Amboseli National Park lies along the Southern part of Kenya just at the border with Tanzania’s border. Amboseli is incredibly one of Africa’s exceptional wilderness areas, and offers unforgettable game viewing experiences. This park boasts of its large concentrations of elephant herds that often roam freely around its vast plains. At the background, expect to enjoy the spectacular views of the legendary Kilimanjaro Volcano/Mountain (5895m).
At Amboseli, expect to explore a range of habitats where diversity of wildlife and other attractions exist. The notable habitats in Amboseli National Park include acacia woodland, open plains, swamps, thorn scrub, and marshlands. The park also features Lake Amboseli and Ol Donyo Orok Massif.
Created in 1974, Amboseli currently occupies a compact area of 392 sq. km. Like most protected areas in Kenya, this park is also managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). It was recognized as a UNESCO –MAB Biosphere Reserve in 1991. Initially, it was declared a National Reserve in 1968 & served as part of the Southern Game Reserve for the Masai.
Wildlife in Amboseli
Amboseli National Park is an ideal spot to find the elephants. A huge concentration of elephant herds can be viewed against the scenic Kilimanjaro Mountain. The park protects over 50 species of mammals. They include giraffes, cheetahs, lions, hippos, Oryx, gerenuks, baboons, a few rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, Grant’s gazelles, impalas, zebras, warthogs, and jackals.
Bird species
An estimated 425 species of birds live in Amboseli National Park making it a vibrant birding destination. The birds of interest in Amboseli include saddle-billed storks, common ostriches, African swamphen, African pygmy goose, white-bellied go-away-bird, pearl-spotted owlet, lilac-breasted rollers, lappet-faced vultures, bateleur, martial eagle, and steel-blue whydah, Von der Decken’s hornbill, and Goliath heron. Kenya’s Amboseli also protects birds; sandgrouse, grey crowned cranes, lesser & greater flamingo, long-toed lapwing, white-headed buffalo weaver birds, knob-billed ducks, fulvous whistling-ducks, white-backed ducks, African jacanas, great spotted cuckoos, pied cuckoos, levaillant’s cuckoos, white-brown coucals, yellow-necked spurfowl, and pelicans.
What to do in Amboseli National Park
Game drives/viewing tours
Amboseli is an iconic spot when it comes to game viewing experiences. During the Amboseli’s guided game drive, expect to start your search for abundant wildlife along the Enkongo Narok also translated as black & benevolent. This is the swamp belt and lies in the heart of the park, offering incredible views of hippo schools, elephants, and many other animals that flock to drink water or take baths.
The observation hill offers a 360-degree viewing spot of Amboseli National Park, its surroundings, especially Mt. Kilimanjaro, swamps, and savanna plains. Expect to also view the seasonal Lake Amboseli which is found in the western part.
Visitors also get direct views of the Enkongo Narok marshes that reward with astonishing sights of hippos, elephants, & buffaloes. To birders, there is a chance to spot the pelicans, herons, & egrets. A guided game drive in Amboseli is conducted with the presence of a professional/experienced driver guide. A 4×4 safari car is ideal for you to embark on the morning or afternoon game drive. The 4WD cars are fitted with a rooftop for you to enjoy excellent views of Amboseli’s abundant wildlife.
Guided walks
Amboseli is also a perfect location for tourists to embark on a nature walking tour. The park’s landscape favors on-foot walks, a great opportunity for you explore more about flora & fauna. The nature walks are conducted with an experienced Amboseli National Park guide. You get to know the behaviors of animals, their habitats, and also have an intimate connection with nature.
Hot air balloon
Hot air balloon tours are a perfect option for nature enthusiasts with a desire to enjoy aerial game viewing experiences over the savanna plains of Amboseli National Park. The park’s landscape is unique and guarantees visitors breathtaking views from its own plains to the scenic Kilimanjaro Volcano.
As you soar above the park’s plains during the early sunrise, expect to watch the elephant herds, predators including hyenas, lions, and also some wildebeests. A successful hot air balloon experience can take one hour, and later, you can end it with a bush breakfast.
Photography & filming
Amboseli is a suitable destination for filmmakers or photographers. The park is unique in terms of landscape and wildlife. You can embark on a successful photography/filming tour with an experienced guide.
Cultural tours
At Amboseli National Park, it is also possible to also engage in guided cultural tours in the nearby community or village. Expect to visit the Maasai villages for an in-depth learning about the Maasai people, their unique traditions, cultures, & practices. With an experienced guide, expect to listen to inspirational stories about the Maasai people/community. Learn more on how the Maasai peacefully lived with wildlife including elephants & lions.
When to travel to Amboseli National Park (Kenya)
Amboseli National Park offers all-year-round wildlife experiences. But to experience successful game viewing, the peak dry season is the best time for you to plan or organize your tour. The dry season occurs from June to October or from January to February.
Where to stay
When it comes to lodges and camps, you won’t regret it because Amboseli has got all categories for guests from budget to luxury. The lodges include Amboseli Eco Camp, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Amboseli Gateway Hotel, Kimana Amboseli Camp, Amboseli Wildebeest Camp, Kibo Safari Camp Amboseli, Elephant Gorge Camp, Oilepo Amboseli, AA Lodges Amboseli, Sentrim Amboseli, Little Prairie Amboseli, and more.
How to get to Amboseli National Park
Visitors can access Amboseli by road or air. From Nairobi, Kenya, expect to drive for only 4 hours to Amboseli National Park. A 4×4 drive safari car is recommended for easier and safer access to Amboseli. Once you have reached Amboseli, you can be granted access through the respective gates, including the Iremito gate, the Kimana, Kitirua, and Meshanani gates. By air, expect to take a flight from Wilson Airport or Moi International Airport up to Amboseli Airstrip. Amboseli Airstrip is found in the middle of the park and is easier to connect up to Ol Tukai Lodge.