When you ask someone who is not Kenyan (African) what their dream is, a lot of them will say it’s to do a safari. They save up for years to afford the experience. For Africans, however, very few people give it a thought. Since there might never be a disruption of the magnitude that is 2020, is it time to revaluate how we travel? Or travel as a whole? I think it is.

It’s like Corona’s main message was for us to look within. The social distancing *should* gave us a chance to enjoy our own company, to understand ourselves deeply, and to think of life beyond the masses. Poetic, if you ask me. This is a great time to enjoy the beauty that is our country(ies), now that international travel is very limited. Plan a trip to our parks, go to our deserts, hike our mountains… You will have fun, and while at it, you will give the tourism industry the boost it so much needs.

Anyway, I’m glad I went to the Amboseli National park when I did. I still can’t stop thinking of the beauty that is that National Park. It is one of the best places to see Mount Kilimanjaro in all her grace. The fact that we didn’t get to see this clearly is one of the reasons I want to go back. It offers some of the best views, especially in the morning and evenings.

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The Maasai are the predominant tribe in the area, a solid justification of Amboseli. The name is a loose translation of salty dust. Amboseli’s ecosystem has been shaped considerably by the eruption of Mount Kilimanjaro years ago. If you’re keen you’ll see springs spread out across the park. There are also swamps that sustain life in the park.

There are more than 600 species of birds in the Amboseli National park. We spotted Kenya’s national bird multiple times. Did you know we had a national bird? Now you do. Great time to ask you to get the Drink and Know Kenya nature extension, a fun game that teaches you cool stuff like that 😎😎

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In addition to the Big 5 (again, can you name these?), you get to see wildebeests, hyenas, ostriches, wild dogs, and many other animals. My highlight was the elephants. I talk a lot about my love for elephants but I still don’t think anyone can get the depth of it. I am delighted Kenya’s elephant population has been steadily increasing and hope it continues that way. We saw soooo many kid elephants. Aaaaah 🥰🥰

Since you should plan a trip immediately you finish reading this post, here’s some things to keep in mind:

• For citizens, the entry fee for adults is 860 and that for kids is 215. For residents, the entry fee is 1030 for adults and 515 for kids. For non-residents, the park fee is 60 USD for adults and 35 USD for kids.
• It can get very hot at the park so dress accordingly, bring lots of water, sunscreen….
• No entry is allowed after 6:15 pm.
• Please don’t show up on foot; they don’t have cruisers to guide you through the park like some other parks do.
• You can spend the night there. There are a number of accommodation options to fit different budgets.
• There are many companies that will do all the planning for you. I endorse Hyrax Safaris. Talk to them on 0742693103 for all your travel needs.

After the trip I knew I had to do a post but I thought it was going to be a photo essay. Apparently there is a lot to say about Amboseli National Park, hey! Hope you’re inspired to go there. I also really hope that you will consider traveling across the country, especially now. When you do, pay full price for whatever you’re buying, get supplies from local shops, get local guides… support the local economy as much as you can.

Go to the shop for games to make your road trips memorable. Follow on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Also, subscribe to the blog if you haven’t already☺️ 

Cheers to local travel!