A Safari Adventure: Embracing the Wild Wonders of Amboseli National Park in Kenya

 

    Embarking on a safari to Amboseli National Park in Kenya is a journey into the heart of the wild, a mesmerizing experience that transcends the boundaries between man and nature. Our adventure was nothing short of extraordinary, filled with encounters with majestic wildlife, cultural immersion, and moments of pure awe.

   One of the highlights of our safari was the decision to opt for a private driver and vehicle. This choice granted us the freedom to dictate our pace, linger in the presence of magnificent creatures, and savor the untamed beauty of Amboseli. Our skilled driver, James, not only navigated the terrain with expertise but also shared insightful knowledge about the flora and fauna that surrounded us.

   Our journey extended beyond the borders of Amboseli as we visited a nearby Maasai village. The encounter was more than a tourist experience; it was a profound connection with a community whose traditions and way of life have stood the test of time. Witnessing their dances, rituals, and genuine warmth made us reflect on the privilege of our birthplaces. And speaking of warmth, everyone was awe struck when several Maasai warriors created fire in less than a minute with nothing but two sticks and some elephant dung.

Some of the local Maasai warrior showing off some serious jumping skills.

Nature unfolded its grandeur before our very eyes as we encountered multiple prides of lions, their regal presence leaving an indelible mark on our memories. Elephants, gentle giants of the savannah, graced us with their proximity, following their well-worn trails within inches of our vehicle.

The piercing gaze of the king of the jungle.

Amboseli is known for its elephant close encounters.

By 'close' encounters, I mean very close.

The sight of flamingos in the lake added a splash of pink color to the rugged landscape, creating a picturesque contrast to the dusty plains. Every turn of the safari vehicle revealed a new chapter in the story of Amboseli’s wildlife. Across the lake, an abandoned lodge, now overrun with wildlife, remind us of nothing here is permanent. We soak in the moment, being surrounded by Africa.

Flamingos at sunset. Pink on pink in Lake Amboseli.

A spotted hyena walking in front of the abandoned lodge on one of our early morning game drives.

Our safari also bore witness to the raw realities of the animal kingdom. Two brother lions, one with a full mane and the other scruffy and almost maneless, napped near a fresh giraffe kill, a powerful display of nature's unforgiving cycle. Our first encounter with a cheetah happened not far from our camp on our third day. We watched it go into hunt mode, stalking gazelles at a marshy water hole. Later in the morning we came across it again, this time its coat was stained from a freshly killed gazelle, providing a glimpse into the speed and precision of Africa's fastest land predator.

This is not something you see every day. Two lions had taken down this giraffe. They were snoozing nearby in a food coma, while hyenas were gathering to step in next.

A successful hunt. Our cheetah chased down a gazelle and eagerly devoured it as other animals looked on.

I thought this shot of the cheetah turned out almost like a painting.

Amboseli means 'salty dust' in the Maasai language. Its dusty landscape, though challenging at times, bestowed upon us unparalleled sunsets and unique photo opportunities. The haze in the air transformed the setting sun into a fiery ball, casting a warm glow over the savannah and creating a canvas for capturing the essence of the wild.

A gorgeous male lion walks right past us during sunrise.

The sunsets and sunrises here in Amboseli are incredible.

Our home amidst this wild beauty was the Amboseli Serena Lodge, a haven of comfort and luxury in the heart of the national park. Three nights under its roof allowed us to recharge after exhilarating days in the bush.

The view from our lodge dining area.

Our room at the Amboseli Serena Lodge.
A private bush dinner under the stars, accompanied by the rich taste of Pinotage wine, and the camaraderie of the outdoor fire pit created an ambiance that mirrored the magic of the African wilderness. Sipping Tuskers after a dusty game drive, we found ourselves recounting the day's adventures, underlining the serenity of the lodge.

Our bush dinner finished with an impressive flaming dessert and a surprise Maasai dance performance.

We were lucky enough to enjoy a lovely bush dinner under the stars, set up by the lodge. 6 course meal, check and check.

This giant fire pit is where we usually end our evenings, enjoying a glass of wine and trading stories of the days animal encounters.

Our safari to Amboseli National Park was more than a vacation; it was a soul-stirring odyssey into the untamed heart of Africa. The memories of lions on the prowl, elephants in the marshes, and Maasai dances linger, etched in our minds like scenes from a dream. Amboseli is not just a national park; it's a living, breathing testament to the awe-inspiring beauty and fierce grace of the wild.

Grey-headed kingfisher.

Colors of the little bee-eater.

Cheetah checking out the dinner options.

Incredible zebra fight in the dust.

Cheetah stretching before going on the hunt.

I had never seen hyena cubs this young and small before.

We had been waiting all safari to see a cheetah and finally it happened! This lone cheetah was pretty active and gave us a great show.

Lion cubs looking a little sleepy.

Sunrise over Amboseli.

A big tusker hanging by itself in paradise.

I'm not sure why these two zebra were fighting with each other, but I bet it would have made any predator think twice after tangling with it.

Wildebeests heading across the dry, dusty plains. They would kick up dust with each step.

One of the many families of elephants here in Amboseli, following the trails to the marsh.

A cheetah goes into stalk mode. From behind these bushes this cheetah scours the scene for its next meal.

Two male lions in front of the massive Mount Kilimanjaro

Amboseli host thousands of elephants. This family was enjoying the grass of the park in the early morning light.

Hippo in the marsh showing off some impressive teeth.

I'm excited to show the team a totally different ecosystem here in Amboseli National Park, and with it, new animals.

Heading into the park we were greeting with Maasai women selling tradition bracelets and necklaces.

Zebra traffic jam.

Zebra and wildebeest with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.

 It is sad to say good bye to Amboseli and even sadder to say good bye to James, but the Masai Mara is calling... and that is a call that should always be answered.

-Dai Mar