Discover Kenya’s Hidden Gem: Amboseli National Park Safari Experience 🐘🏔️

Traveled to Africa with the dream of witnessing the “snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro that even the equatorial heat cannot melt.” The moment I laid eyes on that majestic, snow-covered peak, I knew the journey was worth every mile.

Our group, consisting of three adults and one child, joined a tour in Nairobi. We rented a 7-seater SUV, complete with an English-speaking driver who also served as our knowledgeable guide. I must commend the incredible eyesight of our African driver; it was truly remarkable. He could spot animals from a distance with pinpoint accuracy, often outperforming my binoculars.

His expertise made the trip all the more enriching, and I highly recommend joining a local tour for an unparalleled experience.

We stayed at OL Tokai Lodge in Amboseli National Park, a charming retreat with a swimming pool. If you’re lucky, you can enjoy a swim while watching elephants roam nearby. The meals were a delightful array of flavors, with a variety of options, and dinner included a delicious BBQ. In the evenings, we gathered around a bonfire, gazing at the stars and sharing stories, though we always remembered to apply insect repellent to ward off the mosquitoes.

The accommodations were cozy wooden cabins with large, comfortable beds. Be sure to keep the doors and windows closed, as mischievous monkeys might try to rummage for snacks.

April to June is considered the low season in Amboseli, coinciding with Kenya’s rainy season. The rain here is surprisingly friendly to tourists, mostly occurring at night and not disrupting daytime activities. However, during this period, fewer animals are visible, as some seek shelter outside the park.

We were fortunate to see herds of elephants, zebras, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, and giraffes, but unfortunately, the lions we most wanted to see eluded us. On the bright side, the park was less crowded, and there were no traffic jams of vehicles, allowing for a more serene and intimate experience.

As for the snow-capped mountain, the rainy season often brings clouds, making Mount Kilimanjaro elusive. However, there are golden opportunities to catch a glimpse of it in the early morning or late evening when the sun sets. On our first day, the mountain remained hidden, but on the second day, just as we were about to give up, the clouds parted around 9 o’clock, revealing the true face of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Alas, the view was fleeting, as the clouds returned within half an hour. I hope this insight will be helpful for those planning a similar adventure.

Note ⚠️ If you have myopia and usually don’t wear glasses, make sure to bring them along. Wearing glasses can significantly enhance your ability to see the wildlife, and without them, you might miss out on the breathtaking sights.