Amboseli National Park

About Amboseli National Park

Located in the southern part of Kenya in Kajiado County, near Tanzania, one will find Amboseli National Park, which is also commonly known as the East Africa safari capital. The Maasai word “Amboseli” translated to “salty dust” in English, is quite fitting because during dry months this park is usually seen with a lot of dust. The park was officially declared a National Park in Kenya in 1974 and ten declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1991. 

It covers approximately 392 square kilometers but it is part of an 8000 square Kilometers cross boundary wildlife area that goes into neighboring country Tanzania. The park provides a natural habitat where various wild animals are put under conservation, most of which are left to roam freely with human intervention while some species are put in zoos and others in some confined space. Some of the animals found here include lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, crocodiles, hippos, and a wide variety of birds.

Five different environments can be seen in Amboseli with open grassy plains; acacia woodlands; fresh marshes and below-ground water seepage areas causing steam through dry season; and Lake Amboseli’s empty basin, awaiting rain clouds every year for centuries past but which have become increasingly unreliable as time goes by due to climatic changes brought on man’s pollution activities across globe since dawn 20th century! The Amboseli National Park is considered as one of the top game reserves not only in Kenya or Africa at large – but what more would you expect from such an amazing place? This website provides travelers with vital information that they can use when planning for their trips or safaris in Amboseli and it caters for such needs. 

Why visiting Amboseli National Park

If you want a memorable experience, then you must include a trip to Amboseli National Park during your Kenya safari for the following reasons:

1. Iconic Views of Mount Kilimanjaro

In Amboseli, you can witness an amazing scene where the top of the highest mountain in Africa “sits” over the park (though the mountain itself is in Tanzania).

To have a better view you should wake up early or stay until late afternoon but mainly at this period.

2. Large Elephant Herds

It is normal for one to spot very many of this animals some of which have very long white things at certain national reserves but Amboseli is exceptional.

These elephants have been studied by scientists for a long time, and they are among the most researched animals globally.

3. Big Cats & Wildlife

Despite having less number of lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards can still be seen in Amboseli.

In addition, other animals like buffalos, giraffes as well as zebras also live there alongside wildebeests and hippos often found in stagnant waters.

4. Unique Swamp Ecosystems

This is where you will find some interesting natural sites like the park’s swamps and wetlands which are nourished by the underground rivers of Kilimanjaro and they support thousands of both birds and mammals.

It is also a good site to witness activities such as elephants bathing, hippos wallowing, as well as large number of flamingos.

5. Authentic Maasai Culture

By visiting Maasai villages just as in the Mara, travelers get the opportunity to witness local traditions in terms of dances, bead work etc., and warrior rituals.

A majority of these accommodations have native land experts among their staff who are hired so as to share in-depth knowledge with guests.

6. Less Crowded Than the Mara

Amboseli is smaller, less crowded with tourists, and offers an elegant safari holiday.

7. Stunning Photography Opportunities

The combination of wildlife, swamps, and Kilimanjaro against each other creates perfect images for the most experienced photographers.

It’s such a beautiful place; you’ll love the sunrises and sunsets.

8. Easy Accessibility from Nairobi

It takes approximately four to five hours drive from Nairobi or a short flight to Amboseli airstrip.

It can be conveniently linked with the visit at Tsurvo Hills or Tsavo West National Park.

Best time to go:

• June to October (Dry season – ideal for game viewing)
• November/December; March to May (Green season – very beautiful but not many tourists)