A vacation to this wildlife center is incomparable and incredibly gratifying, with the backdrop of the snowcapped mount. Kilimanjaro, the world's highest Snowcapped peak, located north of Tanzania along Kenyan border. With the highest number of African elephants in Kenya, Amboseli is a true African wilderness. The park is located in the Kajiando region of Kenya's southwestern province.
Declared a reserve in 1948 and elevated to national park status in 1974, it has become one of the country's largest and most visited national parks. Because of its beauty and significant concentration of wildlife species, Amboseli national park was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991.
It gets its name from Lake Amboseli, which provides water to animals, birds and primates that reside in it. Amboseli means "salty dust" in Masai dialect, and is controlled by the Kenya Wildlife Services.
Known for its breathtaking terrain, lush wetlands,observation Hills, over 1000 unique elephant concentrations, around 400 bird species and the distant backdrop of magnificent snowcapped Kilimanjaro, this park covers 39,206 hectares, ranging from Kenya to northern Tanzania.
The park has around 5 gates through which visitors can enter and exit easily. Kelunyiet, IImeshanan gate, Iremito gate and Kitrua gate are among them. They open at around 6:00 a.m. local time and close at sunset - 19:00 pm. Except in the event of factors beyond control, all visitors are obliged to keep track of time.
The northern half of Amboseli national park contains a sinet delta characterized by acacia forest, thick vegetation cover, Elephant research camp and Observation Hill; a site where numerous game may be seen, open savannah plains and swampland as you explore the park.
Savannah parts of the park are perfect for both day and night game drives. African elephants, zebras, Cape Buffaloes, warthogs, wildebeests, lions, cheetahs, zebras, Oribis and waterbucks are among the animals found in Amboseli. This experience takes place in a safari vehicle, led by a knowledgeable safari guide who will help you identify the many animal species, their habitats and their favorite foods. The morning game drive begins early in the morning and can extend all day, providing an excellent opportunity to see grazers and other resident animals. Morning game drive commences by 6:30 am for about four hours, whereas the afternoon session runs from 14:00 hours to 18:30 hours.
Nocturnal game drives provide opportunities of encountering predators in search of prey. These include lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and hyenas, that take the advantage of the night cover to launch attacks on unsuspecting prey.
Boat trips aredone along Lake Amboseli, from which the park name is derived. It occupies a large portion of the park and inhabits several aquatic birds, mammals and elephants at the shores. While on the boat, you get to observe large concentration of wildlife and relax with cool water breeze.
With a concentration of large counts of over 1000 African Elephants, the park is one of the few places on this planet left for such an encounter. The research is one of the projects run by the park, initiated by Doctor Cynthia Moss, the writer of the Amboseli elephants and elephant memories. Visitors with love for elephants are taken closer to these giants, explaining about conservation and characteristics of elephants.
As you get the best of Amboseli national park through the animals, an afternoon walk to the communities living outside the park is important. These people have a deeper understanding of culture and the park. They entertain visitors through stories, local dances and village walk to the Manyattasand farmlands.
The Masai people surround the park and are known as herdsmen, with intimate love for animals. There is a dance that is unique and unforgettable; jumping up and down, while singing and the highest jumper receivesa handclap.
Done very early in the morning, explore the Amboseli skies for about an hour, with an aerial view of the stunning landscape, large herds of elephants, predators and birds at a close range. The experience climaxes with bush breakfast and a toast of champagne in the wild.
Bird checklist of Amboseli national park is comprised of over 420 species, of which about 27 are raptors. Common residents include but not limited to lesser flamingos, Tavete golden weaver, common redshank, Hartlaub's bustard, African swamphen, Greater flamingos, Rufous chatters, and the long hornbills. These birds feed, nest and play in the woodlands, acacia woodland and Amboseli swamps. The best time for birdwatching, when even the migrants are around is during the months of May, June, October and December.
Entangle with nature in the best way possible during this walk and look out for the observation hills, backdrop of the giant snowcapped mountain Kilimanjaro, lush vegetation and animals, whatever you may be interested in; a guided nature walk unveils much and beauty of the vast Amboseli National Park.
The park is open for visitors all year round, with activities happening non-stop. This runs from June to October and December to March, when the weather is accommodative, with no chances of rain and less interruptions. However, the wet months of April to June and November to December are most ideal for birdwatching.
The park has luxurious accommodation facilities in and around to cater for a smooth switch to the wilderness. Lodging options range from budget to luxury facilities, with comfortable beddings, continental dishes and great services.
There are both permanent and temporary facilities, thus the need for you to do an early booking. Some of those include; Amboseli Serena lodge, Amboseli, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Tawilodge, Amboseli Oltukkai lodge and Kilima safari camp among others.
On road, it takes about 3 hours to cover the approximately 228km distance from Nairobi city, via the Mombasa road. Using the Namanga road, it takes about four hours from Nairobi city. On air, the chartered flight are arranged by Safari link starting from Nairobi Wilson airport or Moi airport, to Amboseli airstrip. Early booking is essential.
Amboseli national park receives one of the highest numbers of visitors in Kenya after Masai Mara and is open all year round. It is large, safe and with a wide range of flora and fauna. Book your trip today and experience the beauty of Amboseli National Park.
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