TSAVO EAST AND WEST NATIONAL PARKS

The combined area of Tsavo East and West National Parks (21,283 sq. kms 8,217 sq. miles) makes this one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

To the northwest is unusually vivid green range of hills, the Chyulus. lt is here that the marvelous eruption of Mzima Springs comes bubbling to the with surface with anything between 10-20 million litres of fresh water per hour. This makes for a natural jacuzzi for frolicking hippo and opportunistic crocodile.

The riverine forest all around are filled with monkeys and birds. Much of the northern sector is covered by the Ngulia Mountain Range.

Here, towards the end of the year, thousands of birds appear out of the mists- palaearctic migrants, some of which have been tracked as far north as Leningrad.

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Most of the rest of Kenya's wildlife is resident in the park-about 60 mammal species, some 400 species of birdlife and more than 1,000 species of plants. Endless plains and the Galana river dominates Tsavo East.

Across the river is the incredible 300 kilometre-long (186 miles) Yatta plateau, one of the world's longest lava flows. Midway the river cascades down Lugard's Falls before making its way sedately to the Indian Ocean.

The park contains large herds of elephant, prides of lion as well as being a sanctuary for recently relocated black rhino.

AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

lies below the most famous symbol of Africa- Mount Kilimanjaro 5,895m (19,340ft) the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free standing mountain in the world.

The surrounding area is flat, covered by Savannah and acacia scrub and the animals stand in silhouette against this towering majestic giant, its snow-clad peak floating in the stark blue African sky.

A large part of the park consists of the alluvial dried-up bed of the seasonal Lake Amboseli, which in the rainy season can transform into a shallow flood whilst the dry season brings strange mirages above the lake's dry shimmerings surface.

Towards the centre the park are a series of swamps, fed the underground rivers running off the mountain. It is here, closer to the water, that the concentration of wildlife intensifies, from the ever present ponderous herds of elephant to abundant birdlife. This includes a wide variety of waterbirds such as gray heron, saddle bill stork, Egyptian goose as well as long-toed lapwing, yellow throated sand grouse and up to 6 species of vulture.

The rare Madagascar Squacco Heron is a frequent visitor. Other game frequently seen include buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, massai giraffe, lion, and cheetah.

SHIMBA HILLS NATIONAL PARK

The Shimba Hills is a dissected forested plateau of gently rolling hills and steep ridges and ravines that rise from the coastal strip. The area is constantly fanned by strong sea breezes with the hills being frequently covered by early morning mists.

The slopes and undulating grassland are surrounded by a forest reserve- perhaps the only authentic African jungle at the coast . The rich grassland and forest of giant primeval trees is the only place in Kenya where one can see the sable antelope.

Early morning game drives offer occasional glimpses of the park's elusive wildlife population which includes buffalo, leopard and a shy herd of resident elephant who particularly like the fruit of the borassus palm. A place of cool invigorating, freshness, this enchanting plateau makes for a perfect getaway from the hot and humid coast.

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