Amboseli Photographic Safari Recap

If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing majestic elephants with the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro towering behind them, Amboseli National Park should be at the top of your safari bucket list. Nestled in southern Kenya near the Tanzanian border, this iconic park is one of East Africa’s most photogenic safari destinations, famous not just for its postcard-perfect views but also for its incredible wildlife encounters.

Spanning approximately 392 square kilometres, Amboseli sits at the heart of a vast 8,000 square kilometre ecosystem. The park is world-renowned for its large elephant herds, often coated in red dust and moving in graceful single file across open savannah plains. Amboseli offers some of the best opportunities in Africa to get up close and personal with these gentle giants, making it a dream destination for wildlife photographers and nature lovers alike.

Searching for Craig — Amboseli’s Legendary Elephant

One of Amboseli National Park’s most famous residents is Craig, possibly the most photographed elephant in all of Africa. Towering and iconic, with tusks that scrape the ground, Craig has become a living legend among Amboseli’s massive elephant herds.

With over 1,000 elephants roaming the park, finding one specific individual might seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. But thanks to David, a local Maasai tracker and trusted friend on the ground, spotting Craig is much more achievable. David monitors Craig daily and possesses deep knowledge of the land and its wildlife, a connection that few safari visitors get to experience.

At 53 years old, Craig is still going strong, but the chance to see this gentle giant won’t last forever. If seeing Craig is on your bucket list, there’s no better time than now to join a safari in Amboseli and witness this magnificent elephant in person.

Amboseli Has It All — More Than Just Elephants

While elephants steal the spotlight, Amboseli National Park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and a bird list that will have any twitcher excited.

What truly sets Amboseli apart is its unique semi-arid ecosystem. Fed by underground water from the glaciers of Mount Kilimanjaro, the park boasts lush green swamps scattered across dusty, dry plains. This striking contrast between vibrant wetlands and arid landscapes creates some of the most dramatic and photogenic scenery in East Africa.

Amboseli’s name comes from the Maasai word “Empusel,” meaning “salty dust place,” and believe me, this place lives up to that , the dusty environment adds a raw, authentic character to your safari experience.

A Week in Amboseli — Photography Paradise

September 2024 marked my first ever trip to Amboseli National Park. Joined by my mate Valentin , who now co-hosts safaris with me in the region. We led three guests on an unforgettable six-night photographic safari. And what an adventure it was.

For me, seeing Craig had been a dream for over seven years. Alongside that, I was eager to explore the incredible photographic potential of Amboseli’s famous dry lakebed. Finally experiencing it all firsthand did not disappoint.

With the help of our local contact, David, we found Craig on our very first afternoon game drive, fresh off the transfer from Nairobi. Few moments compare to standing before such an iconic, wild creature, it was humbling, surreal, and deeply inspiring.

Photographing Craig, one of the most photographed elephants on the planet, can be a challenge if you’re chasing originality. But here’s the thing: these photos aren’t just for Instagram likes. They’re memories, connections, moments shared with a true legend. Even if some shots echo classic images, they represent our time with Craig.

For those clean, iconic shots of Craig, or any elephant, you want an open landscape, especially around the feet and tusks. The challenge? Amboseli’s mix of trees and scrubby bushes means Craig spends much of his day munching away in cover. Patience is key. Wait for him to step into open ground, ideally bathed in soft, golden light, and that’s when the magic happens.

Chasing the Light — Amboseli Style

One thing we definitely weren’t guilty of on this trip was wasting a single moment. When we weren’t spending time with Craig, we were out on full-day game drives, no siestas, no long lunches back at camp. We’d leave before sunrise with packed breakfasts and lunches, and only return well after sunset.

It’s a very different cadence to the safaris I’m used to in Southern Africa, where the rhythm is usually more relaxed with a calm morning drive, tracking animals, listening for alarm calls, soaking it all in. Then it’s back to camp for brunch and a siesta before heading out again in the late afternoon for a drive and a gin and tonic.

In Amboseli, it’s go-time from sunrise to sunset and honestly, it just works. The unique landscape and quality of light reward you all day long, not just at golden hour. It’s definitely a more intense pace, but if you’re up for it, the photographic opportunities are next level.

You can actually shoot right through the harsh midday light, especially out on the dry lakebed. In fact, that intense light only adds to the drama — the stark shadows and high contrast reflect the harsh, unforgiving lives these animals lead out here. It’s raw, real, and incredibly powerful through the lens.

That said, be prepared for a faster tempo. Especially around the main entrance gate, sightings can attract a lot of vehicles and not everyone plays nice. It’s not uncommon to have several 4x4s jockeying for position, and respect for space isn’t always a given.

But that’s where we come in. With experience on the ground and strong local connections, we know when and where to be for the best photographic opportunities, often away from the crowds. Our aim is to maximise your time, your images, and your experience.

The lakebed itself is far from everything, which is part of the magic. It’s quiet, it’s open, and it feels like a different planet. To really tap into its potential, we’d spend the day out there, napping or relaxing under the scattered trees on the edge of the flats, waiting patiently for herds to cross. And when they did… wow. It was worth every dusty, sweaty hour.

Yes, our main focus on this trip was elephants but as I previously mentioned, Ambiseli has so much more to offer and I think it’s very important to come away from your safari with as much variation in both your subjects and compositions. We captured photos from kingfishers to a Thompsons gazelle being born to zebras fighting to Craig towering over us. It’s also important to remember to shoot wide compositions to take in the landscape all the way to tight, intricate detail shots that tell more of the story and bring the viewer into the scene. These are the things I will be looking for and advising on during any of my safaris.

When to Visit Amboseli – The Seasons Explained

January to March (Hot & Dry)

Pros: Great visibility as the bush is dry and open. Wildlife congregates around water sources. Beautiful light and often clear views of Kilimanjaro.
Cons: Can get very hot during the day.

April to June (Long Rains)

Pros: Lush landscapes and dramatic skies, great for creative photography. Fewer tourists, so more peaceful.
Cons: Rain can make some areas tricky to access. Wildlife is more spread out due to water being plentiful.

July to October (Cooler & Dry)

Pros: Peak season for a reason, pleasant temps, clear skies, and incredible elephant viewing. Kilimanjaro often visible in the early mornings.
Cons: More vehicles around, especially in July and August. Accommodation books out early.

November to December (Short Rains)

Pros: Fresh green landscapes return. Good mix of wildlife action and fewer crowds. Great for birding with migratory species arriving.
Cons: Occasional downpours, but usually short-lived and manageable.

Whether you’re a photographer chasing golden light, a wildlife lover ticking off your bucket list, or just someone keen to sit in silence as elephants stroll by, Amboseli is one of those places that sticks with you.

If this blog has sparked your interest in Amboseli, I highly recommend checking out my behind-the-scenes video from the trip, you’ll find it just below. It gives you a real feel for the experience, the landscape, and what it’s like to be on safari with us.