Amboseli National Park – Everything You Need To Know
Everything you need to know to plan your memorable journey to Amboseli National Park. I first visited this park when my family had moved to Kenya. I was eight years of age and to this day I reminisce about the time I had spent there. So, don’t wait anymore, plan your visit, and create your own amazing safari memories.
Table of Contents
Location:
Amboseli National Park was established in 1974 and was formerly known as Maasai Amboseli Game Reserve. The national park is located in the Loitoktok District, rift valley province of Kenya, and It also crowns the highest, majestic peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. People also refer to it as “Kili.” Mount Kilimanjaro offers a picturesque view from Kenya even though it is located in Tanzania.
The word ‘Amboseli,’ comes from a Maasai word meaning, “salty dust.”
How to get Amboseli National Park?
It is easily a four hours drive from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. You can drive to the park on the day you arrive. However, this depends on your arrival time as the park is open from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm, same is applicable for weekdays, weekends, and public holidays. Therefore, visitors cannot enter the park after 6:30 pm. Generally, the tour companies try to incorporate a night stay in Nairobi in your itinerary upon arrival, so you start your road journey early the following day after a hearty breakfast at the hotel you are staying in. OR you can discover Nairobi by taking a half-day tour and then leave later during the day for Amboseli National Park.
Travel Tips:
- You can also take a domestic flight or you can self-drive.
- I would suggest that you book a safari tour through a reputable company and let an experienced driver/guide do his job. I have several reasons for suggesting this option. You don’t have knowledge regarding the popular spots for game viewing, unfamiliar with park terrain. What will you do if your vehicle gets stuck, a breakdown or worse an accident? Therefore, booking a safari tour through a reliable tour operator is the best way to experience Africa.
Why visit the park?
- Game drives – it is known for its Big Four as rhinos are not found in this park. Amboseli National Park is home to many animals and some of the best viewings happen during morning and evening safaris.
- Mount Kilimanjaro – You can get some of the best pictures of ‘Kili” from this park.
- Maasai culture – Maasai Village a must if it is your first visit. The village offers a complete Maasai tribe culture. You will get to see many of the Maasai women with a child tied with a cloth on their back managing large goat herd. You will also get an opportunity to witness the Maasai dances with their high jumps in the air, this is a sight to capture. You also get to hear their traditional songs, try their cuisine, see their women sitting on the ground with legs stretched straight (they really don’t need to do yoga) with a bunch of Maasai beads necklaces around their neck and artifacts laid out on the ground which they are selling to the tourists. Below are some Maasai tribe artifacts that I had bought. However, I would also like to add that, I have heard and read comments that the village is no longer an authentic representation of the tribe anymore and tourists are asked to pay more than is fair for their visit.
- Elephant research center & camp. The Amboseli Trust for Elephants ensures the conservation and welfare of these magnificent African elephants. To learn more visit The Amboseli Trust for Elephants. You can learn how the program works and also you can donate if you wish to or maybe participate in the program.
- Bird viewing – There are approximately 420 bird species that are found in the Amboseli National Park. Some of them are; African Jacana Heron, Chatterer, Common Redshank, Goliath, Flamingo, and so on. The list is endless. The best time for bird watchers is October and January, this is when migratory birds make the park their home.
- Observation Hill – For everyone’s safety during safaris, this is the only place where your driver/guide will allow you to get off the vehicle and take some memorable pictures. It is a short climb up the stony path to reach the highest point, but it is worth it, as you can capture amazing pictures of the ‘Kili’ and at the same time catch sight of animals roaming the terrain. Some tour companies also arrange for their clients, breakfast and lunch at the Observation Hill. So check this with your tour operator if it is included at the time of your reservation. Lastly, there are acceptable toilets at the base of the hill. (When you have to go, then you have to go and accept what is available)
Maasai artifacts
These are just a few of the artifacts that I bought while living in Kenya. The wall hangings of Maasai man and woman wearing the Maasai beads get a lot of compliments from visitors. The statues of husband and wife are also one of my favorite pieces.
When to visit?
You can visit the park year-round. However, it is best to visit during the dry season. The recommended months are January, February, and then from June to October.
If you visit during the rainy season, April, May, November and December, then your game viewing schedule might get altered by your safari organizers and the terrain quality in the park is not the best. I have heard of safari vehicles getting stuck in the mud. However, one positive aspect of traveling during the low season is that, overall you can get a better package deal, as low season rates are applicable during this time. Though I must add that, even though there is rainfall in December, due to Christmas and New Year holidays, the rates are not reduced. Instead, it is the opposite as resorts and lodges, they add a surcharge on 24th December, Christmas Eve, and on 31st December, New Year’s Eve. In addition, during this time some places also impose a minimum number of nights policy.
Where to stay?
Amboseli National Park has accommodation for all types of travelers. They have lodges ranging from luxury plus/luxury to mid-range and there are options also available for price-conscious travelers.
Below I have listed the resorts by category and some of their features. I have provided the links of those tent camps/lodges that have their own website. Simply click on the link and read more about what the accommodation has to offer. Or if you wish, you can also email to ask me anything regarding your accommodation or travel itinerary. I would also be happy to recommend an amazing, reliable tour operator situated in Kenya.
Luxury Plus Options:
There are three options for those seeking only the best during their safari experience at the Amboseli.
Campi ya Kanzi – Tented camps
Salient features:
- Tented cottages with ensuite bathroom.
- Luxury tented suites come with a personalized Maasai attendant and you also get a dedicated drive/guide with a safari vehicle.
- Airstrip transfers can be arranged.
- Guided walks can be scheduled.
- Campfire.
- Child-friendly swimming pool.
- There is also a Kanzi House & Swimming Pool Cottage which can accommodate ten persons. You get a private swimming pool with jacuzzi plus meals can be arranged inside / outside as per your liking. Alfresco dining is available by the pool or in the open dining area.
Salient feathers:
- Tented cottages with ensuite bathroom.
- Campfire.
- Swimming pool.
- Guided walks
- Bush breakfasts and sundowners can be enjoyed by the guest.
- Freshly grown vegetables are part of the meals served at the camp.
- Massages available
Ol Donyo Lodge
Salient features:
- Lodge with ensuite bathroom.
- Pool Suites are available for families with children from 5 to 15 years.
- Airstrip transfer can be arranged.
- Credit card facility is available on site.
- Guided bush walks.
- Bush breakfast and dinners.
- Hiking.
- Horse riding.
- Mountain biking.
- Trekking.
- Massages available
Luxury Options:
If you don’t want to spend top dollars but still want luxury then go for the following:
Salient features:
- Ensuite bathroom.
- Five luxurious lodge style suites
- A la carte dining
- Alfresco dining available
- Night game drives can be arranged by the resort
Salient features:
- Ensuite bathroom.
- Bush breakfast, dinner, and sundowner can be enjoyed by the guest.
- Bird watching.
- Guided walks.
- Movies.
- Camel rides.
Salient features:
- Ensuite bathroom.
- Campfire.
- Bush bar.
- Spa.
- Swimming pool.
- Day game drives.
- Airstrip transfers
Mid-Range Options:
For those who normally book 4-star accommodation when traveling then book any of these options and you won’t be disappointed.
Salient features:
- Three bars, including the famous Hemingway’s Bar.
- Indoor / outdoor dining and sundowner.
- Babysitting.
- Balloon safaris.
- Bird watching.
- Sauna & Swimming pool.
- Flying safaris.
- Gift shop.
- Handicraft market.
- Guided walks.
- Traditional dances.
- Wheelchair handicapped rooms.
Salient features:
- Ensuite Bathroom.
- Air-conditioned rooms.
- Credit card facilities.
- Airstrip transfers can be arranged.
- Game drives.
- Maasai dances.
- Bird watching.
- Bush dinners and sundowners.
- Gift shop
- Massages available.
Salient features:
- Ensuite bathroom.
- Game drives.
- Airstrip transfers can be arranged.
- Campfire.
- Swimming pool.
Budget Options:
Lastly those on a budget but still looking for comfort and privacy, then I would suggest the following:
Salient features:
- Guided walks.
- Game drives.
- Maasai dance
- Manyatta village and Maasai culture chit-chat can be arranged on request.
- Free WIFI.
- Gift shop.
- Swimming pool.
- Massage facility available.
Salient features:
- Game drives.
- Airstrip transfers can be arranged.
- Campfire.
- Children friendly room.
- Swimming pool.
- Spa/massage.
- Art gallery.
- Gift/souvenir shop.
Choosing the right option will depend on your budget and requirements. However, I am certain of one thing. Irrespective of the option you select, you will make unforgettable memories during your safari adventures.
Please leave a comment to let me know what you thought of this article. If you have visited Amboseli National Park, then please tell me where you stayed and how was your experience. Your comment would also greatly help my readers. Cheers!
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