Amboseli National Park Kenya

“Home of the African Elephant” Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro Africa’s highest peak, the Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most popular parks. The name “Amboseli” comes from a Maasai word meaning “salty dust “, and it is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli wetlands with Sulphur springs, the Savannah and woodlands. They can also visit the local Maasai community, which lives around the park, and experience their authentic culture. Amboseli lies immediately northwest of Mount Kilimanjaro, on the border with Tanzania, the Park covers 392 square km and forms part of the much larger 3,000 square km Amboseli ecosystem.

Large concentrations of wildlife occur here in the dry season, making Amboseli a popular tourist destination. It is surrounded by six communally owned group ranches.

Size of Amboseli National Park

The park is 39,206 hectares (392 km2; 151 sq mi) in size at the core of an 8,000 km2 (3,100 sq mi) ecosystem that spreads across the Kenya-Tanzania border.

Location of Amboseli National Park

Formerly Maasai Amboseli Game Reserve is a national park in Kajiado South Constituency in Kajiado County

Things to do in Amboseli National Park

Game Drives

Going on a game drive in the Amboseli is more than just viewing landscapes and encountering animals. The Amboseli is a top destination for nature that is mostly dry and covered by dust from recurrent winds, which create a “dust devil” phenomenon. This happens occasionally depending on the changes in atmospheric pressure to build a mini-twister impression in the air.

Walking safaris

A walk with an expert Guide who has incredible knowledge of the terrain, flora and fauna of this little oasis, on foot is an enchanting way to experience a safari in Amboseli National Park. Follow animal pathways and tracks, get close to the resident eland, zebra and giraffe and observe the smaller inhabitants like antlions and dung beetles up close.

Bird watching tours

Amboseli boosts a rich bird life, with over 400 bird species recorded, including the globally threatened Madagascar Pond-Heron, Lesser Flamingo, Lesser Kestrel, and Possibly Africa’s most sought-after bird, the Shoebill which has a one-time record in the area and over 40 birds of prey. Some of the common birds include the grey crowned crane, African sacred ibis, hamerkop, superb sterling, African fish eagle, red-necked spurfowl, African spoonbill, black-winged stilt and lilac breasted roller.

A cultural visit to the local villages

The local communities living around the Amboseli National Park are a unique ethnic group in East Africa. The Maasai community is known for its traditional culture that has not been affected by the modernization of the African continent. They lead a tribal way of life, which is worth exploring especially their traditional dances and clothing.

Nature photography

The Amboseli National Park is probably Africa’s irrefutable background of scenic brilliance. The beautiful scene of the snow-capped Kilimanjaro Mountains which is the highest mountain in the African continent- provides the perfect backdrop for nature photography.

When to Visit Amboseli National Park Kenya

The dry season from June to October is generally considered the best time to see wildlife in Amboseli; with little rain falling wildlife retreats to the park’s swamps where underground water from Kilimanjaro wells up permanently year-round.

Where to stay in Amboseli National Park

Amboseli has a range of accommodations to suit all budgets, tastes and interests. There are very basic campsites where one can pitch a tent and sleep under canvas in the wild, well-appointed safari lodges, luxury tented camps with large, fully furnished tents, small private camps for your exclusive use and much, much, more.