Known for its massive elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Amboseli National Park is the epitome of serene nature and incredible fauna. From fierce predators to grass-eating, innocent prey, you’ll witness the unfiltered and intricate lives of these magnificent, wild creatures.
Location
Situated in the North-West of Mount Kilimanjaro in the Kajiado county, the park covers 392 square kilometers and forms parts of the much larger 3,000 square kilometers Amboseli ecosystem.
Wildlife at Amboseli National Park, Image Source: YieldSafaris.Com
Main Attractions
The Marvelous Wildlife
Labeled as the ‘Home of African Elephants’, this park’s great diversity in fauna is what makes it stand out from the rest. This place is perfect for those wishing to have the first-hand experience of seeing a large number of animals and diverse species of birds. One can easily spot an African bush elephant, African buffalo, impala, and sometimes the mighty lion pride, cheetahs, hyenas, and giraffes are also seen in their natural habitat. It also hosts prolific birdlife, featuring up to 600 species!
Not only does Amboseli have a varied range of other game animals, but it also boasts of the ‘Big Five’. So, if you want to capture the rare moments of these wild giants then Amboseli is where you should come!
The Scenic Beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro
Located at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world, Amboseli National Park offers stunning views of the gigantic mountain towering from the neighboring Tanzania.
Elephants at Amboseli National Park, Image Source: SplendoursofAfricaTours.Com
The Observation Hill
The observation hill is the only place in the park where you can get out and walk. The peak offers an extensive view over the park – the plains and swamps towards the east and the mountain towards the south.
The Elephant Research Camp
The population of the elephants in this park is a whopping 1200! Being among the most studied animals in the world, the research camp remains in operation right in the middle of the park, under the management of ‘Amboseli Trust for Elephants’
Sinet Delta
One of the best places in the entire park for bird watching. The thick vegetation here provides fodder for the tall giraffes and also frames some of the park’s best Kilimanjaro views.
Giraffes at Amboseli National Park, Image Source: Pinterest.Co.Uk
The Local Masaai Tribe
The names Amboseli originates from the Masaai name ‘Empusel’ meaning open plain. The people living in proximity to the park are Masaai. The contemporary Masaai culture and the indigenous lifestyle explain why they’re the only community in the world who have been able to resist the influence of the Western culture while being dedicated to their traditional way of life. A trip to Amboseli is not complete without visiting the Masaai homesteads.
Local Maasai Tribe, Image Source: Wikimedia.Org
Activities at Amboseli
Apart from safari tours here’s are other activities to do at Amboseli National Park;
- Camping
- Bird Watching
- Night Game Drives
- Bush Breakfasts/Dinners
- Balloon Safaris
- Campfires
- Cultural tours to local villages
Entry Fee
Child – $35
Adult – $60
How to Get There?
By Road
You could either take the main road; which is the Arusha Road through the Meshanani gate, or the Mombasa road via Kimana gate.
By Air
The park hosts a single airstrip for light aircraft at the Empusel gate. Flights for this park originate from the Moi Airport Mombasa or Nairobi’s Wilson Airport.
Amboseli Airstrip, Image Source: Wikipedia.Org
When to Visit?
Although it can be visited all year round, it is suggested to plan visits in the dry months which are from June to October and January to February. From December to March and July to October the reserve can get quite busy.
Where to Stay?
A wide range of accommodation is available to suit all budgets and interests. From basic campsites to luxurious and fully-furnished camps, the park welcomes all!
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to this beautiful National Park and have a great time with nature! While you’re in Kenya, don’t forget to check out Must Know Facts about Maasai Mara.
