Kenya: Amboseli National Park Map

One of the classic images of East Africa is that of a herd of elephant strolling across the plains with the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro in the background. It is to catch this sight on memory and on film that people flood to Amboseli National Park. While Kilimanjaro is actually across the border in Tanzania, Amboseli has a perfect view of this world's tallest freestanding mountain, at an impressive 5km above the plains. The best time to view the majestic mountain is at dawn and sunset, when the clouds lift and the light is lovely.

Amboseli is not a large park, but it offers you the best opportunity of seeing endangered black rhino, as well as a spectacular range of wildlife. Most of Amboseli is flat and dusty and the best spots for game viewing are the two swamps. Unfortunately Amboseli's rich wildlife has also been its downfall. Too many minibus and jeep drivers veering off the roads in pursuit of a good look at the game have turned the delicate grass plains into a dust bowl. Stick to the roads to protect the park's fragile ecosystem and maybe others will follow your example. Amboseli is about 200km from Nairobi on fairly good roads, and the usual route is via Namanga on the A104. The last 75km from Namanga is a bit bumpy so be prepared. Air Kenya also offers daily flights to the reserve.