Discover the Wonders of Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park, located in Kenya’s Rift Valley Province near the Tanzanian border, beckons with its stunning landscapes, abundant African wildlife, and the majestic, snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro serving as an iconic backdrop. Renowned as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, Amboseli stands out as a sanctuary where you can witness large herds of elephants up close.
Amboseli National Park Overview.
Amboseli boasts a year-round underground water supply originating from Kilimanjaro’s ice cap. This water, filtered through thousands of feet of volcanic rock, feeds two clear springs at the park’s heart. However, the region’s climate can oscillate between periods of drought and flooding, exemplified by the swampy conditions in the 1990s followed by years of arid, dusty plains.
Amboseli Safari Tours
– Amboseli & Masai Mara Premier Safari – 8 days
– Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo Premier Safari – 13 days
– Premier Kenya Luxury Safari – 9 days
– Amboseli Tsavo Classic Safari Getaway – 3 days
– Kenya Explorer Safari Tour – 8 days
Getting to Amboseli
Amboseli Airport is situated within the park, and some lodges have their own private airstrips. Travelers can reach Amboseli National Park via the following routes:
– Meshanani Gate: Travel along the Nairobi/Arusha road via Namanga and enter the park through Meshanani Gate.
– Kimana Gate: Alternatively, opt for the Mombasa route to enter Amboseli via the Kimana Gate through Tsavo West National Park.
Amboseli Highlights and Attractions
- Majestic Elephants: Witness magnificent herds of large-tusked elephants, a hallmark of Amboseli.
- Mount Kilimanjaro: Behold the picturesque Mount Kilimanjaro, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop to your safari.
- The Big 5: Amboseli is home to the Big 5, offering opportunities to encounter these iconic species.
- Observation Hill: Climb the Observation Hill for panoramic views of the entire park, including the swamps and elephant herds.
- Diverse Habitats: Explore five distinct habitats, ranging from the dry bed of Lake Amboseli to wetlands with sulfur springs, savannahs, and woodlands.
- Maasai Community: Immerse yourself in the local Maasai culture by visiting the Maasai community living around the park.
The Amboseli Experience
Amboseli National Park, characterized by arid terrain, benefits from several permanent springs that sustain three swamps, vital watering holes for the park’s animals. Large mammals such as elephants, buffaloes, and hippos congregate around these swamps.
The park’s open landscape offers exceptional game viewing opportunities, making it a haven for photographers. Amboseli welcomes self-drive and guided game drives, while private conservancies on its periphery provide options for walking safaris, horseback safaris, and hot air ballooning.
Amboseli Accommodation
- Satao Elerai: Nestled on a private conservancy near Amboseli, Satao Elerai camp boasts scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The camp offers unique and spacious en-suite safari tents with private decks for wildlife observation. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, cultural visits, and more.
- Tortilis Camp: Named after the flat-topped thorn trees found in the region, Tortilis Camp provides luxury accommodations in spacious en-suite tented rooms beneath thatched roofs. Overlooking a wildlife-attracting waterhole, the lodge offers game drives and bush walks to explore the concession and Amboseli.
Climate
Amboseli experiences a hot and dry climate as it lies in the rain shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro to the northwest. With its proximity to the equator, temperature variations throughout the year are minimal, typically ranging between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius.
The park offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round. However, to avoid the muddy conditions of the wet season, it is advisable to plan visits between January and February or from June to September.
Traveler’s Note
The park falls within a malaria-prone area. It is advisable to consult with a local healthcare professional regarding malaria prophylactics before embarking on your journey to Amboseli National Park.
