Amboseli National park
Amboseli National park
Amboseli national park is located in the southern Kenya, the park is 392-square kilometers, that offers an unforgettable African safari experience, renowned for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, the park’s majestic landscape is dominated by the iconic mountain’s snow-capped summit. Amboseli is known for its elephants with over 1500 residents, making it one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. The park’s diverse habitats, comprising savannas, acacia woodlands and wetlands support an incredible wildlife like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, antelopes and among others.
Attractions in Amboseli national park.
Animal species.
Amboseli National Park is known for the diverse animal species including the African big five elephants, buffalo, rhinos, lions, and leopards. The park’s most popular animal is the elephant, which is known to spend most of its morning and evening hours in the partially submerged Ol Kenya Swamp. The park has other animal species like cheetah, wild dogs, giraffe, zebra, crocodile, mongoose, hyrax, Dik-dik, wild dogs, Lesser Kudu, nocturnal porcupine, and many other animal species may be found in Amboseli National Park.
Bird species.
Amboseli national park is a home of over 400 bird species. The park’s swamps are home to a variety of water-associated birds, including egrets, herons, pelicans, and crowned cranes. During the wet seasons (March to May and October to December), flamingos may be seen in large numbers. The grassland areas of the park also host some interesting ground birds, such as Pangani long claw and Hartlaub’s bustard. Finally, the acacia forest is home to species like steel-blue whydah, white-bellied, and Von der Decken’s hornbill. Amboseli National Park is home to numerous additional bird species, such as the Eurasian thick-kneed, Pangani long claw, Rufous chatter, Greater Flamingo, and many more.
Observation Hill.
Observation Hill is a 100, foot volcanic outcrop in Amboseli National Park, offers outstanding views of the park’s diverse habitats and massive vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro. From its summit, visitors can spot wildlife, including the elephants and giraffes and witness dramatic sunsets making it a prime spot for a photography and wildlife observation.
Lakes.
Located in the western part of the park, the Amboseli National Park is home to a series of seasonal lakes that were once part of an ancient Pleistocene lake. The lakes are typically filled during the rainy season, that is they are permanent lake including Lake Amboseli, Lake Longido, Lake Kiinziruni, Lake Olokenya and Lake Serei are among the lakes. These lake’s shore feature swamps with thick papyrus thus being resident for acquatic bird species in Amboseli National Park, lakes in the park are the best sites for bird watching most especially water birds and for wildlife viewing as animals frequent the lakes to drink water.
Elephant Research camp.
The elephant research camp in Amboseli national park is a renowned research facility dedicated to studying elephant’s behaviours, conservation and ecology. Led by Dr. Cynthia Moss, the camp has monitored Amboseli’s 1500 strong elephant population since 1972, providing invaluable insights into elephant social structure, habitats, and human-wildlife interactions, informing conservation efforts globally.
Activities to do in Amboseli National park
Game drive.
Game drives in Amboseli National Park offer unforgettable wildlife encounters amidst breathtaking scenery, led by the expert guides, it’s a genuinely off-road activity that allows you to see broad savannah grasslands and acacia trees in an off-road safari vehicle with an armed guide. In the morning, game drives in Amboseli National Park run from 6:30 am to 11:30 am, and in the afternoon, they run from 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm. During the day, visitors can observe a large number of animals drinking from the water banks, and during the night game drive, they can see nocturnal animals like aardwolves and hyenas. Amboseli National Park offers game drives that let visitors to witness Thomson’s Grants gazelles, waterbucks, buffalo, baboons, leopards, zebras, and hippopotamuses, among many other species. Sunrise and sunset optimize wildlife spotting, with Mount Kilimanjaro’s majestic backdrop adding to the experience.
Bird watching.
Amboseli National Park is home to over 400 different bird species, including the waterfowl, raptors, Spike-heeled heron, Taveta golden weaver, herons, pelicans, African jacana, Goliath heron, Lesser flamingo, Long-toed lapwing, Steel-blue whydah, Von der Decken’s hornbill, and many more. Birdwatchers opt to walk through the park or drive through it with the assistance of a bird guide to spot even the most elusive bird species. November through April is the best time of year to observe birds in the park. Guided bird walks and game drives particularly around Lake Amboseli and Olokenya swamp, offer the best viewing opportunities, making Amboseli a premier East African birding destination.
Hot air balloon.
Hot air balloon safaris over Amboseli national park offers a serene and breathtaking safari experience, floating above the savannas and woodlands at dawn. From gently above the treetops, visitors witness stunning sunrise views of Mount Kilimanjaro, while spotting wildlife like elephants, giraffes, antelopes from a unique perspective. Post-flight, a champagne breakfast amidst the park’s majestic scenery completes the unforgettable safari adventure
Cultural tours.
Cultural tours in Amboseli national park provides a glimpse into the traditional lives of the Maasai people, indigenous to the region. Visitors can explore local manyatta (villages), learn about Maasai customs, and engage with the community members. Tours often include demonstrations of traditional dancing, jewelry-making and spear-throwing, as well as insights into Maasai wildlife coexistence and conservation practices, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Kenya’s rich cultural heritage.
