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Amboseli is one of the most popular of Kenya's national parks. It lies some 240 km south-east of Nairobi very close to the Tanzanian border. The snowcapped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, rising above a saucer of clouds dominates every aspect of Amboseli. It is also the home of the Maasai people and all round the park are occupied and abandoned manyatta – Maasai villages – used as long as the grazing of their cattle is finished.
 

The backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro and lion, elephant, cheetah, buffalo or hosts of plains’ game create a much sought-after photographer’s paradise. But the Park's popularity is also causing serious concern. Due to its small size and a high number of tourists the park might feel crowded in the peak season. Too many vehicles, wildlife and Maasai cattle are destroying the delicate but precious grassland. During my visit in July 2009 Amboseli was dusty and horribly dry with lots of zebras or elephants dieing of drought. The consequences of climate change can also be witnessed when having a look at Mount Kilimanjaro. Yet awe-inspiring there’s only a small snow cap remaining on top of its peak.
 

Despite its small size and its fragile ecosystem it still supports a wide range of mammals and birds. The park’s swamps are patches of green amongst flat desiccated scrubland that are watered by all-year springs, fuelled by rain and snow melt from Kili. Here it’s very easy to watch elephants feeding, bathing and taking up trunkfuls of vegetation. The park's best game runs are around Ol Tukai and Olokenya swamps. There’s also a fine lookout on Observation Hill which offers views over the whole of the Park and beyond.