Summary
There are two compelling reasons to visit Kenya’s Amboseli National Park.
Firstly, to observe the magnificent population of elephants, and secondly, to enjoy the extraordinary view of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli National Park provides an iconic viewing point for the “roof of Africa,” a sight frequently featured in films and magazines.
Experience Amboseli National Park
Unfortunately, we arrived in Kenya at the beginning of the rainy season, so Mount Kilimanjaro was often obscured by clouds. While we never got to see the mountain in all its glory, there were fleeting moments when its glacier peeked out above the clouds.
The lower mountains were fully visible, offering a breathtaking sight, especially during sunset just before we settled into our lodge in the heart of the park. If you visit Kenya during the dry season, you will certainly enhance your chances of viewing this iconic mountain.
Lodging at Amboseli National Park
We chose to stay at the Amboseli, Serena Safari Lodge, located amidst the park’s heart. Sitting on a high plateau, guests can indulge in high tea while gazing over the vast African Savanna. From our vantage point, we observed zebras and baboons roaming through the tall grass beneath the warm African sun.
The lodge is enveloped by lush vegetation and swamps nourished by the melting snow from Kilimanjaro. While lounging in comfort, you can spy on elephants and hippos as they engage in their daily activities, with monkeys playing in the nearby trees.
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During our brief visit to Amboseli National Park, we enjoyed an evening and morning safari, but the allure of the lodge had us wishing for more time to relax by the pool and soak in the stunning views.
Our First Kenya Safari
We met our guide from Journeys International, Makau, at 4:00 PM to embark on our evening safari. Sunset is when many animals come out, so we were eager to spot some of the ‘Big 5’ – Buffalo, Rhinos, Elephants, Lions & Leopards (that is, BRELL).
Moments after leaving the lodge, we spotted several elephants. Amboseli is renowned for its abundant elephant population, and it certainly lived up to its reputation.
Seeing an elephant in the wild for the first time is an exhilarating experience. They embody peace and grace, gliding effortlessly across the landscape. Although they appear to move slowly, tracking them reveals just how much ground they can cover.
Elephants stay close to one another and fiercely protect their young. Watching them, I cannot comprehend how poachers can senselessly kill them merely for their ivory tusks, which are sold in the Asian market. I earnestly appeal to those in Asia to cease buying ivory for medicinal or decorative purposes. This practice must come to an end.
Other Wildlife
Time flies during a Kenyan safari, and the sun began to set quickly. We kept our eyes peeled for more wildlife and were fortunate to see quite a diverse range in Amboseli.
Along with the usual impalas and gazelles, we spotted hyenas, giraffes in the distance, zebras, hippos lurking in the water, and even our very first warthog.
The warthog has surprisingly become my new favorite animal. Our guide Makau shared that warthogs have a very short attention span. They can spook easily and flee at the slightest provocation, but they soon forget why they ran and curiously return to inspect their surroundings.
We caught a glimpse of this intriguing creature as it paused to look around. Their antics are utterly delightful to watch as they scurry across the Savanna.
Missed Out on Big Cats, But Saw Them in the Masai Mara
As our safari in Amboseli came to a close, we accepted the likelihood of not spotting any of Africa’s big cats here. That would need to wait until our visit to the Masai Mara, but we were thrilled to spot a serval cat.
We noticed movement through the tall grass and were delighted to see two serval cats playfully frolicking. They were unfazed by our presence, continuing their playful antics while we watched in our safari vehicle. It was merely a hint of the adventures to come.
With our time at Amboseli National Park nearing its end, we had glimpsed some unique animals that can only be found in Africa, stirring our eagerness to explore further.
Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most celebrated national parks, yet I sensed the next two destinations would offer even more thrilling wildlife encounters.
For detailed information regarding safaris to Amboseli National Park and beyond, feel free to reach out to our friend Makau at Wilderness Zones Safaris.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to plan your next adventure? Here are some resources that we have found reliable and useful.
Your Flight Options: Begin your journey by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have trusted them for years, finding consistently great flight prices.
Your Accommodation: Secure the most competitive hotel prices using either Booking.com if you are in Europe, or TripAdvisor for locations elsewhere.
Find Apartment Rentals: Discover the best deals on apartment rentals through VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Always prioritize safety by securing travel insurance. Here’s a suggestion:
- Safety Wing – For occasional travelers.
- Medjet – Global air medical transport and travel security.
Activity Reservations: For walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more, we recommend Get Your Guide.
For further assistance with trip planning, be sure to visit our Resources Page where we showcase the companies we trust while traveling.
