“Home of the African Elephant “Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, the Amboseli National Parks is one of Kenya’s most popular parks. The name “Amboseli” comes from a Maasai word meaning “salty dust”, and it is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulphur springs, the savannah, and woodlands. They can also visit the local Maasai community who live around the park and experience their authentic culture. Amboseli is best known for its unrivalled views of Kilimanjaro and the local elephant population. There are over 1000 elephants in the park’s eco-system, featuring some of the largest in Africa.
The park is renowned for its torrential waterfalls plunging from cloud-shrouded heights to spray-filled ravines. The magnificent Karuru waterfalls, whose ice-cold crystal-clear waters drop an impressive 300meters, the spectacular Gura water falls which torrent from the opposite side of the same gorge, the sheer drop of the Chania water falls, and the enchanting Magura water falls which cascade across the yawning mouth of the Queen’s Cave. The twin peaks/towers are also a magical sight in the foggy but spectacular landscapes of the moorlands. The pair of rocks located near each other are outcrops formed because of volcanic formations. Rare wildlife species include–Black rhino, Black Serval, Black Leopard (seldom seen) and the Eastern Bongo (a huge forest Antelope). Also present are elephants, buffalos, giraffes, blue and colobus monkey, leopard, lion, warthog, giant forest hog, bushbuck, red duiker, suni, reedbuck and eland. Lying above the tree line, the scenery is spectacular with its mountainous terrain covered in thick tropical forests swathed in mist. Altitude: 7,000-14,000 FT, Area: 767sq.km, Location: Nyeri County, Gazettement: 1950, Distance from Nairobi: 180KMS.
From the sight of fifty million gallons of crystal-clear water gushing out of from the under parched lava rock that is the Mzima Springs to the Shetani lava flows, Tsavo West is a beautiful, rugged wilderness. The savannah ecosystem comprises of open grasslands, scrublands, and Acacia woodlands, belts of riverine vegetation and rocky ridges including the Poacher’s Lookout where visitors can see the teeming herds in the plains below. Tsavo West offers some of the most magnificent game viewing in the world and attractions include elephant, rhino, Hippos, lions, cheetah, leopards, Buffalos, diverse plant and bird species including the threatened corncrake and near threatened Basra Reed Warbler. It is simply described as “Land of Lava, Springs, Man-Eaters & Magical Sunsets.