Travels with Terri

Amboseli National Park is located in southern Kenya, close to the border of Tanzania, and encompasses an area of 151 square miles (392 square kilometers.) It was declared a national park in 1974 and offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro to the southeast. Its diverse landscape of woodland, bush, savannah, marshlands, and lakes make it an ideal home to many species of wildlife and birds. Approximately 80 species of animals call it home including elephants, zebras, gazelles, impalas, lions, hippos, hyenas, and giraffes. It is also a bird-watchers paradise with around different 400 species.

Kibo Safari Camp is perfectly situated near the entrance to Amboseli NP. We began our afternoon game drive at 4:00 pm and our first wildlife spotting was a small group of Masai giraffes just outside the camp. After entering the park, we saw a male ostrich strolling past a herd of impalas. We also spotted a lone jackal, a pair of wart hogs, impalas, more ostriches, and zebras. Our guide Franco took us to one of the marshes where wildlife gather in abundance late in the day to drink. What impressed us most was seeing the variety of animals living in perfect harmony with each other. The natural world at its best!

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On our game drive the next morning, Franco took a different route through Amboseli NP, and we were thrilled to see three female lions watching a herd of wildebeests in the distance. Along Enkongu Narok Swamp, we spotted over twenty hippos cooling in the water, numerous birds, zebras, elephants, ostriches, and impalas. Franco slowed the vehicle as we approached a stand of trees and we watched in awe as a large bull elephant emerged and lumbered towards us. Undisturbed by our presence, he crossed the road and continued on his way. Even though I know that death is inevitable, I was deeply saddened to see so many wildebeest carcasses on our drive. Franco told us that they starved due to the severe drought in 2022. My only comfort was knowing that they provided sustenance to others. We returned to camp in time for lunch and spent the rest of the day relaxing by the pool and watching the playful Vervet Monkeys jumping from tree to tree.

In my next post, we visit one of the filming locations for Out of Africa and learn about the longest rift on earth.