Snows of Kilimanjaro from Tsavo West

Above; Snow-capped Kilimanjaro from Tsavo West Kitani bandas April 2020. Courtesy Severin Safari Lodge

Published: The East African Nation media

By Rupi Mangat

It was predicted that the snows of Kilimanjaro would vanish by 2020…but look at what’s happened

Kilimanjaro’s snow hat is perfectly on its head – that is on its dome-shaped Kibo also dubbed the roof of Africa because at 19,340 feet high, it’s the continent’s highest point.

Late March and the first surprise after leaving Diani famous for its powder white beach and blue warm water on Kenya’s South Coast was the mist covered peaks of Shimba Hills.  It was surreal watching from the ridge of the escarpment as the mist rose, warming up to the rising sun.

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Tsavo in the Rain

With the vultures watching

White-backed Vultures atop the trees by the side of the red road of Tsavo Copyright Rupi Mangat
White-backed Vultures atop the trees by the side of the red road of Tsavo Copyright Rupi Mangat

The White-backed Vultures atop the trees by the side of the red road of Tsavo give the game away. There has to be something in the sea of grass. We stop. It’s stunning scenery – a low ridge of black lava outcrop, long luscious grass topped with purple heads and one of the conical hills that make the Five Sisters. Continue reading “Tsavo in the Rain”

Chasing Chameleons on Chyulu Hills

Above: Chyulu Hills from Kilaguni Serena Lodge in Tsavo West Copyright Rupi Mangat

rediscovered the Chyulu Hills Chameleon_01 (800x517)
Rediscovered Chyulu Hills Blade-horned Chameleon that hadn’t been seen in nearly 40 years in Chyulu Hills (and considered extinct and found by Spawls in April 2018) Copyright Stephen Spawls

“Look out for chameleons on every tree and bush,” l asked the Kenya Wildlife Service ranger as we drove very carefully through the tall lush grass growing over what is supposed to be the road. Heavy grey clouds sat atop the stately peaks of the Chyulu Hills draped luscious green.

The ranger looked at me incredulously.

Continue reading “Chasing Chameleons on Chyulu Hills”