Amboseli,
its landscape and its people
The Amboseli Ecosystem
Amboseli is a fairly small National Park (392
sq. km) yet so rich in both flora and fauna
that it has recently been designated an International
Bio-sphere Reserve. Amboseli, meaning “Salty
Dust” in the Maasai language is an important
rangeland for the Masai culture whilst the ‘salty
dust’ itself is volcanic ash from the
eruptions of the Mount Kilimanjaro a millennium
ago.
The Amboseli ecosystem is
typical of the open savannah grassland habitats
of Eastern Africa, featuring open wooded grasslands,
rolling hills and swamplands whilst the presence
of Mount Kilimanjaro creates a unique selection
of ecosystems found nowhere else on earth.
The Amboseli basin is fed by springs that
provide a permanent source of water during
the dry season, while the river systems north
of the basin form a seasonal flood plain that
is used by migratory animals during the rainy
seasons. Although the region has a relatively
low wildlife biomass it supports a greater
variety of animals than neighbouring Tsavo
which is fifty times bigger than the compact
but comprehensive Amboseli. Over 53 species
of herbivores and carnivores can be viewed
with ease, the most conspicuous being the
troops of over one thousand elephant who range
the plains and wallow the swamps. A number
of other unique animals also populate the
area including lion, cheetah, giraffes, zebras,
buffalo, rhino, wildebeest, gerenuks, impalas,
gazelles, hyenas, baboons, bats and about
425 different species of birds.
The Amboseli
People
Amboseli is one of the homes of the fabled
Maasai peoples. Often strikingly tall and slender,
swathed in brilliant red cloth “Shukas”,
hung about with beads and metal jewellery, the
young men (Moran) favour long, plaited, ochre-daubed
hairstyles and have a formidable reputation
for glamour, prowess and ferocity. Traditionally
the Maasai live off the milk and blood of their
beloved cattle and believe that all the world’s
cattle are theirs by God-given right. Their
nomadic and pastoral lifestyle, though historically
based on the pursuit of the migratory wildlife,
is slowly changing thanks to a combination
of education, Maasai MPs, votes, favourable
new laws, projects, jobs and cash.
| WHAT
YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AMBOSELI |
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| Currency |
The
Kenyan Shilling (KSh) |
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Credit cards accepted |
American
Express, MasterCard, Visa and Barclaycard |
|
| Time |
GMT/UTC
+3 all year round. Kenya maintains an almost
constant 12 hours of daylight. Sun-up and
Sun-down being at around 6.30 and 18.45
daily and varying only by 30 minutes per
year |
|
| Climate |
The
coast is always hot with an average daytime
temperature of 27-31 degrees centigrade
whilst the average daytime temperature in
Nairobi is 21-26 degrees centigrade. Temperatures
elsewhere depend on altitude. July to August
marks the Kenyan winter. Broadly speaking,
January-February is dry. March-May is wet.
June-September is dry. October-December
is wet |
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| Language |
Kenya’s
national language is Kiswahili whilst the
official language is English |
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Electricity/
Water |
Voltage
is 240V in rooms, 3 pin square plugs are
used but adaptors are available plus shaver
sockets at 110V and 240V.
Water purity cannot be guaranteed so we
provide mineral water in all our rooms.
Our ice is also made with purified water. |
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| Visas |
Visas
are required by most nationals - consult
your travel agent for details |
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| Insurance |
Travel
insurance/medical cover is recommended |
|
| Health |
Protection
against malaria is essential as the disease
in endemic in Africa. It is vital to take
anti-malarial tablets (consult your doctor
as to which brand is currently considered
the most effective). You should also wear
anti-insect sprays/creams in the evening
and wear long-sleeved garments and full-length
trousers or skirts after dusk. Nets are
not usually provided at Amboseli Serena
Safari Lodge since the rooms are sprayed
with repellents daily, but if you prefer
to sleep under nets, these can be provided |
How to
Get There
Access from Nairobi is via Namanga (240 km)
or Emali (228 km) and both routes are tarmac
clad. From Namanga to Amboseli is 75km and from
Emali to Amboseli 64 km.
Access from Mombasa is mainly through Tsavo
West via Kimana (Olkelunyiet) Gate, or by air.
The park has five gates, Olkelunyiet, Iremito,
Ilmeshanan, Kitirua and Empusel (Airstrip).
The park offers a first class tarmac airstrip
and private air charters can be arranged.
What to
Wear/Carry with you
When on safari we suggest that you travel light,
dress comfortably in lightweight cottons in
muted colours and carry a light jacket, sunglasses,
sunhat, sunscreen and insect repellent plus
a good camera, plenty of film, binoculars and
a guide book covering your area of interest
(flora/fauna/birds etc).
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Distances from other
Serena properties in Africa
View distances between Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge and the other Serena properties in Africa, as well as driving
and flight duration. |
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