Amazing Amboseli

I recently return from another magical safari in Kenya. There are  so few experiences in life that go beyond ones expectations, but Africa seems to deliver on this,  over and over again. Amboseli, known for its mass herds of elephants, is one of my favorite National Parks in Kenya.This years trip  was simply amazing.  My main reason for going to Amboseli is to experience the mass herds of elephants and zebras crossing the open dusty plains. Capturing some of the iconic images in this location is simply a bonus.

Canon 5D Mark II, 200mm, f/14, 1/500 -0.67

I like to inform those traveling with me that this should be our focus; it is what is special to this area.  The big cats are hard to find and even if you do, it is rare to have a good sighting. I let them know there  will be plenty of opportunities to experience and photograph the big cats in the Mara. Well this trip, Amboseli proved me to be quite wrong.  Right on Q, only a few minutes into the park, we were welcomed by one of the many groups of elephants that would cross our paths , over the next three days.

Canon 1DX, 500mm, 1/2000, f8, ISO 500

We arrived at our lodge, settled in, and had lunch, while being surrounded by the picturesque beauty of Africa and its wildlife. Early afternoon we hopped in the Land-cruisers  to head out on our first official game drive, with a plan of action. That soon change the minute our vehicles got out of the gate. There was a sighting of two cheetahs hunting. When we arrived, they were very close to the road and passed right along beside us. It was an amazing sighting, a great way to start our safari.

Canon 1D-X, 500mm, f/20, 1/800, ISO 1000

Canon 1D-X, 500mm, f/7.1, 1/800, ISO 1000

Lucky for the Zebra, they are too big for the cheetah to bother with.  However, it did cause a large group of them to run off, creating a lot of dust and a perfect photographic opportunity.

Canon 1D-X, 500mm, F 7.1, 1/1000, ISO 200

Canon 5D Mark II, 130mm, F 10, 1/640, -0.33, ISO 200

The next morning within minutes of going out on our first game drive, we had two studly male lions cross our path for a brief moment. Just enough time to raise our cameras and grab a few shots.

Canon 1D-X, 500mm, f/13, 1/ 500, ISO 1000

Canon 1D-X, 500mm, f/13, 1/ 500, ISO 1000

Then later that same afternoon we had another rare sighting of a Serval Cat, out in the open. The gazelle was larger than he wanted to bother with, so after a quick glance, he just kept going.

Canon 1D-X, f6.3, 500mm + 1.4 extender (700mm), + 0.67, 1/320, ISO 250

The action seemed to be non-stop and I had to remind myself we were in Amboseli and not the Mara. Even the Ostrich could not resist a dust bath.

Canon 1D-X, 500mm, f 7.1, 1/800, ISO 500

Canon 1D-X, 500mm + 1.4 extender (700mm), f/11. 1/360, ISO500

Canon 1D-X, 500mm, f 5.6, 1/1000, ISO 250

Canon 1D-X, f/8. 1/2000, ISO 500

The last afternoon nature blew up one crazy dust storm, so we did not even have to wait for the zebra to stir  up the dust themselves.

Canon 5D Mark II, 500mm, f/7.1, 1/250, +0.67, ISO 640

Canon 5D Mark II, 500mm, f/7.1, -0.33, 1/500, ISO 500

Canon 5D Mark II, 500mm, f/7.1, -0.33, 1/200, ISO 500

The final morning we spotted a herd way off in the distance, but coming fast. Our divers estimated they were moving approx 40 MPH. It was a highlight and a great send off.

Canon 1D-X, 200mm + 1/4 extender (280), f/13, 1/250, ISO 1250

In the end, it was one of the best Amboseli trips  I have experienced. We were off to an excellent start!!

Canon 5D Mark II, 70-200, 100mm, f/14, 1/1000, ISO 1000