Amboseli National Park Kenya, Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park (the Land of Giants) is located in Kajiado County, south of Kenya at the border of Tanzania- northwest of Mount Kilimanjaro. This park […]
Amboseli National Park (the Land of Giants) is located in Kajiado County, south of Kenya at the border of Tanzania- northwest of Mount Kilimanjaro. This park covers an area of around 392.1km2 and it’s around a 3-4 hour drive from Nairobi City.
Kenya’s Amboseli park holds different amazing vegetation zones including; swamps marshland, acacia woodland, Sulphur springs, semiarid vegetation, plus even a Pleistocene lake- Lake Amboseli. These amazing habitats harbor over 80 mammal species including huge herds of Elephants, Zebras, Buffalos, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Wildebeests, Masai Giraffes, and Warthogs, among others. Amboseli safari park is famous for its large population of big tusked Elephants seen against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro- Africa’s highest mountain.
Not only is Amboseli Game Park a bliss for wildlife safaris in Kenya but, it’s also a great destination for birding-watching tours. The park holds about 420 bird species such as African swamp hen, Long-toed lapwing, Greater flamingos, etc.
During the Amboseli National Park safari tour, early morning game drives and even late afternoon wildlife viewing expeditions offer the best thrilling experience. You’ll enjoy killer views of the ice-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro summit.
Amboseli safari holidays in Kenya can be enjoyed any time of the year. Let’s plan your wildlife vacation together for a rewarding experience.
Discover Amboseli National Park the more below!
Amboseli National Park Location- Where Is Amboseli National Park Located?
Situated in the Southern part of Kenya, Amboseli National Park covers over 392.1km2 in Loitoktok District with Kajiado County. The rich ecosystem of this park spreads along Kenya Tanzania border and most of the adjacent communities to this park are occupied by the Maasai People.
From Nairobi city to Amboseli park, it’s around 200km taking about 3-4 hours drive.
What is the History of Amboseli National Park?
Amboseli park started as a natural reserve in 1968 and it was declared as a national park in 1974. In 1991, Amboseli NP was declared a UNESCO Mab Biosphere Reserve due to its exclusive unique ecosystem & wildlife species.
Key Tourist Attractions in Amboseli National Park, Unique Things to See in Amboseli Park
During the Amboseli National Park safari trip, you’ll be amazed by the various attractions you’ll come across including; the big Elephant herds, and other big wildlife species.
The major attractions in Amboseli National Park;
1. Amazing Big Elephant Herds in Amboseli park
Flocks of Elephants mostly on water shores offer a splendid game viewing experience in Amboseli National Park. Elephants of Amboseli sometimes are seen swimming and then after, they smear dust on their skin to protect them from scorching sun.
2. Lovely Views of Mount Kilimanjaro- the World’s Highest Free Standing Mountain
Tanzania`s Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa with the highest peak elevated up to 5895m high. Amboseli National Park offers impressive views of Mountain Kilimanjaro. These breathtaking views are ideal for photography!
3. Wild animals in Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in East Africa. This beautiful park- Amboseli is home to around 80 species of mammals that are easy to spot in open plains and woodland during game drives.
The most popular wildlife species in Amboseli park include; Masai Giraffes, Cape Buffalo herds, Wildebeests, Leopards, Lions, spotted Hyenas, Hippos, Thomson’s Gazelles, Zebras, Wildogs, Impalas, plus many more.
4. Birdlife in Amboseli National Park
The checklist of bird species in Amboseli park goes over 420 birds including the rare bird species in East Africa. Within Amboseli, you can as well spot acacia birds, water birds, woodland birds plus wading birds in swampy regions.
During birding tours in Amboseli, the notable birds in Amboseli park to look for include; Flamingos, Hartlaub’s bustard, long-toed lapwing, Taveta golden weaver, Dickinson’s kestrel, Eurasian thick-knee, Steel-blue whydah, Pelicans, Egrets, Kingfishers, Ostriches, Secretary birds, among others.
Migratory bird species in Amboseli are present from November- April.
5. Lake Amboseli
This magnificent park- Amboseli National Park was named after this lake. It’s a great area in the park for boat cruises and even game viewing as it’s the only source of water for animals in this protected area. The lake shores attract many bird species.
Note that, Amboseli Lake occupies the biggest portion of this protected area. It almost dries up in the dry season and floods during the wet season/ rainy season. The dry season offers the best season for game watching in Amboseli NP.
6. The Maasi People
These are also other attractions in Maasai Amboseli Game Reserve. Maasi people live on the outskirts of Amboseli park.
During the Amboseli National Park tour, a visit to the Maasai village will give you an encounter with the authentic African culture. During your visit, be expectant to explore Masai cultural traditions, beliefs as well as customs.
In most cases, visitors participate in traditional dance, music, and drama. The unique way of dressing and artifacts of the Masai People (similar to that of Karamojongs in Uganda) is remarkable to express.
Best Things to Do in Amboseli National Park
Below are the top tourist activities in Amboseli National Park for tourists;
1. Game Viewing in Amboseli
Amboseli game viewing tours take place in scenic acacia plains, rock thorny bushes, and even within woodland savannah using a 4×4 safari vehicle with the help of a tour guide. During game drives in Amboseli park, you’ll encounter; big herds of African Elephants browsing in beautiful open plains holding a backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Still, you’ll look out for Zebras, Thomson’s Gazelles, Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Hippos, spotted Hyenas, Masai Giraffes, Waterbucks, and Jackals, Serval cats.
Travelers on tours in Amboseli interested in game drives in Amboseli park can visit any time of the year.
The cost for a game drive in Amboseli park is $60 for Non-residents.
2. Bird watching in Amboseli National Park
Bird-watching tours in Amboseli park offer one of the best birding experiences in this country. On this adventure, you should have a camera and even binoculars which help you view well birds that might be at long distances.
While birding in Amboseli park, expect to spot; secretary birds, Herons, Pelicans, Flamingos, Ostriches, Steel-blue whydah, Dickinson’s kestrel, Hartlaub’s bustard, African Swamp hen, Lilac-breasted roller, African Sacred Ibis, Von der decken’s hornbill, Superb starling, and African Spoonbill, among others.
Birding safaris in Amboseli ecosystem are mostly done on game walks but, some areas are strictly open for game drive expeditions.
3. Nature Walks
Nature walks are also among the most thrilling tourist activities in Amboseli park especially for nature lovers. These guided walks are mostly done on the foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro however, walking safaris can also be done in other regions of this park.
Game walking adventure is done with the company of a professional park ranger who holds great knowledge about the park’s wildlife.
4. Cultural Visits to Masai Community
Visitors on a wildlife safari to Amboseli National Park have a great chance of encountering Maasai people as well as exploring their communities which are quite amazing- the true African Villages. During the Masai cultural experience, you’ll learn about their interesting lifestyles for example their traditional dances, and watch them as well as they carry spears in their bright ‘’shukas’’ traditional wear with beaded jewelry on their feet, neck & around their arms.
Several wildlife safaris in Amboseli park feature the Masai cultural tours so, don’t miss it on your visit, it’s indeed memorable.
Other safari activities in Amboseli Park
- Hot air balloon rides
- Photographing
- Camping
- Exploring the Observation Hill
What Is the Best Time to Visit Amboseli National Park?
Amboseli National Park- (Kenya’s popular national park) can be visited year-round, but the dry season (June–October and January–February) are optimal. This time is also great for game watching expeditions in Tsavo West, Tsavo East, and even Masai Mara National Reserve.
Amboseli’s long rain peak season is between April- May and its short rain park is in November. Often during the rain seasons, this park is crowd free and the scenery is lovely for photography.
The largest population of Elephants in the world living in Amboseli National Park can be spotted all year round.
Packing List for Kenya Safari in Amboseli Park
The packing list for the Amboseli safari tour even features what to wear on a safari in Africa! It’s wise to pack light while coming on this trip to avoid unnecessary weight.
Below is the safari packing list for Amboseli park:
- Eco-friendly safari clothes
- A nice camera
- Light safari boots
- Sunhat & sunscreens
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- A jacket
- A simple first-aid kit
- Camera and phone chargers
- Cell phone
- Re-usable water bottle
Best Accommodation in Amboseli National Park
Most safari lodges in Amboseli park are eco-friendly and welcome every class of traveler. These are categorized into budget lodges, standard, luxury lodges, and even bush camps.
The best lodges in Amboseli National Park to use during your wildlife trip are listed below
- Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodge
- Hotel Satao Elerai
- Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli
- AA lodge Amboseli
- Kibo safari camp
- Maasai Simba camp
- Tawi Lodge and,
- Sentrim Amboseli Lodge among others.
Accessibility to Amboseli National Park- How to Get to Amboseli National Park?
Traveling to Amboseli park is easy. Travelers can use the following options.
Road transport
From Nairobi City, there are various well-maintained routes leading to Amboseli park. Visitors can reach this lovely park using 5 gates for example; the airstrip gate, Iremito gate, Kulunyiet gate, and the Meshanani gate which is mostly used taking around 3-4 hours drive.
Visitors from Mombasa will enjoy a scenic drive with exciting views of Tsavo West National Park. On Mombasa Road, you’ll pass in a small town (Namanga town) and finally reach the eastern region of this park. This drive takes about 8 hours.
By Air
Domestic flights can be used to fly to Amboseli NP. These flights operate within major cities of Kenya like Nairobi and Mombasa to Amboseli airport, inside the park. International visitors arrive to the popular Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and from here, it’s possible to use a domestic flight or travel by road.
FAQs About Amboseli National Park
1. Why Is Amboseli National Park Famous?
Amboseli park (Kenya’s southern reserve) is a popular national park known for holding large herds of free ranging Elephants. It’s hard for visitors on the Amboseli trip to miss an encounter with these amazing big tusked Elephants and other animal species such as large herds of Zebras, Giraffes, Buffalos, Lions, and African Wild dogs, among others.
Also note that this UNESCO Mab biosphere reserve/park protects the dried up Pleistocene Lake, which reveals the wonderful climatic conditions in Eastern Africa. Lastly, from Amboseli, travelers will enjoy the wonderful views of Mount Kilimanjaro- Africa’s highest peak covered in snow.
Amboseli park is additionally home to Echo- the most researched Elephant on the globe and a subject of various books & documentaries.
2. Which is Better, Amboseli or Masai Mara National Reserve?
All these are great safari destinations but, the fact is Masai Mara National Reserve is bigger and offers more rewarding wildlife viewing expeditions than Amboseli. Mara features enormous open golden grasslands which are not had to explore during the game drives since there are more game tracks each offering a unique experience.
Keep in mind that, it’s easy to explore Amboseli in a day which is not the case with Masai Mara National Reserve.
3. What Does the Name Amboseli Mean?
The word Amboseli is a local Maasai dialect which means salty dusty from the volcanic soil in the Amboseli ecosystem. This park ranks among the best national parks in the world to spot big herds of Elephants grazing up close.
4. Can You see Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli?
Yes, it’s possible to see Mount Kilimanjaro- Africa’s highest peak within Amboseli park. Also, during your wildlife adventure, be expectant to encounter up close the big tusked African Elephant herds and other animal species grazing freely in the vast plains.
5. Can You See Big 5 in Amboseli?
All the big five except Rhinos can be spotted by travelers on wildlife viewing safari in Amboseli except Rhinos. Further, note that Leopards are rarely seen in Amboseli park.
6. How Long Is It From Nairobi to Amboseli?
From Nairobi city to Amboseli park, it’s around 215km taking around 4-6 hours drive. It’s possible to drive to this park while coming from other parks like Tsavo East, Tsavo West, and even Masasi Mara.
7. Is Amboseli National Park Worth Visiting?
Definitely, a trip to Amboseli park is worth undertaking. On your visit in this scenic game park, expect to spot the most attractions found in the most popular parks of East Africa including different animal species, and breathtaking scenery.
8. How Long to Spend in Amboseli?
2-3 days are enough to fully explore Amboseli park since it’s not a vast protected area such as Serengeti or Masai Mara Game Reserve. In these days, be eager to watch large Elephant herds grazing and other wildlife species including Buffaloes, Zebras, Wildebeests, Spotted Hyena, Wild dogs, Lions, and Giraffes, to mention but a few.
9. How Much is a Safari in Amboseli National Park?
A budget wildlife safari in Amboseli park starts at around $150 each day per person. From experience, we can arrange a trip to Amboseli based on our client’s budget and also offer advice on how to maximize expenses on a safari. The entrance fee in Amboseli park is $100 in high season and $80 in low season for international visitors.
In summary, tourists on Kenya safari tours shouldn’t miss visiting Amboseli National Park for a rewarding game watching vacation. This park offers numerous thrilling wildlife viewing adventures including game drives, game walks, bird watching, and even cultural encounters with the Masai people around. The distant scenic view of the snowcapped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and big herds of big tusked Elephants are wonderful also while in this park.
Travelers can supplement Amboseli safari trip to other destinations like Masai Mara, Tsavo East, and Tsavo West National Park.
If you have any inquiries about wildlife safaris in Kenya, email our responsive team now!