Days Kenya Safari: 8 Nights Itinerary Including Amboseli, African Wildlife Experience
✨Nestled along the border between Kenya and Tanzania, Amboseli National Park lies in the shadow of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite its arid climate, the melting snow from Kilimanjaro’s summit feeds into expansive swamps, creating a unique and vibrant ecosystem. The name “Amboseli” translates to “dry lake,” a fitting description for this captivating landscape.
On our journey from Nairobi to Amboseli, the moment Kilimanjaro first appeared on the horizon, our guide couldn’t contain his excitement, repeatedly exclaiming, “Kilimanjaro! Kilimanjaro!!!” with immense pride.
🦒Amboseli has truly captured the essence of my African dreams. The snow-capped mountains, majestic herds of elephants, graceful giraffes, and swift zebras all contributed to the allure that drew me here. Words fall short in describing the sheer beauty of Amboseli, so instead, I’ll share some practical travel tips.
🐘Eager to immerse myself in the breathtaking scenery beneath Kilimanjaro, I allocated two full days for Amboseli in my itinerary. On the first day, we set out at 7:30 AM and returned by 1:30 PM. The second day, we left even earlier at 6:30 AM and were back by noon. During our second day, the guide humorously remarked that he found Amboseli Park rather small.
Indeed, by the end of our stay, we could easily recognize the paths we had traversed multiple times over the two days. A small hill known as Observation Hill offers a panoramic view of the wilderness from its viewing platform. Following the principle of “since we’re here,” it’s well worth the easy climb to take in the stunning vistas.
🦛In Amboseli, driving is restricted to designated roads, and it was the driest place we visited (excluding Samburu), with a significant amount of dust. A full-day trip with packed meals can be quite uncomfortable, especially when the midday sun is at its peak, making it unbearable and offering no respite from the heat.
Many animals also seek shelter during the hottest part of the day, and the harsh sunlight doesn’t do justice to the photos. 🍋The most beautiful and optimal lighting for photography and wildlife observation is in the early morning and late afternoon, when the animals are most active and the light is soft and golden.
🦁For the ultimate Amboseli experience, I recommend heading out early in the morning for a half-day safari and then venturing out again in the afternoon just before sunset. Amboseli may not be vast, but these two half-day excursions are more than sufficient to soak in its beauty.
🍬If you arrive by air in the morning, plan to reach the park in the afternoon, and then set off on another early morning adventure, departing after lunch the next day. This schedule strikes a perfect balance.
🍧However, if your itinerary is similar to ours and your accommodation is located outside the park, it’s crucial to coordinate well with your travel agency ahead of time. Our guide informed us that there was a fixed departure time in the afternoon, which limited our visits. Staying at a lodge within the park, such as Ol Tukai Lodge, would likely offer a more seamless and enjoyable experience.
After one restroom visit, I found myself reflecting: saving money here might not have been the best choice [laughing and crying emoji]
