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Mudanda Rock

Viewpoints in Taita Taveta

Mudanda Rock: Tsavo East National Park

Setting out north from Voi Gate a parkway runs Tsavo East Park north-north-west roughly parallel to A109 Road and railway. It connect Voi Gate (south) to Manyani Gate (north) via Irima Hill (2,991 feet), Manga Hill (2,769 feet) and Mudanda Rock. Until recently, the thousands of square kilometres at the northern zone of Tsavo East National Park were closed to the public and existed only as an uninhabited outback with only the A109 Road providing the only useful platform to view over. On this, the traditional first stop at Tsavo East, 291 km southeast of Nairobi turning off the A109 Road at Manyani Gate, is Mudanda Rock. This well liked observation deck extending 1.6 km end-to-end, an inselberg of stratified rock, is a must visit.

Mudanda Rock lies along the east border of Tsavo East, 5 km south of Manyani Gate. After periodical rains it is a handy watering hole, filling to a sizeable dam, welled by rain water outflow from this rock, with a fair to middling, sometimes reasonable, muster of wildlife viewed from the rock’s safety. It attracts varied wildlife and the troops of baboons in particular always seem eager to welcome visitors. Some nice flowers grow on the rock to boot. Owing to the heat atop it avoid a visit between 11am-3pm during the dry season – that is December to March – when it gets scorching hot from the rocks thermo conductivity. While it lasts this plash, a famous watering hole, also serves as useful stopover for birds.


From stunning views of the Great Rift Valley to serene coastlines, Kenya is blessed with breathtaking viewpoints that offer travelers unforgettable panoramas. These destinations not only provide amazing photo backdrops but also inspire awe and appreciation for the natural world. Showcasing the diversity and beauty of our planet, these viewpoints are sure to leave an indelible mark on your journey.


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Situated in south-western Kenya, and part of the Coast Region of Kenya, Taita-Taveta County is known for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. The county features diverse landscapes, including the Taita Hills, which are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, and the vast plains of Tsavo, which are part of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks – Kenya’s largest wildlife preserve.

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The mean temperature in Taita Taveta is 23 Degrees Celsius, cooler around the hills and hotter on the Nyika where the Tsavos sit. Rainfall distribution is uneven, with the highlands receiving higher rains than the lowland areas. Taita mountain sphere receives the highest rains.