Tsavo National Park
The twin national parks of Tsavo East and West together form one of Africa’s largest wilderness reserves. This single national park is larger than the island of Jamaica. Tsavo as a whole consists of 10 million acres of pure wilderness, incorporating savannah, ranges and hills, acacia and montane forest, and an extensive river system. The vast plains of Tsavo are crossed by the main Nairobi-Mombasa railroad. This historic railway was, in 1899, the scene of one of Africa’s greatest Adventure stories.
Two large lions actively preyed on the railway workers as they built a bridge over the Tsavo river, claiming over 120 victims. They evaded hunters for well over a year, and the legend of the Maneaters of Tsavo was born. The sheer scale of Tsavo gives the visitor a chance to really get away from it all, and to explore the wild in total solitude. On safari here you will see large herds of Elephant, their hides often a luminous red with dust, as well as Lion, Buffalo, Eland, Giraffe Impala, Kudu and possibly Rhinoceros.
Tsavo is a birdwatcher’s paradise with numerous species of weavers, hornbills, sunbirds, rollers, and raptors commonly seen. One of Tsavo’s most interesting geographical features is the Lugard Falls, where white water rages through a series of spectacular rock formations.
Also not to be missed is the volcanic Mzima springs. These natural springs produce 50 million gallons of fresh sparkling water daily. These waters are alive with shoals of barbel and Hippopotamus and waterfowl. A unique underwater observatory has been built that gives you an incredible view of this crystal clear underwater world, where massive hippos glide silently through swirling shoals of barbel
These springs have created a sprawling wetland paradise of giant Raphia palms and oases alive with waterbirds. Both Tsavo East and West are ideal for those who enjoy solitude and a chance to explore the wilderness without encountering other people. Lodges and camps tend to be remote and accessible by long drives or air transfer. Of the two parks, Tsavo East is the more remote and less visited. Many of these can organize game walks and other activities.
The relative proximity of Tsavo East to the coast makes it an ideal safari destination for those staying on the coast or wishing to combine a safari and beach holiday. Many coast-based visitors combine a safari to Tsavo with visits to the Shimba Hills and Taita game sanctuaries, Amboseli National Park, or the Chyulu Hills.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is a land of giants. This is a place of wide dry plains, where the horizons stretch into the furthest distance and become one with the sky. Amboseli is renowned for its elephant populations and large herds, including some impressively tusked bulls, are drawn to a series of large, lush swamplands. But the most impressive giant of all is Mt Kilimanjaro.
Africa’s largest mountain lies just over the border in Tanzania, but the most impressive views of its snow-capped peak are to be found in Amboseli. The early light of dawn turns the mountain a dark hue of purple and its snows into an ethereal pink. The sight of Kilimanjaro high above herds of elephant crossing the plains of Amboseli is a timeless African image. This area is home to many Maasai communities, centered around the Amboseli National Park.
The park is 400 square kilometers, with its southern boundary along the Tanzanian border. The park is home to more than just elephants, and herds of wildebeest, zebra, and impala graze on the open plains. There are areas of acacia forest that make for good birding and are home to many small mammals. Cheetah is also often sighted here.
The park is centered around a large hill, with fantastic views of the surrounding plains, often crossed by whirlwinds that send winding columns of dust into the sky. This open country is good walking territory, and many camps and lodges organize game walks or trips to spend time in local Maasai villages.
