Kenya Safaris – The Amboseli & Chyulu Hills Destinations

Posted at February 6, 2010

Given the vast choices of destination in Kenya to choose from it is becoming mind boggling for tourists to this magnificent country to make up their mind and that is why our reputable company is seizing this chance to try and point you in the right direction.

With all our staff being natives to the land we can affirm that our knowledge of the destinations on offer is at the tip of our fingers and you can be rest assured that we will help you make the best choice in which your wildest dreams are fulfilled giving you a value for your money and leaving you with a thirst for more. Our recommendation is the Amboseli ecosystem where you find both Amboseli national reserve and Chyulu hills both of which have lots to offer in terms of wildlife and scenic views of the landscape.

Amboseli national reserve lies some 240kilometers south west of Nairobi the capital of Kenya and is characterized by a savannah landscape, springs, swamps that are the life line of the vegetation and wildlife of the area not to mention the pastoral communities and their livestock. Outstanding and most visible in the area is the highest mountain in Africa and the second highest in the world, the snow capped mount Kilimanjaro which gives Amboseli national reserve one of the most spectacular backdrops this side of the Sahara creating a photographer’s paradise.

The reserve is rich in a diversity of wildlife which include over 53 species of herbivores and carnivores including the big 5, cheetah, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gerenuks, impalas, gazelles, hyenas, baboons, bats and about 600 different species of birdlife. The main treats in this park include an up-close view of the free-ranging elephants believed to be the highest concentration in Kenya; the big 5, the Observation Hill which allows an overall view of the whole park especially the swamps and elephants, buffaloes, hippos and a variety of water fowls like pelican & Egyptian goose.

A ride in the hot air balloon is also a recommended experience for the chance to have an aerial view of the park.

Chyulu hills, meaning the spotted hills are located halfway between Amboseli national reserve and Tsavo national park. They are believed to be about 500years old thus making them the youngest range of volcanic hills in Kenya and the world.

Unique to Chyulu hills is the world’s longest lava tube formed by hot lava flowing beneath a cooled out crust. There are caves on the side of the volcano which are open for exploration. Adjacent to his hills is the Sheitani black lava flow from which emanates many local legends.

Chyulu hills national park is characterized by open plains and rolling hills, a home to a vast array of wildlife species including leopard, porcupine, aardvark which are nocturnal, buffalo, bushbuck, eland, elephant, leopard, bushpigs, forest bushbuck, reedbuck, mountain Steinbok. Giraffe, cheetah, the rare fringe-eared Oryx, the gerenuk are also present not to mention reptiles such as black mamba, puff adder, rock python, gecko’s, tortoise and lizards.

We pride our selves in the quality of service we offer our clientele and thus endeavor to book them in the best of accommodation available in each destination. Classified in the top end are Campi ya Kanzi, Ol Donyo Wuas Lodge, Ol Kanjau Camp, and Tortilis Camp which we highly recommend to our clients.

Below is a preview of each.

CAMPI YA KANZI:
This accommodation meaning “camp of the hidden pleasure” is owned and operated by the local Maasai community with the aim of preserving wildlife, and the local cultural heritage of the community whilst giving the most memorable of holidays.

The camp lies within a 400-square-mile area of Maasai private land in Southern Kenya, dominated by Mt. Kilimanjaro, just 35 miles away and offers room for 16 guests in 6 luxury tented cottages and 2 suites. The camp is quite unique as it is a community eco-lodge, offering an authentic experience of the African wild in a place very rich in wildlife, wilderness and culture.

The diversity of the landscape, and consequently of the wildlife, is remarkable as it affords you the opportunity of discovering something different everyday during your traditional game drives with memorable game walks immersed deeply in the Maasai culture.

Guests to this camp are treated to the real eco tourism with an active a role in conservation of the land and that of the Maasai culture. Read more on the rates at Campi ya Kanzi.

OL DONYO WUAS LODGE:
Located in the heart of Mbirikani Maasai group ranch on the slopes of Chyulu hills national park an area where the traditional migratory wildlife route passes giving you the chance for an up close view of the wildlife; the area also has scenic views of the snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro making it unparalleled.

The accommodation comprises of a 20-bed lodge including the four bed private bush home superbly nestled on a hillside with panoramic views across the vast savannah, and onward to Mt. Kilimanjaro. Each suite and villa is unique though with a consistent attention to detail not to mention comfortable with a luxurious décor. It has long been regarded as one of the most attractive lodges in East Africa and continually serves as one the best safari lodges for the best safari experience.

Visiting Ol Donyo Wuas Lodge is means that you are not only a guest but a participant in community conservation as each guest contributes to the survival of the region’s flora and fauna, and its noble people, the Maasai. Ol donyo wuas lodge is and will forever remain a model for many of the ‘bush lodges’ to follow. View more on rates to Ol Donyo Wuas here

OL KANJAU CAMP:
Ol Kanjau camp meaning Elephant camp is set in Kenya’s richest Savannah ecosystem; this tented safari camp provides its guests with clear and continued access to wide screen traditional and authentic Africa, in a place free from the large tourist masses a norm with most other locations.

The light structure of a traditional tented safari camp maintains the most direct contact with the natural world that we can sustain serving as a reminder that, the natural world is too often diminished by the permanent structures common in most parts of the parks. Too often permanent boutique lodges and camps seem grand but have detrimental effects to the quality of wildlife whose home they occupy.

The accommodation comprises of 6 spacious and luxurious tents, a traditional safari mobile-tented camp. There are also large beds on which one can feel physically relaxed, safari style bathroom, with bucket showers; hot water is always constantly provided to the guests.

This camp gives guests the highest level of satisfaction in Kenya’s wildlife rich areas so serine with dramatic topography and scenery, lots of wildlife and birds, special wildlife populations, as well as vibrant traditional culture. The setting is not only exclusive and comfortable, but graciously hosted with excellent professional guidance. View more info on rates to Ol Kanjau camp.

TORTILIS CAMP:
Named after a flat topped umbrella like thorn tree, this camp is situated in one of Amboseli’s areas of Acacia Tortilis woodland, enjoying a majestic backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, and the World’s highest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.

There are 17 tents well appointed, very large and spacious with a lovely décor. They are fitted with king or twin beds and stylish en suite bathrooms. Each tent is makuti-covered and consists of a main bedroom with wooden floors, permanent en-suite bathroom with hot running water, stone floors, shower and flush toilet; they also boast of a spacious veranda.

The camp also has a family house which consists of one en suite bedroom and a spacious sitting/dinning room with a verandah. There is a main lounge, bar and dining area, all elegantly built with natural materials and thatched roofs, with splendid views of mount Kilimanjaro.

Tortilis Camp is a unique concept beautifully designed, small, upmarket, gourmet fresh food, and of course outstanding hospitality, offering walking safari, sundowners, bushes breakfasts and any other essential to a complete safari experience. View more on rate to Tortillis Camp on this site.