Tribute to One of Tsavos Super Tuskers – “Lugard”

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) joins the conservation fraternity to bid ‘fare thee well,’ to one of Tsavo’s Super Tuskers; the majestic, iconic Lugard, whose life’s candle was snuffed out by advanced age, exacerbated by debilitating drought.

Lugard’s three-day old carcass was spotted by Tsavo Trust’s eagle-eyed pilot officer within Tsavo West National Park, during a routine aerial reconnaissance mission. An immediate ground response was initiated by KWS and Tsavo Trust to verify the situation.

The joint team confirmed the carcass to be that of the famous Super Tusker named Lugard: cause of death was natural. Further, both massive tusks were intact and subsequently recovered.

Lugard was first ‘baptized’ and recorded into the Big Tusker Project database on 1st January, 2014. He crisscrossed seasonally between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks via Manyani area, with his movement data and video recordings leading to the establishment of a wildlife underpass beneath the SG Railway, that has since been used by countless elephants.

KWS/Tsavo Trust physically observed Lugard on 373 separate occasions – approximating to a nearly once-per-week sighting of the gentle giant for the last nine years! For all of his many years, Lugard roamed unfettered over his home range - the sprawling 22,000 sq. km Tsavo parks - a sterling example of what continuous, collaborative conservation can conceive: elephants living out their lives to the fullest, as Mother Nature intended. This is a rarity in today’s elephant existence, more so for an elephant endowed with such impressive ivory.

Lugard was a film star, appearing in several documentaries; photographed and enjoyed by visitors galore who visited Tsavo specifically to see him. He was last seen alive by Tsavo Trust on 10th November, 2022.

The silver lining to losing a Super Tusker - a gem of Lugard’s ilk - to the inevitable circle of life, is that his virility saw him sire multitudes of equally – if not more magnificent – pachyderms to sustain his documented “large tusks” genetics, to continue their reign over the impressive Tsavo ecosystem.

Across the world, more and more travellers are choosing to rent a private house, rather than a hotel for their holiday, opting for a truly relaxing experience that they don't have to share with other guests. DiscoverWatamu have been providing this service in Watamu for over 20 years. Specialists in the Watamu area, with over 60 properties, they offer couples, families and groups of friends the perfect place to stay, from one bedroom apartments to six bedroom beachfront properties.

This year DiscoverWatamu are introducing a fully catered option to a select few of the houses. With this, they will take care of all the worries, from buying the food, arranging airport transfers, and book your excursions, all in conjunction with a daily visit from a personal concierge.

With Malindi only an hours flight from Nairobi, and a short half hour drive to Watamu the private houses are an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, whether for a long weekend or a week with the family..

Watamu as a destination has so many things to do, whatever your reason for the break. Deep-Sea fishing is a massive draw to those who love being out on the water, and the majority of billfish caught are tagged and released to fight again

Watersports like kitesurfing, water-skiing, scuba-diving and snorkelling are also very popular, with schools like Tribe Watersports and AquaVenture Diving to give you the skills to enjoy this. There is a pitch and putt golf course and even the opportunity to play the growing sport of Padel.

In terms of restaurants, bars, and cafes there are plenty of delicious options, and the Blue Marmalade supermarket stock everything you need for your DiscoverWatamu self-catering option, with deliveries available to take the stress out of shopping

Taking a DiscoverWatamu rental is a simple, easy, relaxing option. Contact them on info@wpskenya.com or visit www.DiscoverWatamu.com to see the choice.

Angama's Amboseli Lodge Fully Booked Ahead of Opening

Angama, one of Kenya’s most luxurious hotels in Maasai Mara has opened a tented camp in Amboseli, adding 15 more rooms to the destination that attracts bird watchers, horseback riders, and tourists looking to enjoy sundowners against the backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro while herds of elephants pass by.

Angama Amboseli joins the likes of Ol Donyo Lodge, Satao Elerai Camp, Amboseli Serena, and Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli, luxury tented camps that have been offering accommodation in the region that was recording a sharp rise in the number of visitors two years ago before the pandemic affected travel.

The lodge has a smaller bed capacity at 15 rooms as opposed to Mara’s 30 rooms. The architecture is also different with every franchise tapping on its natural habitat for its identity. The Mara taps into scenic views and its rich ecosystem. The Amboseli taps on the elephant sanctuary, the forests, and the mountains around.