What to do on Safari in Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most popular and picturesque safari destinations, known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and abundant wildlife. Here’s what you need to know about Amboseli National Park:

1. Location: Amboseli National Park is located in the southern part of Kenya, near the Tanzanian border. It lies at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, which creates a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing.
2. Landscape: The park is characterized by vast savannah plains, acacia woodlands, swamps, and marshes fed by underground springs from Kilimanjaro’s melting snow. The contrasting landscapes provide habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.
3. Wildlife: Amboseli is renowned for its large population of elephants, which can be seen roaming freely across the plains. Other wildlife species found in the park include lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, and numerous bird species.
4. Elephant Research: Amboseli is home to the Amboseli Elephant Research Project, one of the longest-running studies of wild elephants in the world. Researchers study the behavior, ecology, and social dynamics of the park’s elephant population, providing valuable insights into elephant conservation.
5. Cultural Experience: The Maasai people are the traditional inhabitants of the Amboseli area, and many Maasai communities still live adjacent to the park. Visitors can learn about Maasai culture and traditions through cultural visits, guided walks, and interactions with local communities.
6. Scenic Beauty: One of the highlights of visiting Amboseli is the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, especially during sunrise and sunset. The snow-capped peak provides a stunning backdrop for photography and creates a magical atmosphere in the park.
7. Activities: Common activities in Amboseli National Park include game drives, guided nature walks, birdwatching, and cultural visits to Maasai villages. Visitors can also enjoy bush breakfasts, sundowners, and picnics against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro.
8. Accommodation: Amboseli offers a range of accommodation options, including luxury lodges, tented camps, and campsites. Many lodges and camps are located within the park or in private conservancies adjacent to the park, offering convenient access to wildlife viewing areas.

Overall, Amboseli National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers seeking an unforgettable safari experience with iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris have every possible package for you to enjoy the wonders of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park from climbing safari tours with our expert guides who can offer the best route for your abilities, to a tailor made tour which can bring together a full adventure with added day tours at your choice. Contact our expert team to find out more information on how we can help you choose the best safari tour package. 

BEST SAFARI LODGES AND TENTED CAMPS AT AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK:

1. Ol Tukai Lodge: Renowned for its prime location with spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Ol Tukai Lodge offers comfortable accommodation in spacious rooms and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
2. Tortilis Camp: Set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tortilis Camp provides luxury tented accommodation with elegant furnishings, personalized service, and guided bush walks and game drives.
3. Elewana Tortilis Camp: Offering a luxurious safari experience, Elewana Tortilis Camp features spacious tents with private verandas, gourmet dining, and guided activities such as bush breakfasts and sundowners.
4. Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge: Situated in a prime location within the park, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge offers traditional African architecture, comfortable rooms, and panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
5. Kibo Safari Camp: Situated near the park entrance, Kibo Safari Camp offers budget-friendly accommodation in tents and cottages, as well as guided game drives and cultural visits to Maasai villages.
6. Amboseli Sopa Lodge: Nestled in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro this charming retreat is spread across 200 acres of private land. Luxury cottage accommodation with expansive gardens and beautiful back drops.
7. Kimana Camp Amboseli: Committed to sustainability and conservation, Kimana Camp Amboseli offers comfortable tented accommodation, eco-friendly practices, and guided activities focused on wildlife conservation and community engagement.

THINGS TO DO AT AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK:

Amboseli National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, providing opportunities to immerse themselves in the park’s stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Here are some of the top things to do at Amboseli National Park:

1. Wildlife Viewing: Amboseli is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including large herds of elephants, as well as lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and numerous bird species. Enjoy game drives in open-sided safari vehicles to explore the park and spot its iconic inhabitants.
2. Scenic Photography: With the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, Amboseli offers breathtaking scenery that is perfect for photography enthusiasts. Capture stunning landscapes, wildlife sightings, and sunrise or sunset views against the majestic mountain backdrop.
3. Birdwatching: Amboseli is home to over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for a variety of raptors, waterbirds, and migratory species, especially around the park’s swamps and marshes.
4. Cultural Visits: Learn about the traditional Maasai culture by visiting local Maasai villages near the park. Experience traditional dances, ceremonies, and crafts, and gain insights into the Maasai way of life, their customs, and their deep connection to the land.
5. Nature Walks: Take guided nature walks with experienced rangers or guides to explore the park on foot. Learn about the local flora and fauna, track animal footprints, and observe smaller creatures such as insects, reptiles, and amphibians.
6. Picnics and Sundowners: Enjoy a bush breakfast or picnic lunch at designated picnic sites within the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. Alternatively, relax with sundowner drinks at scenic viewpoints as the sun sets over Mount Kilimanjaro.
7. Visit Observation Hill: Climb Observation Hill for panoramic views of the park and its surroundings. This elevated vantage point offers sweeping vistas of the plains, marshes, and wildlife below, as well as stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
8. Night Game Drives: Experience the thrill of nocturnal wildlife viewing on guided night game drives. Spot elusive predators such as lions and leopards, as well as nocturnal species such as hyenas, jackals, and owls, under the cover of darkness.

AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Here are some frequently asked questions about Amboseli National Park:

1. Where is Amboseli National Park located?
   • Amboseli National Park is located in the southern part of Kenya, near the border with Tanzania. It lies at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
2. What is Amboseli National Park known for?
   • Amboseli National Park is renowned for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as its large population of elephants. It offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and numerous bird species.
3. How do I get to Amboseli National Park?
   • Amboseli National Park can be accessed by road from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, which is approximately 240 kilometers away. The journey takes about 4-5 hours by car. There is also a small airstrip within the park for domestic flights.
4. What activities can I do in Amboseli National Park?
   • Visitors to Amboseli National Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including wildlife viewing on game drives, birdwatching, guided nature walks, cultural visits to Maasai villages, photography, picnics, and sundowner drinks at scenic viewpoints.
5. When is the best time to visit Amboseli National Park?
   • The best time to visit Amboseli National Park is during the dry season, which typically occurs from June to October and January to February. During this time, wildlife is concentrated around water sources, making it easier to spot animals. However, Amboseli can be visited year-round.
6. Do I need a permit to visit Amboseli National Park?
   • Yes, visitors need to pay an entry fee to enter Amboseli National Park. The entry fee varies for citizens, residents, and non-residents, and additional fees may apply for activities such as game drives and guided walks.
7. What facilities are available in Amboseli National Park?
   • Amboseli National Park offers various accommodation options, including lodges, tented camps, and campsites. The park also has picnic sites, restroom facilities, and designated viewpoints, as well as ranger stations and visitor centers.
8. Are night game drives allowed in Amboseli National Park?
   • No, night game drives are not permitted within Amboseli National Park. However, visitors can participate in guided night game drives in the surrounding conservancies and private reserves.

If you would like to find out more information on how Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris can help you organise a once in a lifetime safari trip to Kenya. Or if you would like to find out more on how you can visit Amboseli National Park on one of our day tours please contact our friendly expert team who will be able to help you every step of the way, from planning your trip to applying for your visa (Electronic Travel Authority for Kenya).