The Amboseli Safari
Arrival Day - Arrive Nairobi
There are numerous carriers into Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport). We recommend any daytime flight, from London or another European city, which arrives in Nairobi by the early evening. It is best to spend a night in Nairobi on arrival to rest and regroup.
Day 1- Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
Transfer from the Nairobi hotel early in the morning to Wilson Regional Airport (Nairobi) to connect with the Safarilink scheduled flight departing at 7:30am to Amboseli National Park (if coming from another safari destination within Kenya, private charter may be required). On arrival, guests will be met by Patrick and Nicola and Ride Kenya’s guides and hosts and continue through the park to Tall Tree camp. As we pass through the park, there is a great chance to see elephant, buffalo, hyena, hippo, lion, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest and much more. Tall Tree camp is located within meters of the Kenya-Tanzania border and it boasts fantastic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro to the south and the broad ancient Amboseli lakebed to the north.
Following lunch at Tall Tree, we depart on a two to three hour ride in the surrounding forest. There is abundant wildlife around Tall Tree camp and fantastic sightings are nearly a guarantee. As sunset arrives, we arrive back in camp to enjoy a post-ride cocktail, hot shower and full dinner.
Day 2: Kopjes day trip
After breakfast in camp, we saddle up for a four-hour horse ride to a stunning granite rock formation (kopjes) on the distant horizon. On arrival at the kopjes, a picnic awaits. Under the shade of a huge overhanging boulder, we take in the expansive views of Amboseli in the foreground and Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru standing watch. After lunch, we return to Tall Tree camp via an alternate route of about two to three hours. In total, we expect to ride about 20 miles through big game country today.
Day 3: Dawn ride and Amboseli game drive
Waking at dawn, we depart camp very early by horseback. The cool time of day affords the absolute best chances of wildlife sightings. The three to four hour ride will explore an area north of Tall Tree camp, where we are likely to encounter groups of nomadic Maasai. After a breakfast picnic in the bush, we return to camp for a bit of a lazy lunch and siesta.
The afternoon is a chance to explore Amboseli’s prolific ecosystems by vehicle.
With Kilimanjaro as the backdrop and Amboseli’s world famous wildlife in the foreground, we should be prepared for the ultimate in photographic opportunities.
After the drive, we will arrive back into camp in the evening, for a delicious three course dinner, in preparation for tomorrow’s long ride.
Day 4: Amboseli National Park to Patrick’s camp, Olgulului Ranch
Among the most rare opportunities on safari, is today’s ride. We enter Amboseli National Park by horseback and set out to cover 30 miles of some of the most secluded and game dense land on the continent. We will traverse the famous Enjongo Narok swamp, where large numbers of elephant, buffalo and plains game abound. And where there is prey, there are predators…be on the watch for lion and cheetah on the hunt. We will cross a vast dry lakebed where there are plenty of chances for galloping and jumping trees felled by pushy elephant.
After six to seven hours of riding, we arrive at Patrick’s camp on Olgulului Ranch, in an oasis of tall trees set in the midst of vast open country, with deep red soil and endless views. After a full day, we relax in camp and process the day’s experience.
Day 5: Patrick’s camp, Olgulului Ranch to Longeriti camp, Chyulu Hills
After yesterday’s eventful ride, we rise full of energy. We will set off early, and aim for the north end of the Chyulu Hills, about 25 – 30 miles away. We cross huge areas of acacia scrubland, where we search for eland, kudu, oryx, gerenuk, Coke’s hartebeest, giraffe and possibly even cheetah. On arrival at Longeriti camp, a much-deserved cool drink, and our mobile camp greet us. In the evening, we can all enjoy an optional sunset game drive or walk before returning to camp for dinner and rest.
Day 6: Mist forest day trip
We take a bit of a rest from the saddle today and take off by vehicle. Ascending high into the Chyulu Hills, to over 7,000 feet above sea level, a noticeable change in climate and temperature occurs. Commanding views of the vast wildernesses of Tsavo East, Mt. Kilimanjaro and Amboseli National Parks dominate today’s landscape. Due to the altitude of the area, clouds often sit on the top of the Chyulu Hills. This consistent moisture has created micro-ecosystems, where miniature jungles dot the summits. We arrive at one of the largest mist forests in the Chyulus and enjoy lunch high above the plains.
After lunch, we return Longeriti camp for an afternoon horse ride, a walk or a game drive. It’s our last night on safari, and a fitting time to search for leopard and Black rhino, which often emerge from the dense bush at dusk. Our farewell dinner welcomes us back to camp.
Day 7: Depart Chyulu Hills
After an early breakfast at Longeriti camp, it’s time to bid farewell. After a week together, it’s a bittersweet departure, but one with many fond memories. The Safarilink scheduled flight departs at 8:30am for Wilson Regional Airport (Nairobi). On arrival in Nairobi, it is possible to connect with numerous scheduled flights to other regions in Kenya and East Africa or depart on evening international flights to Europe.
