Amboseli National Park, in southern Kenya, is a popular safari destination that receives thousands of visitors every year. As one of the most visited national parks in the country (second only to the Masai Mara Game Reserve) it is an ideal place for viewing wildlife and cannot be missed by anyone planning a safari in Kenya.
Location and Size
Where is Amboseli National Park Situated?
Amboseli National Park lies in the county of Kajiado, 240 kilometres southeast of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. The Park measures 392 square kilometres (151 square miles) but the Amboseli ecosystem spills far beyond its borders, covering an area of nearly 3,000 square kilometres (1,200 square miles).
The Evolution of Amboseli National Park
This area was first set aside as the Maasai Amboseli Game Reserve in 1906, and in 1974 it was declared Amboseli National Park. It is today controlled by the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Olkejuado County Council in partnership with the local Maasai.
Unique Features
What Makes Amboseli National Park Special?
The setting of Amboseli National Park is also one of its most distinctive characteristics: the presence behind it of the great, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, visible across the border in Tanzania. This stunning mountain provides the ultimate, skyline backdrop for Kenya safari sightseeing and photographic trips to Amboseli.
It is also the reason why the park boasts five main habitats to make up its famed bioresources. They include the open plains; acacia woodlands; rocky thorn bush country; swamps and marshland. All these attractions account for the abundance of wildlife in Amboseli.
Wildlife in Amboseli National Park
Amboseli: A Haven for Elephants and Other Iconic Species
Amboseli National Park is home to herds of 30, even 100 elephants, and it contains the longest-studied elephant population in the world. One of the great attractions of Amboseli are the herds of elephants that move across the vast plains towards the backdrop of snow-capped Kilimanjaro.
The park is also home to other wildlife species besides elephants, which includes lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, buffalos, impalas, spotted hyenas and many others, making it one of the best places in Kenya for safaris and one of the best places in the world for wildlife watching, game drives and bird watching. There are over 50 mammal and more than 400 bird species recorded in Amboseli National Park.
Birdwatching in Amboseli National Park
There are over 400 species of bird documented in Amboseli National Park, which means there is something for birdwatchers in almost every corner of the park, including the waterbird species that thrive in the lake. Shorebirds or “waders” such as pelicans, kingfishers and herons love the water, but they are also found in many habitats. Crakes, which are a type of rail, prefer wetlands, whereas hammerkops prefer woodlands, and manikins, on the other hand, live in mixed forest. Here, we have just scratched the surface of Amboseli’s bird life and it can be a great addition to a Kenya safari.
Masai Cultural Experience
You will learn more about the culture of the Maasai people who call Amboseli home, as the area is in the centre of Maasai country. During safaris in Kenya, cultural tours and Maasai village visits are common activities, offering visitors an opportunity to become more familiar with Maasai culture, such as day to day Maasai life, traditions and rituals.
This includes showcasing traditional Maasai dances and songs by masaai peoples, travelling to nearby markets to shop for authentic souvenirs, or even trying out some of those activities themselves for future reference.
Getting There
How to Reach Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is accessed by both road and air. The park is found 240 kilometres southeast of Nairobi and about a four-hour drive from the capital. You can also fly by charter or light aircraft to Amboseli Airstrip served by several domestic airlines on scheduled flights daily between Nairobi and the Coast.
When to Visit
The Best Time for Kenya Safaris in Amboseli
Amboseli is open to the public year-round. The best time for game viewing is during the dry seasons, when wildlife flocks to the area’s few permanent water sources. These periods begin in January and continue through February, as well as from June to October.
But the wet seasons (March to May and November to December) are magical too; the park turns to a green oasis created by the migratory bird species that visit, and the verdant background makes for incredible photographic vistas for your chauffeur-driven Kenya safari.
Activities
Exciting Things to Do in Amboseli National Park
Game Drives
Game drives are by far the most popular activities while visiting Amboseli National Park. One gets a glimpse of the different landscapes of the park and a big number of wildlife species including the elephants, the lions, the cheetahs and other carnivores and numerous species of plains game. Morning or afternoon game drives are available, as well as all day game drives, for those, interested in extending their wildlife viewing time while in Kenya.
Guided Nature Walks
Nature enthusiasts can join in on compact walks within the sprawling compound with experienced rangers while getting expert knowledge on vegetation and wildlife within Amboseli. These close encounters with certain species of wildlife can further enhance the park experience.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Embark on a Kenya safari like nothing you’ve ever imagined, and take a hot air balloon flight over Amboseli National Park. Soar over the land and wildlife on a one-hour sunrise flight, or a one-and-a-half hour sunset flight, and experience the sights from the sky.
Photography and Filming
Amboseli National Park also has some of the most photogenic wildlife in the world making it a paradise for filmmakers and photographers. The park has some of the most beautiful settings for photographs and videography either as an amateur with a small camera phone or a professional photographer using the best DSLR and latest equipment.
Accommodation
Where to Stay During Your Amboseli Safari
Accommodation at Amboseli National Park range from the deluxe lodge such as Tortilis Camp, Ol Tukai Lodge, Tawi Lodge, Satao Elerai Camp, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge to the adventurous campsites for camper vans in a private area of the park.
For those who want to be more at one with nature, there are various tented camps and eco lodges in and around the park and its conservancies, providing a degree of comfort without compromising too much on outback feel.
