Simba Kopjes

The Towering Sentinels

The topography of Simba is defined by massive, weathered granite boulders that have been sculpted by wind and rain for billions of years. These kopjes sit in a transitional zone where the long-grass plains of the central region meet the shorter grasslands to the south.

• Lake Magadi: Directly to the west lies the shallow, saline Lake Magadi. This “Soda Lake” (from the Swahili word magadi) is a glittering expanse of alkaline water that often appears glass-like in the still morning air.
• The Southern Swamp: To the south, the landscape dips into a small, permanent hippo pool and a marshy area that acts as a vital water source in an otherwise dry expanse.

The Throne of the King

True to their name, the Simba Kopjes are one of the most reliable places in the park to encounter lions. The massive height of these rocks offers the resident prides a panoramic view of the plains, allowing them to track the movement of migratory herds from miles away.

• Lion Dynamics: It is common to see several lions sprawled across the flat tops of the lower boulders, utilizing the stone’s heat in the morning and its elevation to catch a cool breeze in the afternoon.
• Lake Magadi Specialists: The lake is a primary magnet for lesser and greater flamingos, who flock here in their thousands to feed on the specialized algae and brine shrimp. The contrast of the pink birds against the white salt-encrustation of the dry shoreline is a photographic highlight.
• The Rare Bohor Reedbuck: The marshy areas and tall grasses surrounding the southern hippo pool are home to the shy and elegant Bohor reedbuck. These reddish-brown antelopes are rarely seen in the more open plains, as they rely on the thick swamp vegetation for cover.
• Plains Game and Scavengers: The surrounding 28-square-mile area is a favorite grazing ground for zebra, elephant, and Grant’s gazelle. In the clearings, you may spot bat-eared foxes using their radar-like ears to detect insects, while the open flats are regularly patrolled by nomadic cheetahs.