Amboseli National Park is a park located in southern Kenya. With an area of 392 square kilometers, this fairly small park is arguably Kenya’s second most popular after Masai Mara. Crowned by the snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro which is Africa’s highest peak, Amboseli, which is often referred to as Kilimanjaro’s Royal Court is mainly famous as one of the best parks in Africa where one can encounter free ranging herds of African Elephants. Here, the gentle giants roam in their hundreds, often led by the matriarch or gather at predictable swamps or marshes where they feed and quench their thirst. The population is so high here that you are almost guaranteed a sighting of these noble creatures as they carry their massive tusks with pride.

Amboseli, which lies 240 kilometers south east of Nairobi got its name from the neighboring Masai Community. In the Maa language, “Empusel” is a description which can be translated to mean a “place with salty dust”. This refers to the loose volcanic soil that is dusty in the dry season and impassable during the wet season.

Amboseli was declared a UNESCO-Mab Biosphere Reserve in 1991. The Amboseli eco system across the Kenya- Tanzania border. It is from Amboseli where one can get the best views of the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, which is itself located in Tanzania.

Inside the park, there are five main swamps, including a dried-up Pleistocene lake and semi-arid vegetation. Visitors are astonished by the fantastic array of wildlife and the contrast between the arid areas of the dry lake bed and the oasis of the swamps. In Amboseli, nature lovers can explore five different habitats that range from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with Sulphur springs, the grasslands savannah and woodlands.  Amboseli National Park is home to over 400 bird species, with about 47 of them being raptors. You can spot the Kori Bustard, the heaviest flying bird in Africa and other species like the Hammerkop with ease. Besides the abundance of Elephants, Lions, side stripped jackals, spotted hyenas, white brindled gnu, Thomson and grants gazelle, Hippos, Common Zebras, Buffalo, Foxes, Vervet Monkey and Cheetah are other common sightings among many other lesser known species. The marshy areas are favorite for birders as its here where one can sight King Fishers, Crakes, Egrets, Pelicans and the Madagascar Heron. In the recent years, Amboseli has become the latest home to the migratory lesser and greater Flamingos which move here seasonally to feed on the algae on the lake beds.

From Amboseli, one can access the Kenya / Tanzania border at Tarakea and Namanga border crossings and proceed on their road safari to Tarangire, Lake Manyara National Parks and the Ngorongoro Crater.

From Nairobi, one can visit Amboseli for an overnight trip, although we recommend a two night’s stay. From Amboseli, one can then proceed to the neighboring Tsavo West, Tasvo East National Park or drive all the way to Mombasa although this involves over 8 driving hours. Amboseli has one airstrip where scheduled and chartered flights fly to.

Amboseli National Park is open and accessible during all months of the year. The park is generally hot and dry except during the rainy seasons. Average temperatures during day time is about 28 Degrees C/82oF. From Amboseli, one can access.

Activities in Amboseli: Besides game drives, one can also enjoy a few optional activities while visiting Amboseli National Park.

Masai Village Visit. A visit to one of the neighboring Masai Bomas is highly recommended. Here, you interact with the fabled Masai tribes’ men in their homesteads. They allow you to immerse into their cultural as they show you around, sell their crafts and entertain you with some traditional dances.

Observation Hill:

This is a unique spot inside Amboseli, bearing a pyramid shape. Being one of the few places in Amboseli where tourists are allowed to get out of their vehicles, you can take a walk as you enjoy scenic views of the park from this vantage point. From the summit, you enjoy amazing views of the plains, marshes, lakes and the roads below you. You also enjoy more amazing views of Mt. Kilimanjaro as you walk around amongst Baboons, Monkeys and birds that are found at the Observation Hill.

With its pyramid shape this is a unique spot. It’s also one of the few spots in the park where you can get out of your safari vehicle and just walk. At the summit, take in the plains, marshes, lakes and roads below. You’ll see wonderful views of Mt. Kilimanjaro to the south and the great swamps to the east.

Dr. Cynthia Moss Elephant Research Center:

The Elephants within the Amboseli eco system are usually offered armed protection against poachers. This is normally done by the Kenya Wildlife Service rangers. Being one of the homes to Elephants, Amboseli is also used as one of the research centers. They are keenly studied thanks to efforts that began when Dr. Cynthia Moss established the Amboseli Elephant Research Project in 1972. Her studies have concentrated on the distribution, demography, population dynamics, social organization and behavior of the Amboseli elephants. Echo, one of the most researched of the Elephants, is today the subject of numerous documentaries and books resulting in the studies by Dr. Moss for the last almost 40 years. A visit to this center can be arranged by us, and we recommend that this is done well in advance.

Essenia Safari Experts offers tailor made safaris to Amboseli based on road and by air packages. The packages can cover Amboseli alone, or be combined with other national parks in Kenya and Tanzania. Write to us on holidays@esseniasafaris.co.ke for a safari tailor made specially for you.