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Overview
Explore the best luxury lodge safari experience, touring prime parks and reserves in Kenya. Embark on a twelve-day journey, visiting Samburu, Aberdare, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Tsavo West and Tsavo East. Our tour package is ideal for families, friends or colleagues. It is designed to cater to the needs of various groups, making it a versatile option for different types of travelers.
Best Luxury Accommodation
We offer an extensive selection of lodges tailored to suit various budgets and preferences for comfort. The importance of tranquility is emphasized, with options available in both secluded settings and those near local communities. Our sales team is available to provide assistance, ensuring you make an informed decision.
The lodges are equipped with a variety of amenities, including swimming pools, conference centers, Wi-Fi, satellite television, gift shops, saunas and spa services. Luxury tented camps are also included in this selection.
Dining options feature an à la carte menu, five-course meals, and buffet services. While you relax, you can indulge in a diverse selection of wines, spirits, both local and international beer brands.
Transport Logistics
Kenya epic safaris facilitates travel and game drives with our customized 4×4 safari vehicles. Typically, our vans/jeeps are accessorized with pop up roofs ideal for game viewing, as well as communication gadgets and comfortable seats. After all our aim is to enhance the overall safariing experience for our clients.
Luxury Lodge Safariing
On your safari in Kenya, you will benefit from the expertise of our skilled driver guides. Equally important the guides possess extensive knowledge of the wildlife and various landscapes that you will encounter.
Experiencing the excitement of exploring wildlife but also sceneries is an adventure that every traveler should include in their bucket list. Moreover, our Kenya luxury lodge safari offers you the chance to engage directly with the rich cultural diversity of the region. At the same time enjoy remarkable game viewing opportunities in this premium parks and reserves.
Call To Action
Initiate your ideal safari experience by contacting our team. We are here to provide you with essential information, outline what to expect and offer guidance. Reach out to us today to begin your journey with the best luxury lodge safari in Kenya. We aim to help you realize your travel aspirations.
- Nairobi Excursions.
- Mombasa Excursions.
- Hell's Gate Day Trip.
- Lake Nakuru Day Trip.
- Mount Longonot Day Trip.
- Amboseli Camping Safari.
- Masai Mara Camping Safari.
- Masai Mara / Lake Nakuru Budget Safari.
- Climbing Mount Kenya Sirimon Route.
- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route.
- Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route.
Twelve Days Samburu, Aberdare, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Tsavo West & East Luxury Lodge Safari. [Itinerary]
Day One: Nairobi – Samburu
First, a representative from Kenya epic safaris will meet you at your hotel or pick you up from the airport. Secondly, the rep will brief and hand you over to your assigned driver guide, who will facilitate the best Kenya luxury lodge safari package. Your driver guide will drive to the northern frontier of Kenya. This region is characterized as a semi-desert, resulting in arid conditions for the major part of the year. The guide will also provide both entertainment and information regarding the various landscapes encountered en route; to arrive Samburu in time for delicious hot lunch.
Upon your arrival, the lodge concierge will guide you to your designated rooms. You are encouraged to spend your afternoon making use of the lodge’s amenities, which include spas, saunas and a swimming pool. Alternatively, you may take a leisure stroll on the beautifully manicured lawns while socializing. Subsequently, you will embark on an evening game drive.
Game to view includes the Big five, antelopes, gazelles, baisa oryx, grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and abundant bird life. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided at Elephant bedroom camp.
Day Two: Samburu
Rise up to the tunes of birds as the sun sets and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast before you head out in search of wildlife. On this day, you will partake in both morning and evening game drives. A visit to the Ewaso Nyiro River proves to be particularly rewarding with game sightings. The river serves as the sole water source that supports the wildlife within this reserve.
Wild animals gather at the river to hydrate. Additionally, the Samburu people and their rich culture present another point of interest. Upon request, the driver-guide can escort you to a Samburu village for an immersive cultural experience at an extra fee. All meals and overnight accommodations will be provided at Elephant bedroom camp.
Day Three: Samburu – Aberdare
Begin your day with an early breakfast before departing. Enjoy a game drive as you exit the Samburu Game Reserve. Proceed on to Aberdare National Park, arriving at Aberdare Country Club in time for a hot lunch. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the Ark Lodge.
The Ark offers a view of a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, which draws various wildlife. Named after and designed to resemble Noah’s Ark, The Ark features three decks with balconies and lounges, providing an excellent vantage point for observing wildlife. You may request a wake-up call should a rare species be spotted during the night. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at The Ark Lodge.
Day Four: Aberdare – Lake Nakuru
In the morning, you will be offered tea or coffee while you enjoy the game viewing experience from the balconies of the tree hotel. Following this, you will be transported to the base hotel, where a comprehensive breakfast will be provided. After your meal, you will depart for Lake Nakuru, arriving in time for lunch. Upon checking in, you may unwind at the lodge and take advantage of its amenities before embarking on an evening game drive. Often described as a birdwatcher’s haven, Lake Nakuru is renowned for the millions of pink flamingos that inhabit its shores.
The view of the lake from the baboon cliff reveals a stunning pink hue, attributed to the vibrant plumage of the flamingos, which has led to its nickname, “Pink Lake.” The park is home to approximately 450 species of birds, encompassing both migratory and resident varieties.
Designated as a World Heritage Site, the park is acknowledged as a wetland of global significance. Lake Nakuru not only boasts over 50 species of mammals but also serves as a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos.
It is notable for having the highest population of black rhinos in Kenya, alongside white rhinos that have been introduced from South Africa. Due to the park’s limited size, elephants are absent, as they require expansive areas rich in vegetation for sustenance. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge.
Day Five: Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara
Rise early in the morning; breakfast will be served, followed by a brief game drive as you depart from the park. Your guide will drive you to Masai Mara as you enjoy different sceneries on your journey to arrive in time for lunch. Spend your afternoon at your leisure and subsequently, embark in the evening game drive.
Experience an exhilarating game drive as you navigate through the renowned wildlife reserve. The globally celebrated Masai Mara is distinguished by the millions of wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras that traverse the Mara River, creating the spectacular event known as the wildebeest migration. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided at Mara Sarova Lodge.
Day Six: Masai Mara
Experience a day of wildlife observation at this remarkable reserve teeming with diverse fauna. You may choose between a morning and evening game drive or a full-day game drive. After enjoying breakfast, embark on a quest to observe wildlife.
The Masai Mara is renowned for its impressive population of big cats, as well as herds of elephants, zebras, resident wildebeest, antelopes and gazelles, among other species. The avian life is also abundant. The Masai Mara game reserve presents an excellent opportunity to encounter all of the Big Five. After your morning activities, return to the lodge for lunch and some leisure time.
The evening game drive is particularly rewarding, featuring a visit to the Mara River, where crocodiles can often be seen basking in the sun. Additionally, there is an option to visit a Masai village or take an early morning balloon ride for an additional fee. As the African sun sets, relish in spectacular wildlife encounters, providing an ideal backdrop for stunning photographs and memorable selfies. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at the Mara Sarova Lodge.
Day Seven: Masai Mara – Lake Naivasha
Early morning breakfast will be served followed by a short morning game drive as you exit the park. Travel to Lake Naivasha to arrive by mid morning. Your guide will arrange for mountain bikes, and after completing the necessary park formalities, you will begin cycling amidst the wildlife, with the assurance that there are no predators in the area. A stop will be made at Fitcher’s Tower for a rock climbing experience on the 500-meter-high rock formation. You will continue cycling to the ranger’s post, where a brief rest will be taken.
Following lunch, you will embark on an exhilarating walking safari, taking in the breathtaking views of the gorge. The evidence of volcanic activity is apparent, with hot water streaming down the gorge walls. This guided walk through the gorge will last approximately two hours.
The hot springs, stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife are truly remarkable. Afterwards, you will return to collect your bikes and cycle back to the park entrance and transfer to Lake Naivasha Sopa lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day Eight: Lake Naivasha – Amboseli
After a scrumptious breakfast transfer to lake Naivasha for a boat ride. Lake Naivasha is situated at the highest elevation among all lakes in the Rift Valley. Besides that, the lake reaches an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level and is classified as a freshwater lake. It is home to numerous hippos and a diverse array of bird species, particularly the fish eagle.
Depart, your guide will drive you to Amboseli National Park, to arrive in time for a hot lunch. Upon arrival, the lodge concierge will guide you to your designated rooms. Spend your afternoon at leisure enjoying the facilities at the lodge and later venture out for the evening game drive.
Amboseli is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the Big Five, various feline species, plains game, and numerous bird species. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided at Amboseli Serena Lodge.
Day Nine: Amboseli
Awaken early to witness the breathtaking sight of Mt. Kilimanjaro, which stands majestically as the backdrop of this remarkable park. Notably, on a clear day, the snow-capped peaks are clearly visible.
Following breakfast, embark on a morning game drive, which offers the chance to observe wildlife as they emerge to hunt or graze in the cooler hours before the sun intensifies.
Amboseli is renowned for having the largest population of elephants and has served as a hub for elephant research for the past three decades, with each elephant identified by name. The game drive will also include a stop at the observation point, providing an elevated view of the Amboseli plains.
After returning to the lodge for lunch, enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Later, set out for an evening game drive, where you may encounter large herds of elephants. Amboseli is home to a diverse range of bird species, both migratory and resident. Experience stunning wildlife interactions as the African sun sets, creating an ideal backdrop for capturing remarkable photographs and selfies. All meals and overnight accommodations will be at Amboseli Serena Lodge.
Day Ten: Amboseli – Tsavo West
Start your day with a delightful breakfast and then embark on a morning game drive. Embark on the journey to Tsavo West, where you will arrive in time for a hot lunch. Upon arrival, complete the check-in process and take advantage of the facilities or simply relax before the evening game drive.
Tsavo West, also known as the ‘Land of lava, Man eaters & Springs’ gained notoriety for the historical presence of man-eating lions that hunted the railway workers heading to Uganda. Covering 4% of Kenya’s land mass, Tsavo West is approximately equivalent in size to Israel. Mzima Springs, a verdant wetland, serves as a significant water source, gushing out 450 million litres of clean water daily.
Exploring the banks of Mzima Springs provides the opportunity to witness groups of hippos basking in the surroundings. The observation chamber submerged beneath the waters allows you to observe the marine life. During the game drive, you will visit the shetani lava flow and the five sister hills, adding to the adventure of the day. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and spend the night at Kilanguni Safari Lodge.
Day Eleven: Tsavo West – Tsavo East
Wake up to an early breakfast followed by a game drive. Afterward, depart and head to Tsavo East National Park, arriving in time for lunch. Tsavo West and Tsavo East together form the largest parks in Kenya.
Tsavo East is famously referred to as the “Theatre of the Wild” due to its remarkable wildlife encounters. Take the afternoon to relax and later enjoy an evening game drive. While at Tsavo, you will visit the Galana River and the Rhino Sanctuary, which was established to safeguard rhinos from poachers.
The landscape of Tsavo features vast flat plains intersected by the lengthy Galana River, providing a haven for elephants to follow age-old migratory routes. The elephants of Tsavo are known for their distinctive brick-red hue, a result of the dust they love to wallow and bathe in.
Tsavo East is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the renowned ‘big five’ – lions, black rhinos, cape buffalos, elephants and leopards. The park also boasts a rich variety of bird species, such as the black kites, crowned cranes, lovebirds, and sacred birds. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at the Voi Lodge.
Day Twelve: Tsavo East – Nairobi
An early morning game drive will commence at 6:30 A.M., allowing you to witness the breathtaking African sunrise while also providing an opportunity to observe any wildlife species that may have eluded you during previous game drive.
Upon returning to the lodge, a hearty breakfast will be served. After enjoying your meal, take a moment to say goodbye to the staff and fellow travelers. You will then depart the reserve and be driven back to Nairobi, with lunch provided along the way, to arrive in the afternoon. Finally, your guide will drop you off at either a hotel or the airport, marking the conclusion of the best luxury lodge safari in Kenya.
End of services.
- What's Included
- What's Excluded
- Transport in a customized safari van/jeep with a pop up roof ideal for game viewing .
- All park entrance fees.
- Accommodation on a full board basis subject to availability.
- Game drives and other activities as described in the itinerary.
- Services of an English speaking driver guide.
- Complimentary Bottled water 1 Litre per person per day.
- All government taxes.
- International airfares.
- All expenditure of personal nature such as telephone calls, hard drinks, soft drinks and laundry.
- Tips.
- Visas.
- Travel Insurance.
Kenya Luxury Lodge Accommodation
- Samburu G/R
- Aberdare N/P
- Lake Nakuru N/P
- Masai Mara G/R
- Lake Naivasha
- Amboseli N/P
- Tsavo West N/P
- Tsavo East N/P
Samburu Game Reserve offers a variety of lodges, many of which are situated close to the Ewaso Nyiro River, providing excellent views of wildlife that often visits the riverbanks to hydrate. The facilities available at these lodges encompass swimming pools, spas, saunas, a conference center, WiFi, satellite television and gift shops.
Among the lodges are Samburu Game Lodge, Larsens Tented Camp, Samburu Sopa Lodge, Elephant Bedroom, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Samburu Intrepids, Saruni Samburu, Sasaab Lodge and Samburu Simba Lodge.
Aberdare National Park features two tree lodges; The Ark Tree Lodge and Treetops Tree Lodge. These lodges are supported by their respective base hotels, the Aberdare Country Club and Outspan.
Both lodges draw wildlife through floodlit waterholes and salt licks that can be observed from the balconies. Additionally, there is a gift shop and a well-stocked library containing literature on flora and fauna. All other amenities are available at the base hotels.
Lake Nakuru features a variety of lodges and a tented camp, reflecting its expansive area. Guests can enjoy accommodations on a full board basis. The facilities available include swimming pools, spas, saunas, a conference center, WiFi, satellite television and gift shops.
The accommodations consist of Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge and Flamingo Hill Tented Camp.
Masai Mara game reserve offers an array of accommodation which are characterized by high end, mid range, budget lodges & tented camps built in different styles and spread out within and around the reserve.
All these facilities are rated and priced according to the amenities they offer and where they are located. Amenities include swimming pools, spas, saunas, conference centre, WiFi, Satellite TV and gift shops.
The Lodges include Mara Sarova Lodge, Mara Serena Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge, Mara Simba Lodge, Keekorok Lodge, Mara Intrepids, Governors Camp, Little Governors Camp, Bateleur Camp, Kichwa Tembo, Mpata Safari Club, Elephant Pepper, Tipilikwani, Leisure Camp And Fig Tree Camp just to mention a few.
Lake Naivasha is an exceptional destination for bird watching, offering a variety of activities such as walking safaris, bike rides, and game viewing at Hell’s Gate. Visitors also have the opportunity to walk among wildlife like giraffes, zebras, water bucks, and gazelles at Crescent Island, or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the lake.
There is a wide range of accommodation options available near the lake, including lodges, resorts, hotels and tented camps. Some of the popular accommodations in the area include Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Lake Naivasha Country Club, Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge, Lake Naivasha Resort, Lake Naivasha Sawela Lodge, Elsamere Lodge, Malewa Wildlife Lodge, Crater Lake Camp and many more.
Amboseli National Park, renowned for its stunning landscapes, provides a variety of lodge accommodations, each featuring distinct amenities. The majority of lodges and tented camps are equipped with facilities such as swimming pools, saunas, hot steam baths, massage services, Wi-Fi, satellite television, a central dining area, a bar and babysitting services.
Dining options include buffet-style meals, three-course dinners, or à la carte selections. Notable lodges in the area comprise Oltukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Tortilis, Kilima Safari camp, Kibo Safari Camp and Sentrim Camp.
Tsavo West National Park provides lodging options that consist of both lodges and tented camps. Notable options include Ngulia Safari Lodge, Kilaguni Safari Serena Lodge, Kitani Severin Safari Camp/Lodge, Finch Hatton’s Tented Lodge, and Voyager Safari Camp, among others.
The facilities available at the lodges feature swimming pools, saunas, spas, a conference center, WiFi, satellite television, and gift shops.
Tsavo East National Park is home to a variety of lodges and tented camps, such as Voi Safari Lodge, Impala Safari Lodge, Kalalu Camp, Voi Wildlife Lodge, Ndololo Camp, and Satao Camp, among others. These accommodations offer amenities like swimming pools, saunas, spas, conference centers, WiFi, satellite TV, and gift shops.
Know Your Parks & Reserves
- Samburu G/R
- Aberdare N/P
- Lake Nakuru N/P
- Masai Mara G/R
- Hell's Gate N/P
- Lake Naivasha
- Amboseli N/P
- Tsavo West N/P
- Tsavo East N/P
The Reserve
Samburu Game Reserve stands out as the most renowned wildlife sanctuary in the northern frontier of Kenya. Spanning an area of 165 square kilometers, it is located approximately 350 kilometers from Nairobi. The reserve is situated along the northern bank of the Uaso Nyiro River, which flows from the Kenyan highlands to the Lorian Swamp, serving as the sole water source that supports the wildlife.
This reserve is historically significant as one of the two locations where conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the lioness, who gained fame through the bestselling book and award-winning film “Born Free.”
The topography of Samburu is characterized by the Uaso Nyiro River, scattered acacia trees, riverine forests, thorny vegetation and grasslands. Samburu National Reserve is home to a diverse array of animal and bird species, with several unique to this region, particularly its dry-country fauna.
All three of the big cats; lions, cheetahs and leopards can be encountered here, alongside elephants, buffalo and hippos. Notably, other species include olive baboons, gerenuks, warthogs, Grant’s gazelles, Kirk’s dik-diks, impalas, waterbucks, Grevy’s zebras, Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffes and over 350 species of birds.
The Park
Aberdare National Park was established in 1950 and spans an area of 766 square kilometers, located 100 kilometers north of Nairobi. The park features five entry points, which vary based on the visitor’s approach; Kiandongoro Gate, Queens Gate, East Gate, Treetops Gate and Ark Gate.
Attractions
The Aberdare Mountains form part of Kenya’s central highlands, stretching north-south between Nairobi and Thomson’s Falls. The mountain slopes, particularly on the eastern and western sides, are densely forested, transitioning to bamboo zones at higher altitudes.
The landscape is characterized by deep ravines that traverse the forested slopes, where concealed streams flow and waterfalls plunge down into expansive moorlands, interspersed with lichen-covered rocky outcrops, hills, and crags, as well as thickets of giant heath and tussock grass.
Summary
Commonly observed wildlife includes lions, leopards, elephants, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, mountain reedbucks, waterbucks, buffalo, sunis, side-striped jackals, elands, duikers, olive baboons, black and white Colobus monkeys, and Sykes monkeys. Rare sightings may include golden cats and the bongo, an elusive forest antelope that inhabits the bamboo forests.
Pink Lake
Lake Nakuru is recognized as one of the alkaline lakes situated within the Great Rift Valley. Commonly referred to as the “Pink Lake” or Africa’s Bird Paradise, it is strategically positioned in central Kenya, within the confines of Lake Nakuru National Park. The park spans an area of 188 square kilometers, while the lake itself covers approximately 62 square kilometers.
The lake is renowned for the vast numbers of flamingos that congregate there, although these birds can be unpredictable and may not always be present in large quantities through out the year. From the vantage point of baboon cliff, the lake appears pink due to the presence of flamingos. The landscape surrounding Lake Nakuru features a mix of grasslands, rocky cliffs, acacia woodlands, and a forest dominated by euphorbia trees.
Bird’s Paradise
There are two primary species of flamingos found in the lake. In particular, the lesser flamingo and the greater flamingo, both of which feed on algae that thrive in the warm alkaline waters. In addition to flamingos, the area is home to various other bird species, including ducks, pelicans, cormorants, plovers, vultures, eagles, and buzzards.
Lake Nakuru also hosts over 50 species of mammals, such as hippos, reedbucks, waterbucks, Rothschild giraffes, baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, lions, gazelles, and impalas, among others.
Kenya’s Wildlife Jewel
The renowned Masai Mara National Reserve is regarded as the premier game-viewing destination in Kenya. It has received accolades as the best game reserve in Africa for two consecutive years from the World Travel Awards. Notably, this reserve provides an exceptional opportunity to observe the Big Five.
The Big Five, which includes lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, and rhinos can be encountered here. Significantly, the annual migration of over a million wildebeests and zebras from the Serengeti plains is a wildlife phenomena. A diverse array of ungulates is also readily observable, including wildebeests, thomson’s gazelles, grant’s gazelles, buffaloes, rhinos, impalas, topis, elands, zebras, giraffes and duikers.
Common predators in the area include lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackals and foxes. Masai Mara is home to over 450 identified bird species, with notable examples being the common ostrich, secretary bird, Kori bustard, hornbills, storks, eagles and vultures.
The Park
Hell’s Gate is renowned for its natural hot geysers and serves as a breeding habitat for eagles and vultures. Visitors can choose from a variety of activities, including driving, walking, camping, cycling and rock climbing within the park. Additionally, horseback safaris can be organized. The landscape features several iconic viewpoints, such as Fischer’s Tower, which was once a volcanic plug, along with the Central Tower and Njorowa Gorges.
The park is also home to two extinct volcanoes, Olkaria and Hobley’s, which are worth visiting. Natural steam vents emerge from fissures in the volcanic rock, and obsidian—an impressive black, glassy rock formed from solidified lava—can be found throughout the area. Wildlife in the park includes buffalo, Masai giraffes, elands, Coke’s hartebeest, gazelles and various antelopes.
A paradise for birdwatchers and rock climbers alike, the cliffs of Hell’s Gate provide breeding grounds for vultures, Verreaux’s eagles, augur buzzards, and thousands of swifts. A total of 103 bird species have been documented within the park.
The Lake
Lake Naivasha is situated at the highest altitude among the lakes in the Kenyan Rift Valley, reaching an elevation of 1,890 meters. It is nourished by two rivers, the Malewa and Gilgil, and notably lacks a visible outlet. The lake spans an area of 140 square kilometers, although this size fluctuates annually in response to rainfall patterns. Its average depth is 8 meters and it is classified as a freshwater lake.
Surrounding much of the lake are forests of the yellow-barked Acacia Xanthophlea, commonly referred to as the yellow fever tree. These woodlands are rich in avian life, making Naivasha a premier destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
The lake is home to populations of hippopotamuses and a diverse array of bird species, with the fish eagle being particularly prevalent. A delightful way to enjoy the scenery is by taking a boat ride either in the morning or afternoon.
The Park
Amboseli National Park is located south of Nairobi; 140 kilometers which is a four hours drive from Nairobi. The park occupies an area of 392 km2. The ecosystem is made up of a seasonal lake called lake Amboseli where the park derives its name from, swamps, open plains, acacia woodland, rocky out crops, thorny bushes and marshes.
The landscape is dominated by the backdrop of the majestic snow-caps of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The snow capes are visible when the clouds are clear mainly in the early mornings and late evenings. The scenery gives you the opportunity to capture wonderful memories on camera for friends and loved ones back at home.
Amboseli A Wildlife Gem
Amboseli national park is considered Kenya second best wildlife gem after Masai Mara game reserve by many tourists and is the only national park in Kenya that has the highest population of elephants. The ecosystem of Amboseli, though small compared to other parks, sustains a large number of bird species and game.
The locals are mostly the Masai but other Kenyan tribes have moved to Amboseli in search of greener pastures. Beside game viewing and the ecstatic views of Mount Kilimanjaro one can visit a local Masai village to learn their way of life and to interact with the locals.
The Park
Tsavo West National Park spans an impressive area of 9,065 square kilometers and is situated in South Eastern Kenya, approximately 240 kilometers from Nairobi and 250 kilometers from Mombasa, leading to the Mtito Andei Gate. The park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, Mzima Springs, diverse wildlife, well-maintained road network, a dedicated rhino reserve, opportunities for rock climbing at Kichwa Tembo Cliffs and guided excursions along the Tsavo River.
The park is home to a rich array of wildlife, including the black rhinos, Cape buffalos, elephants, leopards and lions. Additionally, visitors may encounter smaller species such as bushbabies, hippos, hartebeests, lesser kudus and Masai giraffes.
Attractions
Mzima Springs serves as a natural aquifer located beneath the Chyulu Hills to the north. The Chyulu range consists of volcanic lava rock and ash, which is highly porous, preventing the formation of rivers. Instead, rainwater seeps through the rock and may remain underground for up to 25 years before surfacing 50 kilometers away at Mzima Springs.
This spring generates an astounding 450 million liters of water daily, supporting the Tsavo ecosystem and supplying some water to the coastal region via a pipeline. At Mzima Springs, one can observe schools of hippos, crocodiles, various fish, and water birds such as cormorants. Hippos typically graze at night and spend their days lounging in the water, either fully or partially submerged.
The Shetani Lava Flow, a striking black lava formation measuring 8 kilometers in length, 1.6 kilometers in width, and 5 meters in depth, is a remnant of volcanic activity that occurred 240 years ago. Local communities refer to this flow as “shetani,” meaning evil in Kiswahili, due to the legends surrounding its eruption. Ascending the flow can be challenging, as the thick black soil consists of uneven fragments of solidified magma.
The Roaring Rocks offer breathtaking panoramic views, typically reserved for the eagles and buzzards that soar around these cliffs.
The Park
Tsavo East National Park stands as one of the oldest and largest national parks in Kenya, encompassing an area of 11,747 square kilometers. Situated near the village of Voi in the Taita-Taveta District of Coast Province, the park is divided into eastern and western sections by the A109 road and a railway line.
The park shares its borders with Chyulu Hills National Park and the Mkomazi Game Reserve in Tanzania. The region experiences a warm and arid climate. Access to the park requires a smart card, which can be recharged at the Voi gate.
Among the notable attractions of Tsavo East National Park are the renowned “Red Elephants.” This distinctive coloration results from the elephants’ behavior of wallowing in the Galana River and rolling in the region’s red soils.
Attractions
Aruba Dam, located on the northern bank of the seasonal Voi River, serves as a popular gathering spot for numerous animals and offers excellent opportunities for game viewing.
Mudanda Rock is a prominent 1.6 km inselberg of stratified rock that functions as a water catchment, creating a natural dam below. It provides an outstanding vantage point for observing the hundreds of elephants and other wildlife that come to drink during the dry season.
The Yatta Plateau, recognized as the world’s longest lava flow, extends along the western boundary of the park above the Athi River. This 290 km formation was created by lava from Ol Doinyo Sabuk Mountain.
Lugard Falls, named in honor of Frederick Lugard, consists of a series of white-water rapids on the Galana River.
Tsavo East is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the iconic “big five”: lion, black rhino, cape buffalo, elephant, and leopard. Additionally, the park boasts a wide variety of bird species, such as the black kite, crowned crane, lovebird, and the sacred ibis.
- Do not Litter the park/reserve.
- Do not feed the animals, i.e. monkeys or baboons.
- Do give the animals the right of way and do not disturb wildlife.
- Do not take any plant or animals remains, dead or alive.
- Do not start fires or throw cigarettes in the parks/reserve.
- Do stay in your vehicle except at designated viewing points.
- Do not shout, laugh loudly, honk or play loud music as this will keep away the animals.
- Do not provoke any animals; it’s dangerous.
