Amboseli: elephants beneath Kilimanjaro
Amboseli National Park lies in southern Kenya, close to the Tanzanian border, and is known for two things: large, relaxed elephant families, and views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, rising just across the border.
Why the elephants are here
Much of Amboseli is dry, dusty plain, but water from Kilimanjaro’s slopes filters underground and rises in springs that feed green swamps in the middle of the park. Elephants spend much of the day in and around these swamps, often belly-deep in water, along with buffalo, hippos and many water birds. The elephants of Amboseli have been studied for decades, and many are used to vehicles, so you can watch family groups at close range.
Seeing Kilimanjaro
The mountain is often hidden by cloud during the day. Your best chance of a clear view is early in the morning, and again in the late afternoon. Observation Hill, near the swamps, gives a wide view over the park and is one of the few places where you can get out of the vehicle.
Other wildlife
Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and gazelles all live in the park, and the birdlife around the swamps is excellent. The Maasai community lands around Amboseli are also home to wildlife, and some lodges are in private conservancies there.
How long to stay
Amboseli is a drive of about four to five hours from Nairobi, or a short flight. Two nights gives you a full day of game drives and both morning and evening light. It combines well with Tsavo West, Lake Naivasha or the Masai Mara.
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