The iconic Amboseli National Park is a popular safari destination in Kenya coming second only to Masai Mara National Reserve, this beautiful park receives thousands of visitors on a Kenya Safari thanks to its incredible game viewing experiences and scenic scenery.
Location and Size
Where is Amboseli National Park Situated?
Amboseli National Park lies in the county of Kajiado, Southern Kenya, approximately 240 kilometers southeast of Nairobi – the capital of Kenya. The park stretches about 391 square kilometers but the Amboseli Ecosystem stretches far beyond its borders, covering an area of nearly 3,000 square kilometers (1,200 square miles).
The Evolution of Amboseli National Park
The area currently known as Amboseli National Park was first set aside as the Maasai Amboseli Game Reserve in 1906, and in 1974 it was declared Amboseli National Park. Today, the park is controlled by the Kenya Wildlife Services and the Olkejuado Country Council in partnership with the local Maasai people.
What Makes Amboseli National Park Special?
Amboseli has a unique setting giving it a unique view, one of the most distinctive characteristics of the park is the presence behind the great, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro – the tallest mountain in Africa, visible across the border in Tanzania. This stunning mountain provides the ultimate skyline backdrop of Kenya safari sightseeing and photographic trips to Amboseli.
The setting of Amboseli National Park is also the reason why the park boasts five main habitats to make up its famed bio resources, these 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 also known as “The Land of the Giants” is a haven for elephants and other iconic wildlife species, the park is home to large herds of elephants with over 30 – 100 elephants each herd. The park contains the longest-studied elephant population in the world.
Large herds of elephants are one of the greatest attractions of Amboseli National Park, the herds are always seen moving across the vast plains of Amboseli with the scenic backdrop of snow-capped Kilimanjaro creating incredible moments for photography.
Beside elephants, The Park is also home to other wildlife species which include lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, impalas, spotted hyenas and many others, making it one of the best places in Kenya to visit for wildlife safaris. The park is also one of the best places in the world for African wildlife safaris, game drives and bird watching.
In Amboseli, there are over 50 mammals and more than 400 bird species recorded.
Things to Do in Amboseli National Park
Game Drives
Amboseli National Park is one of the best places on the continent for game viewing, game drives are by far the most popular activities to do while in the park offering visitors a different perspective of the different landscapes of the park and a big number of wildlife species including the elephants, lions, cheetahs and other carnivores and numerous species of plain game.
Game drives in Amboseli are offered as morning and afternoon game drives, also full day game drives are available.
Guided Nature Walks
Guided Nature Walks are perfect for nature enthusiasts, with experienced rangers you will gain expert knowledge on vegetation and wildlife within Amboseli. These close encounters with wildlife in the park such as elands, zebras, giraffes and elephants will further enhance your wildlife experience.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Soar above the plains of Amboseli and have unimaginable experience, this amazing experience starts before sunrise and you get to catch this amazing sight as the sun sets the savannah on fire with its colors and on the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro.
Enjoy a bird eye’s view of the park’s animals and the scenic landscape.
Photography and Filming
Amboseli National Park offers some of the fascinating photographic opportunities in the world making it a paradise for filmmakers and photographers. The park has some of the most beautiful settings for photographers and videographers – either an amateur with a small camera phone or a professional photographer using the best DSLR and latest equipment, you will always have an incredible experience.
Birdwatching in Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is one of the great birding destinations in Kenya, with over 400 bird species recorded. This means there is something amazing for birdwatchers to watch in almost every corner of the park including water bird species that thrive in the lake such as the pre-historic Shoe Bill , pelicans, kingfishers and herons.
Other bird species in Amboseli include Madagascar pond, Heron, Lesser kestrel and the other common locally known species such as the African jacana, Goliath heron, Grey crowned crane, Hartlaub’s bustard, Rufous chatterer, Chestnut sparrow, Rufous-napped lark, the African fish Eagle, Pied kingfisher, Falcon, Double-banded courser, white browed coucal, Fischer’s sparrow lark, Mosque swallow, the vulnerable Lesser kestrel, Falcon naumanni which uses the park during its migration period, the steel-blue whydah, the spike-heeled lark among many other bird species.
Masai Cultural Experience
If you are interested in learning about the culture of the Maasai people, Amboseli National Park is a great destination to visit. The Maasai people call this area home as it is in the centre of Maasai Country.
On Kenya safaris in Amboseli visiting the Maasai People gives you a chance to get a deeper insight about their lifestyle, rituals, traditions and customs. This includes showcasing traditional Maasai dances and songs by the Maasai people. You will also get to shop for authentic souvenirs.
Getting There
How to Reach Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is crossed by both road and air, the park is found 240 kilometers southeast of Nairobi and about a four-hour driver from the capital. There is also an option of flying by charter or light aircraft to Amboseli Airstrip served by several domestic airlines such as AirKenya.
The Best Time for Kenya Safaris in Amboseli
Amboseli National Park is a year round destination, however the best time for game viewing is during the dry season when wildlife flocks to the area’s few permanent water sources. The dry season is from January through February as well as from June to October.
The wet season in Amboseli that is March to May and November to December are magical, in these months the park turns into a green oasis created by the migratory bird species that visit, and the verdant background makes for incredible photographic vistas.
Where to Stay During Your Amboseli Safari
There are several accommodation options in the park, ranging from budget, midrange to luxury options. These accommodation include Tortilis Camp, Ol Tukai Lodge, Tawi Lodge, Satao Elerai Camp, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge among others.