lava field of Shetani is an attraction with cave exploration. Not every path or cave is open every day, so ask at the gate.
Chaimu Hill and other viewpoints
Chaimu Hill is a volcanic rise made of lava and ash. Five Sisters, Roaring Rocks and Poacher's Lookout are other sights in Tsavo West.
Lake Jipe and the rhino sanctuary
Lake Jipe, shared with Tanzania, is a bird-watching and camping destination. An expanded rhino sanctuary officially opened in Tsavo West in September 2026, and that does not mean a new public drive. See the Lake Chala and Lake Jipe page.
Mzima Springs: frequently asked questions
Where are Mzima Springs?
Mzima Springs are inside Tsavo West National Park in Kenya. You pay the Tsavo West park fee to enter, and the train stop for the park is Mtito Andei.
Can I see hippos at Mzima Springs?
Hippos and crocodiles live in the pools, but nobody can promise a sighting, so treat one as a bonus.
Is the underwater viewing room open?
Ask at the gate on your day. Do not plan your visit around seeing animals through glass.
How much does it cost to visit?
A non-resident adult pays $80 for Tsavo West in the tariff in force since 1 October 2025, and a child pays $40. The fee is valid for up to 24 hours. Ask at the gate about anything extra at Mzima.
Do I need a ranger?
Walks at Mzima are usually done with a ranger. Ask at the gate what applies on your day.
Is this the official site of Mzima Springs or Tsavo West?
No. This is an independent guide, not run by the Kenya Wildlife Service or any safari operator.