Amboseli

The classic image of elephant herds walking beneath snow-capped Kilimanjaro: Kenya's best reserve for elephant viewing and photographing the mountain.

Amboseli lies in southern Kajiado County, Kenya, right on the Tanzanian border. At its core is the 392 sq km Amboseli National Park, surrounded by Maasai community conservation areas. The main peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is about 40 km to the south, and the snowy summit is seen at its fullest from the Kenyan side; "elephants walking beneath the snows" is the signature image here. Climate and seasons: June–October and January–February are the dry seasons, when the grass turns yellow and animals gather around the swamps, making it easiest to see large elephant herds; during the long rains (March–May) and short rains (November–December) the grass is green but the roads are muddy. Kilimanjaro is often shrouded in cloud, and the summit is most likely to appear between 6 and 8 a.m. and in the late afternoon. Areas to explore: the Enkongo Narok swamp and Observation Hill in the middle of the park are the heart of the safari circuit, with the densest concentrations of elephants, hippos, buffalo and birds; Lake Amboseli on the west side is a dry lakebed most of the time, but fills with water after rain and attracts flamingos; outside the park to the east, the Kimana Sanctuary and Chyulu Hills offer walking safaris, horseback riding and other experiences not allowed inside the park, and Maasai cultural villages give insight into local life. Getting there: from Nairobi it is about 230 km via the A104 and C102 roads, a 4–5 hour drive; you can also fly from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Amboseli airstrip inside the park in about 45 minutes. Game drives are done in a roofed 4x4 vehicle; most visitors join a tour with a hired vehicle, or stay at a camp that arranges the drives. We suggest 2–3 nights, with at least two early-morning game drives to improve your chances of seeing the mountain. It is often combined with Maasai Mara and Tsavo in a 7–10 day circuit. Note: park tickets are charged per 24 hours and must be paid by credit card or M-Pesa; check yellow fever vaccination and visa requirements before entering; ask permission before photographing Maasai people.

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