The Maasai Amboseli Game Reserve, better known as the Amboseli National Park, is one of Kenya’s premium parks that boats a range of wildlife and landscapes. With Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, the Amboseli National Park is a sight to behold. With picturesque sceneries, breathtaking wildlife, action-packed activities, it is a must-visit park on your next vacation in Kenya.
The park covers over 3,200 square kilometres and is situated northwest of Kilimanjaro. The park first opened its doors in 1948, and since then, has become a significant tourist attraction.
Best Time to Visit
Although the park is hot all year round, the best months to visit the park are June to October. During these months, the weather is dry, and when most of the wildlife will be spotted because there is little to no rainfall. Even though it is humid, Mount Kilimanjaro keeps the swamps filled with water throughout the year. You can see the herds grazing around the water, and it is perfect conditions for game viewing.
It will get extremely crowded during these months, and it may be more expensive too as it is the peak season. Consider visiting during January or February if you want a quieter visit or a more budget-friendly expedition.
How to get to the Park
Many all-inclusive safari packages are available that offer pick-and-drop services from your hotel in Nairobi, and you can also make your way to the park by air. The Amboseli Airport is located in the national park; however, several accommodations have private airstrips, and you can catch a direct flight right to your lodging.
Traveling by road will take time. The park is a 240-kilometer drive through the Nairobi/Arusha road from Nairobi. You can also use the Mombasa route to enter through the Kimana Gate.
What to expect
The vast park offers an expansive open savannah, perfect for game viewing. Although the park is arid, three swamps are the primary water source for the animals residing in the park. You will encounter various wildlife near these swamps, including many elephants, hippos, and buffalos. You can also see giraffes, cheetahs, lions, Thomson’s gazelles, zebras, and many different bird species.
Costs
You will need to pay a fee to enter the park. According to the latest information, you will be charged the following fees (valid for up to 24 hours) to visit the park:
- Adults: 60 USD
- Children: 35 USD
Activities
There are several activities offered at the park, including:
- Night game drive: 19 USD/trip
- Horse riding (KWS Horse): 23 USD (full-day)
- Horse riding (Private horses): 9 USD (full-day)
- Cycling/day: 1.90 USD (full-day)
- Walking safaris/day: 13 USD (full-day)
The prices may vary according to when you are visiting. The prices will be charged in Kenyan Shillings and are also subject to currency fluctuations.
Visiting the Amboseli National Park will be a wise decision. It offers many unique, fun-filled activities, great accommodations (ranging from budget-friendly camps to luxurious hotels), incredible wildlife, and fantastic scenery. Just seeing the snow-filled peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro is enough to convince anyone to visit this beautiful park. You may also want to visit Maasai Mara, another unique park in Kenya. To learn more about it, read our 8 Things to Know Before you Visit the Maasai Mara.
