Amboseli National Park Guide: Activities, Safari Packages, Accommodation, Fees & Travel Tips

A Guide To Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park Kenya lies northwest of Mt. Kilimanjaro, on the border with Tanzania, It is Kenya’s second most popular Wildlife Park after Maasai Mara. Amboseli National Park Kenya is 260km (160 miles) from Nairobi, on the border with the neighboring country of Tanzania. Its magnificent situation at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, combined with its excellent opportunities to view Kenya’s animals, make it one of the most-visited safari parks in Kenya.

Quick Facts about Amboseli National Park

Here is a List of Facts about Amboseli National Park

Altitude: 1150 meters sea level
Area: 390.26km1
Location: Loitoktok District, Rift Valley Province
Distance from Nairobi: 250 km
Gazette: October 1974
Climate: The climate is mainly hot and dry. Amboseli is in the rain shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The maximum average temperature of the warmest month is 33°C during the day, while that of the coldest is 27-28°C. An annual rainfall of 300mm per annum is distributed in two seasons: April/May and November/December. Recurrent droughts and potential evaporation of 2200mm per annum typiﬁes the region (KWS, 1991).
Vegetation: Swamps are dominated by Papyrus and Cyperus immense, the dominant plant species are Sporobolus, in the grassland, Acacia in woodland, and Suaeda Monica in the bushland, Elephants are estimated at approximately 1500, buffaloes are estimated at approximately 472, Lions estimated at approximately 40.
Wildlife: Monitor Lizards, Chameleons, Egyptian Cobra, Python, Puff Adder, Black Mamba. More than 400 recorded species
Features: Arid wildlife species, ice-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro, salty dust with mirages, permanent swamps, and observation points.
Roads: Viewing road network covers the park adequately. Many of the park viewing roads are not usable during the rains and because of the loose ashy nature of volcanic soil, the roads become very dusty during the dry season.

About Amboseli National Park Kenya

Amboseli National Park, earlier Maasai Amboseli Game Reserve, is a national park in Loitoktok District in Kajiado County, Kenya. It is 39,206 ha (392.06 km2) in size at the core of an 8,000 km2 (3,100 sq mi) ecosystem that spreads across the Kenya-Tanzania border. It has 400 species of birds including water birds like kingfishers, crakes, hamerkop, pelicans, and 47 raptor species. The local people are mostly Maasai.

The park protects two of the five main swamps and includes semiarid vegetation and a dried-up Pleistocene lake. The park is also home to large numbers of African elephants, creating the perfect opportunity for an up-close view of up to fifty herds of elephants in one safari, making it a prime destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

History of Amboseli National Park

Jeremy Thompson was the first European to penetrate the feared Maasai region known as Empusel (meaning ‘salty, dusty place’ in Maa) in 1883. He, too, was astonished by the fantastic array of wildlife and the contrast between the arid areas of the dry lake bed and the oasis of the swamps, a contrast that persists today.

Amboseli was also set aside as the Southern Reserve for the Maasai in 1906 but returned to local control as a game reserve in 1948. Established as a national park in 1974 to protect the core of this unique ecosystem, it was proclaimed a UNESCO site in 1991. The park later earned $3.5 m (€2.9 m) in 2005.

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki declared on 29 September 2005, that control of the park should pass from the Kenya Wildlife Service to the Olkejuado County Council and the Maasai tribe. Some observers saw this as a political favor in advance of a vote on a new Kenyan constitution; legal challenges are currently in court. The degazetting would divert park admission fees directly to the county council with shared benefits to the Maasai instantly encircling the park.

Amboseli National Park Activities

Game Drives

A game drive in Amboseli National Park takes you to the observation hill where you get to view the whole park from a cone-shaped hill. Drive around Lake Amboseli where you will see some of the aqua/water animals like hippos, cape buffaloes, crocodiles, and the Sinet Delta.

Some of the animals you will enjoy watching on a game drive in the Park include lions, hippos, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, buffalos, elephants, kudus, leopards, ela, and gazelles among others.

Wildlife Photography

The park is also home to large numbers of African elephants, forming the perfect chance for an up-close view of up to fifty herds of elephants in one safari, earning it a prime destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Bird Watching

Amboseli National Park is one of the true birder’s havens with over 400 species of birds, where tourists are in a position to record a good species of these birds including the endangered species like Shoebill stork, and Laser Flamingo bird among others.

Maasai Cultural Visits

When you get to the Masai villages, you are welcomed with the dance and songs from the locals and after that, you are free to move around the villages, talk to the locals, and participate in some of the activities like milking the cows, dancing, and also take photos with them.

Walking Safaris

Walking safaris in Kenya can best be done in Maasai Mara National Reserve where you will be led by the most skillful Maasai guides. During the walking safari in the park, tourists are rewarded with an encounter with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, lots of wildlife, and other beautiful attractions.

Photography at Swamps

The best sites for spotting animals in Amboseli National Park are Ekongo Narok Swamp, Lake Ol Tukai, Lake Amboseli, Olokenya Swamp, and the Observation Hill.

What to see at Amboseli National Park Kenya

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Visit Amboseli National Park for fantastic views of Kilimanjaro the highest free-standing mountain in Africa rising at 5,896m above the sea level. Its snow-capped summit dominates the landscape and on clear days is easily visible during early morning and afternoon.
It is a superb backdrop for wildlife photographs.

Herds of Elephants against the backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro

Amboseli National Park Kenya provides a unique habitat for approximately one thousand elephants. View visitors will go home without superb elephant images beneath Mt.Kilimanjaro.

The Swamps

The Enkongo Narok swamps and other permanent swamps, which divide the grey landscape into broad swatches, are favored resorts for buffalo, hippo, and elephants. Close by graze groups of zebra, wildebeest, and impala while numerous birds feed, breed, and nest in the lush vegetation.
Look out for graceful crowned Cranes, the long-necked Africa’s Darter, and kingﬁshers. Egyptian geese are almost certain to be with a variety of ducts and plovers.

Observation Hill-Nomatior

From the observation Hill, there is a panoramic view of most of Amboseli Park and climbing is worth the effort. It was inhabited many years ago by the hunters and gatherers people – the Ndorobo.
Signs and traces of their property and implements have been found here giving rise to the Maasai name nomatior; the place of pottery.

OI Tukai

The heart of Amboseli woodland of ‘yellow fever trees‘ and the doum palm known as 0l Tukai by the Maasai and Makindu in Swahili. A cool oasis of trees, Ol Tukai is a retreat for wildlife and is greatly favored by elephants.

Amboseli National Park Packages

Fly-In Safari Packages

This is the best for travelers with limited time. It includes: Charter flights to Amboseli, Luxury accommodations, Private game drives, and all-inclusive meals and drinks.

Honeymoon Safari Packages

Ol Tukai Lodge in Amboseli offers the perfect wedding setting for couples to tie the knot or renew their marriage vows. It is one of the best spots in the world to watch elephants with the backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. The lodge is located 270 km southeast of Nairobi.

Family Safari Packages

Our Amboseli family safari tour packages include a range of activities to do. You will enjoy wildlife game drives in comfortable family jeeps with baby seats.

Luxury Safari Packages

For travelers seeking high-end experiences, these packages feature: Luxury lodges or camps with en-suite amenities, private game drives with expert guides, sundowner experiences, and Maasai cultural tours. Also, all meals, drinks, and transfers are included.

Mid-Range Safari Packages

This package is best and suitable for travelers wanting comfort at a reasonable price. These packages frequently include: a stay at mid-range lodges or tented camps, private or semi-private game drives, meals and bottled water, and cultural experiences with the Maasai.

Budget Safari Packages

This is suitable for travelers seeking an affordable adventure without offering key Amboseli attractions. They include: accommodation in budget lodges or campsites, shared game drives, and also Park entrance fees.

Accommodation and Hotels at Amboseli National Park

KWS Self Catering

Kilimanjaro Guest House
Simba Cottages
Chui Cottages

Campsites in Amboseli National Park

Amboseli Campsite
Tortils camp
Porini camp
Elerai Satao camp
Kilima Safari Camp

Lodges in Amboseli National Park

Oltukai Lodge
Amboseli Serena Lodge
Tortilis Tented Lodge
Kibo lodge
Tawi lodge
Sentrim lodge
Sopa lodge

When to visit Amboseli National Park

The Park is Accessible on 2WD between April – Oct. It is Accessible on 4WD between Oct-March on all roads.

How to get to Amboseli National Park

By Roads

The main road into the park is from Nairobi via Emali(228km) on the Nairobi-Mombasa road and another 78 km to the lremito gate through Loitokitok Road. The road is tarmac up to Loitokitok Town.

The other road from Nairobi is via Namanga (240 km) on the Nairobi-Arusha road, via Meshanani gate. The road is tarmac up to Namanga but badly corrugated and potholed in places from Namanga to Meshanani gate(75km). Access from Mombasa is also through Lremito Gate via Emali or Kimana Gate via Tsavo West.

The park has ﬁve gates: lremito, Kimana, Meshanani, Airstrip, and Kitirua Gate.

By air

Airstrip The park has a single airstrip for light aircraft at the Airstrip gate. Other airstrips exist at Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodge and Namanga town.

Open: Daily 6.00 am-6.00 pm including public holidays. Note: no entry is allowed on foot and visitors will not be allowed entry after 6.15 pm.

What to take with you to Amboseli National Park

Drinking water, picnic items, and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, a camera, a hat, sunscreen and guidebooks.

Amboseli National Park Entrance Fee

Citizens

Adults KSH 860
Child KSH 215

Residents

Adults KSH 1030
Child KSH 515

Non-Residents

Adults USD 60
Child USD 35

Amboseli National Park Contacts

Attraction Type: Wildlife, Culture
Category: National Park, Community Tourism
Region: Eastern
City / Town: Loitokitok
Road / Street: Loitoktok Road
Telephone: 254 20 802 9705, 254 722 733165
Email: amboselinp@kws.go.ke
Website:
Entrance Fee: Yes