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Sign in with FacebookLatest Amboseli National Park hotel reviews
Pro
Scenic and full of life
Con
Some roads are in bad conditions & is very dusty
In a nutshell
One can get lost in the scenery and the elephants
pfsmalo Says: Quite interesting until the visit was over and we had to file through the Maasai "market". As it was our first day nobody was into buying, but the way it was presented was over the top and we left with a slightly bitter taste in the mouth. It was a shame that this happened...
pfsmalo Says: This tip could also be classed in the "tourist trap" group as the Maasai are not that welcoming for tourists (probably right) and this is the only real way to get close up and see how they live. The Maasai do not welcome people taking their photograph (another van at the...
pfsmalo Says: These magnificent beasts take your breath away, just by the sheer size of them. Larger than the Asian elephant, and not only the ears, the African also has two tactile fingers on the end of his trunk as opposed to the Asians one. Strange to see egrets co-habiting with the...
pfsmalo Says: We got to witness a hunt on our first morning out, two lionesses waiting for a herd of zebra, wildebeest and gazelle that were heading to a waterhole. At first we couldn't even spot the lions, but when the herd got closer of course they had to lift their heads a little to...
Get out and see the animals (of course) II.
pfsmalo Says: The Thompson gazelle, smaller than the Grants are as numerous in East Africa but not on the continent as their counterparts. Distinguishable mainly by the dark stripe along the side and very ridged almost straight horns.Unfortunately the female in the 3rd/4th photos has...
Get out and see the animals (of course)I
pfsmalo Says: The Grants gazelle is not noticeably different from the Thompsons at first glance. Although the Grants is certainly larger the colouring is very similar. The major difference in the colouring is the lack of a black side stripe on the Grants and the white patch on the rear...
Legolas5 Says: A life time (expensive) experience.or the price of $450 per person, you will get a breath taking sun rise view of the Kilimanjaro, and about 40 minutes flight over the park. Directions are subject to the available winds. The service is only available during the dry...
easterntrekker Says: By days end we were ready to get back to the comforts of our lodge . The drought has caused such devastation and it is evident everywhere....with starving or starved animals all around us.Just before we arrived at our hotel we see this incrediable sunset, reminding us there...
1 Review and 110 Opinions While this Cheli & Peacock owned property is considered one of the finest in Amboseli, we can NOT...
4 Reviews and 171 Opinions The lodge offers full board, very good accomodation, good locatoin at the middle of the park. Large...
Any lodge in Kenya: Happy Birthday Celebrations
Homanded Says: Kenyan's have a fun way of celebrating Birthdays. At your request, they will pre-make a cake which will be delivered at your table at the end of the meal. The birthday affair consists of all employees lining up single file, going from table to table, showing your name to the...
Amboseli Serena Lodge: Songs around the fire
BorneoGrrl Says: A musician sings with his guitar after dinner time at the Amboseli Serena Lodge. It is especially nice to sit and watch him sing some Kenyan music as we warmed ourselves by the fire in the chilly night. This night entertainment is held behind the lodge's restaurant. If...
Amboseli Serena Lodge: Night Safari
BorneoGrrl Says: There is a small waterhole behind the Amboseli Serena Lodge where animals come to have a drink of water. The area is covered by trees and bush but more often that not, you will be surprised by the sight of a Waterbuck or other animals that dare venture close to humans. While...
easterntrekker Says: When we finally arrive at the Amboselli gate, desperate locals, trying to sell their crafts, meet us. We buy some beautiful carved hippos and elephants as well as some beads. I guess it helps them out in some small way. I wish we had bought more when I see their faces as I...
Amboseli Serena Lodge: Goodies from the lodge
BorneoGrrl Says: The shop at Amboseli Serena Lodge has a good selection of souvenirs and some essential items. The prices are non-negotiable but sometimes cheaper than the stuff sold by some souvenir shops along the roads to the game reserves. This also means that you don't have to haggle...
Don't photograph the Maasai .... yet
BorneoGrrl Says: We were told not to simply photograph the Maasai people while we were in Kenya. This had something to do with their customs. However, when you make a visit to the Maasai Village and AFTER paying, you are allowed to take as many pictures as you like.We saw a Maasai at a rest...
BorneoGrrl Says: There are plenty of Vervets, these black faced monkeys that hang around the lodge on the trees, roof and anywhere close to the hotel guests because their objective is to pinch food & anything they can carry. You have to watch for your stuff e.g sunglasses, small bags. They...
Helpfulness
Having been on safari several times, I find that the time is wasted going to some of these souvenir shops that sell local craft at ridiculously high prices. Our guide will make this compulsory "rest stops" conveniently at these shops at the notion of using the bathroom but I think there is an ulterior motive
Sometimes, the items you see are sold at least 3-5 times their value, if not more. For the unknowing & new visitors to Kenya, you must know that the sellers are very friendly and will always say that they will "give you a good deal" so it's not easy to say no. Either you must have superior bargaining skills or risk spending more than you need to at these places.
Unique Suggestions: When I get to these rest stops, I buy an expensive beer or coffee and sit somewhere until it's time to leave
Fun Alternatives: You can get a better deal at the shop at your hotel (no hassling required even though it's a tad expensive) or at the Maasai Village (lots of hassling but at least it's going to the people & not middlemen)
Updated Sep 3, 2007
BorneoGrrl Says: A small to medium sized bags is sufficient to carry your essentials (unless you're planning on buying lots of local souvenirs), and easy to cart around in your vehicle Cotton or natural fiber material is better for comfort and always wear comfortable walking shoes e.g...
The barren plains of Lake Amboseli
BorneoGrrl Says: When heading back to Nairobi from Amboseli National Park, we drove on what looks like a desert plain. This is Lake Amboseli, a temporary lake that floods during the rainy seasons. You can spot a small number of animals crossing this lake, probably heading for the wet swamps...
fabriz09 Says: Depending on what type of course work you are doing below are wildlife based institutions that could be helpful;1. The Elephant Research2. Wildlife Educational Center (Kimana3. Baboons Research Center. and the more educative is the community / KWS / Born Free initiatives on...
Homanded Says: Our favorite part of Kenya was simply absorbing and knowning that due to it's immense, we would need to catalog and jot down for posterity as much as possible in a journal.It is easy to become confused and awed due to it's immensity and overwhelming experiences, especially...
In the Shadows of Mt Kilimanjaro
You can imagine my excitement to finally be able to personally see the mighty Mt Kilimajaro in all its glory. Coming to Amboseli National Park has made it all possible and I was more than thrilled.......
Amboseli Reserve: Located in the Rift Valley, on the border of Tanzania. North West of "KILIMANJARO"! A small reserve only 392sq.km.! To me ,it looks BIGGER! One of Kenya's more popular reserves.You...
In the shadow of the Kilimanjaro
Amboseli is a relatively small gamepark in the shadow of Africas highest mountain, the Kilimanjaro. The Amboseli Park was established in 1968 and became a National Park in 1974. Amboselli covers an...
Ever since I was a little boy and saw the movie "Snow's of Kilimanjaro", written by Ernest Hemmingway and starring Gregory Peck and Susan Hayward, I dreamed of someday seeing the beautiful scenery...
Amboselli The worst drought in Kenya since the 1960’s is being felt hardest in Amboselli. Everywhere we see dust devils across the barren land as we drive into the area.
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