Amboseli National Park Tourism (2024) - Kenya > Top Places, Travel Guide

Amboseli National Park Travel Packages

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8 Days / 7 Nights

8-Day Kenyan Wildlife Tour: Mara, Amboseli & El...

Nairobi (0N) → Amboseli (2N) → Lake Elementaita (2N) → Masai Mara (2N) → Nairobi (1N)

$ 2,373

12% off

$2,078/person

5 Days / 4 Nights

5-Day Masai Mara and Amboseli Tour Package

Nairobi (0N) → Masai Mara (2N) → Amboseli (1N) → Nairobi (0N)

$ 1,464

17% off

$1,206/person

7 Days / 6 Nights

Kenya Great Migration Safari Package

Nairobi (1N) → Amboseli (2N) → Lake Nakuru (1N) → Masai Mara (2N) → Nairobi (0N)

$ 2,226

21% off

$1,739/person

10 Days / 9 Nights

Big 5 Amboseli Safari Package

Nairobi(1N) → Amboseli(2N) → Ol Pejeta(1N) → Lake Bogoria(1N) → Lake Naivasha(1N) → Masai Mara(3N) → Nairobi (0N)

$ 2,950

9% off

$2,676/person

8 Days / 7 Nights

Amboseli Tour Package: 8 Days of Kenya Wildlife...

Nairobi (0N) → Amboseli (2N) → Aberdare (1N) → Lake Nakuru (1N) → Masai Mara (2N) → Nairobi (0N)

$ 2,327

9% off

$2,104/person

6 Days / 5 Nights

Amboseli Tour Package - 5 Nights & 6 Days with ...

Nairobi (1N) → Amboseli (2N) → Tsavo West (1N) → Tsavo East (1N) → Mombasa (0N)

$ 1,849

23% off

$1,422/person

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Amboseli National Park Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Best Time: June - October Read More

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"Where Majestic Elephants Roam Free"

Amboseli National Park Tourism

Amboseli National Park, located in southern Kenya, is the country's second most popular park. It's famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, situated just across the border in Tanzania. The park is known to be home to large herds of elephants, some of Africa's biggest, and also hosts the Big Five. The park's unique landscape of open plains, acacia woodlands, and swamps creates a picturesque setting for an unforgettable safari experience.

Amboseli National Park has five different habitats, like dried-up Lake Amboseli and wetlands with sulphur springs, besides savannah and woodlands. Apart from elephants, it's home to various wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. With over 400 bird species, Amboseli attracts birdwatchers. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks, and cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities to learn about traditional life and conservation efforts.

Amboseli's significance extends beyond wildlife; it provides a cultural immersion into the Maasai way of life. Visitors can explore Maasai villages, learn about their traditions, and purchase handmade crafts, adding a rich cultural dimension to their trip. Accommodation options range from luxury lodges to budget campsites, ensuring a comfortable stay for all types of travelers. The best time to visit Amboseli is during the dry seasons from June to October and November to February, when wildlife is more easily spotted around water sources.

Entry Fees To The Amboseli National Park
Citizen: Adult – KSH 860, Child – KSH 215
Resident: Adults – KSH 860, Child – KSH 215
Non-Resident: Adults – $60, Child – $35

Entrance Gates of The Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park in Kenya has four main entrance gates:

Kimana Gate: Located in the northeastern part of the park, Kimana Gate is closest to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. This gate is a popular choice for visitors coming from Nairobi and those who wish to explore the northern region of the park.
Meshanani Gate: Situated in the northern region of Amboseli National Park, Meshanani Gate is closest to Ol Tukai Lodge. Visitors staying at Ol Tukai Lodge or those interested in exploring the northern part of the park can opt for this entry point.
Kitirua Gate: Located in the eastern part of the park, Kitirua Gate is closest to the popular Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge. Travellers planning to stay at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge or explore the eastern areas of the park can use this gate.
Iremito Gate: Situated in the western region of Amboseli National Park, Iremito Gate is closest to Kilima Safari Camp.

1. Game Drives Safari

Game drives are the most popular safari activity in Amboseli. Experienced safari guides accompany you in specially equipped vehicles, providing insights into the animals' behaviour, natural history, a (Read More)nd conservation efforts. Morning game drives typically start around 6:30 AM and last for approximately 3-4 hours, taking advantage of animals' increased activity levels during cooler hours. Afternoon game drives usually begin around 3:30 PM and also last for about 3-4 hours, allowing you to witness the wildlife as they prepare for the evening.

2. Walking Safaris

Walking safaris typically last 2-3 hours and provide an opportunity to explore the park on foot, accompanied by trained guides. These safaris offer a more intimate and immersive experience, allowing y (Read More)ou to appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem, identify tracks and signs, and learn about the flora and fauna from a closer perspective. Note that walking safaris have designated times and restrictions for safety purposes.

3. Birdwatching Safaris

With over 400 bird species, the park is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Optimal bird-watching times are early morning and late afternoon when bird activity is high. The duration of the safari can vary, (Read More)but a typical bird-watching session lasts around 2-3 hours. Expect to spot a diverse range of bird species, including flamingos, eagles, pelicans, and migratory birds. Binoculars and a bird identification guide are recommended.

4. Hot Air Balloon Safari

Lasting approximately one to two hours, these safaris take place early in the morning, just before sunrise. Participants board the balloon and ascend into the sky, offering panoramic views of the sava (Read More)nnah, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the surrounding scenery. From the air, you can observe herds of animals roaming the plains, spot elephants and other wildlife from a bird's-eye view, and capture stunning photographs. After the flight, a champagne breakfast is typically served.

5. Lake Amboseli

Lake Amboseli, located in the western part of the park, is a seasonal lake that offers wildlife viewing and birdwatching opportunities. Visitors can reach the lake by driving along the park's roads an (Read More)d engaging in game drives to spot elephants, buffaloes, and diverse bird species. The best time to visit is during early mornings or late afternoons for optimal wildlife sightings and photography.

6. Sundowner Experience

The sundowner experience in Amboseli National Park offers visitors the chance to enjoy drinks while watching the sunset in a scenic location within the park. This activity is organized by lodges and c (Read More)amps in the park.

Must Know Before You Travel to Amboseli National Park

Timings: All park gates are open all year round from 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM.
Safari and Activity Booking: All the Amboseli safaris and activities in the park are charged additionally and pre-booking of the safaris is advised, especially during the peak time of June to October.
Getting Around inside the Park: One can also choose to explore the park in their own vehicle except for the safaris. If self-driving, prefer a 4x4 vehicle.
Ideal Accommodation Location: Stay between Kiritua Gate and Namanga for easy park access and stunning views of Kilimanjaro from many lodges and camps.
Health Precautions: Before visiting, consult your doctor for necessary vaccinations and anti-malaria medication.
Environmental Rules: Single-use plastic is prohibited in Amboseli National Park.
Accommodation and Fees: When staying inside the park, the accommodation options are fewer, and more expensive as you have to pay the park fees every day.
Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed in Amboseli National Park.

(Read More)

Top Hotels In Amboseli National Park

More on Amboseli National Park Travel

Amboseli or Masai Mara?

Choosing between Amboseli National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve depends on what you're looking for. Amboseli is famous for its large herds of elephants and the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. At the same time, Masai Mara is renowned for the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras and abundant predators like lions and leopards.
Amboseli is closer to Nairobi and less crowded, offering various accommodations and activities like game drives and cultural visits. On the other hand, Masai Mara is accessible by road or air and provides diverse landscapes and activities such as hot air balloon safaris and guided walks, but it can get crowded during the peak season.
Consider your wildlife interests, preferred scenery, accessibility, and budget when choosing.

Travel Tips for Amboseli National Park

Meal Preparation: Pack meals for Amboseli safaris or inquire if resorts offer this service.
Tipping Etiquette: Tip safari guides, drivers, and staff members around 10-15% of the total cost or a few dollars per day.
Cultural Visits and Donations: Don't feel obliged to donate during village visits; financial arrangements are usually handled by tour operators.
Smoking Policy: Avoid smoking in the park to prevent fire risks.
Water Safety: Drink bottled water or purify tap water using boiling or purification tablets.
Dress Code and Photography: Dress modestly and ask permission before photographing locals. Choose muted colours like grey, brown, or olive green.
Safari Card Issuance: Get or recharge your Safari card at Iremito Gate, the park's main point for this.
Weather Preparedness: Pack layers for temperature changes, especially for chilly nights and early morning game drives.
Cash and Payment: Make sure you carry enough cash on hand before entering the park for expenses as ATMs are not available in the park.

Wildlife at the Amboseli National Park

Elephants in Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is famous for its elephants, with over 500 of them roaming freely. They're a big draw for tourists, especially at Lake Amboseli during the dry season. The park's elephants are organized into 58 families, led by female elephants who protect the group.

If you want to learn more about these elephants and their conservation, you can visit the park's research centre. But it's important to book ahead, as access can be tricky. The research centre offers valuable insights into elephant conservation efforts, highlighting the park's commitment to protecting these iconic animals.

Other Wildlife in Amboseli

Apart from elephants, Amboseli is famous for the Big Five: lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, and elephants. The park is also home to other large herbivores like wildebeests, impalas, giraffes, zebras, and gazelles. You can spot predators like leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs, adding to the excitement of wildlife viewing. Cheetah and lion sightings are quite common, and there's a hyena den northeast of the airstrip. Keep an eye out for bohor reedbuck hiding in the grass. Amboseli is also inhabited by crocodiles, snakes, and lizards.

Birdlife in Amboseli

Bird enthusiasts in Amboseli can enjoy spotting over 600 bird species. Among them are water birds like the African swamphen and greater flamingo, as well as the rufous-bellied heron. Raptors such as Dickinson’s kestrel and Von der Decken's hornbill are also present, while ground birds like the Eurasian thick-knee, Hartlaub’s bustard, and long-toed lapwing roam the savannah. Unique species include the Pangani longclaw, rufous chatterer, spike-heeled lark, steel-blue whydah, Taveta golden weaver, and white-bellied go-away bird.

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Amboseli National Park Travel Packages

8-Day Kenyan Wildlife Tour: Mara, Amboseli & El...