Of course it was a tough mission. While pulling the calf out using several ropes, two of the rangers fell in the swamp but luckily not inside the hole that the calf was stuck in.
It was dazzling to see the other elephants celebrate the return of a member they had almost painfully lost.
As we proceeded for the sunset at Amboseli, cars had to stop for minutes to wait for the herds to go thorough in between the fleet of cars that had stopped to give them way.
It was a bit scary but they were quite peaceful.
From the highest peak at Amboseli, the mountainous volcano of Mt Kilimanjaro stands out in form of a cone.
Below the hill are shiny water bodies surrounded by overly green vegetation that gives the park an attractive look of tranquillity and peace of nature.
One can spot various types of animals from above.
But even as we watched the most spectacular and romantic sunset, one could not stop wondering why Amboseli was with so few local and international tourists.
According to Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Najib Balala, Kenya has beautiful sceneries which unfortunately local Kenyans have not had a chance to enjoy.
He believes, with active campaigns ‘to make people aware’ and attract them to the spectacular sites as well as give them ‘value for their money’ can boost local tourism as well as international tourists.
Balala however, urged hotels to match up to the fast changing tourism behaviour and upgrade their services and facilities to face competition from other countries.
In recognition that tourism is an important engine for Kenya’s economy, Balala announced a series of new plans which include organisational, legal and structural changes geared at marketing the country which is popularly known for its distinct wildlife and features.
The reforms also include promoting local tourism to compliment international tourism which has declined over the years due to security related concerns.
Balala explained that in addressing insecurity concerns, part of the measures undertaken include new visa regulations intended to vet visitors entering the country.
Other measures include beefed up security at the country’s borders, within the country and at major airports.
