Amboseli is one of Kenya’s top National Parks and is a must-visit tourist destination for visitors interested in encountering and coming closer to free-ranging elephants as well as enjoying the jaw-dropping views of Mount Kilimanjaro. This is Kenya’s second most popular safari destination after Masai Mara National Reserve that is known for hosting the annual migration of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles.
Location of Amboseli National Park.
Amboseli National Park is situated within Loitoktok district in the Kajiado county and Rift Valley Province of Kenya. Popularly known as the “land of Giants”, this National Park is only about 240 kilometers (150 miles) southeast of Nairobi City.
Size of Amboseli National Park.
Amboseli National Park sprawls for only 392 square kilometers (151 square miles) within an ecosystem of over 8000 square kilometers (3100 square miles) along the Kenya-Tanzania border. This popular National Park also protects two of the five main wetlands in addition to including dried-up Pleistocene Lake as well as semi-arid vegetation.
History of Amboseli National Park.
The area where Amboseli National Park sits used to be a feared Masai region referred as “Empusel” to mean “dusty” or “salty” place. However, Jeremy Thompson-a British Explorer and Geologist took courage and penetrated the area in 1883 and he was greatly impressed by its jaw-dropping array of wildlife as well as the disparity between the semi-arid areas of dry lake bed and oasis of wetlands. Surprisingly, this disparity still exists until today.
The area was first gazetted as a southern Reserve for the Masai people in 1906 but was put under the total control of the locals in 1948 as a Game Reserve. It was later awarded a “National Park” status in 1974 to protect the fundamental region of this exceptional ecosystem. The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 and the Kenya Wildlife Service took over control of the Park in 2005 under the leadership of President Mwai Kibaki.
ATTRACTIONS IN AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK.
Animals.
Popularly known as the “land of Giants”, Amboseli National park is largely known for being the perfect destination in the World to encounter free-ranging elephants with big tusks. Besides the free-ranging elephants, this National Park is home to Cape buffaloes, spotted hyenas, lions, Thomson’s gazelles, cheetahs, Masai giraffes, Grant’s zebras, spotted hyenas, impalas, Hippos, cheetahs, blue wildebeests, Defassa waterbucks and Topis among others.
This park used to be home to echo, the most studied and researched elephant by Dr. Cynthia Moss, an American conservationist. This elephants was studied for over 30 years and was subject to many documentaries and nature books until her death in 2009 at the age of 60 years.
Birds.
Amboseli National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Kenya with over 400 species of water, savannah and woodland birds. Expect to see over 47 raptor species, long-toed lapwing, the colorful greater and lesser flamingos, steel-blue whydah, Eurasian thick-knee, Rufous charterer, yellow-necked spurfowl, Egyptian goose, Rufuous-bellied herons, African swamphen, Kingfishers, Hartlaub’s bustard, shoebill storks, Pelicans, Pangani longclaw, Dickinson’s kestrel, white-bellied go-away bird, Hammerkop, little egrets, Crakes and many others.
Besides animals and bird species, Amboseli National Park is frequented by visitors interested in relishing breathtaking views especially of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro as well as the Masai people with their outstanding culture and traditions.
INTERESTING ACTIVITIES TO DO IN AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK.
Game viewing.
The beautiful terrain of Amboseli National Park is marked by lush and sweeping open grassy savannah plains dotted with scrubby vegetation that make it possible to enjoy unforgettable wildlife spotting and viewing experiences. The rolling streams from Mount Kilimanjaro area create verdant wetlands that support a wide array of wildlife species in addition to sustaining the Park’s wonderful ecosystem.
The commonest wildlife species during game drives are free-ranging elephants, lions, Masai giraffes, leopards, wildebeests, common warthogs, Cape buffaloes, cheetahs and many others.
Hot air balloon safaris.
Amboseli National Park is one of the excellent places in Africa to undertake Hot air balloon safaris with visitors being rewarded with the bird’s eye view over the sweeping savannah plains as well as far-flung views of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro. A variety of wildlife species especially zebras, elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, gazelles and lions are expected during this adventurous activity.
Walking safaris.
Participate in unforgettable walking safaris amidst the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro or through the sweeping savannah plains and wetlands, which are haven to wide range of wildlife species. Walking safaris offer visitors with wonderful opportunities of getting up-close to nature in addition to rewarding extraordinary photographic opportunities along the way.
Throughout the walk, you will be amazed by the immensurable beauty of the surrounding landscape-the stunning valley-fringed rivers, verdant rainforest, cascading waterfalls and nearby hills/mountains. Be astonished by the extraordinary expanse of farms marked banana and coffee plantations, colorful wildflowers, maize fields as well as fruit trees and as you walk through the foothills, you will crisscross the areas occupied by Masai pastoralists.
Bird watching.
Amboseli National Park is undeniably a wonderful birding destination in Kenya, with a checklist of over 400 bird species that include pelicans, kingfishers, grey-crowned cranes, flamingos and many others. Birding here is perfect during the wet season-March to May as well as October to early December because migratory bird species are many in addition to the months falling within their breeding seasons.
Cultural Tours.
Cultural experiences offer an insight into the unique way of life, culture and traditions of Masai people, who occupy the lower slopes of the Mountain. These tours also reward visitors with the rare insight into their incredibly simple lifestyles that they live within this mind-blowing environment.
Picnics and bush meals.
Begin your day with a delicious picnic breakfast or toast to an incredible afternoon/evening with a relaxing sundowner in the wilderness of Amboseli National Park. The views of Mount Kilimanjaro as the backdrop as well as unique wildlife species roaming across the vast landscape make this activity a feast for your senses.
This National Park not only rewards visitors with awe-inspiring wildlife sightings but is also your ultimate spot for breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks rising above the vast savannah plains. Be prepared to enjoy your wild buffet.
BEST TIME TO VISIT AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK.
Amboseli National Park can be explored all year round but the most rewarding and interesting game viewing experiences are achieved during the dry season-June to September as well as December to February when majority of the Park’s wildlife gather around water sources or wetlands/marshes.
BEST PLACES TO STAY WHILE EXPLORING AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK.
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge.
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge was constructed for adventure-seekers with a dream of African wilderness in mind. It has some of the most stunning rooms, spectacular sceneries and facilities. It is a real home away from home with 92 rooms and one suite houses in single-storey building overlooking the sweeping plains with private balconies, 24-hour room service, state of art bathrooms, free internet connection and many other amenities.
Tawi Lodge.
Tawi Lodge sits on 6000-acre private conservancy adjacent to Kimana Gate and represents a blend of modern and traditional style. This Eco-Lodge has 13 cottages with en-suite bathrooms fitted with bathtub as well as cold/hot showers nestled on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in addition to featuring a fully-stocked bar, spacious dining area and central fireplace for relaxation.
Campi ya Kanzi.
Campi ya Kanzi is a stupendous Camp with 6 thatched-roof Tented Cottages accommodating a maximum of 16 visitors. Guests here are guaranteed of privacy and comfort.
Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
Amboseli Sopa Lodge is a beautiful Lodge set within 200 acres of private land characterized by mature wooded gardens, on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Lodge has 83 rooms that include 1 honeymoon suite, 2 wheelchair-accessible rooms and 6 inter-connecting rooms. Some of the facilities at this Lodge include 2 conference rooms, outdoor dining terrace, main bar with satellite TV and bar, free Wi-Fi in public areas, outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and lounge area.
Amboseli Sentrim Lodge.
Amboseli Sentrim Lodge is a luxurious Tented Lodge set right next to Kimana gate and features 60 state-of-art Tented with jaw-dropping views of Mount Kilimanjaro. They have en-suite bathrooms with hot/cold showers, wash basins, coffee/tea making facilities and safe deposit boxes.
Elewana Tortilis Camp.
The Elewana Tortilis Camp was named after Acacia Tortilis, the flat-topped umbrella thorn tree and rewards visitors with majestic views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. It has spacious Tents with King/Twin beds and stunning en-suite bathrooms as well as spacious dining area, main lounge area, bar and many other amenities.
Other fabulous places to stay while exploring Amboseli National Park include Hemingway, Kilima Safari Camp, Ol Donyo Oibor Suite, Ol tukai Lodge, Ol Donyo Lodge, Kibo Safari Camp and Satao Elerai Lodge among others.
HOW TO GET TO AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK?
Amboseli National Park is about 240 kilometers from Nairobi City along the Nairobi-Arusha Road, via Namanga. This route leads visitors to Amboseli’s Meshanani Gate and the second route is Nairobi-Mombasa road via Emali. It is shorter (approximately 228 kilometers) and is perfect for visitors also interested in exploring Tsavo West National Park. Visitors using the second route access the spectacular Amboseli National Park through Kimana entrance gate.
Amboseli National Park can also be accessed by air transport, with the Park being serviced by the only airstrip near Empusel gate. Flights can also be chartered to airstrips at Namanga Town or Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodge.
