Amboseli National Park: A Gem in the African Wilderness 

Accommodation Options 

When planning your trip to Amboseli National Park, one of the first things to consider is accommodation. The park and its surroundings offer a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets. 

Hotels Inside the Park 

• Amboseli Serena Lodge: This eco-friendly lodge, one of the oldest in the park, offers accommodation for large groups and conferences. It boasts a superior view of Mount Kilimanjaro and is strategically built in front of a swamp where elephants and other herbivores spend their day grazing. The lodge uses solar power, contributing to its eco-friendly status. 
• Ol Tukai Lodge: Located in the central part of the park, close to the airstrip and the Amboseli Trust Elephant Research Centre headed by Cynthia Moss, Ol Tukai Lodge offers a rich history and a super view of Mount Kilimanjaro on one side and a huge swamp, a grazing area for hippos and elephants, on the other. The lodge also offers a rich history about Amboseli, including the film “Echo of Elephants”. 

High-End Lodges Outside the Park 

• Tortilis Camp: Found adjacent to the park inside Kitirua Conservancy, Tortilis Camp is managed by Cheli and Peacock, who merged with Elewana Camps. 

• Tawi Lodge: Located in the eastern part of the park, Tawi Lodge is situated in a conservancy where the hot air balloon flight is operated from. It features an amazing waterhole where wild animals come to drink. 
• Amboseli Angama Camp: A newly opened luxury camp located at Kimana Conservancy. 
• Porini Camp: Another luxury option for visitors. 

Mid-Luxury Camps/Lodges 

• Kibo Camp: A medium-sized camp close to Kimana Gate. 

• Kilima Camp: Found just next to Kimana Gate, Kilima Camp is part of the Mada Hotels group. 
• Sentrim Camp: Not far from Kimana Gate, Sentrim Camp is part of the Sentrim group of camps. 
• AA Lodge: A Chinese-owned lodge located 6km from Kimana Gate. 
• Sopa Lodges: Formerly known as Kilimanjaro Lodge. 

Each of these accommodations offers unique experiences and amenities, ensuring that your stay in Amboseli National Park is as comfortable and memorable as possible. 

Location/Getting There

Amboseli National Park is located in Kajiado County in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, near the Tanzanian border. It straddles two border points, Namanga and Tarakea. The park is easily accessible by both road and air. If you’re driving from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, the journey takes approximately 4-5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a flight to the Amboseli airstrip, with daily scheduled flights from Nairobi. 

Geography 

The park covers an area of approximately 392 square kilometers (about half the area of Austin, Texas) and is situated at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The park’s landscape is diverse, with a mix of savannah grassland, swamps, and acacia woodland. The presence of underground rivers from Mount Kilimanjaro results in a series of swamps and wetlands, providing a lush habitat for a variety of wildlife. 

History 

Amboseli National Park has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. It was declared a national reserve in 1948 and later became a national park in 1974. The park is also home to the Maasai community, a tribe known for their distinctive customs and dress. 

Wildlife And Game Drives Experiences

Amboseli National Park is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, offering a variety of experiences that bring visitors face-to-face with some of nature’s most captivating creatures. From the iconic elephants to the diverse birdlife and rare mammals, Amboseli is a treasure trove of natural wonders.

Visitors can also embark on night game drives where they get to see some of the nocturnal animals that call Amboseli home. These include creatures like the elusive African wildcat, the aardvark, the bat-eared fox, and the nocturnal birds such as owls and nightjars. Night game drives also offer a unique perspective on the park’s landscape, illuminated under the starlit African sky. It’s an experience that adds a whole new dimension to the safari, revealing the hidden side of Amboseli that comes alive after sundown. 

Giant Elephants 

Amboseli is world-renowned for its large herds of free-ranging African elephants. The park is one of the best places in Africa to view these majestic creatures up close. Notably, the elephants in Amboseli are known for their large tusks, a characteristic that distinguishes them from elephants in other African parks. 

Over the years, Amboseli has been home to some famous individual elephants. These include: 

• Echo: Perhaps the most famous elephant in Amboseli, Echo was the matriarch of the EB family and was studied by researchers for over three decades. Her life and that of her family were featured in several documentaries, including the BBC’s “Echo of the Elephants”. 
• Tim: Known as one of Africa’s largest and most iconic elephants, Tim was easily recognizable by his massive tusks. He was a beloved figure in Amboseli until his natural death in early 2020. 
• Tolstoy: Another iconic elephant of Amboseli, Tolstoy was known for his calm nature and massive tusks that once grazed the ground as he walked. He was a member of the prolific TD family of super tuskers and was uncle to Tim. Tolstoy was well-known by conservationists and was monitored and looked after by rangers every day for several years. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 51, leaving a significant legacy in Amboseli.

Ongoing Elephant Research at Amboseli

Amboseli National Park is home to one of the most comprehensive and longest-running elephant research projects in the world. The Amboseli Elephant Research Project (AERP), initiated in 1972 by Cynthia Moss and Harvey Croze, has been studying the park’s elephants for over five decades. 

The project focuses on understanding the elephants’ social behavior, age structure, and population dynamics. It has gathered data on life histories and association patterns for more than 2,000 individual elephants. This research has provided invaluable insights into the complex social structures of elephant herds and the crucial role of matriarchs in elephant society. 

The research camp, located in the heart of the park (doum palm area), is operated by the nonprofit Amboseli Trust for Elephants. It continues to contribute to our understanding of these magnificent creatures and plays a vital role in their conservation. The subjects of the Amboseli Elephant Research Project, most notably the elephant matriarch Echo, have been featured in numerous documentaries, including the famous “Echo of the Elephants.” 

For more detailed information about the ongoing research and the fascinating findings, you can visit the Amboseli Elephant Research Project website. 

Other Game Viewing 

In addition to elephants, Amboseli is home to a variety of other wildlife. Visitors can spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and impalas grazing in the open plains. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas also inhabit the park’s rich ecosystem. Game drives offer an excellent opportunity to explore the park’s diverse habitats and view wildlife in their natural environment. 

Birding 

Amboseli is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 400 species of birds. These include pelicans, kingfishers, crakes, and 47 types of raptor. The park’s swamps and wetlands supply a habitat for many water birds, making Amboseli a fantastic destination for bird watching. 

Rare & Unique Mammals 

Amboseli also hosts some rare and unique mammals. These include the African wild dog, lesser kudu, fringe-eared oryx, nocturnal porcupine, bat-eared fox, melanistic serval cat, caracal, Gerenuk. Sightings of these animals are a special treat for wildlife enthusiasts.

Other Amboseli Experiences 

Amboseli National Park offers more than just wildlife viewing. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in a variety of unique experiences, each offering a unique perspective of this remarkable destination. 

Viewing Mount Kilimanjaro 

One of the highlights of a visit to Amboseli is the stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The park offers some of the best views of this majestic peak, especially during the early morning and late afternoon when the clouds often clear. Whether you’re capturing the perfect photograph or simply soaking in the view, the sight of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak rising above the savannah is truly unforgettable. 

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Elevate your Amboseli experience with a hot air balloon safari, offering an unparalleled perspective of both the park and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. As you glide silently over the vast savannah at dawn, witness the breathtaking landscapes come to life with the sunrise. This aerial journey provides a bird’s-eye view of the diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including elephants, zebras, and wildebeests, making their way across the plains with Kilimanjaro’s towering presence in the background. A hot air balloon safari in Amboseli is an unforgettable way to see the park’s natural beauty and the mountain in all their glory, adding a touch of magic and adventure to your safari experience.

Maasai Cultural Visits 

Experience the rich culture of the Maasai people who live in and around Amboseli. Visit a traditional Maasai village, interact with the locals, and learn about their customs, traditions, and their symbiotic relationship with the wildlife and the ecosystem. These visits offer a unique insight into the Maasai way of life and their deep-rooted culture. 

Guided Nature Walks 

Explore the beauty of Amboseli on foot with a guided nature walk. These walks offer a unique opportunity to learn about the park’s diverse flora and fauna. Accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how each species plays a role in the ecosystem. 

Night Game Drives 

Experience the thrill of the African bush after dark with a night game drive. As the sun sets, the park comes alive with nocturnal creatures. Armed with a spotlight, your guide will help you spot animals that are often hidden during the day, offering a unique wildlife viewing experience. 

Bird Watching 

With over 400 species of birds, Amboseli is a bird watcher’s paradise. From water birds in the wetlands to birds of prey soaring in the sky, the park offers a diverse birdlife that will delight any bird enthusiast. Relatively new birds in the park include Flamingoes and the European roller. There are also several bird species that migrate to and from Amboseli every year.

Photography 

Amboseli’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a photographer’s dream. From the iconic images of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background to the vibrant birdlife and stunning sunsets, there are endless opportunities for photography.

Cost And Timing of Experiences 

The cost and timing of conservation experiences in Amboseli National Park can vary depending on the specific activities and the time of year. Here’s a general guide: 

Park Entry Fees 

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) charges a daily park entry fee for all visitors. The fee varies for residents, non-residents, and citizens. It’s advisable to check the KWS official website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information. 

Game Drives 

Game drives are the most common activity in Amboseli. Most lodges and camps offer game drives in their packages, with options for morning, afternoon, or full-day drives. Prices can vary depending on the duration of the drive and the type of vehicle used. 

Cultural Visits and Nature Walks 

Visits to local Maasai villages and guided nature walks are usually organized through your accommodation or a tour operator. The cost for these activities is often separate from the accommodation price and can vary depending on the length and type of the visit or walk. 

It’s recommended to plan and book these experiences in advance to ensure availability and to get the most out of your visit to Amboseli National Park. 

Best Time to Travel & Climate 

Amboseli National Park can be visited year-round, but the best wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from June to October and January to February. During these months, animals congregate around the water sources, making them easier to spot. 

The park experiences a semi-arid climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year. The rainy seasons occur from March to May and November to December, transforming the landscape into a lush green paradise. However, even during the rainy season, game viewing is still excellent, and the park is less crowded. 

Interesting Facts About Amboseli

Climate Change Effects in Amboseli 

Climate change has had a profound impact on Amboseli National Park. The melting glaciers on top of Mount Kilimanjaro have led to a rise in swamp water levels, consuming half of an Amboseli lodge and forcing it to shut down. The rising water levels are also affecting the Ol Tukai Lodge. Prolonged droughts have become a common occurrence, leading to the death of many mammals every year. The water alkalinity has risen, choking the tree roots found along the swamp areas. Lake Amboseli has dried up, and the boreholes that the local pastoralist Masai community relied on have also dried up. This has forced them to drive their livestock into the park for water and grazing. The lack of trees and tough grass has led to soil sedimentary erosion. 

Lions Research 

Lions in Amboseli National Park are part of ongoing research efforts, with some lions having tracking collars to monitor their movements and behavior. 

Human-Wildlife Conflict 

Human-wildlife conflict is a significant issue in Amboseli National Park. Crop destruction and livestock attacks by wildlife have led to tensions between the park’s wildlife and the surrounding communities. 

Poaching 

Poaching was once a significant problem in Amboseli, but it has significantly reduced in recent years. The government was forced to translocate all the rhinos from Amboseli due to poaching. The last one was Morani the black rhino, who died at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. 

Amboseli is a Popular Filming Location 

Amboseli National Park has been a popular filming location for many films and documentaries. Some of the films shot in Amboseli include “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life,” and “The Garden of Eden.” The park was also featured in the documentary “Wonders of Amboseli” in 2021. 

Amboseli FAQs 

To help you plan your visit to Amboseli National Park, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions: 

What is Amboseli National Park like? 

Amboseli National Park is a wildlife paradise found in the southern part of Kenya. It’s known for its large herds of elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park covers an area of 392 square kilometers and includes a diverse range of habitats, from wetlands with sulfur springs to savannah and woodlands. It’s home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 species of birds. 

What are Amboseli park fees 2023? 

As of 2023, the park entry fees for Amboseli National Park are as follows: 

• Citizens: Kshs 600 for adults, Kshs 215 for children/students 
• Residents: Kshs 890 for adults, Kshs 400 for children/students 
• Non-Residents: US$ 60 for adults, US$ 30 for children/students 

Please note that these fees are subject to change, and it’s advisable to check the Kenya Wildlife Service official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. 

What is Amboseli famous for? 

Amboseli is most famous for its large herds of elephants and the stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The park is also known for its diverse birdlife, with over 400 species recorded. 

How long is Nairobi to Amboseli? 

The journey from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park takes approximately 4-5 hours by road. Alternatively, there are daily scheduled flights from Nairobi to the Amboseli airstrip. 

Which town is nearest to Amboseli National Park? 

The nearest town to Amboseli National Park is Kimana, which is approximately 22 kilometers (about 14 mi) away. Namanga is a border town between Kenya and Tanzania. 

Which is better Masai Mara or Amboseli? 

Both Masai Mara and Amboseli offer unique safari experiences. Masai Mara is known for its exceptional population of big cats, annual migration of zebra, gazelle, and wildebeest, and its variety of wildlife. On the other hand, Amboseli is famous for its large herds of elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The choice between the two often depends on what you want to see and experience during your safari. 

What is the best time to visit Amboseli National Park? 

While Amboseli can be visited year-round, the best wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from June to October and January to February. During these months, animals congregate around the water sources, making them easier to spot. 

How can I get to Amboseli National Park? 

The park is accessible by both road and air. If you’re driving from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, the journey takes approximately 4-5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a flight to the Amboseli airstrip, with daily scheduled flights from Nairobi. 

What wildlife can I see in Amboseli National Park? 

Amboseli is renowned for its large herds of elephants. Other wildlife includes giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, and lions. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 400 species of birds. 

Can I visit local Maasai villages? 

Yes, cultural visits to local Maasai villages can be arranged. These visits offer a unique insight into the Maasai way of life and their deep-rooted culture. 

Can I fly to Amboseli National Park? 

Yes, you can fly to Amboseli National Park. The park has an airstrip that is serviced by several airlines. Additionally, Tawi Lodge and Angama also have private airstrips. Airlines that operate flights to Amboseli include Safarilink, Air Kenya, and Mombasa Air. There are also private charter services available, such as Yellow Wings, Scenic Air, Governors Aviation, and Phoenix. These airlines typically use Cessna Caravan type of planes for these flights. Flying to Amboseli offers stunning aerial views of the landscape and significantly reduces travel time compared to road travel. 

We hope this comprehensive guide to Amboseli National Park helps you plan your visit. For more information or to book your trip, check out our 3-day Amboseli package. Explore the beauty and diversity of Amboseli and create memories that will last a lifetime.