Amboseli National Reserve used to be known as Amboseli National Park and was controlled by the Kenyan Wildlife Service. However, since September 2005 it is controlled by the Olkejiado County Council, which means any revenue goes to benefit the locals, the Masai communities.

Within the boundaries of Amboseli National Reserve there is plenty of wildlife to see with over 650 elephants and herds of wildebeest, zebra and impala. There is also, if you are lucky enough to see them, the cheetah and also the endangered black rhino. The sheer number of the animal population might make the reserve sound much larger than it is but it is actually only 244 square miles, rather small in comparison to other reserves in Kenya but then much easier to explore and with such a great population of animals, a good chance of viewing the wildlife.

Amboseli is close to Mount Kilimanjaro and the closest internationl airport is Jomo Kenyatta International, about 150 miles away. Kenya has a network of small airports and airstrips and flying is relatively inexpensive and a safe method of travel.

Mount Kilimanjaro last erupted thousands of years ago and its volcanic ash can still be seen, giving a dusty look to the reserve’s plains. There is plenty of lush, green land though, fed by the melting snow flowing down from the mountain. Be sure to pay a visit to Observation Hill and enjoy the glorious views.

Amboseli is credited with inspiring the game-hunting stories from Ernest Hemingway and Robert Ruark. Keep an eye out for mirages produced by the arid lakebed in the sweltering heat.

The best time for viewing game is high summer, just after the rainy season. July is a particularly good month to visit and Kenya is one of the few luxury holidays that is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.