Hi, my name’s Umaree and I’m a 16 year old student who lives in Bangkok, Thailand. On the 14th of December, my family and I departed from Bangkok, to Nairobi, Kenya, for a nine-day trip to Amboseli National Park and the Masai Mara near the border of Tanzania.
At Amboseli, we stayed at the Tawi Lodge, and later at the Masai Mara Camp Kilima. We had a wonderful time at both parks, enjoying multiple safaris and activities.
Can’t decide which one to visit?
Here are my top five moments (1st is the best) at each location, offering a great comparison of which might be more appropriate for you and your family.
Amboseli National Park
5. Family Meals at Tawi
One thing my family and I enjoyed most was the meals we experienced together, much like at home. Vacation is all about bonding and family, and Tawi provided the perfect opportunities for just that. Candle-lit dinners and lunches with a view of Tawi’s watering hole were beyond magical. The ambiance was spectacular. Tawi’s menu consisted of two main entrée options, and the rest of the course was set. Most of the time, it felt like eating a personalized, home-cooked meal—a great feeling for families. The atmosphere was extremely relaxed and family-friendly, often with only other families and children as guests. My favorite meal by far was the Indian night they held during our last supper there. Every meal was thoughtfully planned, and we enjoyed them all thoroughly.
4. Elephants in the Park
Amboseli National Park is renowned for its stunning and incredible elephants. You could always spot them consistently throughout the park every day. The elephants at Tawi are unique because they have the largest tusks in all of Kenya. They’re also much larger compared to the ones back home in India or Thailand. Their behavior and poise are entirely different from anything I’ve seen. The elephants are often spotted in large herds, featuring individuals of all ages. You can see them playing in mud, young bulls sparring, or simply grazing around the park. Each sighting is different, making it all the more special.
3. Sunset Cheetah Spotting
On our first game drive, we were incredibly fortunate to spot a mother cheetah and her five cubs. This was especially lucky because seeing cats in Amboseli is quite rare due to its dry climate. We spotted the mother on the roadside while her cubs ran up and down alongside. Eventually, the cubs came so close that they were playing and chasing each other, weaving between the jeeps. The sight, combined with the breathtaking sunset in the background, was an unforgettable way to begin our visit to Amboseli.
2. Local Masai Village Visit
On our very last day, we visited a local Masai village, where we were able to interact with and speak to members of the tribe. We were escorted by the chief’s eldest son, who guided us around. It was fascinating to observe and experience the village firsthand. The highlight was a traditional Masai blessing dance, which we also got to participate in. Overall, it was a fun and enriching experience, exposing us to a new culture.
1. Hot Air Balloon Experience
The highlight of Amboseli was undoubtedly the hot air balloon ride. Rising at 5 a.m., we were treated to an amazing view of Mount Kilimanjaro. The peak, usually hidden behind clouds during the day, was crystal clear in the early morning. The views from the balloon were absolutely spectacular. The most unforgettable moment was soaring above the clouds, at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. It was truly one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
Amboseli Balloon company : https://kilimanjaroballoonsafaris.com/
The Masai Mara
5. Rhinos
The number of rhinos in the Mara is extremely limited. According to our guide, there are only around 12 in the area we visited. Luckily, we spotted a family of three—a mom, dad, and baby. Although we didn’t witness them chasing our jeep, which they are known to do, it was still incredible to observe them up close.
4. Giraffes While Horseback Riding
At Camp Kilima in the Mara, they offered activities beyond game drives, including horseback riding around the property. The horses had quirky names, like Halloween, which were amusing in themselves. After about 12 minutes on horseback, we arrived at a field of grazing giraffes. While you can see giraffes on game drives, encountering them this close was extraordinary. The giraffes were incredibly elegant and non-aggressive. This moment remains etched in my memory.
3. Flight to the Mara
To reach the Mara, you can either endure a seven-hour car ride from Nairobi or opt for a 45-minute propeller plane ride. Though the turbulence was a bit unnerving at times, the plane felt almost private, offering breathtaking views of the savannah. From 12,000 feet, we could see vast stretches of land and water. Landing in the Mara was a unique experience—our “airport” consisted of two small huts, making the plane feel like a taxi.
2. Lions
On our last day in the Mara, while searching for a leopard, we stumbled upon an entire lion pride. Initially, we spotted a single lion enjoying its hunt. But further ahead, we saw the entire pride, including an old male, a young male, three grown lionesses, and their cubs. They were close to the vehicles, lounging in the shade. Hearing the cubs roar and play while the sound of the river and hippos filled the background made for a magical moment.
1. Cheetahs at Lunch
The most thrilling moment of our trip was our encounter with three cheetah brothers in the Mara. During a game drive, we stopped for lunch and got out of the jeep. Moments later, we saw a cheetah in the distance. Quickly returning to the jeep, we watched as the cheetahs approached. Just as our guide predicted, they came to mark their territory. Two of them urinated on a nearby tree, while one even defecated on the bench where we had been eating moments earlier. Witnessing them up close was both exhilarating and unforgettable.
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