Amboseli National Park Warnings and Dangers

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 also go through garbage bins and toss the contents out.

If you happen to be walking or sitting under the trees at the lodge, watch out for the Vervets that freely pee from the branches. While they may look cute, they can be dangerous as well because they will attack when provoked. They are quite daring as well, some even came up to me and waited for me to give them something but you are advised not to.

Use only bottled water to brush your teeth!
Do not rinse your mouth out with tap water. Although lodges will tell you that some of their systems utilize filtration methods to get their water, don't trust it.
A bad case of dysentary will quickly ruin your vacation! Best to be safe than sorry.

NOTE: Once inside the park, you're not allowed to leave your vehicle meaning that if you're in a group of people and you suddenly have the "urge" you will have no place to go other than your pants.
Groups look down upon a driver having to make a hurried turn around and rush back to the lodge because of ONE person's carelessness to heed such a simple warning - especially if you're in the process of watching lions feed in the wild!
You're liable to be sacrificed to the beasts! he he he.

Chances are, if you've contracted a reputable safari tour operator, your comfort will be his priority, including carrying a large supply of readily available drinking water. Just to be on the safe side however, make sure and ask this to be a criteria.
You'll be amazed at the amount of water your body will require during the long and dustry drives within the park system.

It is important to keep hydrated at all times, especially when you first arrive to Kenya after a long flight.
Jet Lag and exhaustion is combated by hydrating yourself heavily both during and after the flight. Drink often and only bottled water. It is readily available throughout Africa and innexpensive.
Most lodges/hotels will also provide complimentary bottle per person per room.

Carry plenty of sunscreen - SPF 45 or higher if at all possible. The sun in Amboseli is particularly dangerous due to the lack of vegetation. Even riding around in the van, we had to often cover our arms with a shirt, thrown over us to keep from getting sunburned through the window!

Bullfrog is a great sunscreen which doesn't sweat off. Also has great UV protection.
NOTE: The sunscreens made in European countries are alledged to be much superior to those in the US. Seems Europe is way ahead of us in the UV protection concept.

A great part of the park is dry, for a long time of the year. This means you will se dust devils werever you look, and everything you touch is dusty. Be sure you shield your camera for the sand and the dust, it can cause serious problems. Also it is wise to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes for the sun and the dust.
Don't feel unhappy because your clothes are dusty, everybody has the same trouble and washing them will only help for a short period.

Amboseli must be Kenya's dustbowl. In September, just before the rainy season in October, there is no escaping the dust. A little breeze, and dust devils like in the picture, are everywhere.

So make sure that you have some sealable packing for your camera equipment!

The horns stared and stared! Thinking about what to do. What it did was, take flight! The
Buffalo just got spooked! Must of been our:
WHITE-RHINO! Kick up that dust!!!!!
You want to be in your truck when your this close!

10/2001