For our latest capsule collection, we journey to the iconic savannahs of eastern Africa, where nature and the animal kingdom rule.
For this blog post, we explore the iconic national parks of Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya, which play an important role in preserving the unique biodiversity of the savannahs of eastern Africa.
Learn more about how these national parks are protecting endangered species and allowing important ecosystems to flourish and thrive.
The Serengeti National Park
Located in Tanzania, the Serengeti is one of the most famous national parks in the world. The name Serengi stems from the Masai word siringet which translate as “the place where the land goes on forever.” This iconic park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. Considered one of the Seven Wonders of Africa, the Serengeti is comprised of 1.5 million hectares of savannah grasslands. Every year, thousands of tourists journey to the Serengeti to witness the abundance of wildlife and the natural environment.
The Serengeti is home to The Big Five (buffalo, lions, elephants, rhinos, and cheetahs). Vast herds of herbivores such as zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles also roam the plains. The park is also home to over 500 different bird species with the iconic acaia trees dotting the landscape.
Wildebeest at the Serengeti. Photo: SUITCASE
Every year, herds of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles and impalas travel from the Tanzania’s northern plains to the northern regions of Kenya in search of fresh water and food. Known as The Great Migration, this natural phenomenon is an inspiring story of the resilience of these majestic animals and draws thousands of visitors to the Serengeti each year.
The Serengeti ensures that the natural eco-system and wildlife of the savannah grasslands are protected for future generations to come.
Elephants at the Serengeti. Image: Vroni Bernhart
Akagera National Park
The Akagera National Park is located in eastern Rwanda. Full of open savannahs, wetlands, and forests, the Akagera National Park serves an important role in providing refuge to wild animals in Rwanda.
During the Rwandan Genocide, animals were poached and killed. Lions were hunted to extinction and other species, such as rhinos, disappeared. With the loss of tourism and bio-diversity, the Akagera National Park had no way of providing employment to local communities. However, this park has become a success story in conservation as recent efforts to re-vitalise this important park have paid off.
Zebras roaming the savannahs of the Akagera National Park. Image: SUITCASE
In 2010, the Rwandan government partnered with a non-profit to help with the rehabilitation and conservation of the park. Since then, the park has completely transformed. Slowly, species such as lions have been re-introduced to the park. Elephants, rhinos, and leopards have also returned, and these eco-systems are now thriving. Efforts have been made in the park to reduce the risk of poaching as well as teaching and training the local community about the importance of conservation.
This park is an inspiring story of how conservation groups can come together to protect and promote wildlife.
Amboseli National Park
Located in southern Kenya, the Amboseli National Park offers a stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro. Home to big-tusked elephants, giraffes, and over 350 different species of birds, the Amboseli National Park is a special sanctuary in the heartlands of Kenya. According to legend, the word Amboseli stems from the Masai word for “salty dust.”
The Amboseli National Park is known for its unique landscapes - ranging from forests, mountains, savannahs, wetlands, and swamps. The park is also known as the Land of Giants due to the abundance of elephants.
The park is renowned for its iconic view of Mount Kilimanjaro. Image: Cate Misczuk
Our latest jewellery collection, Savannah Summer, is inspired by the natural textures and silhouettes of East Africa’s iconic scenery.
The Savannah Summer Collection is handmade by artisans Elijah, Ojiko, and Andrew. This collection showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of our Kenyan artisans, in addition to telling a unique story about the special landscapes and eco-systems that define East Africa. We’re proud to present this extraordinary collection inspired by the textures and silhouettes of East Africa.
Discover the Savannah Summer Collection here.
Pictured here: ASKARI Pendant, NALA Earstuds MRABA Ring, KUNI Bar Ring
Sources
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/05/akagera-national-park-rwanda-conservation/
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/156/
https://www.britannica.com/place/Serengeti-National-Park
https://www.trueluxury.travel/serengeti-national-park/
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