AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Home to large elephant herds with the iconic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro
About Amboseli
Amboseli National Park, located in southern Kenya, is renowned for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. The name "Amboseli" comes from a Maasai word meaning "salty dust," referring to the dry lake bed that dominates a large part of the park.
The park covers 392 square kilometers (151 square miles) and forms part of the larger Amboseli ecosystem, which spans approximately 3,000 square kilometers (1,158 square miles). Despite its relatively small size, Amboseli offers diverse habitats including wetlands with sulphur springs, savannah, and woodlands.
Amboseli is famous for its large elephant population, with over 1,500 elephants living in the park. These elephants have been studied for over 40 years in one of the longest-running research projects in the world, providing valuable insights into elephant behavior and social structure.
Key Facts
Location
Southern Kenya, near the border with Tanzania
Size
392 square kilometers (151 square miles)
Established
1974 (as a national park)
Altitude
1,140-1,190 meters (3,740-3,900 feet) above sea level
Wildlife in Amboseli
Elephants
Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds, with over 1,500 elephants in the park. These elephants have been studied for decades by the Amboseli Elephant Research Project, providing valuable insights into elephant behavior, communication, and social structure.
Big Cats
The park is home to various big cats, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards. While not as numerous as in some other parks, patient visitors can spot these magnificent predators, especially during early morning or late afternoon game drives.
Bird Life
Amboseli is a bird watcher's paradise with over 400 species of birds, including 40 species of raptors. The park's wetlands attract numerous water birds, including pelicans, kingfishers, herons, egrets, and flamingos, making it an excellent destination for bird enthusiasts.
Other Wildlife
The park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and various antelope species. The diverse habitats within the park support a wide range of animals, making every game drive a unique experience.
Mount Kilimanjaro Views
One of the most iconic features of Amboseli is the stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. The mountain provides a dramatic backdrop for wildlife photography, especially in the early morning when the clouds typically clear to reveal the snow-capped summit.
When to Visit
June to October
Dry Season
Best Wildlife Viewing
The dry season is the best time to visit Amboseli for wildlife viewing. The vegetation is less dense, making animals easier to spot, and they gather around water sources. This is also when you're most likely to get clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro, especially in the early mornings.
November to December
Short Rains
Green Season
The short rainy season brings afternoon showers that transform the landscape into a lush green setting. Wildlife is still abundant, and the park is less crowded. Bird watching is excellent during this period as many migratory species arrive.
January to February
Dry Season
Hot and Dry
This short dry spell between the rains offers good wildlife viewing opportunities. The weather is hot and dry, making it a good time for game viewing as animals gather around water sources. The landscape is still relatively green from the short rains.
March to May
Long Rains
Low Season
The long rainy season brings heavy rainfall, especially in April. Some lodges close during this period, but those that remain open offer lower rates. The landscape is lush and beautiful, but wildlife viewing can be challenging as animals disperse and roads may become difficult to navigate.
Things to Do in Amboseli
Game Drives
Explore the diverse habitats of Amboseli on morning and afternoon game drives. The park's open plains make wildlife viewing relatively easy, and the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro provides stunning photo opportunities.
Bird Watching
With over 400 bird species, Amboseli is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The park's wetlands attract numerous water birds, while the drier areas are home to a variety of raptors and other species.
Maasai Village Visits
Visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life. Interact with community members, see traditional dances, and purchase handmade crafts directly from the artisans.
Photography
Amboseli offers some of the most iconic wildlife photography opportunities in Africa. The combination of large elephant herds against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro creates stunning images, especially during the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon.
Guided Nature Walks
Some areas of the park allow guided nature walks, offering a more intimate experience with the environment. Accompanied by experienced guides and armed rangers, you can explore the park on foot, learning about smaller creatures, plants, and tracking wildlife.