The elephants of Amboseli
Amboseli’s elephants are among the most studied in the world. Since 1972 researchers have followed individual families, building a unique record of elephant behaviour and social life. Because they are not hunted and are used to vehicles, the elephants come very close. See elephants beneath Kilimanjaro for the best times and places to photograph them.
Key areas
- Enkongo Narok and Ol Okenya swamps: the green heart of the park, full of elephants, buffalo, hippos and waterbirds.
- Observation Hill: a short climb with a panoramic view over the swamps and plains, and a good place to stretch your legs.
- Lake Amboseli: usually a dry, shimmering bed of dust where mirages and small whirlwinds form.
- Sinet Delta: good for birds and plains game.
Other wildlife and birds
Lions, cheetahs and spotted hyenas hunt on the plains, along with zebra, wildebeest, Maasai giraffe and Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles. Over 400 bird species have been recorded, especially in the swamps: pelicans, kingfishers, herons and crowned cranes.
The Maasai
Amboseli is Maasai land, and the park is surrounded by community group ranches and conservancies. A Maasai village visit helps you understand how people and wildlife share this landscape.
Where to stay
Lodges inside the park sit close to the swamps and give the earliest access to the morning light on Kilimanjaro. Several camps in the surrounding community conservancies, such as those on the Kimana and Selenkay group ranches, offer walking safaris, night drives and a more private experience, while paying lease fees to Maasai landowners.
Photography tips
The best light on Kilimanjaro is at sunrise, usually between 6:30 and 8:00am, before clouds build. Position yourself with elephants in the foreground and the mountain behind, using a medium zoom to keep both in frame. Dust is part of Amboseli: bring a blower and keep lenses covered between sightings.
Planning your visit
Amboseli fits into most Kenya itineraries: by road from Nairobi, by air from the Masai Mara, or on the way to Tanzania. Our 3-day Amboseli safari is a short break from Nairobi, and the 6-day Kenya safari combines it with the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. For more on Kenya, see our Kenya guide.
