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.

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).

			Distances from other African Serena properties View distances between Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge and the other African Serena properties, as well as driving and flight duration.