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.

Elephant with Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli, Kenya
Kenya

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.

Guided bush walk, Campi ya Kanzi, Chyulu Hills
Campi ya Kanzi, Chyulu Hills, Kenya
Campi ya Kanzi, Chyulu Hills, Kenya
Campi ya Kanzi, Chyulu Hills, Kenya

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.

Tsavo East, Tsavo, Kenya
Tsavo, Kenya
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.

Red dirt road, Tsavo, Kenya
Amboseli, Chyulu Hills and Tsavo

Tsavo National Park

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

Suggested Holiday Idea

Elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro behind, Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Amboseli, Chyulu Hills and Tsavo

Safari Photography

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

Suggested camp

Elephant with Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli, Kenya
Amboseli, Chyulu Hills and Tsavo

Elephants of Kilimanjaro

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

Suggested Holiday Idea

Guided bush walk, Campi ya Kanzi, Chyulu Hills
Amboseli, Chyulu Hills and Tsavo

Volcanic Landscapes of the Chyulu Hills

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

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.

Illona Cross

Illona has 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, she always enjoys the diversity of activities on offer, including her personal favourite, horse riding.

Talk with our experts
  • 1 800 571 2985

Chris Johnston

Chris has explored much of Africa over the years, yet holds firm the belief that Kenya offers the best big-game experience in the world. He has 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
  • 1 800 571 2985

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