Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park Holidays
Kenya’s Premier Park
Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s top safari destinations after Masai Mara, celebrated for its exceptional African big-tusked elephants and big cats (lions, and sometimes cheetahs), all set against the backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro; Amboseli Park is a prime safari destination for both photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. The name Amboseli comes from a Maasai word meaning ‘Salty Dust’.
Exciting travelers with its big skies, far horizons and spectacular landscapes, it hosts a good number of wildlife and countless number of bird species recorded on in its swamps and wetlands.
Its unique attraction lies in its authentic ability to offer an unforgettable safari experience in an inspiring natural setting on clear days Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit is clearly visible during early mornings and afternoons making it a superb backdrop for wildlife photography.
Amboseli Safari Packages
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Amboseli Landscape & Scenery
Like an oasis in the dry savannah, Amboseli is impressive with its emerald-green swamps beneath towering Mt. Kilimanjaro delivers a beautiful mix of landscapes and habitats that enables the park to shelter such amazing wildlife.
Amboseli has an endless underground water supply due to Mt. Kilimanjaro, and give rise to several swamps in the park which features (Savanna grassland, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush, swamps and marshland) and covers part of a lake basin. Lake Amboseli is characterized by very alkaline water but is usually extremely dry and dusty during the hot and dry season, weather that characterizes Amboseli.
Dominated by views of Mt. Kilimanjaro the highest free-standing mountain in Africa and the hundreds of elephants foraging around the swamps it’s definitely a sight to see.
The Best Tourist Attractions In Amboseli Park
Discover some of the best things to do in Amboseli, these are some of the attractions that you can add on to your Kenya safari package bringing some extra energy to your vacation. Visitors can enjoy game viewing, bird watching, picnics, wildlife safari photography, camping, cultural village visits and hot air balloon safaris.
The main activity in Amboseli is the guided game drive, which will take you around the park to look for animals and birds. Hot-air ballooning is a brilliant alternative. It’s an incredible experience to fly at dawn over the park with Mt Kilimanjaro hopefully free of clouds. The only place you’re allowed to leave your vehicle is at Observation Hill. Climb it on foot and enjoy a picnic with stunning views.
1. Safari Game Drives In Amboseli
The main activity in Amboseli Park is the guided game drives, which will take you around the park in search of animals and bird species. The game drives normally start as early as 6:00am.when the gates open, and involve the use of a 4X4 Land Cruiser Jeep with an open roof-top.
2. Amboseli Balloon Safaris
Fly high up in the skies above the Amboseli, a balloon safari is truly the best way to view the Amboseli National Park, Mt. Kilimanjaro, local safari lodges and camps and the surrounding landscape.
Your flight take off starts prior to the sunrise, we rise slowly and start to float over the open plains of Amboseli, watching as the sun light up the wilderness slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Keep your eyes open and you will see one side of the park crowned by the magical Mt. Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free standing mountain whereas on the other side, the view is of lush green wetlands, open savannah grassland and Lake Amboseli.
The balloon flight in Amboseli completes with a ”Champagne Bush Breakfast” at the balloon landing site in the wilderness. – A perfect way to end an unforgettable day.
3. Bush Meals, Campfire Dinners & Sundowners In Amboseli
Experience an unforgettable bush sundowner at Amboseli Observation Hill, where you will be served drinks and cocktails while watching the sight of the African sunset. This usually happens as the sun begins its descent, the sundowner begins with a gentle evening game drive, arriving at the sundowner site just as the evening sky turns gold-pink, surrounded by nothing but scenic views framed by stunning landscapes and magnificent wildlife.
Your safari chairs will be set up facing towards Mt.Kilimanjaro, and there will be a full mobile bar service and cocktail snacks. Musical entertainment can also be provided at request. After sunset you will be driven back to the lodge in time for dinner, passing the swamps at the ideal time to spot hippos out of the water.
4. Cultural Maasai Village Visit In Amboseli
Visiting a Maasai Village while on a safari to Kenya is one of the rare chances to experience a taste of local life while on your African vacation. Experience the captivating culture of the Maasai tribe on a visit to their village in Amboseli. Gain an insight and understanding about the ‘Maasai Culture ‘ which is one of the most famous tribes. From their everyday life, exciting dances, their colorful clothing’s as well as their pastoral lifestyle have attracted tourists across the globe from time to time.
Learn about the African traditional cultures where you’ll get a chance to look inside their houses and catch a glimpse of how their family structures, and of course if you wish you can buy some Maasai jewelry which you will first notice from colorful shukas they are wearing, and the brightly beaded jewelry – the bracelets, necklaces, and amulets the women and men are wearing – something to remind you of your Kenyan vacation.
While on a safari trip in African you can easily visit a Maasai village in Masai Mara or Amboseli – and if you buy the beaded jewelry from them it’s just meant to support the village.
5. Bush Walks & Walking Safaris In Amboseli
Guided bush walks in Amboseli are led by our expert guides and (a member of the park security team), who have knowledge of the landscape, flora and fauna of this breathtaking haven, on foot is the best way to explore this wilderness park, and by far an exciting way to experience a safari.
Together we will follow animal trails and tracks, with luck get up close to the resident eland, zebra and giraffe, learn about traditional uses of wild herbs & barks, and observe other smaller wildlife. For all Kenya walking safaris it’s advisable to move out earlier, before the heat builds up, allowing you enough time to explore Amboseli’s unique landscape at a more relaxed pace before you return to the lodge for breakfast.
6. Night Safari Drives In Amboseli
Night drives in Amboseli Park – as the sun goes down, leave the lodge in the comfort of a 4×4 open-sided safari vehicle with a highly qualified, experienced guide for a chance to marvel at the wondrous night sky in search of the unique nocturnal wildlife found here… Look for animals not found during daylight hours such as Aardvark, Porcupine, Honeybadger, Pangolin, Bat-Eared Fox and Bushbaby.
The lights of our 4×4 safari vehicle illuminate an unseen world, unknown even to experienced safari adventurers. Spotting the shy nocturnal creatures who walk, feed and fight their way through the Bush at night can be a bit as exotic and exciting as sighting larger mammals during the day. The night game drive is strictly managed and monitored in ensuring minimal negative impact to the ecosystem.
7. Visit To Lake Amboseli
Lake Amboseli is a non-permanent lake with very alkaline water that floods during heavy rainfall and is filled by underground streams from Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Chyulu Hills. While on your game drive, observe along the streams are large papyrus swamps that form the only permanent water source for the animals in the park. The swamps attract large numbers of animals such as elephants, flamingoes, hippos, buffaloes and many more, the area is surrounded by very tall Acacia trees.
8. Amboseli Observation Hill
This pyramid-shaped hill is one of the only places in the park where you can get out during your safari in Amboseli and walk/hike.
Long ago the Observation Hill was referred to as the poacher’s hill, and currently it’s one of the famous attractions in Amboseli, offering visitors a 360 degrees panoramic view of the Park and hiking is worth the effort. The peak provides an ideal lookout from which you can watch as you admire the plains, swamps and roads below. The views from here are also pretty special, whether south to Kilimanjaro or east across the swamps. If lucky you might witness the wildlife foraging the park, but the views here put them in their context.
Animals & Wildlife In Amboseli Park
Amboseli National Park tops the list as one of Kenya’s most popular parks and offers great wildlife viewing. Amboseli is home to African bush elephant, Cape buffalo, impala, lion, serval cat, cheetah, spotted hyena, Masai giraffe, Grant’s zebra, blue wildebeest, and a good number of large and small birds can be seen in its swamps and wetlands.
Notably, the park is famous for its big tusked elephants, then again most of the African big 5 safari animals can be spotted here. As for the rhinos, they are no longer found here while sightings of leopards are rare, but keep in mind the other three of the Big Five are present. Even though we can’t guarantee all the Big 5 in Amboseli (Rhinos and Leopard); don’t let that discourage you because they are easily found elsewhere in Kenya (Lake Nakuru National Park and Ol Pejeta Conservancy is fantastic for rhino and the Masai Mara for leopard).
Wildlife Highlights At Amboseli National Park
Celebrated for its exceptional game viewing, the free roaming Elephants are Amboseli’s golden highlight here. The vegetation here and its terrain makes it easy for wildlife spotting and photography, the perfect opportunity for an up close view of up to fifty herds of elephants in one safari, with some of the elephants spending their time foraging in the park’s swamps.
Occasional sightings of Cheetah and lion are equally common, in addition to views of the spotted hyena. Make sure to watch out for bohor reedbuck, jackal and civet, making it the best wildlife-viewing destinations for both photography safaris and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Best Time For Wildlife Viewing At Amboseli Park
While Amboseli National Park is beautiful all year round, the best time to visit Amboseli for wildlife watching is in the Dry months which happens from June to October and January to February which are good for game viewing when animals gather around marshes and other water sources to quench their thirst.
Birds & Birdlife In Amboseli Park
Amboseli National Park is a paradise for birdwatching safaris. With over 420 bird species recorded in the park, and 47 raptor species, it is a good birding destination for bird lovers.
Along the swamps and Lake Amboseli, watch out for the waterbirds such as egrets, herons, pelicans and crowned cranes. However, during the rainy season which happens from March to May and November to December, expect large numbers of flamingoes which may be present. Additionally along the wide open Amboseli grasslands keep an eye out for other bird species such as the Hartlaub’s bustard and local Pangani longclaw, white-bellied go-away bird and Von der Decken’s hornbill.
Famous Birds In Amboseli National Park
African jacana, Goliath heron, Grey crowned crane, Hartlaub’s bustard, and Rufous chatterer
List Of Birds In Amboseli National Park
African swamphen, Common redshank, Dickinson’s kestrel, Eurasian thick-knee, Greater flamingo, Hartlaub’s bustard, Lesser flamingo, Long-toed lapwing, Pangani longclaw, Rufous chatterer, Rufous-bellied heron, Spike-heeled lark, Steel-blue whydah, Taveta golden weaver (NE), Von der Decken’s hornbill, White-bellied go-away bird, Yellow-necked spurfowl
Best Time For Bird Watching In Amboseli National Park
Amboseli being a good bird viewing destination throughout the year, the best months happen from December to March. Keep in mind, the local birds can be spotted at any time while the migratory birds arrive and fills the park from November to April even though it’s a wet season.
The Best Time To Visit Amboseli National Park
While Amboseli National Park is beautiful all year round, it is best to go during the dry months of June to October and January to February, during this time there is little to no rainfall, and wildlife gathers around the watering holes making it easier for safari goers to spot them during game drives.
Additionally, this dusty period offers you the best chances for clear Kilimanjaro views even though the views can be even more perfect during the wet season from November to May, when the sky is clear of dust.
Amboseli feels desert like at times, reflecting its dryness – which comes from the Masaai word for ‘Salty Dust’. It is worth noting that the dry month’s matches the peak safari season in Kenya, attracting crowds of tourists from all over the world who come to see the Great Migration safari in the Masai Mara. The same travelers usually book safari trips to Amboseli, making sure they explore these premium Kenyan parks.
The drier months of the year, from January to February and June to October, are the best times to go to Amboseli. The animals are out in the open sparse vegetation. However, keep in mind that the park gets very busy at these times.
The Weather & Climate At Amboseli Park
The weather in Amboseli is characterized by a tropical climate which is hot and dry just like any other part of Kenya with average day temperatures ranging from 28°C/82°F and 15°C/59°F at night.
The least rainy month in Amboseli is June to October and January to February which are the dry months. As for your early morning game drives in Amboseli, we recommend some warm clothing because it might be too chilly. The rainiest month in Amboseli usually happens from mid-March to mid-May whereas the short rains are from late October or November to mid-December.
This type of weather is influenced by factors such as mountains, swamps, open savannah grasslands and others.
Dry Season In Amboseli – June to October
These are the dry seasons characterized by bright, sunny days – there is no rainfall.
June & July, these months are usually sunny with pleasant temperatures of around 26°C/79°F.
Both months of August & September are characterized by a rise in daytime temperatures with an average of 27°C/81°F in September.
The month of October is very hot and humid with short rains beginning at the end of this month.
Wet Season In Amboseli – November to May
Amboseli’s wet season is marked by short rains followed by the long rains. January and February are part of the dry months in between.
The months of November & December mark the start of the short rains in Amboseli. During this period, expect short afternoon storms with daytime temperatures at an average of 28°C (82°F), which can rise.
Both January & February marks the start and end of the dry period in Amboseli with the timing a little challenging to predict. Nonetheless, February is hotter with average afternoon temperatures reaching 30°C/86°F or even higher.
The months of March, April & May in Amboseli marks the long rainy season. The rains usually begin from mid- march through to late April which is the wettest of them all. The rainfall is in form of short afternoon showers. Expect temperatures in the afternoon to reach 30°C/86°F.
The Costs Of An Amboseli Safari
It’s not easy to give exact costs for a Amboseli safari trip. There are many budget-influencing factors like the time of year you travel, how luxurious you’d like your stay to be, whether you fly or drive between camps and lodges, whether or not you go private and exclusive, and which extra activities you want to add to your itinerary, like spa treatments, hot-air ballooning and cultural visits. We can, however, provide estimated costs for safaris to Amboseli.
Safari Tours To Amboseli Park
Want to visit Amboseli National Park? This is one of the most rewarding safari destinations in southern Kenya that you can easily add on a safari package to Masai Mara. Being close to Nairobi, you can easily start off with short Nairobi daytrip tours then proceed to Amboseli making it easy to visit in a short time frame, and combine it with other parks as well.
You have plenty of choices to pick from, Amboseli midrange safaris to Amboseli luxury safaris depending on your travel style.
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