Our Kenya Safari Journey - On the Way to Amboseli - African Elephants and Mount Kilimanjaro

On the Way to Amboseli National Park

We departed from our hotel in Nairobi around 7:30 AM, aiming to beat the weekday traffic that often plagues the city. As we hit the highway, we were fortunate to find smooth sailing; the congestion was minimal.

A clear sky with white clouds along the highway route to Amboseli National Park.

As the bustling cityscape gradually faded into the distance, we were greeted by the charm of rural towns and villages. The scenery transformed, revealing a tapestry of everyday life in Kenya.

A typical town along the highway features a handful of four-story buildings housing apartments, while wooden stalls and brick houses dominate the landscape of local establishments.

Occasionally, we passed through lively towns, brushed by vibrant weekday markets. Stalls crafted from wooden planks, each about 3 square meters, lined the roadside, offering an array of goods: fresh fruits and vegetables, swimsuits, clothing, and second-hand shoes. Local vendors walked up to the vehicles, hoping to catch the attention of drivers.

Behind these wooden stalls, brick houses formed a second line, set back from the highway. We spotted a variety of establishments—grocery stores, butcher shops with a transparent window displaying hanging lamb meat, and motels. Each scene painted a vivid picture of life unfolding along the journey.

Human-Wildlife Conflict

As we continued our journey, we passed through a town renowned for its vibrant tomato production, with expansive fields of tomato plantations stretching nearby. Our vehicle approached a section of the road lined with two hanging rows of electric fences, their wires crackling with a sizzling sound. This electrified barrier serves as a deterrent for elephants, who see tomatoes as a tempting snack.

Conflicts arise when these majestic creatures venture close, munching on the tomatoes displayed in roadside stalls. This human-wildlife conflict is a pressing issue in Kenya, exacerbated by the expansion of human settlements into wildlife habitats. While African elephants are intelligent enough to navigate around electric fences, they occasionally outsmart the system to indulge in their favorite treats.

From our safari guide, we learned that the government is taking significant measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. Poaching is at the top of the list. Poachers caught in the act face severe consequences, including the possibility of being shot by law enforcement. This approach aims to reduce tensions between humans and wildlife, as Kenya strives for economic development while preserving its rich natural heritage—a vital pillar of its tourism industry.

As we wound along the roads, glimpses of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro began to emerge on the horizon. Before long, we spotted a sign welcoming us to Amboseli National Park. We veered onto a dirt road, eagerly anticipating our arrival. Just before reaching the park gate, we turned left to arrive at Kibo Safari Camp, our accommodation for the next two nights.

After three hours of driving, we arrived at Amboseli National Park.

Entering Amboseli National Park

After checking in and getting settled, we found ourselves just in time for the lunch buffet. Soon, we hopped back onto our safari vehicle, taking two left turns to arrive at the entrance of Amboseli National Park. This remarkable destination is renowned for its large population of African elephants, including the majestic Big Tuskers—mature elephants with impressive tusks that extend nearly to the ground. The stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, towering at 5,896 meters above sea level, enhances the park's allure. It's also worth noting that the park was featured in the iconic opening scene of Disney's The Lion King, which beautifully showcases Africa's diverse wonders. For non-resident tourists, entry costs USD 90 per adult per day.

Mount Kilimanjaro dons a light dusting of snow during our July visit. As the sun sets, the grasses take on a golden hue, creating the perfect backdrop for a stunning photograph.

As we ventured into the park, the grass was low and visibility high. We spotted distant African elephants alongside other wildlife, including zebras and gazelles. The elephants were seen feeding and bathing in swamps, drawing water from the melted snow cascading down the summit of Kilimanjaro. A group of ostriches stood nearby, their heads swinging as they surveyed the landscape.

The iconic residents of Amboseli National Park, African elephants, enjoy their time grazing and bathing in the refreshing swamp.

As the sun began to set, we observed the elephants forming family lines, each following the other as they made their way back from the plains to the shelter of the trees at the foot of the mountain, ready to rest for the night.

As the sun began to set, we observed the elephants forming family lines, each following the other as they made their way back from the plains to the shelter of the trees at the foot of the mountain, ready to rest for the night.

A Fruitful Experience on Day 2

Our second day in Amboseli proved to be even more rewarding. Rising early for a morning game drive at 6:30 AM is essential to capture a clear view of Mount Kilimanjaro, especially when the mountain's peak is unobscured by heavy clouds. A touch of haze in the middle of the mountain added a picturesque quality to the scenery, while the early hour helped us avoid the crowds of safari vehicles.

A scene reminiscent of the opening of The Lion King, this is a must-capture photograph, featuring African elephants set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

We were fortunate to encounter a group of six cheetahs feeding at a nearby waterhole, their sleek forms a stunning sight. After their meal, these magnificent big cats settled on the ground, quietly observing the sunrise. On the plain to our right, elephants grazed leisurely, framed perfectly against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. This iconic scene encapsulated the essence of Amboseli—a true masterpiece of wildlife photography.

A family of cheetahs, with the young ones nearing maturity and preparing to embark on their own journeys, rests on the dirt, basking in the warm glow of the rising sun.

An unexpected highlight awaited us. As sunset approached, elephants began their journey back from the plains to the base of the mountain. Many safari guides raced to position their vehicles for the iconic “Elephant Crossing,” where these majestic creatures traverse the dirt road on their way home.

Suddenly, a flurry of familiar vehicles converged at a single point, each driver poised to make a U-turn at a moment's notice, eager to secure the best angles for their guests. The African elephants approached, seemingly puzzled as they surveyed the congested road, with only a passage available—flanked by more than six vehicles on either side.

Tourists stand up in their own 4WD safari vehicles, eagerly watching as elephants gracefully cross the road on their journey back home.

One elephant stood directly in front of us, her demeanor a mix of confusion and indifference, as if this spectacle unfolded daily. With remarkable calm, she led her family across the road, followed closely by the younger elephants, while a larger matriarch ensured their safety at the rear. Some paused mid-crossing, observing the curious gathering of safari vehicles, bemused by the spectacle of humans eager to witness their journey.

Amboseli is truly magnificent, with its signature red dirt creating a vibrant backdrop. As vehicles kicked up clouds of dust, we navigated the bumps and dips of the trail, enjoying in the experience. For wildlife photography enthusiasts, this park is a must-visit destination, especially with the iconic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro framing the horizon.