Taita Hills Nature Reserve – The Taita Hills Wildlife Conservancy gets its name from the surrounding Taita Hills. It is part of the Eastern Arc forests, which are recognized as an important biodiversity area.
The reserve covers about 28,000 acres and includes a mix of habitats such as riverine forest, savanna woodland, and grassland.
The vegetation is often dense and layered, with many Acacia trees. In wetter areas, such as the central lowlands of the sanctuary, it can remain green throughout the year.
The sanctuary is located on the southern side of Tsavo West National Park. It plays an important role as a wildlife settlement and migration corridor between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks.
This makes it valuable for tourism and for protecting nature. The landscape is mostly mountainous, with clear views of Kilimanjaro, the Pare Mountains, the Uluguru Mountains, and the Taita Hills.
A seasonal river runs through the sanctuary, creating valleys and lowlands.
Attractions at Taita Hills
- Game Drives: Morning and late afternoon game drives offer good chances to see many wildlife species. Waterholes near the lodges also attract animals, giving visitors an opportunity to watch them closely while relaxing at the lodge.
- Walking Safaris: Guided nature walks are a great way to explore the plants and animals of the sanctuary. Walking with an experienced ranger allows visitors to enjoy the quiet of nature while learning about the environment and how everything is connected.
- Bird Watching: Over 350 bird species have been recorded here, including both resident and migratory birds. The nearby Taita highlands are home to three birds found nowhere else in the world: the Taita Thrush, Taita White-eye, and Taita Apalis.
- Taita Hills WWI Museum: The sanctuary also has historical interest. Battlefield tours take visitors to World War I sites, including graves, memorials, and battlegrounds.
The Taita Hills Resort & Spa hosts a museum with photographs and artifacts that tell the story of the war in this region.
