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Elephants, Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Amboseli, Chyulu Hills and Tsavo

Often overlooked by travellers less in the know, these three regions sit in a thinly populated part of Kenya down on the border with Tanzania.

The lack of tourists, the wide-open spaces and the dramatic backdrop make for some of Kenya’s most thrilling wildlife encounters. This is no more the case than in Amboseli where, with over 1000 resident elephants in the park against a backdrop of the world’s highest free-standing mountain, the snow-capped Kilimanjaro, it is a photographer’s dream destination.

Amboseli works well when combined with Laikipia or the Masai Mara, to give a great overall impression of Kenya’s wildlife and wild places.

Amboseli

The volcanic dust, which gives the park its name (Empusal is from the Maa word for ash) provides dramatic silhouettes at sunrise and sunset, in a blaze of dusty reds and oranges as the moon rises over Kilimanjaro. The days are no less dramatic as the meltwater from the volcano drains through a network of underground streams, resulting in patches of watery green marshlands and lakes, adding yet more contrasting colours to the arid plains. This vital water source not only draws a scattering of predators to the area, but also allows for some fantastic birding.

Chyulu Hills

To the northeast of Amboseli, Chyulu hills form the youngest volcanic mountain range in Africa, where open plains and rolling hills are dotted with brittle boulders and rocky outcrops. Stay at Campi ya Kanzi, one of Kenya’s best camps and explore the impressive-sounding Leviathan Cave as an alternative to the traditional game drives.

Elephants over Jipe Lake, Tsavo West National Park, Kenya — Tsavo, Kenya

Tsavo East and West

The combined parks of Tsavo East and West account for Kenya’s single largest area of protected wildlife in two strikingly different parks. Tsavo West is the smaller of the two, harbouring the Big 5 and the excellent Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, whereas Tsavo East has less game, but rewards visitors with its wild, untrammelled atmosphere.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro behind, Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Safari Photography

Take advantage of the superb photographic opportunities away from the crowds.

Suggested camp

Elephants of Kilimanjaro

Watch impressive tusker elephants set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Volcanic Landscapes of the Chyulu Hills

Explore lava flows and caves in the volcanic Chyulu Hills National Park.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Tsavo National Park

Explore Kenya’s largest and wildest national parks, Tsavo East and West.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Ol Donyo Lodge £££££

Kenya
Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Ol Donyo Lodge is positioned on the northern edge of the fertile Chyulu Hills, set in an area that isn’t home to any other lodges. Built-in partnership with the local community, the lodge operates within 112,000 hectares of Maasai-owned wilderness that has been turned over to conservation. Stylish but rustic, Ol Donyo is immersed in this private wilderness. Views of Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen from all of the spacious suites and the plains below play host to large numbers of predators and prey.

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Campi ya Kanzi £££££

Kenya
Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Campi ya Kanzi is an inspiring and eco-friendly safari lodge sitting in the foothills of the Chyulu Range.

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Tortilis Camp £££££

Kenya
Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Tortilis Camp is a tented camp on the edge of Amboseli National Park with open views of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering one of the most dramatic settings for any camp in the area. All of the spacious, comfortable tents are designed to naturally take in the views of Kilimanjaro and the sweeping game-filled plains below.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Illona Cross

I have visited Kenya numerous times, as well as spending time in the Masai Mara as a safari guide at one of the camps. Having explored much of the country and stayed at a variety of camps and lodges, I always enjoy the diversity of activities on offer, including my personal favourite, horse riding.

Talk with our experts

1(800)272-4163

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Chris Johnston

I have explored much of Africa over the years, yet hold firm the belief that Kenya offers the best big-game experience in the world. I have walked, driven, mountain-biked, ridden and paddled past some of Africa’s most exciting wildlife whilst on safari in Kenya. And such is the style and comfort of the country’s lodges, all this was whilst within easy reach of an ice-cold G&T.

Talk with our experts

1(800)272-4163

Idea

Kenya

Rhino Conservation and Elephants of Chyulu

This journey focuses on two of Kenya’s most iconic species. In the renowned Borana Conservancy, witness rhino conservation in action and encounter critically endangered eastern black rhinos. In Chyulu Hills and the nearby parks, get close to elephants, amidst a landscape decorated…

10 days from $10,465pp

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Idea

Kenya

Flying Safari to Amboseli, Meru and the Mara

Fly in comfort, on a chartered plane, across Kenya’s wild landscape. Begin with the elephant-dominated grasslands of Amboseli, before flying north to the baobabs of Meru. End in the spectacular Masai Mara, the highlight of any trip to Kenya.

8 days from $11,945pp

Tortillis Camp, elephants, Amboseli, Kenya

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Idea

Kenya

Highlights of Kenya including Masai Mara and Coast

This trip combines three of Kenya’s most popular destinations: the Laikipia Plateau, the Masai Mara and Diani beach. Abundant wildlife, spectacular surroundings, outstanding service and a commitment to making a positive impact come together to showcase the best of this richly diverse…

11 days from $8,225pp

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Need Holiday Inspiration?
Browse our Kenya holiday ideas.

Our Kenya experts have created and curated these holiday and safari ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea

Kenya

Rhino Conservation and Elephants of Chyulu

10 days from $10,465pp

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Idea

Kenya

Flying Safari to Amboseli, Meru and the Mara

8 days from $11,945pp

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Idea

Kenya

Highlights of Kenya including Masai Mara and Coast

11 days from $8,225pp

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Amboseli, Chyulu Hills and Tsavo

Amboseli

Chyulu Hills

Tsavo East and West