Amboseli National Park

Overview

Amboseli National Park is in southern Kenya. It’s known for its large elephant herds and views of immense Mount Kilimanjaro, across the border in Tanzania. Observation Hill offers panoramas of the peak and the park’s plains and swamps. Varied wildlife includes giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and hundreds of bird species. The western section is dominated by vast Lake Amboseli, which is dry outside the rainy season.

Attractions

• Mount Kilimanjaro Views: The park offers some of the most stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, with its snow-capped peak rising above the plains – an iconic sight for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
• Large Elephant Herds: Amboseli is known as the “Land of Giants” due to its large populations of elephants, some of which are among the biggest in Africa, with iconic tuskers that roam freely in the park.
• Observation Hill: A popular lookout point offering panoramic views of the park and surrounding swamps, where visitors can spot wildlife and take in the scenery from above.
• Enkongo Narok Swamp: This lush, green swamp attracts a variety of animals, including elephants, hippos, and birds, offering excellent viewing opportunities, especially during the dry season.
• Lake Amboseli: Although seasonal and mostly dry, the lakebed creates a vast, open landscape that’s often filled with mirages, creating a unique atmosphere.

Activities

• Game Drives: Amboseli’s diverse habitats make game drives enjoyable and rewarding, with sightings of elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, and a range of bird species.
• Birdwatching: With over 400 species of birds, Amboseli is an excellent location for birdwatching. The park’s wetlands attract species like African jacanas, pelicans, flamingos, and various raptors.
• Photography: Amboseli’s landscape and abundant wildlife, especially elephants set against Kilimanjaro, make it one of the best locations for safari photography.
• Cultural Visits: The Maasai communities surrounding the park offer guided cultural experiences, allowing visitors to engage with Maasai culture, learn about their traditions, and visit traditional Maasai villages.
• Observation Hill Hike: A short hike up Observation Hill offers stunning views across the park, and it’s an ideal spot to enjoy the scenery and spot animals in the surrounding swamps and plains.

What to See/Expect

• Wildlife: Amboseli is renowned for its elephants, but the park is also home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and hippos. The park’s relatively small size means wildlife sightings are frequent and accessible.
• Birdlife: The park is home to a diverse range of bird species, especially around its wetlands and swamps, including flamingos, pelicans, egrets, and kingfishers.
• Scenic Landscapes: Amboseli offers striking landscapes, from the open plains and swamps to the expansive seasonal lakebed, with Mount Kilimanjaro providing a dramatic backdrop.

Best Time to Visit

• June to October: This dry season offers optimal wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. It’s also an excellent time for clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• December to March: Another dry period that is good for both wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Temperatures are warmer, and visibility of the mountain remains clear on most days.