Activities

A great deal of the World War 1 war fought, won and lost by the European super powers and their allies in our backyard. Lions Bluff is situated close to the strategic arena in the East African campaign of World War 1. We host a series of unique battlefield tours which retrace the battle lines of perhaps the most strange campaign in British and German military history.

Ideally a bush walk culminates in the best meal of the day being enhanced by being eaten under a tree, enjoying one of our many stunning views within the Sanctuary.
Fresh fruit, juice, tea and coffee and a cooked breakfast to your requirements will be freshly produced under a nearby tree, while you relax and soak up the atmosphere of the bush through which you have just meandered.

Awake with the African Sunrise and take a drive in our open-sided game vehicle to an area where it is safe to walk in the wilderness. Accompanied by Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary’s skilled rangers, walk amongst the tracks and signs, flora and fauna of this protected area.
This is a gentle ramble, suitable for all ages for those with an enquiring mind about the world around them. Allow our ranger to enjoy showing you the environment in which they grew up, their intimate knowledge of the insects, birds, tracks and signs.

As part of our extensive eco-interface we offer cultural visits to local villages and schools. For the Taita Village Visit, you are invited to enter a typical ethnic home and participate in cooking a traditional meal and enjoying it, with the families. Or help in the local beer making process and if you like tasting too. Visitors are welcomed to watch and participate in the traditional dance “mwazindika”.

Feel at one with the Sanctuary as you explore the territory in an intimate fashion, from an elevated position in our custom built, open- sided game vehicle. Our experienced rangers will show you some of the stunning views of the area, together with birds, trees, carpets of wildflowers and the animals who tread over them. Using this intimate interface, feel at one with the amazing safari experience that is Lions Bluff .

Of interest to all ages, our rangers especially enjoy teaching children the tracks, signs, insects and bushes around the Lions Bluff itself. Our resident Taita naturalist guide will teach you which roots &leaves are edible, which are used by the local people to put spells on your enemies. Examine spider nets, collect quartz rock or leaves to make a refreshing tea. Identify birds by their call and enjoy them in the bush.

A uniquely specialised event, not normally permitted with the boundaries of the National Parks and Reserves, is a night game drive, the ultimate safari luxury experience. Leaving the Lodge either before or after dinner setting off to discover the creatures of
the night. Night is the exclusive domain of the hunters such as leopards and lions. It is the only time when you may catch a glimpse of such elusive nocturnal creatures as aardvark, aardwolf and Lumo’s melanistic serval cat.

With over 1,070 species of birds, Kenya has the second highest country bird list in Africa, while the area around Tsavo West boats 600 recorded species. Ranging from giant herons to tiny sunbirds, the diversity of African birdlife is startling in its colour and vibrancy. Additionally, the Lions Bluff area boasts a number of endemic species, such as the globally threatened Taita Thrush, Taita Apalis, Abbotts starling and the Southern banded Snake Eagle.

Drinks and snacks (or ‘biting’s’ as they are called in Kenya) are served in a scenic location, as the sun slips below the horizon – typically between 6 and 7pm. The sun downer is an essential part of safari life and dates to the 1920’s and the great white hunters such as Bror Blixen and Denny’s Finch-Hatton, when elegant cocktails were served to guests watching the magnificent spectacle of an African sunset.

Over an hours drive from the lodge, lies the only sunken crater lake in the region, which borders Tanzania. Myth has it, that it was the ungratefulness of the villages to welcome a Divine messenger in disguise of a sickly woman, resulted in the whole village sinking and water coming from the ground. It is revered as a traditional Taveta people shrine. Crystal clear water has fish species unique to this place, the Challa Tilapia. Encounter local people fishing and herding livestock. The land is very fertile and hence there are farmlands and villages surrounding the lake.

Mt. Kasigau is part of the Eastern Arch Mountains renowned for its endemic Flora and Fauna. A gazetted national forest topped with tropical forest, this3-hour ascent, 1641 meters above sea level, requires tough training shoes. Discover a World War 1 British encampment, with visible trenches and hideouts, identify rare trees and birds and enjoy learning as you ascend more about the culture of the local Taita people.

Climb the beautiful Taita Hills. Drive through lush, mountainous Taita where the climate is perfect and the views stunning over what is known to the locals as ‘ little Switzerland’. The highest, Vuria (2,300 meters above sea level), is easily identified by the mobile phone mast on top. It is possible to drive to this point. Eyale is lower and can only be climbed on foot. Walk through the farmlands and interact with the locals in their daily chores. About 45 minutes of steep walking from where you leave your vehicle, to where the view is panoramic.

Ng’ang’ao is a gazetted forest managed by the Kenya Forest Services. At 1,500m it is a true tropical rain forest with dense foliage and moisture, unique birds, like the Taita Thrush and butterflies. Take a guided walk through the dense jungle and enjoy what must be one of the last natural forests in Kenya. Visit the butterfly farm managed by the community, mainly the youth.

About one and half hours from Lions Bluff, in Tsavo West, lies this fresh water lake that borders Tanzania. A host to hippos, crocodiles and unique birdlife. A lake shared by two countries each with different economic values.
Since the Kenyan side of the lake lies in Tsavo West National Park, no fishing is allowed. Tanzania are allowed controlled fishing.

Mzima Springs are a series of four natural springs in Tsavo National Park, that produces an incredible 250 million litres of fresh water a day.
The source of the spring rises in the Chyulu Hills and provides the bulk of Mombasa’s fresh water.