AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Overview
Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, the Amboseli National Parks is one of Kenya's most popular parks. The name "Amboseli" comes from a Maasai word meaning "salty dust", and it is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulphur springs, the savannah and woodlands. They can also visit the local Maasai community who live around the park and experience their authentic culture.
Masai Mara offers a diverse wildlife adventure experience with the 'Big Five' and 'Big Nine' animals. The wildbeest migration season from July to September is the highlight, but the safari is rewarding all year round. 2023 and 2024 tour packages range from budget road tours to luxury Fly-In Safaris at boutique tent camps. Check out recommended Kenya Safari itineraries for more information.
Amboseli National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kenya and Tanzania, is a popular tourist destination with a diverse ecological system, over 600 bird species, and cultural tours for Masai communities.
Size
392 square kilometers
Weather
Equatorial Climate Prevails
Wildlife
Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Buffalo, Elephant, Giraffe..
Best Time to Visit
July to October
Flora and Fauna
Diverse Ecosystems Thrive
Conservation
Commitment to Preservation
Amboseli National park offers a wide range of fun activities for the tourists. However, most activities in the park rotate around wildlife, giving one a fun-filled nature experience. The main activities include the following.
YOU'LL NEVER FORGET
Accommodation Options Near Amboseli National Park
We have selected cozy lodges and camps in Amboseli for your visit, offering top-notch safari activities, excellent accommodations, and comfort. We specialize in creating customized experiences, focusing on your personal preferences and helping you create the unique Amboseli safari you’ve always dreamed of.
Amboseli is located in Kenya’s Kajiado County in the south-central part of the country. Kilimanjaro descends and forms the Great Rift Valley in the west, and Nairobi is almost directly north of it.
If your safari includes transportation to and from Nairobi, then this could easily be a stop for a night or two. It takes half the amount of time to get to Amboseli instead of the Maasai Mara and has much of the same animals!
Most people arrive at the park via driving on safari. Amboseli is one of the best safari parks in Kenya – so if you’re working with a tour company be sure that they visit this one. Sunworld Safaris, the company we used, already included it in the itinerary so I had nothing to worry about.
Amboseli rests at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro – the tallest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest summit in Africa. The impressive mountain stands tall making even the elephants look tiny.
It also has the most condensed population of elephants in Kenya. The sheer quantity of elephants here is enough to make your jaw drop. These elephants are the most studied in all of Africa. The Amboseli Trust for Elephants have been researching these elephants for over 40 years and are the leading expert in elephants.
The Maasai people and culture are alive and well in Amboseli and you can get an up-close look at their lifestyle.
Amboseli also has a fresh underground water supply from the feet of the Kilimanjaro ice cap. Two clear springs have formed at the heart of the park.
There is an observation hill with patio furniture which is perfect for a snack. You can see the beautiful landscape for miles and even see Lake Amboseli and Mount Kilimanjaro. We were able to have lunch with hippos relaxing in the marshland nearby!
A lot. Like – a ridiculous amount! There are over 400 species of birds alone that call Amboseli National Park home. There are over 80 species of mammals as well. This includes the Big Five safari animals – the cape buffalo, rhinoceros, leopard, lion, and elephant. In fact, Amboseli has the most condensed number of elephants in Kenya – with over 1200 calling the park home.
The only time you really do not want to visit is during the rainy season – April May, November, and December. I would recommend visiting January, February or June- September.
The dry season is the best because herbivores gather near the few watering holes making spotting them easy. The carnivores also go to the watering holes in search of prey. Less watering holes means a greater chance of seeing both hunter and prey.
