Located in the Loitoktok District of Kenya, Amboseli National Park is one of Africa’s best safari destinations. The park is famous for being home to many elephants and other wildlife species.
Much as Amboseli National Park is located in Kenya, taking a trip or a safari tour to Amboseli National Park will give you scenic views of Africa’s tallest mountain – Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
The park is supplied by underground water which supports the ecosystem in Kenya throughout the year. Amboseli National Park was in the past years a flooding destination, especially during the rainy seasons.
The park would be covered by water hence the bigger part of it was swampy. When droughts came, the park would turn into an area of sandy soils and the grass-covered plains turned to dust.
Size of the Park
Located at the border of Kenya and Tanzania, Amboseli National Park covers an area of approximately 8,000 square kilometers. It is famous for being home to many elephants and other wildlife species. If your African safari dream is seeing these giants of the savannah, Amboseli National Park should not be missed on your travel list.
History of Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park was gazette in the year 1974 to purposely conserve wildlife and protect the different ecosystems of the park. In 1991, Amboseli National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is famous for being home to over 1,000 elephants and providing scenic views of Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Mountains.
What to see in Amboseli National Park? Attractions in Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most visited or popular safari destinations. The park might not be as vibrant as the Masai Mara Game Reserve but the experiences provided by Amboseli National Park are equally rewarding. Below are some of the top tourist attractions or what to see in Amboseli National Park.
Abundant wildlife: Amboseli National Park is home to multiple wildlife species. The park is home to over 1000 elephants. This is in addition to the Big Five animals namely; lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant. Other animals visible in Amboseli National Park include; cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebra, crocodiles, mongoose, hyrax, dik-dik, lesser kudu, and nocturnal porcupines. Taking on a morning or afternoon game drive in Amboseli National Park allows you to spot some of these magical wildlife species of Kenya. You will get up close with a pride of lions hunting down a buffalo. This is a moment turned into a memory!
Mount Kilimanjaro: Much as Amboseli National Park is located in Kenya, views of the neighboring Kilimanjaro mountains in Tanzania are guaranteed upon visiting the park. The best time to enjoy scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro is during the morning hours and evening hours. It is at this moment that one can take a picture of their dreams as they watch Africa’s rooftop.
The Sinet Delta: Located in the northern sector of Amboseli National Park, the Sinet Delta is a perfect birding area in Kenya. The area is dominated by acacia trees and thickets which attract large numbers of bird species as well as giraffes. If you are a birder, Amboseli National Park should be your next travel or safari destination in Kenya or Africa.
Birds in Amboseli National Park: Amboseli National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Kenya. The park is a haven for multiple bird species. Some of these birds are elusive while others are rift valley endemics. With the help of a Kenya birding guide, you will be able to spot some of the magical bird species in the swampy and savannah areas of Amboseli National Park.
It is important to note that some of the bird species in Amboseli National Park are migratory and can thus be seen in particular seasons. Talk to us about your birding trip or birding safari needs in Kenya for the best advice. Some of the bird species in Amboseli National Park include the lilac-breasted Roller, secretary bird, marabou stork, kingfishers, Falcons, Madagascar pond, lesser kestrel, African jacana, goliath heron, rufous-napped lark, African fish eagle, pied kingfisher, white-browed coucal, to mention but a few.
The Masai tribe: Amboseli National Park is a perfect destination for cultural tours in Kenya and Africa. The park is home to one of Africa’s indigenous tribes – the Masai. Complimenting your wife’s tour in Amboseli National Park with the Masai cultural tour is a rewarding experience. It is an opportunity for you to learn new things and appreciate cultural diversity in Kenya or Africa.
What to do in Amboseli National Park? Activities in Amboseli National Park
Are you planning a wildlife safari or tour in Kenya and you are wondering about what to do in Amboseli National Park? Worry no more, the park has an array of tourist activities done by tourists during their visits. Below are some of the activities done on a safari to Amboseli National Park;
Wildlife viewing and safari game drives in Amboseli National Park
A trip or safari to Amboseli National Park gives travelers a chance to take on amazing safari and wildlife game drives in the park. Using a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, tourists get up close to wildlife in Amboseli National Park. Game drives in Amboseli National Park take place in the morning, afternoon, and night.
Day game drives allow travelers to see grazers majorly.
On the other hand, night game drives allow travelers to encounter hunters and predators in the park. Chances are that you will encounter a pride of lions hunting down a giraffe or buffalo.
Such wildlife encounters in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park create a signature of memories. Some of the animals seen in Amboseli National Park include; elephants, lions, leopards, gazelles, giraffes, buffaloes, wild dogs, antelopes, and wildebeests.
Guided nature walks and hiking tours
Guided nature walks in Amboseli National Park are usually done in the evening and morning hours depending on one’s needs.
The best hiking trails are through the central circuit which comes with wildlife and bird encounters. You will get a chance to see the pyramid-shaped hills which provide scenic views of the surrounding areas. Nature walks in Amboseli National Park are the best way to meet wildlife on foot.
Bird watching in Amboseli National Park
A birding safari to Amboseli National Park is a rewarding experience. It is a chance for tourists or birders to dive into the bird life of Kenya.
They get to see hundreds of bird species some of which are restricted to the area.
Some of the bird species in Amboseli National Park include the lilac-breasted Roller, secretary bird, marabou stork, kingfishers, Falcons, Madagascar pond, lesser kestrel, African jacana, goliath heron, rufous-napped lark, African fish eagle, pied kingfisher, white-browed coucal, to mention but a few.
Hot air balloon safaris in Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park can be explored right from the top. A hot air balloon safari in Amboseli National Park gives tourists an epic adventure that turns moments into memories.
At the end of every balloon safari in Amboseli National Park, a picnic lunch or breakfast in the bush is organized for tourists. They are also rewarded with a certificate of participation by a professional pilot.
What is the best time to visit Amboseli National Park?
Amboseli National Park can be visited at any time of the year. However, the dry months of June to September and December to February give more experiences to visitors. There are always low chances of rain and thus activities in the park can smoothly be run.
