Embusel to Amboseli: What is in a name?

Derived from the Maasai word “Embusel”, which means fine salty (alkaline) dust, Amboseli is living true to its name.

A place of tasty waters and lush vegetation where people, livestock, economic activities, rich Maasai culture, and wildlife thrive.

According to locals, the alkaline salt and the warm relationship between wildlife and humans have kept Amboseli National Park going since its inception by the colonial government in the early 1900s.

“I heard someone asking what the meaning of Amboseli is; it means the white dust that tastes like salt. In the past, we never used to buy mineral salt for our cows because once they licked embusel, that was enough,” Margaret Stoni, a resident, said during Maa Festival 2025.

“Embusel is a Maasai name meaning a place where salt is found. Amboseli and Embusel mean the same thing. It is like saying President William and another person says President Ruto. Welcome to Amboseli,” noted Joshua Barneet, another resident of Amboseli.

Famously known for its big-tusked elephant herds, Barneet said that locals have become so accustomed to living side by side with the jumbos that some of them can even identify which elephant belongs to which family, among other details.

“There are people here who can identify these elephants, and they can accurately tell which animal belongs to which group. They can also tell which one belongs to the ‘wild’ family and which one belongs to the humble and respectful family,” he says.

At the same time, the Maasai Council of Elders has backed the move by President Ruto to ‘return’ Amboseli National Park to the community through the County Government of Kajiado.

Maasai Council of Elders Vice Chairman, Richard Oloitiptip, said that this year’s Maa Festival is a special one since it coincides with the handover of Amboseli National Park to the community.

“We are here at Amboseli celebrating the Maasai culture, and we are very happy to see the huge turnout. They have come here to celebrate the decision made by our President, William Ruto. We thank him for handing over the park and for remembering the Maasai community,” he said.