Joseph Thompson was the first European to penetrate the feared Maasai region known as Empusel, meaning ‘salty, dusty place’ in Maa. He was amazed by the incredible ensemble of wildlife and the contrast between the arid areas of the dry-lake bed and the oasis of the swamps, a contrast that persists today.

In fact, the park includes a dried-up Pleistocene lake and two main swamps.

The park is about 39,000 hectares and its ecosystem spreads across the Kenya-Tanzania border, giving to landscape photographers thrilling views over the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro.

The local people are mainly Maasai and you can visit one of their village, learning their lores, customs and survival skills.