Amboseli, famous for its incredible population of elephant, combined with the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, is a visual spectacle and a great park to visit in its own right or part of a fuller Kenya safari.
Amboseli is a fairly small park by Kenyan standards and the variety of game is not huge. However, being so scenic it remains one of the most photographed. The large herds of elephants are very photogenic, being so used to the camera lens, and combined with Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain lying to the south, you might rightly capture your own professional shot.
The park, which suffered from excessive tourism in the 1960’s and recent drout, is regaining its beauty. The marshlands by the river make for great game viewing at the beginning and end of the day with ample birdlife for the twitchers. And prior or post their drink or wallow, herds of elephants up to 50 or 60 members, some with hugeous tusks, march in smart single file. It’s great to watch as they arrogantly walk by – sometimes remarkably close.
The roads are good which increases your opportunity of seeing the resident game as you quickly cover the park. Common sightings include buffalo, giraffe, gazelle, zebra and cheetah for the more observant.
Being fairly flat, the park lends itself to easy bush walks and your guide will enlighten you with some fascinating facts and points of interest at ground level. Higher up, the observation hill, overlooking the Enkongo Narok swamp in front and Kilimanjaro behind provides a magnificent platform to see for miles – a great option for a sundowner if your camp will set it up for you.
