Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is found 4 hours’ drive/240kms Southwest of Nairobi city and it is Kenya’s second most visited National Park just after Masai Mara National Reserve located in Narok County. Amboseli gets its name from the word Maa, “Empusel” which is translated as Salty/a dusty place. Maa is Maasai language and the park is often referred to as the land of the dust.
Amboseli National Park, a UNESCO Man and Biosphere covers 392sq.kms, home to large herds of elephants. The park boasts of its unique ecosystem characterized by mix of swamps and arid areas; marshlands, acacia woodlands, open plains, rocky-thornbush. These are 4 of the 5 key wildlife habitats and in addition, there are 5 swamps.
It was gazetted as Kenya National Park in 1974. It upgraded from being a Game Reserve which it was since 1906 and in 1991, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the background, there is a breathtaking view of free-standing volcano mountain – Mount Kilimanjaro.
History
Prior the migration of the Maasai to the Amboseli area, it was inhabited by the Kamba and Chagga, about 1500 years ago. The Maasai occupied the Amboseli area and they lived alongside the wild animals. Cattle grazing and water collection was disrupted and they were forced to vacate the area.
The area was declared as a Reserve and the Maasai people were forced to leave. As a result, wildlife population began to increase. In 1883, Amboseli region was visited by Jeremy Thompson, the British explorer & geologist. In 1906, it became a reserve, Maasai Amboseli Game Reserve.
In 1948, after the second World War, it changed to Amboseli National Reserve and its boundaries were expanded. In 1961, Amboseli Reserve was managed by Kajiado and Maasai counties. In 1974, it was established as a National Park in Kenya.
Location
Located in Kajiado County South of Kenya, Amboseli is 4 hours’ drive/240kms. It is also located in the Northwestern side of Mt. Kilimanjaro and it is possible to access the park via two routes. From Nairobi-Mombasa and form coastal area of Mombasa, Tsavo West National Park or Tsavo East N/Park, Amboseli NP is accessible at 460kms and the key entry is via Kimana gate.
Wildlife
Amboseli National Park is popular for not only its huge tusked herds of elephants, but also a myriad of other wildlife. The park features abundant population of hippos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, black-backed jackals, leopards, African wild cats, spotted hyenas, cheetahs, black-eared foxes, lions, and others.
Birds of Amboseli Kenya
Estimated population of about 500 bird species, including 40 predatory species live in Amboseli Park. On Kenya safaris in Amboseli NP, the birds to identify: Kori bustards, pygmy falcons, lanner falcon, black-shouldered kite, African fish eagle, martial eagle, secretary bird, hamerkop, African swamphen, steel-blue whydah, rufous chatterer, African jacana, ostriches, lapwings, pangani longclaw, herons and more.
Other attractions at Amboseli National Park Kenya include Amboseli Lake a popular spot to find a huge concentration of elephants, buffaloes, plus other wildlife. The observation hills located in the central area of Amboseli National Park; Sinet Delta.
Kenya Safari Activities in Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is one of the premier Kenya safari destinations. Boasting of not only a huge concentration of wild animals or distinct attractions, Amboseli also features myriad of unforgettable safari activities or experience worth exploring on Kenya safaris.
Game or wildlife viewing
Amboseli National Park Kenya offers a remarkable game viewing experience. Perfectly explored in a 4×4 tourist vehicle, Amboseli is ideal for spotting wildlife such as zebras, leopards, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, hyenas, elephants, gazelles, baboons, birds, serval cats, jackals, fringed eared, etc.
Birding/bird watching
A total of about 500 bird species exists at Amboseli, making it a valuable birding destination. The birds to identify here: hartlaub’s bustard, spike-heeled herons, pangani long claw, common redshank, African swamphen, Dicken’s hornbills, golden weavers, Kori bustard, lapwings, steel-blue whydahs, sectary bird, rufous chatterer, African jacanas, kestrels, flamingos, sacred ibis, etc.
The best time to go birding tours in Amboseli is during the wet or rainy season. This is the ideal period to come across a range of migratory birds and this runs from May to June or October to December. On bird watching tour, come along with a pair of binoculars to make your birding expedition a success.
Hot air balloon
Balloon safaris are among the top experiences Amboseli has to offer. Tourists who embark on balloon tours enjoy excellent aerial view of large mammal species, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, leopards, birds and many more.
Photography
No better destinations are worth visiting for photography than Amboseli Kenya. The park is found in the shadow of the free-standing Kilimanjaro Volcano, a snow-capped mountain. While on photography tour, enjoy roar of the lions or sight the cheetahs and other wildlife species.
Masai people & cultural tours
After game viewing, there is possibility to enjoy cultural expedition at the Maasai community. Get to explore the unique lifestyles, cultures, traditions of the Maasai people and a lot more.
When to travel for Kenya safaris in Amboseli NP
Amboseli National Park safaris are open all-year-round, but, the most preferred time is the dry season, June to October, January to February. The wet season runs from March to April and short rains are experienced from November to December but they are ideal for birding tours.
Amboseli records rainfall amount of 200mm to 700mm with temperature rise of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. While on Kenya safaris, the essentials you may require include sunglasses, cameras, pair of binoculars, guidebooks, safari hat, safari clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellents.
Best places/accommodation to stay while at Amboseli N/Park
Amboseli NP features diversity of accommodation facilities. The top accommodation at Amboseli National Park: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Tawi Lodge Amboseli, Tortilis Safari Camp, Satao Elerai Amboseli, AA Lodge, Sentrim Amboseli, Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli, Kibo Safari Camp,
Getting – Amboseli Park Kenya safaris
By road: Traveling by road to Amboseli is possible, about 4 hours’ drive from Nairobi to the North and Mombasa to the South. The shortest route takes you through Namanga.
By air: Fly from the airport in Nairobi and land at Amboseli airstrip. From the airstrip, you will be picked up and transferred to Amboseli National Park for actual safari holiday.