Under the gaze of Mount Kilimanjaro in the South East corner of Kenya lies Amboseli National Park, the second most popular park in Kenya after the Masai Mara. The park’s large ecosystem spreads from Kenya to Tanzania and is one of the best places to see large groups of elephant. It’s also a bird lovers paradise with swamps in the park attracting over four hundred species of bird life.
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The swamps that are a major part of this area could clearly be seen as flew into Amboseli from the Rift Valley
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Excitement rose when we spotted a large herd of elephants. It wouldn’t be long until we would be following them on the ground.
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Protecting the ecosystem was the main reason Amboseli was declared a National Park in 1974. For most of the year Amboseli Lake is dry but if it floods in the rainy season, it becomes very salty. Thankfully there is actually a lot of fresh water in the park too …underground streams from then melting snow on Kilimanjaro feed into the marsh land creating a haven for over four hundred species of birds.
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It was exciting seeing our first herd of elephant especially as there quite a few young ones with them.
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Outside the park, most of the land in the area is owned by the Masai people. Lodges such as the one we were staying in lease the land from the Masai and help support the village. We learnt a lot about this support during our visit to the Masai village. I would certainly recommend doing this. Â
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Just behind our lodge was one of the few high points on this generally flat land. Giraffe were making themselves at home here..perhaps they knew this was the spot to see one of Africa’s fabulous sunsets.
Have you been to an African wildlife park?
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What an amazing park! Beautiful photographs, I pinned several. And those elephants, how neat to be able to see something like that in the wild. I am doing a similar theme and your newest follower.
Thanks Rhonda for visiting. Amboseli is a fabulous park…it is certainly a lot less crowded than the Masai Mara. I love seeing the elephants especially when there are little ones. They all gather around the baby to protect it if they are worried about you!
These are wonderful shots Jenny. I can’t wait to see where you take us through April. 🙂
I can’t wait to see where I take you either Jan!! It was a last minute decision to do this which means I’m already a bit behind!!
Have Fun 🙂
Oh my! These shots are beautiful. My husband and I have been wanting to visit Kruger & Masaimara. I think we will now add Amboseli to the list. Can’t wait to read the rest of your posts!
Thanks Aarthi. Amboseli is certainly very different to a lot of the other parks in Kenya. I loved it..visiting the Masai village was also a highlight.
Hi jenny, Great start , Great pics!! Looking forward to following the remainder of the alphabet 🙂
Thanks for your support Doug. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens during the month too!
Love your post; love the photos! Great first day, Jenny. Enjoy the ride!
Thanks Corinne. Could be a rocky ride!! I’ll be following your posts too..good luck!
What fantastic photos. I would love to get this close to the animals but also to experience life with the locals. What a great adventure! 🙂
Thanks Tamason. It certainly was an adventure…I could sit in those jeeps all day and go round and round just looking at the animals.
I’ve been bitten by the travel bug too 🙂
Great photos. Hubby and I visited Amboseli National Park a few years ago now, and your photos brought back some great memories. I’d love to return one day.
Great to meet another person bitten by the bug Shelley! I’m glad I could bring back some lovely memories for you. I’d go back to Africa tomorrow if I could…one day!!
Wow! Your photos are amazing! It makes me want to pack up and leave
Thanks Kate! If you go, can you take me with you..I’d love to go back!
love the pictures!!
Shere y Paul
PS:we are also participating in the AtoZ challenge: AtoZ: de caña-tapa en Alcalá de Henares
Thanks Shere. Good luck for the A to Z challenge. I’ll be following your posts hoping to pick up some foodie tips!
Lovely photos! Those elephants look so cute! Ive never been to Africa but i’d absolutely love to!
Thanks Jessica. Africa is one of my all time favourite countries. If you ever get the chance you have to go. The animals are so beautiful!
How beautiful are these photos. Great start Jenny. Take care, Paula
Thanks Paula. It could be a long month!
Wow, what a great way to start the 2014 A to Z Challenge. These pictures are stunning and you really bring the reader to the foothills of the spectacular Mt Kilimanjaro. I would love to explore this national park, Heather has always said she wants to do a safari and what better place to start than Amboseli with such stunning backdrops and scenery around you.
Looking forward to seeing the rest of April’s post – great start!!
Thanks Chris. Amboseli was very different to the other parks we visited with its open plains and large herds of elephants. With Kilimanjaro in the back ground it was definitely very special. April will be fun….I’ll be over to see where you’re taking us too!
Lovely shots. Wow. I loved the Masai people’s jewelry! Everything is so colorful.
Seeing the Masai village was one of the highlights of our stay in Amboseli. The lodge we stayed at helps support the village and they are doing marvellous things. The jewellery was for sale…another way for them to raise money!
I’d love to take Vlad to see this one day when he is a little older – looks magical.
It would certainly be a great holiday for Vlad…and for Mum and Dad as well!
A is for “amazing”. Wonderful pics for your first post of the challenge. I don’t think I’ve ever seen another photo of elephants from the air. Really captured by attention.
Thanks Cathy! This bought back a lot of happy memories…I love Africa and would dearly love to go back again!
Africa is such an amazing place. We visited several years ago and would love to go back again one day. Have a great time with your A-Z challenge!
I’d love to go back too Jill…It really gets under your skin doesn’t it! Fun days ahead with the A to Z Challenge!
Gorgeous travelogue!
I’ve not yet been to Africa, but I grew up surrounded by African artifacts because my father briefly taught there.
Thank you for the trip. I’ll be back to see where else you take me!
~Tui Snider~
My blog: Tui Snider’s Offbeat & Overlooked Travel
I am also part of the #StoryDam team, a friendly writing community!
Thanks Tui. It’s a beautiful country and with your background I’m sure you’ll love it when you do visit! I’ll pop over and say hi on your blog!
Beautiful…
Thanks Lili!