Amboseli National Park Kenya

Amboseli National Park Kenya is one of the oldest and most popular parks in Kenya, known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and abundant wildlife. Established as a national park in 1974, Amboseli was initially part of a Maasai reserve.

It spans 392 square kilometers and features a diverse landscape, including savannah plains, acacia woodlands, and seasonal swamps. The park’s name comes from the Maasai word “Empusel,” meaning “salty, dusty place,” reflecting the dry lakebed that dominates much of its terrain. Amboseli is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protecting its unique ecosystem and offering exceptional wildlife viewing experiences.

Where is Amboseli National Park?

Amboseli National Park is located in southern Kenya, bordering Tanzania, near the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The park lies within the Loitoktok District, approximately 240 km (150 miles) southeast of Nairobi, making it a popular destination for safari visitors.

The park’s proximity to Mount Kilimanjaro, just 30 km away at the nearest point, provides a dramatic and iconic backdrop for wildlife viewing and photography. The vast landscape of Amboseli, covering an area of 392 km² (151 sq mi), is a blend of dry plains, seasonal swamps, and woodlands, creating diverse habitats that support a variety of flora and fauna.

To the east of the park lies Tsavo National Park, while Arusha, a gateway to Tanzania’s renowned Northern Safari Circuit, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, is only 180 km away.

How to Get to Amboseli National Park

By Road: A drive from Nairobi via the shortest route (228 km or 140 miles) typically takes 3 to 4 hours. If you opt for a scenic drive through Tsavo East and Tsavo West, the journey is longer, covering 460 km (286 miles) and taking about 8 hours.

By Air: Fly-in safaris to Amboseli depart from Wilson Airport, using light aircraft with limited baggage allowance. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes and lands at Amboseli’s airstrip, near the Empuseli Gate.

Several entrance gates provide access to the park, including Iremito, Empuseli (Airport Gate), Kulinyiet, Meshanani, and Kitirua Gates. The choice of gate often depends on where your accommodation is located.

What is the Best Time to Visit Amboseli National Park?

The best time to visit Amboseli National Park is during the dry season, from June to October. During this period, the grass is shorter, and animals congregate around the permanent water sources, making them easier to spot.

The clear, sunny weather also provides excellent conditions for photography, especially with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. This is considered the peak safari season, so expect higher rates and larger crowds.

The low season, from November to May, coincides with the rainy season. While game viewing may be slightly more challenging due to the lush vegetation, this time of year offers its unique advantages.

The landscape is green and vibrant, and the clear air provides stunning views of Kilimanjaro. This is also the best bird-watching time, as many migratory species are present. Rates are generally lower, and the park is less crowded, making it a great option for travelers seeking a quieter safari experience.

What Activities Can Be Done in Amboseli National Park Kenya?

✓Bird Watching: A popular activity as the park is home to over 400 bird species, including raptors and water birds
✓Scenic Tours: The park provides breathtaking views of the landscape and Kilimanjaro, especially during sunrise and sunset
✓Photography Tours: Photography enthusiasts can enjoy capturing the unique interactions of wildlife and the stunning scenery of Amboseli
✓Camping: This is an option for those looking to immerse themselves in nature overnight, with several designated campsites within the park offering basic facilities
✓Game Viewing: This is the primary attraction, with the chance to see large herds of elephants and other iconic African wildlife against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro

What Kind of Wildlife Can Be Viewed in Amboseli National Park Kenya?

Amboseli National Park is renowned for its incredible wildlife diversity and is especially famous for its large elephant population. The park is home to around 1,500 elephants, one of the highest concentrations in Africa.

These elephants are well-habituated, allowing visitors a unique chance to observe their natural behaviors up close. The park’s elephants often feature prominently in front of the iconic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, creating an unforgettable safari experience. In addition to elephants, Amboseli hosts four of the Big Five safari animals: lions, leopards, buffalo, and elephants.

The park’s unique geography, dominated by permanent swamps and dry plains, supports a variety of other savannah wildlife. You can expect to see giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, hartebeest, and waterbucks.

Predators like cheetahs and hyenas have also made a comeback, though leopards remain elusive. Amboseli is a birdwatcher’s paradise with around 400 bird species recorded, including 47 species of raptors like martial eagles, fish eagles, and secretary birds.

The wetlands attract many water birds such as pelicans, kingfishers, and crowned cranes, making it an ideal location for birding safaris, especially during the rainy season when Palearctic migrants arrive.

Are There Any Accommodation Options in Amboseli National Park?

Amboseli National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences, from budget campsites to luxury lodges.

Ol Tukai Lodge: This mid-range lodge is located near the Ol Tukai swamp, a popular area for viewing elephants. The lodge provides stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and features comfortable accommodations, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. It is approximately 15 km from the Empuseli Gate.

Amboseli Serena Lodge: This luxury lodge is located in the heart of Amboseli National Park, offering panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is renowned for its beautiful Maasai-inspired architecture, lush gardens, and eco-friendly design.

The lodge features comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a dining area that overlooks a waterhole frequented by elephants. It is located near the Empuseli Gate, providing easy access to game drives.

Notes

* Child refers to persons from three years but below 11 years
* Resident refers to persons of other nationalities residing in Kenya with valid documentation from the Kenyan government
* Citizen – A native or inhabitant of East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan) with valid identification documents or passport
* Daily – Fee paid for a single entry to a national park, national reserve, or sanctuary and which shall be valid for no longer than twenty-four hours

Game Viewing

Game viewing is the highlight of any visit to Amboseli National Park, renowned for its large herds of elephants that can be seen roaming the plains. The park’s abundant wildlife includes lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species.

Guided game drives, available both during the day and at night, provide a thrilling chance to observe these animals in their natural habitat. The park’s open plains and wetlands make spotting wildlife relatively easy, with Mount Kilimanjaro providing a dramatic backdrop for memorable sightings.

Bird Watching

Bird watching in Amboseli National Park is a rewarding experience, thanks to its rich avian diversity. The park boasts over 400 recorded bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The birdlife includes a wide variety of raptors, waterfowl, and savannah birds.

You can spot iconic species such as the Fish Eagle, Secretary Bird, and Martial Eagle, along with striking flamingos in the seasonal lakes. The park’s diverse habitats—marshes, swamps, acacia woodlands, and open plains—provide ideal settings for birding throughout the year.

Scenic Tours

Scenic tours in Amboseli offer breathtaking views of the park’s unique landscape, dominated by the iconic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The best times for scenic tours are during sunrise and sunset, when the light enhances the beauty of the surroundings, casting a golden glow over the plains.

You’ll see the vast savannah, shimmering marshes, and lush swamps teeming with life. Noomotio Observation Hill is a popular stop for panoramic views of the park and Kilimanjaro, providing an unforgettable experience of Amboseli’s picturesque scenery.

Photography Tours

Amboseli National Park is a photographer’s dream, offering countless opportunities to capture stunning images of wildlife and landscapes. With the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, photographers can snap iconic shots of elephants traversing the plains.

The park’s diverse ecosystem, featuring acacia trees, wetlands, and dry lake beds, provides a range of environments perfect for wildlife and landscape photography. Photography tours often include early morning or late afternoon drives, maximizing the chances of capturing the best light and the most dynamic wildlife interactions.

Camping

Camping in Amboseli is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural environment of the park. There are several designated campsites available, offering basic facilities such as toilets, showers, and fire pits.

Staying overnight allows you to experience the true essence of the African wilderness, with the sounds of nocturnal wildlife and the star-filled sky enhancing your adventure. Whether you choose a private site or a more communal setup, camping offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy a more intimate experience of Amboseli.

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge is a luxury lodge situated at the heart of Amboseli National Park, approximately 2 kilometers from the park’s main gate. Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, this lodge is known for its stunning views and vibrant gardens that attract a variety of bird species.

The lodge offers spacious rooms decorated with traditional Maasai themes, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant serving a mix of local and international dishes. It’s an ideal base for game drives, guided nature walks, and bird watching, providing guests with an immersive safari experience right in the heart of the park.

Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli

Ol Tukai Lodge is a well-established lodge within Amboseli National Park, located about 10 kilometers from the park’s Kimana Gate. The lodge is famous for its fantastic views of Kilimanjaro and its close proximity to the elephant herds that frequent the area.

It features luxurious chalet-style rooms, a large swimming pool, and a dining area that offers panoramic views of the plains. Guests can enjoy game drives, bird watching, and guided walks, making Ol Tukai Lodge a great choice for visitors seeking comfort and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Amboseli Sopa Lodge

Amboseli Sopa Lodge is located within the boundaries of the park, roughly 15 kilometers from the Meshanani Gate. The lodge is set in 200 acres of private land, surrounded by acacia trees and beautiful gardens that attract wildlife, including elephants, right up to the lodge’s grounds.

The lodge features spacious cottages with private balconies, a swimming pool, and a restaurant offering a range of cuisines. Guests can enjoy activities such as game drives, sundowners, and cultural experiences with the local Maasai community. Its serene environment and proximity to key game-viewing areas make it a popular choice for travelers.

Tortilis Camp Amboseli

Tortilis Camp Amboseli is a high-end, eco-friendly camp located inside the park, approximately 8 kilometers from the Iremito Gate. The camp is situated on a hill with spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the park’s acacia woodland.

Tortilis offers luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a main lounge area for relaxation. The camp is known for its excellent guiding and offers activities such as game drives, bush walks, and sundowner experiences. Tortilis Camp is renowned for its sustainability efforts and provides an intimate, exclusive safari experience with a focus on conservation and eco-tourism.

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