Located in Taita-Taveta County in south-eastern Kenya, Tsavo West National Park covers more than 9,000 square kilometres, making it one of the country’s largest and most dramatic protected areas. Its varied scenery includes volcanic cones, lava flows, rocky outcrops, swamps, wooded grasslands, riverine forests, plains, lakes, and natural springs. The otherworldly Shetani Lava Flows, named after the Swahili word for “devil”, spread across the savannah in striking black layers. Other notable features include Chaimu Crater, the panoramic viewpoint at Roaring Rocks, and Mzima Springs, a series of crystal-clear freshwater pools that sustain hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Wildlife enthusiasts can look for highly endangered black rhinos at the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, alongside elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, eland, impala, Maasai giraffe, and many other species.
Located in the southern reaches of Kenya, the Amboseli National Park is renowned for its excellent variety of wildlife such as Maasai giraffe, elephant, lion and cheetah and not surprisingly it is one of Kenya's most popular parks. The landscape of Amboseli is dominated by the majestic snowcap of Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as open plains, acacia woodland, swamps and the massif of Ol Doinyo Orok. The birding is excellent, especially closer to the lakes and swamps. The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to large herds of elephants among other wildlife species. Other attractions include opportunities to meet the Maasai people and soak up spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
