The Amboseli is a place of wide dry plains, where boundless horizons are tucked into the corners of the sheltering sky. Amboseli is particularly renowned for its large herds of elephants, including some impressively tusked bulls that are drawn to the park's lush swamplands.

But the even greater giant that rules over these plains is a mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's largest mountain, lies just over the border in Tanzania, but the most impressive views of its snow - capped peak are to be found on the Amboseli side. The early light of dawn turns the mountain a dark hue of purple, shading the famous "Snows of Kilimanjaro" an ethereal pink. The sight of Kilimanjaro rising high above the herds of elephant crossing Amboseli's plains is a classic African image.

Herds of wildebeest, zebra and impala also graze on the open plains. Amboseli's acacia forests make for good birding, and they also serve as home to many small mammals. Cheetahs are another frequent visitor. The park is centered around a large hill, with fantastic views of the surrounding plains, and is often crossed by whirlwinds that send columns of dust into the sky.

The area surrounding the park is home to many Masai communities. The park covers approximately 155 square miles (400 square kilometers), with its southern boundary running along the Tanzanian border .