Tsavo East National Park
When travelling from Mombasa to Nairobi, you drive through the vast expanse of Tsavo. Being the largest Game Park in Kenya and its close proximity to the coast, Tsavo is a popular safari destination
It's divided into two parts; Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Tsavo East is generally more easily accessible as a stopover between Nairobi and Mombasa with several luxury and mid range lodges found at various points along the Mombasa highway, some within their own private conservancies.
Its diverse landscapes range from mountains, plains, lakes, wooded grasslands, scrubland with enormous baobab trees to river forest. The vast openness, make it easy to imagine that this unspoiled wilderness was probably how all of East Africa once looked.
WILDLIFE
You’ll have a chance to see the big 5 (leopard, lion, rhino, elephant and buffalo) and a whole host of other animals and birds. Wildlife you can expect to see include giraffe, zebra, antelopes of all shapes and sizes, crocodile, hyena, ostrich, warthog and so many more. There are hundreds of species of birds.
WHERE TO STAY
RECOMMENDED
TOP END
Voi Wildlife Lodge
MID RANGE (Tsavo East)
Kiboko Camp
Ngutuni Safari Lodge
- Written by Kitandara
Tsavo West National Park
TSAVO WEST
Tsavo is the largest Game Park in Kenya and its close proximity to the coast make it a popular safaridestination .It's divided into two parts; Tsavo East and Tsavo West. West Tsavo is slightly harder to get to, but is the heart of the wilderness and it is here where you find many of the exclusive, luxury camps
LOCATION & LANDSCAPE
Its diverse landscapes range from mountains, plains, lakes, wooded grasslands, scrubland with enormous baobab trees to river forest. The vast openness, make it easy to imagine that this unspoiled wilderness was probably how all of East Africa once looked.
THINGS TO DO, IN AND AROUND TSAVO WEST
Mzima Springs is an oasis in Tsavo West, and has nature walks, an underwater viewing chamber, hippo pools and rapids making this an interesting place to visit. Black lava outcrops at Shetani are also interesting as are the caves and Chaimu crater nearby.
WILDLIFE
You’ll see many elephant, the big 5 (leopard, lion, rhino, elephant and buffalo) and a whole host of other animals and birds. Wildlife you can expect to see include giraffe, zebra, antelopes of all shapes and sizes, crocodile, hyena, ostrich, warthog and so many more. There are hundreds of species of birds and more.
WHERE TO STAY
RECOMMENDED - TOP END (Tsavo West)
Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge
Finch Hatton's Camp
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Voyager Ziwani Tsavo West
- Written by Kitandara
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru National Park is a wonderful place to do game-viewing. It’s the place you need to go if you want to see large numbers of Rhino and the thousands of flamingos who congregate at the lake.
Wlidlife
In addition to the rhino, flamingos and leopard which are commonly seen here (and not commonly seen elsewhere!) other animals such as pelicans, lion, giraffe, lion, bat-eared fox, hippo, hyena etc are all there too.
LOCATION & LANDSCAPE
The lake is picturesque and within the park there is an area of acacia forest (great for spotting leopards) keep driving, and just a few km away from here, you'll find yourself at the top of Baboon Cliff which is a great place for a picnic with stunning views over the lake, the savannah and the forest all down below. As you drive down to the lake you can get up really close to the plains at the lake shore. Here you'll see, hear (and smell) the thousands of birds who congregate here at this alkaline lake all year round. At the lake shore, you'll also be able to see the savannah animals grazing nearby such as impala, Thompson's Gazelle and waterbuck. It's also very common to see rhino here, sometimes alone or very often in groups of 3 or more - make sure you have your camera nearby and the combination of wildlife close up, with the background of a lake full of pink flamingos, the sun shining and a dark stormy sky just can't be beaten!
WHERE TO STAY
HIGH END
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
BUDGET
It's also possible to camp at the of the KWS Special campsites. Be aware though that you will be staying in an area where there are wild animals roaming freely!
NEARBY ACCOMMODATION
Another option is to stay near to Lake Nakuru National Park. We recommend the following which are all about 30-40 minutes away
Lake Elementaita Lodge
Sunbird Camp
Kembu Farm
- Written by Kitandara
Mount Kenya National Park
MOUNT KENYA
Mount Kenya is t he second highest mountain in Africa standing at (5199m). Fewer people climb here than Kilimanjaro, but those who do, often rate it as a more interesting climb. The area around Mt Kenya is somewhere easy to visit, where you can relax and enjoy the landscape and scenery. Alternatively, if you're in reasonable health and ready for a challenge, why not enjoy the satisfaction of climbing to the top of this magnificent mountain.
LOCATION & LANDSCAPE
It’s has tremendously varied zones of vegetation and scenery as you climb; from the acacia studied plains, lush moorlands, moving up to a barren alpine zone covered in snow and finally the craggy summit. Its toughness and beauty have gripped the imagination of adventurers for more than a century. Even for climbers with experience in mountaineering, Mount Kenya offers a challenge and a natural beauty that is difficult to beat.
There are different options of climbing Mt. Kenya ranging from a quick one day stroll, to an intensive 5 or 6 day climb. Whether you’re a nature admirer just wanting a leisurely day exploring the lower forest of the Mt.Kenya slopes or a more ambitious adventurer, who wishes to summit Pt. Lenana it really is up to you. Because the mountain is so large, and offers such a diversity of trekking and climbing routes, there may be a need for a special itinerary that you require, which we shall be happy to help you with.
WHERE TO STAY
Of course, you don't have to climb Mount Kenya to enjoy the area around it. There are some wonderful places to stay nearby where you can relax and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
- Written by Kitandara
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is 260km (160 miles) from Nairobi, on the border with the neighboring country of Tanzania. Its magnificent situation at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro combined with its excellent opportunities to view Kenya's animals, make it one of the most-visited safari parks in Kenya.
Amboseli History and OverviewAmboseli is renowned for its large herds of free-ranging African elephants. There are over 900 African elephants in Amboseli, as well as huge herds of wildebeests and many other animals including giraffes, African lions, monkeys, zebras, hyenas and antelope.
Amboseli was declared a national reserve in 1968. It became a national park in 1974. However, in 2005, President Mwai Kibaki transferred control from the Kenya Wildlife Service to the Olkejuedo County Council and its residents, the Masai tribe. This is still being contested in the courts because of its implications that could jeopardize Kenya's other national parks.
Amboseli National Park covers 392km² (151miles²) and has a mixed topography of plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush, swamps and marshes. This diversity, along with a long dry season, ensures excellent viewing of the large concentrations of African animals living in this natural habitat.
With its awesome view of Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa's highest mountain at 5,895m), Amboseli National Park offers a unique and breathtaking backdrop for viewing Africa's animals. It also has a dry Pleistocene lake basin that houses a temporary lake, Lake Amboseli, after the rains.
Mount Kilimanjaro as seen from Amboseli
Amboseli offers some of the best opportunities to see African animals because its vegetation is sparse due to the long dry months. Amboseli National Park is home to wild animals, which include the African elephant, buffalo, impala, lion, cheetah, hyena, giraffes, zebra, and wildebeest among other African animals. There is also a host of Kenya birds, both large and small, to see if you keep your eyes open and stop at every sighting.
When you arrive at the park, the warden will give you several common sense rules: do not get out of your vehicle, except at designated spots; do not harass the animals in any way; keep to the tracks; no off-road driving; and remember that the animals always have the right of way. The roads in Amboseli have a loose surface of volcanic soil that is dusty in the dry season and impassable in the wet season.
It can be a long, hot day on a Kenya wildlife safari, so wear cool, comfortable clothing and a sunhat. Remember to bring your camera, binoculars, sunglasses and water to drink.
Climate in Amboseli National Park
The climate in the Amboseli region is hot and dry. The national park is in the rain shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, as it lies on the northwest side. Average temperatures vary only slightly throughout the year. The minimum average daily temperature is 27°C and the maximum is 33°C. Drought is typical in this area, and evaporation is high. A total annual rainfall of just 300mm is expected during April and May, and again during November and December.
What to See and Do at Amboseli National Park
The main purpose of a wildlife safari is to see Kenya's wild animals in their natural state. Many people are surprised when they see birds perched within the reach of predators, or gazelles grazing near big cats. The truth is that predators generally only kill to eat, and for the rest of the time both predators and prey live harmoniously together.
Amboseli National Park is known for its large herd of over 900 free-ranging elephants. This is the best national park to visit to see these wonderful and huge creatures.
Herd of Elephants in Amboseli
View or even climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in the world.
Visit Observation Hill, which overlooks the park, swamps and, of course, the herds of free-roaming elephants.
Meet the Masai people and learn about the Masai culture and their indigenous lifestyle.
Bird watching is best between October and January if you want to see Kenya's migratory birds, including African skimmers, red and yellow bishops, goshawks, buffalo weavers and palm nut vultures, to name a few.
Accommodation In & Around Amboseli
High End
Safari lodges include Oltukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Kimana Lodge and Tortilis Camp a luxurious and award winning eco-tourism lodge.
Campsites have no facilities and you must provide all of your own camping gear. They include Nairushari Special, Olgulului Public Campsite, Abercrombie and Kent Tented Camp, Ker and Downy Tented Camp, Chyulu Tented Camp, Kimbla Campsite, Cottar's Tented Camp, Leopard Tented Camp and Tortilis Tented Camp.
Best Time to Visit
January and February are good months to visit Amboseli, as well as June through September. Avoid April and May, which are the rainy season. There may also be some rain from November to December, which may make the roads in Amboseli impassable.
Temperatures year round are 27-31°C (81-88°F) in the day and 22-24°C (72-75°F) at night. For Kenya birdwatchers, the best months to see migratory birds are October to January. The best times for viewing are early and late in the day, as animals tend to sleep in the hot midday sun.
- Written by Kitandara