Guides’ Best Sightings in Amboseli

Jeremy Lorinyo
We were returning to Angama Amboseli from the National Park when a martial eagle landed on one of the Fever Trees, clutching a piglet kill. Not far away, I noticed a breeding herd of elephants approaching. I quickly positioned the jeep to take in both sightings. The herd included many calves, led by a matriarch with impressive tusks; they looked exhausted.

Then, something incredible happened. The elderly elephants formed a protective semicircle from the safari vehicle, allowing the youngsters to lie down one by one. A few adults joined them, falling into a deep slumber. They seemed to find peace and relaxation even though they were near us.

Half an hour later, they rose, swung their trunks in what felt like a gesture of appreciation, and continued their journey beyond. When we turned our gaze back to the martial eagle, the last chunk of the piglet was gone, and the 'leopard of the sky' took off into the distance.

Elvis Omae
During an unforgettable safari in Amboseli National Park, we witnessed nature’s raw power and drama unfold. A pride of lions had successfully taken down a buffalo, their triumphant roars echoing across the savannah.

Suddenly, the scene erupted into chaos as a herd of elephants — protective mothers and playful calves among them — charged in, trumpeting with authority. The lions scattered under the imposing presence of the matriarchs, but the drama didn't end there.

A pack of opportunistic spotted hyenas darted in, snarling and yipping as they vied for the prized kill. The ensuing standoff between the elephants, lions, and hyenas was a spectacle of dominance, survival, and the intricate balance of the wild.

Alice Maintaine, Head Guide at Angama Amboseli
It was an incredible evening as we set out on a drive in Kimana Sanctuary with a mission to find lions. We headed to the eastern part of the Sanctuary when I spotted a hyena in the distance. At first, I thought it looked unusual — bigger than a typical spotted hyena. I raised my binoculars for a closer look and could hardly believe my eyes — it was a rare striped hyena! Who could have imagined that? I was so excited, and the guests were astonished at how lucky they were.

Salash Johnson
It was during a morning drive in the Sanctuary after seeing Super Tusker Craig. The guests and I were excited, sharing stories about Amboseli’s elephants, when I spotted an elephant with a single tusk in the distance. As we got closer, I realised it was Ganesh, one of the oldest elephants in the ecosystem. What caught my eye was the unusual sight of a bird perched on his back. As we moved closer for a better look, we discovered it was a gabar goshawk. I had never seen anything like it before — it was truly remarkable.

Stephen Sabore
I had guests for two nights, and our first outing was an evening safari drive. The guests had spent four nights in the Mara, and I asked them what they hoped to see here. They wanted to see a kill — I told them that nature depends on luck. However, we didn’t have to go far. As we drove from the Mnara towards Ziwani, we saw a lioness walking along the road. Moments later, another lioness sprinted to the left. In an open clearing, a wildebeest lay unaware, and the lioness pounced, grabbing it by the neck. It took nearly an hour for her to bring it down, but we were glad to be there to witness it.

Daniel Mpararia
It was a beautiful afternoon with perfect weather as we left the lodge and headed towards the Tortilis forest in search of elephants. Just before reaching our destination, I spotted one of our largest elephants, Chemosit. We drove closer to admire him when, in an instant, I noticed a giraffe standing near a big tree. Reversing slightly, we witnessed something incredible — a giraffe giving birth and the baby dropping to the ground. It was my first time seeing this, and the guests were amazed to witness such a rare event on their first trip to Africa. We stayed for nearly two hours, watching and waiting for the baby to stand. It was a special experience, and the guests couldn’t have been happier.

Working as a City Guide for Angama, Dan has exchanged game drives in the Mara for drives through Nairobi, but his favourite sighting proves there is still lots to see...

Daniel Njiriri
I picked up guests from Giraffe Manor and took them to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to visit the orphaned elephants. It was delightful to share this experience with the guests, and since we had some extra time, I suggested a short drive through Nairobi National Park.

It wasn't long before we encountered a pride of lions — two females with four cubs. One guest had hoped to see a rhino, but as time passed and none appeared, I headed towards a waterhole called Hyena Dam, hoping to spot a pack. To our astonishment, we discovered a crash of white rhinos gathered, drinking and wallowing.