Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most famous safari destinations after the Masai Mara National Reserve. This Park is popularly known for its large elephant herds “ Home of the African Elephant”  which are among the largest remaining tuskers in the world. It is also known for spectacular views it offers of the Mount Kilimanjaro which is the highest Mountain in Africa located in Tanzania.

Over the years, Amboseli National Park has been offering its visitors an unforgettable safari experience. Beyond elephants, you can also spot other wild animals like lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hyenas and hundreds of bird species. Creating a perfect safari destination throughout the year.

Moreover, the park is surrounded by the Masai community whose traditions, cultural heritage and their way of life have shaped the destination’s identity.

Let’s dive deeper to what this incredible safari destination offers.

Fun Facts About Amboseli National Park

• Amboseli National Park sits on the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro one of the highest mountains in Africa, offering the most stunning views of the mountain during your safari.
  
  
• The park is one of the few safari destinations known for its large herds of elephants with very big tusks.

• Beyond the elephants, Amboseli is also home of some of the Kenya’s Big Five like lions, elephants, buffalos and leopards only missing the rhinos.
  
  
• This safari destination has over 500 species of birds, a perfect destination for birdwatchers.
  
  
• Amboseli is an all-year round safari destination with abundant wildlife gathering around the swamps especially during the dry season.
  
  
• The park offers dramatic golden sunrise behind Mt. Kilimanjaro and magical sunset over the open plains.
  
  
• Amboseli National Park plays a major role in conserving Kenya’s wildlife working closely  with the Kenya Wildlife Service ( KWS), local communities and other conservation organizations.

Where is Amboseli National Park Located?

Amboseli National Park is located in located in Kajiado County in Southern Kenya, directly along the Tanzania border positioned roughly 230 kilometers southeast of Nairobi occupying an area of approximately 392 square kilometers at an elevation ranging 1,100 to 1,200 meters above sea level.

How to Get to Amboseli

Are you looking forward to having a safari experience like no other in the Amboseli National Park?

Look no further, getting to Amboseli can be done either by road or air.

By Road

Tne journey by road takes about 4 to 5 hours from Nairobi via Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, through the towns of Athi River, Emali and Loitoktok before reaching the park. Recently, the roads have been upgraded making travel easier and smoother.

Did you know that you can also access the park from other destinations like Tsavo West National Park through the Kimana Gate or other connecting gates like Meshanani Gate which is the main entrance from Emali, Iremito Gate and Kitirua Gate.

Note that the choice of the gate depends on the location of your accommodation or the direction from which you are traveling from.

Most travelers prefer this option because it is more affordable, it allows them to enjoy Kenya’s beautiful landscapes and countryside, stop at viewpoints, local markets and cultural attractions. Also, they get the chance to go to a short game drive immediately they arrive.

By Air

This option is the fastest and the most convenient to reach the park making it ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious safari experience.

The flight from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes departing from Wilson Airport compared to the 4 hour drive by road.

As a result, these flights offer spectacular aerial views of Kenya’s landscapes before arrival.

The main landing points in Amboseli include;

• Amboseli Airstrip
• Oltukai Airstrip
• Selenkay Airstrip
• Tortilis Airstrip

Note that, a complimentary transfers are arranged from the airstrip to the lodge or camp.

Best Things to Do in Amboseli National Park

●     Game Drives

Game drives are the highlight of your visit at Amboseli National Park, offering you an opportunity to immerse yourself deeper in the wild by exploring its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife in their natural habitat.

Note that a 4*4 safari vehicle is advised during these game drives whether is a morning, afternoon or evening game drive.

●     Visit Observation Hill

The Observation Hill is one of the most popular attractions in the Amboseli National Park where travelers get to leave the safari vehicle stand at approximately 1,200 meters above sea level and enjoy Amboseli’s panoramic views.

●     Birdwatching

Amboseli National Park is home to more than 500 bird species a perfect destination for birdwatchers. You will be able to see these birds in Amboseli’s wetlands such as African fish eagle, Saddle-billed stork, Grey heron and many others, also in the grasslands and savannahs like the Secretary bird, Ostrich, and Crowned crane just to mention a few.

●     Sunset Safari

A sunset safari is one of the magical experiences you will ever get to experience in the Amboseli when the sun sets in the  late evening “ the golden hour”.

During the sunset safari you will encounter large herds of elephants moving towards water sources, lions ready for hunting, and giraffes feeding on treetops.

Also, the sunset safari offers captivating moments to capture moments that will last a lifetime.

●     Masai Cultural Visit

Before leaving Amboseli, you will get the opportunity to experience the other side of Amboseli, the rich cultural heritage of the Masai community locate outside the park.

Best Time to Visit Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is an all-year round destination. However, the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. Be it the clear views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, wildlife, or lush landscapes.

Best Places to Stay in Amboseli National Park

When you visit Amboseli National Park, where to stay should be the least of your worries.

The park offers a wide range of accommodation options which include;

• Oltukai Lodge

• Tawi Lodge

• Kilimanjaro Guest House

• AA Amboseli Lodge

• Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

• Tortilis Camp

• Simba Cottages

Conclusion

To wrap up, Amboseli National Park stands out as one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations offering diverse wildlife, beautiful scenery and rich cultural experience for every traveler.

If you are planning a safari in Kenya, Amboseli National Park is one of the destinations that should be on top of your list.