AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Area: 392 km2.
Location: 265km south-east of Nairobi, approx. 4 hrs.
Everything about Amboseli is big. It is a land of giants, of vast dry plains where the horizons seem limitless, of huge herds of elephants and, most impressive giant of all, Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. This magnificent, snow-capped mountain lies just over the border in Tanzania, but the most impressive views of its icy peak are to be found in Amboseli. The sight of Kilimanjaro high above herds of game crossing the plains of Amboseli is a timeless African image.
At 19,340 feet, the 'Shining Mountain' is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and is topped by one fifth of all the ice in Africa. The park is home to more than just elephants, herds of wildebeest, zebra and impala graze on the open plains and cheetah are also often sighted here.
Wildlife rhythms: Mammals easier to see near water during dry seasons; migratory birds peak November to March.
Wildlife highlights: Famous for large herds of elephants. Open plains allow fabulous wildlife viewing and photography, and mammals are very relaxed after years of tourism. Wildebeests, buffaloes, plains zebras, gazelles, spotted hyenas and elephants are abundant; lions occur in small. Permanent marshes are frequented by hippos, elephants and buffaloes. Prolific birdlife - 425 species have been recorded - includes water-birds, plains and woodland species; Amboseli is particularly good for grey crowned cranes.
What to do: Game drives, nature walks and visits to Masai villages.
Watching tips: Amboseli is one of only two places where you can see the Taveta golden weaver, but it is common around lodges and camps.
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